PULSAR MERGER LRF XL50 Manual

Merger LRF thermal imaging binoculars are made with the external design of classic daytime binoculars and provide comfortable viewing with both eyes.

Merger LRF binoculars accommodate day and nighttime observations. Merger LRF provide exceptional image quality even in adverse weather conditions (fog, smog, rain) and beyond obstacles like branches, tall grass, dense foliage, etc. known to hinder target detection.

Merger LRF devices do not require an external light source and are not affected by bright light exposure.

These binoculars are equipped with a precise built-in laser rangefinger capable of measuring distances up to 1000 m accurately (± 1 m).

Merger LRF thermal imaging binoculars are perfectly suited for night hunting, observation, trail orientation, identifying hazards, rescue operations, etc.

To get started, see the sections:

Battery Charging

Battery Installation

Powering on and Image Setting

Laser Rangefinder

Stream Vision 2

1. Laser rangefinder
2. Removable lens covers
3. Battery release button
4. Power ON/OFF/Calibration button
5. REC button
6. LRF button
7. UP/ZOOM navigation button
8. DOWN navigation button
9. MENU button
10. Lens focus ring
11. Battery APS 3
12. Eyepiece dioptre rings
13. Eyepieces
14. Battery compartment
15. Tripod adapter
16. Tripod adapter socket
17. USB Type-C port

• For long-term storage, the built-in and removable batteries should be partially charged – from 50 to 80%.
• Batteries should be charged at an ambient temperature of 0 °C … +35 °C. Otherwise, battery life will be significantly reduced.
• When using batteries at sub-zero ambient temperatures, the battery capacity decreases, this is normal and not a defect.
• Do not use batteries at temperatures outside the range of -25 °C … +50 °C – it may reduce the battery life.
• The battery has a short-circuit protection. Any situation that may cause short-circuiting, however, should be avoided.

• Only use the charger supplied with the Battery Pack. The use of any other charger may irreparably damage the Battery Pack or the charger and may cause fire.
• Do not charge the built-in and removable batteries immediately after moving the device and batteries from a cold place to a warm place. Wait at least 30 minutes for the device and batteries to warm up.
• It is not recommended to charge the batteries with a charger connected to the USB port of a computer or laptop. It can damage the computer.
• Do not leave the Battery Pack unattended while charging.
• Never use a modified or damaged charger.
• Do not leave the Battery Pack with a charger connected to the power adapter after charging is complete.
• Do not expose batteries to high temperatures or to a naked flame.
• Do not use batteries as a power source for devices that do not support APS batteries.
• Do not disassemble or bend batteries or charger.
• Do not drop or strike batteries or charger.
• Batteries and charger are not designed to be immersed in water.
• Keep the Battery Pack out of the reach of children.

Merger LRF binoculars are supplied with a removable and rechargeable APS3 lithium-ion battery pack and a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The batteries should be charged before first use.

The icons  in the status bar will flash when the battery is low. The batteries need to be charged.

Option 1

1. Install the APS 3 battery (11) in the battery compartment (14) of the device.
2. Connect the USB Type-C cable (21) to the USB Type-C connector (17) of the device.
3. Connect the other end of the USB cable (21) to the Power Adapter (22) by removing the USB Type-A adapter.
4. Plug the Power Adapter (22) into a 100-240 V socket.
5. Wait until the batteries are fully charged (indication in the status bar: ; 1 – built-in battery, 2 – removable battery).

Note: next to the USB Type-C connector (17) on the device body there is a light-emitting diode (24) to indicate the battery charge level when the device is switched off.

(24) LED indication	Battery status
	Batteries are charging
	Batteries are charged
	One of the batteries is defective. The device must not be used. The defective battery should be replaced. Contact Pulsar service to replace the internal battery.
–	There is no external battery in the device, or the device is switched on

Attention! When charging rechargeable batteries via a USB Type-C connector (17) in the device body section:

• Charging priority is given to the built-in battery.
• When the device is off, both batteries are charged at the same time. When using the device, the external battery is discharged first.
• Built-in and removable batteries support USB Power Delivery fast charging technology when using the USB Type-C cable and power adapter supplied with the device.

