FAQ

Q: How small is Eclipse?

A: The Eclipse Thermal Imager measures 6 ½” in length, 3 ½” in width, 4” in height and weighs in at a mere 1 ½ lb (24 oz.) including the battery. This form factor is small enough to fit in any gear pocket you choose.

Q: Is the Eclipse built "Bullard Tough^TM "?

A: Yes. Eclipse passes the same durability standards as our T3/T4 series thermal imager. The Eclipse is IP67 (waterproof under 3’ of water for 30 minutes), can be repeatedly dropped from a 6’ height onto concrete and suffer no functional damage and can sustain 300 F degrees for over 12 minutes.

Q: Are there any accessories available for Eclipse?

A: Yes. A retractable lanyard is available (part # ECLRETRACT), as well as a vehicle-mounted charger (ECLPOWERHOUSE) that is NFPA rated and charges both the Eclipse and a spare battery.

Q: Are the batteries interchangeable with other Bullard Thermal Imagers?

A: No. Eclipse uses a specialized battery that is not interchangeable with other models of Bullard Thermal Imagers. The Eclipse battery is much smaller than a T3/T4 battery, which allows the Eclipse Thermal Imager to be as small as it is.

Q: How long does the Eclipse battery last?

A: The Eclipse battery will run well over 3 hours and charges in 2 – 2 ½ hours. This allows for continuous operation with two batteries.

Q: How much does an Eclipse Thermal Imager cost?

A: It is our intent to make thermal imaging available to every firefighter. With this in mind, the Eclipse was designed to be as affordable as possible. Currently, an Eclipse costs approximately 1/2 to 1/3 the price of an advanced, full-featured thermal imager. For exact pricing, please contact your local Bullard distributor.

Q: Why does it take my Eclipse 45 seconds to startup?

A: This is because you have not yet registered your Eclipse. Registration activates the security feature imbedded in your Eclipse, go to security info. It also grants you access to a multitude of resources, including customized startup graphics, troubleshooting assistance, Eclipse documentation and training resources. For instructions on registering your Eclipse, Click Here. Once registered, your Eclipse will start up in less than 4 seconds.

Q: How do I register my Eclipse?

A: There are two ways to register your Eclipse:

1. Automatically with an Internet connection
2. Manually by calling Bullard customer service
   

In order to register your Eclipse, simply install the Eclipse Control Panel software you received with your Eclipse and connect the Eclipse to your computer via the included data cable. If you have an Internet connection, simply follow the on-screen instructions, entering your user information, uploading the security file to your Eclipse and you are done. There is nothing more to do. If you do not have an Internet connection, simply contact a Bullard Customer Service Representative at 877-BULLARD, provide them with the registration information and they will give you a security code. This code can then be entered into your software to activate your Eclipse.
Whichever method you choose, registration activates the Eclipse security feature embedded in your Eclipse and grants you access to a multitude of resources including customized startup graphics, troubleshooting assistance, Eclipse documentation and training resources.

Q: What is the Security feature on my Eclipse Thermal Imager?

A: Once you have registered your thermal imager, that registration information is then saved to your Eclipse Thermal Imager. Should your Eclipse ever become lost or stolen, simply provide Bullard with a copy of a police report, and we will flag your reported serial number in our systems. Should that thermal imager ever come in for service or upgrade, Bullard will notify you and the appropriate authorities.

Q: Is there a vehicle-mounted charger available?

A: Yes. Eclipse Powerhouse™ can charge your Eclipse Thermal Imager and a spare battery simultaneously. Eclipse Powerhouse is NFPA 1901 rated.

Q: Can Eclipse Powerhouse be installed on a work bench in the horizontal position?

A: Yes. Eclipse Powerhouse can be installed on your apparatus, workbench, or wall, either vertically or horizontally.

Q: Should I buy an Eclipse instead of a T3Max or T4?

A: It depends. The Eclipse is intended to be deployed “in support of” rather than “instead of” a T3Max or T4. The Eclipse is intended to provide navigational ability to the other firefighters on a crew who would otherwise be without a thermal imager. In one scenario, where an engine company may be comprised of a Lieutenant and two firefighters, the Lieutenant might carry a T3Max or a T4 and the two firefighters would be equipped with Eclipses. In this fashion, there are more eyes on the fire, resulting in faster search times and greater situational awareness. However, the advanced thermal imagers, such as T3Max and T4, offer additional features such as Electronic Thermal Throttle®, Relative Temperature Indicator or digital zoom, providing more assistance in analyzing a situation.
We also realize that more than 75% of the departments in the U.S. are completely volunteer and have limited available funds. Forty-six percent of the fire departments in the U.S. do not have any thermal imager and the primary reason cited is simply cost. These departments may indeed be interested in an Eclipse as their primary thermal imager, rather than spending more time saving additional monies to acquire a T3Max or T4. The bottom line is the decision is up to you. Only you will know what best suits your needs.

Q: What is IP67?

A: IP stands for “Ingress Protection”. The first number refers to protection against dust and the second number is protection against water intrusion. In the case of IP67, the 6 indicates “dust-proof” and the 7 indicates waterproof to 3’ depth for 30 minutes.

Q: Can Eclipse be attached to a retractable lanyard or stored in a cargo pocket?

A: Yes. Because the Eclipse only weighs 1 ½ lbs, it can easily be attached to a retractable lanyard (part #ECLRETRACT). The Eclipse is also the smallest handheld thermal imager on the market and stows easily in almost any available pocket of your turnout gear.

Q: Can Eclipse be customized?

A: Yes. Eclipse can be customized to start up with any custom image you choose. Simply install the Eclipse Control Panel software that was shipped with your imager, and you can easily upload custom start-up graphics to your Eclipse.

Q: My department has a T4. If we deploy both an Eclipse and a T4, will the images be dramatically different?

A: Yes and no. Eclipse is a lower-resolution imager than the T4 and is displayed on a much smaller screen. T4 is likely to show a more detailed image than Eclipse due to this resolution difference. T4 is also equipped with Super Red HotTM (SRH), which is Bullard’s high heat colorization feature, and Electronic Thermal Throttle®. Eclipse is not equipped with high heat colorization; rather, it utilizes gray scale imagery throughout the entire dynamic range of the imager. Otherwise, the images will look very similar to each other in terms of contrast, quality and performance.

Q: Bullard actively promotes the Electronic Thermal Throttle® on other thermal imagers, but I noticed that the Eclipse does not provide that option. Why not?

A: Eclipse is intended to be deployed “in support of” rather than “instead of” a T3Max or T4. The Eclipse is intended to provide navigational ability to the other firefighters on a crew who would otherwise be without a thermal imager. The Eclipse was also intended to be a low-cost thermal imager in the smallest form factor possible. Features like Electronic Thermal Throttle add cost, weight and sometimes size to a thermal imager, and therefore were not included in Eclipse.