Metal Mickey Cameras
I thought I would make a post about one of my favourite types of thermal imaging cameras, namely the 'Metal Mickey'. Metal Mickey was a robot character in a UK children's TV show of the same name.
What the heck is a 'Metal Mickey' camera you may ask. Well it s a specific format of CCTV camera that was originally produced by a company named Forward Vision. It's model designation contained 'MIC' and it looks like a robots head. The term 'Metal Mickey' quickly became synonymous with this type of MIC camera.
I love the design of these PTZ cameras. They comprise a very solid and rigid pan pillar with a 'Y' yoke at the top to hold the camera 'ball' The Tilt is provided via the two 'ball' mounts. The engineering is wonderful. All metal and stainless steel in appropriate locations. Colours vary depending upon the customers requirements. A polished stainless steel model was even made.
The original 'Metal Mickey' MIC series cameras were just an optical PTZ with a quality zoom equipped visible light camera and built in window wiper to ensure a clear view of the scene. These are the cameras that you will see around UK government buildings, including the HQ of the Security Services. They are a quality product that does not look unattractive when compared to conventional external CCTV cameras housings.
Forward Vision then produced a dual technology MIC series camera called the MIC1-412. This has a larger 'Head' that contains a pair of 'eyes' that make it look almost like a robots head mimicking a humans physiology. It kind of looks 'cute' to me. I am sad I know ! Behind the two 'eye' ports there are two cameras. One is a conventional visible light zoom camera with X36 Zoom capability, and the other is a Indigo/FLIR 320 x 240 pixel Photon thermal imaging camera fitted with a 50mm lens providing 17 Degrees HFOV.
Bosch Security acquired Forward Vision and its MIC cameras. They recognised the quality and popularity of the product and wanted it in their range. The cameras became the Bosch MIC-412.
Those who already know my passion for thermal imaging cameras will not be at all surprised that I purchased one of these superb MIC1-412 cameras. The Metal Mickey may be configured for control via several industry standard protocols, including PELCO D, so driving the unit is easy. It communicates via RS485 and may even be controlled from a PC equipped with a cheap USB/RS485 dongle and the Bosch control and configuration software. The thermal camera and visible light cameras may be controlled and configured via the RS485 data link as well.
Those who know me are also aware that, as a Gemini, I like 'one and a spare' ! Well I did not buy another MIC-412, but rather a similar technology GANZ C-Allview Metal Mickey format dual technology camera. It is not as visually pleasing as the MIC-412 but if provides excellent performance. These GANZ cameras are a relatively common sight around city centres on the top of high poles and corners of buildings. I liked it enough to buy one.
Last week I had the opportunity to purchase another MIC-412 Metal Mickey. No surprises I tried to buy it and it became mine for a very low price, less than half what I paid for my other MIC-412. To say I was chuffed is an understatement ! This unit is in great condition but I suspect it has been used. The other MIC-412 was 'as new' unissued military surplus, hence the higher value ?
I am attaching some photos of my 'Metal Mickey' collection and I will be removing the top of the white MIC-412's 'head' for a view of what resides inside. Watch this space.
In the pictures you will see my sand coloured MIC-412. It is fitted with the optional and disposable plastic sun shade kit that helps protect the cameras 'head' from direct sun in very sunny environments. Such is not needed in the UK but this camera was part of the UK's spares stock for deployment in Iraq ! It is very high spec and has never been issued. The sun shades are easily removed if not needed.
The White MIC-412 is my latest acquisition and is in very nice used condition. Note that both MIC-412 cameras are configured in their 'straight up' positions where the 'Y' yoke is vertical. The 'Y 'yoke may easily to repositioned to one of several off-vertical angles to permit the camera to look down vertically. Very nice idea.
The black coloured camera between the two MIC-412 units is the Ganz C-Allview. It is a different format but still very nicely designed and built. Once again it is all metal construction and the thermal camera lens protector is designed to be easily removed without opening the cameras 'head'. It is a very good camera but due to the vertical format of the lenses, it does not have the 'face' of the MIC-412 so is not as 'cute' and could be considered more menacing
I am including some pictures of an old Bosch Visible light zoom camera for size comparison. The visible light cameras are half the size of the dual technology camera.
These cameras are all fully functional and I have used them for wildlife monitoring, for which they are more than capable
I hope this was an interesting read/view.
Fraser