Option 2

1. Insert the Battery Pack (11) along the rail into the APS charger (18) slot as far as it will go. The APS charger is supplied with your device or purchased separately.
2. Point A on the battery and point B on the charger should match.
3. Connect the USB Type-C plug of the USB cable (21) to the port (19) of the charger (18).
4. Connect the second plug of the USB cable (21) to the USB port on the power adapter (22).
5. Plug the device into a 100-240 V socket.
6. The LED indicator (20) will display battery charge status.
7. Wait until the battery is fully charged (LED indication (20): ).
8. Two batteries* can be charged at the same time: the second slot is designed for it.

(20) LED Indicator**	Battery Charge Status
	Battery level is from 0% to 10%. Charger is connected to a power supply.
	Battery level is from 0% to 10%. Charger is not connected to a power supply.
	Battery level is from 10% to 20%.
	Battery level is from 20% to 60%.
	Battery level is from 60% to 95%.
	Battery completely charged. Charging will automatically stop. The battery can be disconnected from the charger.
	Defective battery. Do not use the battery.

* Purchased separately.

** LED indicator displays the current battery charge status for 30 seconds when the APS charger is not plugged in. When the power is being supplied, the indicator is constantly displaying the current battery charge status, the LEDs are additionally flickering to display the battery charging process.

Attention! Before installing the battery, make sure that there is an undamaged rubber insulating ring on the battery. The ring is designed to protect your device from moisture getting inside. Damage to the device due to a missing ring is not covered by the warranty. To replace or purchase a ring, contact your local distributor.

1. Install the battery (11) into the battery compartment (14). A pictogram in the form of a “dot” on the battery should be on the left.
2. You will hear a click when the battery is placed correctly.
3. To remove the battery from the device, press the Battery Release button (3).

Merger LRF devices are powered by 2 batteries: built-in Battery Pack and removable Battery Pack APS3.

1. If there are two batteries in the device at the same time, two battery icons are displayed in the status bar (1 – built-in battery, 2 – removable battery). The device battery is displayed in white, inactive – in grey.
2. When there is no removable battery in the device, only one icon for the built-in battery displays in white in the status bar.
3. When both batteries are fully charged, the device is powered by the removable battery. If there is low removable battery level, the device will switch to the built-in battery.
4. Battery charge level is displayed in % above the icon in the status bar while charging.
5. It is possible to replace the removable battery even while the device is on.

Attention!  When installing a removable battery with a sufficient charge level, the device will automatically switch to it.

1. Open the lens covers (2).
2. Turn the device on with a short press of the ON/OFF (4) button.
3. Adjust the interpupillary distance by moving the eyepieces (13) farther or closer to each other. It takes some effort to move the eyepieces.
4. Adjust the symbol sharpness on the displays by rotating the eyepiece dioptre rings (12). In future, it will not be necessary to rotate the eyepiece dioptre rings, regardless of the distance and other conditions.
5. To focus on the object being observed rotate the lens focusing ring (10).
6. Select the calibration mode: manual (M), semi-automatic (SA) or automatic (A) in the main menu (enter the menu by long pressing the MENU (9) button).
7. Calibrate the image with a short press of the ON/OFF (4) button  (when calibration mode (SA) or (M) has been selected). Close the lens cap before manual calibration.
8. Select the required amplification level (“Normal”, “High”, “Ultra”) by briefly pressing the DOWN (8) button.
9. Adjust the brightness, display contrast, smooth digital zoom in the quick menu (activate by briefly pressing the MENU (9) button).
10. Press the LRF (6) button briefly to start the rangefinder. The rangefinder reticle will appear in the center of the image (the rangefinder mark appears in the centre of the image). Briefly press the LRF (6) button to measure the distance. Press and hold down the LRF (6) button for 2 seconds to measure the distance in scan mode. If the rangefinder is idle longer than for 4 seconds, it turns off automatically.
11. After use, press and hold down the ON/OFF (4) button to turn the device off.

Notes:

• To prevent accidental decamouflage of the user, the displays automatically turn off when the observer moves the device away from the face.
• When the device approaches the face, the displays will automatically turn on.
• The proximity sensor can be disabled/enabled in the “General settings” section of the main menu.

Observation conditions: time of day, weather, different observation objects affect the image quality. Custom settings for brightness, display contrast as well as the function of adjusting the microbolometer sensitivity level will help to achieve the desired quality in a particular situation.​

Warning! Never point the lens at intensive energy sources such as laser radiation emitting devices or the sun. It can damage electronic components in the device. The warranty does not cover damage arising from failure to comply with operating instructions.

