The sound is ON! The new Pulsar Firmware 2.0 update for Thermion XM, Thermion XP , Axion XM and Axion Key models greatly upgrades functionality and adds excellent features, improving image processing, user interface, and also enables built-in hardware microphones for sound recording.
Sound recording! – That’s right, the long awaited ability to record videos with sound is finally here. Now the integrated videos will also feature sound, so the user can capture the full experience whilst using the device.
As per the previous firmware update for the Helion, Trail and Accolade thermal imaging devices, the 2.0 release of the firmware released today for all versions of Thermion and Axion optics will improve image processing, introducing new algorithms which enhance sensitivity of the microbolometer sensor and make image look more vivid and contrasted. Optimized image settings in preset observation modes (Rocks, Forest, and Identification) help to achieve the best performance in various conditions. Additionally, video recording can now be paused allowing the user to choose the most needed moments and leave out the unimportant ones.
This update should be done by all current users of the mentioned units, as it will improve their performance for free! The update for most Pulsar devices is done using the update function of the IOS and Android compatible free Stream Vision app on a smartphone or tablet.
The three improved Pulsar observation modes are:
- Forest - Optimal image in conditions of dense vegetation and low temperature differences, the relief, vegetation and hot objects are more clearly visible.
- Rocks - Optimal display of warm objects in the presence of a large number of objects with different temperatures (sunny day, mountains or city relief) in the field of view.
- Identification – Optimally depicts the details of an object when it is necessary to recognize or identify the object, works well under difficult conditions: rain, fog (possibility of more image noise, which is normal for this mode).
It’s worth noting that not all features will be available across all devices, and also update procedure will be different, due to their construction and configuration. For example, Axion KEY monocular will have to be updated using a USB cable and a PC, rather than through wifi and using a smart device with Pulsar’s Stream Vision app, and sound recording will also not be available (the Axion KEY lacks a microphone).
Another obvious difference is the control layout of the Thermion, therefore the control button remapping of the Axion does not apply to the riflescope.
Image quality improvement is dramatic: now contrast and clarity are higher and image in general is sharper.
Observed objects are better visible and have more detail; also color palettes have improved as the color is mapped to the existing grayscale image generated by the improved image processing.
Here is a short video showing the difference between the old and the new firmware in the same unit:
Pulsar's firmware update page for the Axion Key (with detailed instructions on how to perform the update with a USB cable and PC) can be found here .
A list of all available firmware releases and what devices they support, can be found here: check your firmware .
The improvement is definitely for better. The new image processing algorithm works perfectly offering the user more features and value in the same device - for free. Should you encounter issues while updating the device, please contact Pulsar's customer service: support@pulsar-nv.com .
For more information, visit Pulsar website.
