This post is in reply to a request for setup and user tips for using a XQ30V unit.
BRIGHTNESS and CONTRAST
Press the front “controller” knob lightly to cycle between the Brightness and Contrast settings. Rotate the controller to desired level for each. I keep my unit on low brightness (less harsh on the eye) and high contrast. It is easy to bump this knob and change the settings so keep an eye on them during use.
MAIN MENU OPTIONS
To access the main menu press the controller knob for about 2 seconds. Rotate the controller to move to the menu item you want. Press the controller to enter the menu item. Rotate the controller to your choice then press the controller to fix your choice. Rotate the controller to move to the next item or press the controller to close the menu list. I use the following settings for general use:
1 – Colour Mode: my preference is #2 (grey-scale with red for hot).
2 – Operating Mode: Forest (the other 2 settings are City and Identification).
3 – Calibration: A (Automatic) – I find that the occasional automatic calibrations do not interfere with use. Your choices for settings (2) and (3) will show on the left side of the status bar during usage.
4 – Video Output: OFF
5 – Clock
6 – Defective Pixel Repair: 2 choices are CROSS for defective pixel repair or RETURN for default defective pixel pattern. I have not used these.
7 – Menu icon brightness: 4 seems fine.
8 – Measurement Units:
NECK STRAP MODIFICATION
To have instant access to each of my 4 main pieces of gear (camera, binoculars, spotlight and thermal scope) I have found that it is essential to have a neck strap on the thermal scope (as opposed to having it in a belt pouch and/or using the wrist strap). The unit is not designed with neck strap mounts and I have tried the 2 options described below. When using the neck strap I find it easiest to hang the scope on top of my bins; the scope eyepiece will be on the right side and controls on top. At night I spend more time with the scope than my bins which is why I prefer it on top and once I have scoped something it is easy to let go of the scope and switch to my bins. To save battery power I turn off the display as I lower the scope and turn it back on as I raise the scope.
OPTION A: The easiest way to set up a simple neck strap is to screw the unit’s wrist strap into the tripod mount on the LEFT side of the unit (the side with the Weaver Rail); then thread a lightweight strap through the wrist strap’s small loop. WARNING. The neck strap can unscrew if not regularly tightened; I have had that happen once and the unit dropped to the ground (fortunately not damaged).
OPTION B: After losing the wrist strap I ended up with a more secure system, as in the image below. Setup: Place a zip-tie midway around the unit with the zip-tie lying along one of the weaver rail grooves (to keep it from slipping). Run the neck strap under the zip tie before tightening the tie or through a ring set on the zip tie (white zip-tie in the image below). I then have a second zip-tie as added safety. I prefer Option B as it is more secure (assuming the ties are tight enough); but if using Option A you could also add a zip-tie.
OTHER POINTS
I sometimes find the battery cartridge “malfunctions” in that I have to remove and replace batteries in order for the unit to start. Try this if you are not getting power in the unit.
The unit when packed can easily be turned on if the power button is bumped, and the batteries drained; so I keep the battery pack out of the unit until using it.