The status bar is at the bottom of the image and shows information on the actual operating status of the device, including:

1. Colour Mode:

– White hot

– Black hot

2. Amplification level (e.g., Normal)

3. Smoothing Filter (displayed when the function is on)

4. Calibration mode (a countdown timer will appear instead of the calibration icon when in automatic calibration mode with 5 seconds remaining until automatic calibration)

5. Microphone

6. Current magnification

7. Wi-Fi connection

8. Clock

9. Power supply:

• Battery discharge level (when riflescope is powered by a built-in or removable battery).
• External battery power indicator (if the riflescope is powered by an external power supply).
• Battery indicator with current percentage of charge (when charging from an external power source).
• Battery indicator shows a low battery charge
• Battery indicator shows a low internal battery charge

The quick menu allows you to access the main device settings, such as adjusting the display brightness and contrast, and smooth digital zoom.

• Enter the menu with a short press of the МENU (9) button.
• To toggle between the functions below, press successively the МENU (9) button.

Brightness  – press briefly the UP (7)/DOWN (8) buttons to change display brightness from 0 to 20.

Contrast  – press briefly the UP (7)/DOWN (8) buttons to change display contrast from 0 to 20.

Smooth digital zoom  – press the UP (7)/DOWN (8) buttons to change digital zoom from 2.5 to 20.

Smooth digital zoom is in 0.1x increments.

Note: the magnification value is reset to the base value when the device is switched off

• To exit quick menu, press and hold down the МENU (9) button or wait 5 sec for automatic exit.

Merger LRF thermal imaging binoculars feature video recording and photography of the image being ranged to the internal memory card.

Before using the photo and video functions, read the Date and Time subsections of the General Settings section.

For information on how to watch recorded photos and videos, see the Stream Vision 2 user manual: Android, iOS.

Built-in recorder operates in two modes:

• Photo (photography; the icon  is displayed in the upper left corner of the image).

• Video (video recording; the icon  is displayed in the upper left corner of the image, the total remaining recording time is given taking into account the current resolution in the HH:MM format (hours:minutes).

Switching between the operating modes of the video recorder is done by long pressing the REC (5) button. Switching between the modes is cyclical (Video–> Photo–> Video…).

Photo mode. Capturing an image

1. Switch to the Photo mode with a long press of the REC (5) button.

2. Press the REC (5) button briefly to capture a photo. The icon  flashes – the photo file is being saved to the built-in SD card.

Video mode. Recording a video

1. Switch to the Video mode with a long press of the REC (5) button.

2. Press the REC (5) button briefly to start video recording.

3. When the video recording starts, the icon  will disappear, instead of it the REC icon as well as the video recording timer displayed in the MM:SS (minutes:seconds) format will appear .

4. Pause/continue recording by briefly pressing the REC (5) button.

5. Press and hold the REC (5) button to stop video recording.

Video files are stored in the built-in memory card:

• After turning off the video recording;
• Upon powering the device off if recording was on;
• When the memory card is overfilled during recording (Memory Full message appears).

Notes:

• You can enter and navigate the menu during video recording.
• Recorded videos and photos are saved to the built-in memory card of the device in the format img_xxx. jpg (for photos); video_xxx. mp4 (for video).
• Videos are recorded in clips with a maximum duration of 5 minutes. The number of recorded files is limited by the capacity of unit’s internal memory and video compression ratio.
• Regularly check free memory within the built-in memory card and move the footage to other storage media to free up the memory card space.
• In case of a memory card error, you can use the format function in the General Settings section of the main menu.

The binoculars are equipped with a built-in rangefinder (1), allowing you to measure distance to objects up to 1000m away.

Single Measurement Mode

1. Turn on the device, set up image according to section Powering on and Image Setting.

2. Briefly press the LRF (6) button to measure the distance. The rangefinder reticle will appear in the centre of the image. In the top right corner of the display you will see distance in meters (or yards – depending on settings).

3. If PiP mode is activated, the PiP window remains active upon activation of the rangefinder.

4. Point the rangefinding reticle at an object and press the LRF (6) button.

Note: if the rangefinder is idle longer than for 4 seconds, it turns off automatically.

Scan Mode

1. To measure distance in scanning mode, hold down the LRF (6) button for longer than two seconds. Measurement readings will be changing in real time as you point the binoculars at different objects. A SCAN message will appear in the upper right corner of the image.

