DRS brings affordable thermal imaging technology to commercial applications with WatchMaster® IP Elite

Utilising technological advances and expansion into high-volume, low cost manufacturing, DRS brings affordable thermal imaging technology to commercial surveillance and security applications with the WatchMaster® IP Elite.

The WatchMaster® IP Elite employs DRS’ proven uncooled 320 x 240 VOx thermal imaging technology. Unlike many conventional video surveillance cameras, the WatchMaster® IP Elite does not require any ambient light or illumination. It detects infrared (heat) waves to provide users with superior thermal images in challenging environments, including complete darkness, over water and in dark corners, where obstacles are difficult to detect due to lighting constraints.

The camera system is an Internet Protocol (IP) networked solution, conforming to the Open Network Video Interface Forum (ONVIF™) standard and is operational in a networked environment through a central office, remote video management system or through the DRS provided Web interface utility. Consuming less than 15 watts of power, the WatchMaster® IP Elite can operate over its full temperature range in extreme environments while powering within standard IEEE802.3af (PoE) limits over conventional network cabling. As a result, the camera can be configured and installed easily into existing security infrastructure.

Measuring approximately 2025 cm3 and weighing less than 1500 grams, the WatchMaster® IP Elite is compact and lightweight. It is sealed to an IP66 outdoor rating, which makes it ideal for outdoor security of critical infrastructure such as airports, utility companies, and nuclear power plants. The camera is available with a choice of three fully sealed and hard carbon coated athermalised fixed focus lenses, which provide a horizontal field of view of 40°, 16° or 9°, and are all capable of 4X digital zoom.