We recommend checking the focus of the camera by looking at a ruler or printed material during set up. The camera will ship with a set working distance range that is in focus, as indicated on the quality control sheet that you receive, so set the camera up at this distance to start. If you need to refocus, different models of camera have different focus methods; these include an external screw at the rear of the camera, turning the actual lens or lens component when the lens is exposed, gently sliding the camera body backward/forward, or removing the sealant glass to screw the lens in/out with a lens tool. Your camera manual has detailed instructions as to how to refocus the camera. Contact us if you need advice.

Many MeltView cameras include optional double crosshairs. With an advanced camera controller, you can turn the crosshairs on and off by by pushing each of the two crosshair buttons. If you want to change the position, depress the button for about 5 seconds so that the navigation arrows light up, and adjust. With a compact camera controller, open the camera menu and select Special > Crosshairs > and turn on numbers 0-3 and adjust.

Many MeltView cameras have an internal temperature sensor that will display the camera temperature in Fahrenheit or Celsius. With an advanced camera controller, you can push the temperature (thermometer icon) button to turn the temperature display on/off or change units. With a compact camera controller, open the camera menu and select Special > Temperature and select on/off and C/F as desired.

The MeltView camera systems really are easy to install. From unboxing to having the system running on the bench should take 15-30 minutes, though it may take longer to run cables than anything else. If you need any support feel free to contact us.

Recommended water flow is 1-2 lpm (0.25-0.5 gpm) at 140-200 kPA pressure (20-30 psi) with the barb fittings. The water outlet temperature should not exceed 50°C (dependent on the hose length). The cooling fluid will depend on the model of chiller/cooler used and must be suitable for contact with aluminum. Use distilled or reverse-osmosis water to ensure water purity. The use of regular tap water is NOT recommended due to impurities. For long camera life, look for a coolant unit with water temperature control to maintain the coolant at a constant temperature.

Yes. Shop air may be supplied to the cooling channels but never to the gas purge. Greater heat extraction may be achieved with a Vortex diffuser.

Without an active cooling medium, our cameras have a recommended ambient operating temperature of 0°C to 50°C (32° to 122°F) with the LEDs off and 0°C to 35°C (32° to 95°F) with the LEDs on. The internal camera temperature will measure between 50-70°C (122° to 158°F). The MeltView PIXI and DART2 have recommended ambient operating temperatures of 0°C to 250°C (0° to 482°F) with water cooling. An insulated sleeve increases the effectiveness of cooling. However, if cooling is not being used, then an insulated sleeve will limit the heat loss from the LEDs, effectively increasing the internal temperature of the camera by ~10°C (50°F).

The working distance of the camera is generally determined by access requirements, environmental temperature, and degree of spatter. Locating the camera as far from the weld pool as possible will generally reduce the environmental temperature and build-up of spatter on the optical surface. However, often this is not practical (e.g. welding inside of a pipe or orbital welding) or does not result in the best image, as the puddle weld pool size relative to the field of view decreases and the amount of illumination provided by the LED decreases. The strength of the LED varies with a squared relationship, i.e. halving the distance increases the light four-fold.

Mounts should limit the transmission of vibrations of oscillation from the machine to the camera. Due to the magnification of the image, even relatively small movements can look large on the monitor. Again, ensure that the camera body is electrically insulated from the welding power source by the phenolic mount provided with the camera, or an alternative isolation mount. In the case of HF (high frequency) arc starts used in TIG welding, an F cable must be used and the controller drain connected to an appropriate earth.