2. To exit SCAN mode, press LRF (6) button again.

3. If measurement fails, dashes will appear on the display.

4. In 4 seconds of inactivity (no measurement is taken) the rangefinder turns off, the rangefinding reticle with readings disappears from the display.

Notes:

• To select a rangefinding reticle, please see the Reticle Type subsection in the Rangefinder section.
• To select a unit of measurement (meters or yards) go to the Units of Measure subsection of the General Settings section.

Additional Information:

• Accuracy of measurement and maximum range depend on the reflection ratio of the target surface, the angle at which the emitting beam falls on the target surface and environmental conditions. Reflectivity is also affected by surface texture, color, size and shape of the target. A shiny or brightly colored surface is normally more reflective than a dark surface.
• Measuring range to a small sized target is more difficult than to a large sized target.
• Accuracy of measurement can also be affected by light conditions, fog, haze, rain, snow etc. Ranging performance can degrade in bright conditions or when ranging towards the sun.

The device allows you to quickly increase the basic magnification (please refer to the Magnification line in the Specifications table) by 2, 4 or 8 times.

• To operate the discrete digital zoom, press successively the UP/ZOOM (7) button.
• The digital zoom will not be saved after the device is re-started.

Note: the magnification value is reset to the base value when the device is switched off

PiP (“Picture in Picture”) allows you to see a zoomed image simultaneously with the main image in a dedicated window.

• Turn on/off the PiP function with a long press of UP/ZOOM (7) button.
• Change zoom ratio in the PiP window with a short press of UP/ZOOM (7) button.
• The zoomed image is displayed in a dedicated window, while the image in the rest of the screen is displayed at base magnification (2.5x).
• When PiP is turned on, you can operate the discrete and continuous digital zoom. The magnification will take place only in the dedicated window.
• When PiP is turned off, the image is shown with the optical magnification set for the PiP function.

This function darkens the screen, which aids the user’s concealment. However, the device stays on.

The displays can be turned off automatically if the proximity sensor is turned on or by pressing the ON/OFF (4) button  if the proximity sensor is turned off.

The proximity sensor is turned on:

1. When the device moves away from the user’s face, the displays will turn off.
2. When the device approaches the user’s face, the displays will turn on again.
3. While holding the ON/OFF (4) button, a countdown icon  will appear on the displays and the device will turn off.

The proximity sensor is turned off:

1. When the device is on, press and hold the ON/OFF (4) button. The displays will turn off, the current time and the “Display off” icon will appear.
2. Turn the displays back on with a short press of the ON/OFF (4) button.
3. When you press and hold the ON/OFF (4) button, the displays show the “Display off” icon with a countdown. Pressing & holding the button down for the duration of the countdown will power the device off completely.

The device has a function enabling wireless communication with external devices (smartphone or tablet) via Wi-Fi.

• Turn on the wireless module in the WI-Fi Activation  menu option.

Wi-Fi operation is shown in the status bar as follows:

Status bar indication	Connection status
	Wi-Fi is off
	Wi-Fi activated by the user, Wi-Fi in the device is being activated
	Wi-Fi is on, no connection with device
	Wi-Fi is on, device connected

• Your device is detected by an external device as “MERGER_XXXX”, where XXXX – is the last four digits of device’s serial number.
• After entering the password on a mobile device (see Password Setup subsection of the Wi-Fi Settings section for more information on setting a password) and connection is established, the icon  in the status bar will change to .
• The Wi-Fi function will turn off automatically if there is not enough battery power for Wi-Fi.

1. Attach the tripod adaptor (15) to the socket (16).
2. Screw the adapter wheel (23) clockwise until it stops.
3. Secure the adaptor with the device on a tripod.

1. Connect one end of the USB cable to the USB Type-C (17) connector of the device, the other one to the port on your computer using a USB Type-A adapter.
2. Turn the device on with a short press of the ON/OFF (4) button (device that has been turned off cannot be detected by your computer).
3. Your device will be detected by the computer automatically; no drivers need to be installed.
4. Two connection modes will appear on the image: Power and Memory Card (external memory).
5. Select connection mode with UP (7)/DOWN (8) buttons.
6. Confirm selection with a short press of the MENU (9) button.

Power

• In this mode, when a computer is used as an external power supply, the icon  appears in the status bar. The device will continue operating and all functions are available.
• The Battery pack installed in the device is not being charged!
• A battery recharge feasibility depends on your computer’s USB port.

