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Description
Manufacturer warranty information
The Pulsar Axion Thermal Monocular range is designed for field professionals conducting ecological surveys and wildlife monitoring in low-light or lightless environments. With compact magnesium alloy housings, high-resolution sensors, and dependable long-range detection, Axion devices are suitable for most nocturnal surveys.
Thermal monoculars offer critical advantages over traditional optics and night vision optics. While binoculars depend on visible light and are limited during dusk or in dense vegetation, thermal imaging works by detecting infrared radiation emitted by warm bodies. This enables observation through fog, smoke, or partial cover, and allows for consistent, non-intrusive monitoring without the use of additional lighting.
The Axion models provide varying levels of performance to suit different survey requirements. The XG35 and XG30 Compact units feature high-spec 640 × 480 thermal sensors with sub-40 mK NETD values, while the XQ30 Pro offers a more accessible 384 × 288 sensor with similar utility for general ecological use. All models include 50 Hz frame rates, ensuring smooth thermal tracking of fast-moving species such as bats across cluttered environments.
These monoculars are suitable for a wide range of environmental conditions and operational demands, delivering thermal clarity from –25°C to +40°C with IPX7-rated waterproofing. Integrated Wi-Fi and compatibility with Pulsar’s Stream Vision 2 platform allow for live image transfer and data storage - key features for survey reporting and collaborative research.
Specifications
| Model | Axion XG35 Compact | Axion XG30 Compact | Axion XQ30 PRO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal Sensor | 640 × 480, 12 μm | 640 × 480, 12 μm | 384 × 288, 17 μm |
| NETD | <40 mK | <40 mK | <25 mK |
| sNETD | <20 mK | <25 mK | <20 mK |
| Frame Rate | 50 Hz | 50 Hz | 50 Hz |
| Objective Lens | 35 mm f/1.0 | 30 mm f/1.2 | 30 mm f/1.2 |
| Magnification | 2.5–20.0× | 2.0–16.0× | 2.0–8.0× |
| Field of View | 12.5° / 21.9 m @ 100 m | 14.6° / 25.6 m @ 100 m | 13.3° |
| Eye Relief | 14 mm | 14 mm | Not specified |
| Detection Range | 1,750 m | 1,300 m | 1,050 m |
| Rangefinder | Stadiametric | Stadiametric | Stadiametric |
| Video Recording | Yes (with audio) | Yes (with audio) | Yes (with audio) |
| Internal Memory | 64 GB | 64 GB | 16 GB |
| Image Format | JPG, 960 × 600 | JPG, 960 × 600 | JPG, 528 × 400 |
| Video Format | MP4, 960 × 900 | MP4, 960 × 900 | MP4 |
| Wi-Fi / App Support | Yes / Stream Vision 2 | Yes / Stream Vision 2 | Yes / Stream Vision 2 |
| Battery Type | Pulsar APS3, rechargeable and replaceable | Same | APS3, 3.2 Ah |
| Operating Time | Up to 7 h | Up to 7 h | Up to 8 h |
| Operating Temp | –25°C to +40°C | –25°C to +40°C | –25°C to +40°C |
| Protection Level | IPX7 | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Body Material | Magnesium alloy | Magnesium alloy | Magnesium alloy |
| Dimensions (mm) | 146 × 49 × 71 | 144 × 41 × 69 | 144 × 41 × 69 |
| Weight | 350 g | 310 g | 300 g |
| Product Code | PUL-77509 | PUL-77508 | PUL-77506 |
Features
- High-sensitivity thermal sensors (up to 640 × 480 resolution) with sub-40 mK NETD for enhanced detection in variable weather and vegetation cover.
- Wide detection ranges from 1,050 m to 1,750 m, suitable for surveying distant habitat without encroaching on sensitive species.
- Compact magnesium alloy body provides impact resistance and environmental durability for regular field use.
- Up to 20× digital magnification for assessing movement patterns or verifying species presence at varying distances.
- High refresh rate (50 Hz) supports accurate tracking of fast-moving wildlife.
- Integrated 64 GB memory (XG models) and built-in video recording with audio support professional reporting and documentation.
- Dual-band Wi-Fi and compatibility with Stream Vision 2 enables real-time image sharing, location tagging, and remote control during collaborative surveys.
- Replaceable APS3 batteries offer up to 8 hours of runtime, supporting extended field sessions with the option for rapid battery swaps.
Additional Information
The Pulsar Axion range is well-suited to ecologists, environmental consultants, and researchers conducting nocturnal or crepuscular surveys. It enables detection of activity in areas where traditional optical equipment offers limited utility.
The lightweight and compact design makes the devices easy to carry across difficult terrain, while their waterproof construction ensures continued performance in inclement conditions. The use of stadiametric rangefinding assists in estimating subject distances without the need for separate tools or physical disturbance.
For those conducting species presence/absence assessments or ecological impact studies, the Axion devices offer a reliable alternative or complement to traditional survey methods.
Supporting accessories, field chargers, and compatible tripods can enhance usability in longer deployments or fixed-point observation scenarios.
Please see the Thermal Imaging: Bat Survey Guidelines published by the Bat Conservation Trust for more advice on how to choose your thermal imaging equipment for bat surveys.