Memory Card

• In this mode the device is detected by the computer as a flash card.
• This mode is designed for work with the files saved in device’s memory. The device’s functions are not available in this mode; the device turns off automatically.
• If video recording was in progress when connection was made, recording stops and video is saved.

USB Disconnection

• When the USB is disconnected from the device connected as the Power mode, the device continues operating from the rechargeable batteries if they are sufficiently charged.
• If the device is in Memory Card mode and is disconnected from USB, the device will remain on.

It is recommended to inspect your device before each use. Check the following:

• The device should be free of any cracks or deformations.
• The lenses should be free of cracks, grease, dirt or debris.
• The battery level of the device should be full. Electrical sockets should be free of salts, oxidation, or other debris.
• All controls should be responsive.

Maintenance should be carried out at least twice a year and should include the following steps:

• Wipe the exterior surfaces of metal and plastic parts with a cotton cloth. Do not use chemically active substances, solvents, etc. as these will damage the paint.
• Clean the electric terminals of the Battery Pack and device’s battery slot using a grease-free organic solvent.
• Check the lenses of the eyepieces, objective and rangefinder. If necessary, remove dust and sand from the optics (it is preferable to use a non-contact method). Cleaning of the exterior surfaces of the optics should be done with cleaners designed especially for this purpose.

• Always store the device in its carrying case in a dry, well-ventilated space.
• Remove the Battery Pack for long-term storage.

Possible cause

The batteries are completely discharged.

Solution

Charge the batteries.

Solution

In case of any malfunctions during operation, try resetting the device by long pressing the ON/OFF button for 10 seconds.

Possible cause

USB cable is damaged.

Solution

Replace USB cable.

Possible cause

The external power supply is discharged.

Solution

Charge the external power supply.

Possible cause

Calibration is required.

Solution

Carry out calibration according to Calibration Mode section.

Solution

If the image does not clear after calibration, you need to recalibrate.

Possible cause

After turning on the device, it takes some time for the sensor temperature to stabilize. This is normal and is not a defect.

Possible cause

The device was exposed to static electricity during operation.

Solution

After exposure to static electricity, the device may either reboot automatically, or require turning off and on again.

Possible cause

Brightness or contrast level is too low.

Solution

Adjust the brightness or contrast level in the Quick Menu.

Possible cause

Problems described may arise in adverse weather conditions (snow, rain, fog etc.).

Possible cause

Password in the device was changed.

Solution

Delete network and connect again inserting the password saved in the device.

Possible cause

There are too many Wi-Fi networks in the area where the device is located which may cause signal interference.

Solution

To ensure stable Wi-Fi performance, move the device to an area with few or no Wi-Fi networks.

Solution

Switch the device’s Wi-Fi band.

Possible cause

The device has a 5 GHz network enabled, but the smartphone only supports 2.4 GHz.

Solution

Switch the device’s Wi-Fi band to 2.4 GHz.

More information on solving problems with connection to Stream Vision 2 by following the link.

Possible cause

Smartphone or tablet is out of range of a strong Wi-Fi signal. There are obstacles between the device and the smartphone or tablet (e.g., concrete walls).

Solution

Relocate smartphone or tablet into the Wi-Fi signal line of sight.

More information on solving problems with connection to Stream Vision 2 by following the link.

Possible cause

The object is behind glass, which obstructs thermal vision.

Solution

Remove the glass.

Solution

The presence of such pixels is associated with the manufacturing technology of displays and microbolometer. It is not a defect.

Possible cause

In warm climates, objects in the background of a thermal image heat up differently because of thermal conductivity, generating a high temperature contrast and a sharper thermal image.

In cold climates, objects in the background of a thermal image will cool down to roughly the same temperature, which leads to a greatly reduced temperature contrast and a degraded image quality. This is normal for all thermal imaging devices.

Possible cause

There is an object in front of the receiver or emitter lens preventing signal transmission.

Solution

Make sure that: the lenses are not blocked by your hand or fingers; the lenses are clean.

Possible cause

The device is not being held steadily when measuring.

Solution

Keep the device steady when measuring.

Possible cause

Distance to the object exceeds 1000 m.

Solution

Pick an object at a distance not longer than 1000m.

Possible cause

Low reflection ratio (for example, tree leaves).

Solution

Pick an object with higher reflection ratio (see point Additional Information in section Laser Rangefinder.

Possible cause

Inclement weather conditions (rain, mist, snow).