PULSAR AXION 2 XG35, thermal viewer with European sensor and many interesting features

INTRODUCTION

This time I had the opportunity to test the PULSAR AXION 2 XG35 monocular thermal viewer equipped with a thermal sensor manufactured in France and several very interesting features. I would like to thank the armory BRIGNOLI SILVIO %C. of Gardone Val Trompia for kindly providing me with this device, which is currently offering it to the public at the price of 2,492.40 € VAT INCLUDED

During my use in the field, I was able to thoroughly explore the technical features of this thermal viewer and evaluate its positive and negative aspects. I would like to emphasize that all the reviews you will read on this site are based on actual practical experience with the product, going beyond just the technical data provided by the manufacturer.

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This is a translation of the original article at www.termicienotturni.it. So I apologize for any errors

TECHNICAL FEATURES

Model	XG35
Focal length	35mm
Opening	f/1.0
Range in degrees	12.5×9.4
Recognition distance	1750 m
Sensor resolution	640×480
Pixel Pitch	12 μm
NETD	nd
Display resolution	1024×768
Refresh rate	50Hz
Display	AMOLED
optical magnification	2.5x
Maximum digital magnification	20x
Zoom range	up to 8x
Waterproofing	IPX7
Operating temperature	− 25°C \| + 40°C
Length, width and height	152x50x74
Weight	300 g without battery

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

Again, I immediately recognized and appreciated the care proffered in the packaging that Pulsar has accustomed us to over the years. Inside a white box, I found not only the thermal viewer but also an array of accessories that demonstrate a remarkable and comprehensive attention to detail. Indeed, the package includes the APS 5 rechargeable battery, two battery lock covers, a power adapter, a USB-C cable with USB-A adapter, a handy wrist strap, a quick start guide, the traditional lens cleaning cloth, and, particularly useful, an adapter for mounting on tripods with 1/4-inch pitch.

FIG.1 – A nice close-up of the PULSAR AXION 2 XG35 thermal viewer

ACCESSORIES THAT CAN BE PURCHASED SEPARATELY

The lucky owners of the AXION 2 will have a number of additional products to enrich the user experience:

APS Battery: To extend the autonomy of the device.
Battery charger: To easily recharge the batteries.
Carrying straps: For comfortable and safe transportation of the thermal viewer.
Various mounting brackets:
C-clamp mount: Ideal for mounting the viewer on tubular or round surfaces.
Tree mount: For attaching the viewer to trees or similar structures.
Window frame mount: Useful for viewing from windows or elevated positions.
Flat glass mount: For easy observation through glass surfaces of a car, shed, etc.etc.

The addition of these accessories not only provides greater versatility in the use of the AXION 2, but also allows users to adapt the viewer to their specific needs and observation situations.

MECHANICS AND FOCUSING SYSTEM

The AXION 2 XG35 thermal viewer is characterized by its solid yet lightweight construction, made of magnesium alloy. This choice of materials not only helps keep the weight down, but also ensures reliable protection of the internal optical and electronic components during intensive use in the midst of Nature.

In addition, the presence of a magnesium hull plays a key role in dissipating heat generated by the electronic components, minimizing image noise and ensuring consistent performance during extended observing sessions. On my electronic scale, I recorded a weight of about 314 grams with the strap but without the battery inserted, increasing slightly with the battery inserted (405 g). It is about six inches long.

It deserves to be pointed out that the AXION 2 XG35 viewer has a robust “IPX7” class waterproof rating, allowing it to fearlessly cope with intense rain, snow and the most adverse weather conditions. In fact, it is designed to function perfectly even after being submerged in water for a period of thirty minutes at a maximum depth of one meter.

The design of the device is completely symmetrical, making it highly suitable for both right- and left-handed users. The well-thought-out arrangement of buttons on the top panel further contributes to this ergonomics, making operation extremely smooth.

FIG.2 – Its ergonomics easily allow both right- and left-handed people to use it

The front, under the lens, has a thread for connection to the small tripod mount, while on the opposite side you will find a waterproofed cap that gives access to the battery compartment. On the right side, under a rubber cover, is the USB-C port, which can be used for both data transfer and charging, although the use of the specific charger is recommended.

The top of the viewer has only four buttons, including the power button. Once the operation of the PULSAR menu is understood, these buttons provide access to most functions during field use. I will be detailed in the next section to describe these functions.

FIG.3- A close-up on the 35 mm diameter Germanium lens

The lens bell is designed to act as a focus ring. It is knurled, appropriately sized, and offers precise adjustment with just the right amount of tension. The minimum focus I have detected is about 2 meters. In addition, the eyepiece has diopter adjustment, ensuring good visibility of menu icons and displayed images for all enthusiasts.

OPTICS

The AXION 2 XG35 thermal viewer is equipped with a 35 mm diameter lens and a focal aperture of F/1. This lens is made (as a matter of practice) of germanium and benefits from a robust and optimized outer coating. It offers a wide field of view of 12.5×9.4 degrees, (21.9×16.4 m at 100 m) allowing thermal detection up to a maximum distance of 1750 meters. The lens is protected by a convenient cap hooked onto the strap that remains attached to the strap by a small magnet. It is often these small details that denote a company’s ability to accommodate even the smallest practical needs of customers.

FIG.4 – The lens cover cap is magnetized and attaches to the strap, a small but useful feature

EYEPIECE AND DISPLAY

The eyepiece provides an optical magnification of 2.5x, which can be further increased to 20x with the 8x digital magnification function.

The built-in display is an excellent AMOLED panel with a resolution of 1024×768 pixels, providing vivid colors and an excellently calibrated brightness adjustment range. With a refresh rate of 50 Hz, the viewing experience is smooth and flicker-free. The main advantage of using an AMOLED is the ability to achieve vivid colors and deep blacks, thanks to pixel-by-pixel illumination. They are often thinner and lighter than other technologies, and generally have higher brightness than LCOS displays.

FIG.5 – The eyepiece shows an excellent AMOLED display

As for the eyepiece’s pupillary extraction, it amounts to 14 mm. Personally, I do not wear glasses, but I tested the viewer with my sunglasses and noticed that the only limitation concerns the outer portion of the display, which is not fully visible. However, this might vary depending on the types of glasses used.

SENSOR

The uncooled thermal sensor found in the PULSAR AXION XG35 is manufactured in France by the renowned company Lynred. This sensor offers a resolution of 640×480 pixels, with a pixel size of 12 µm. Image quality is remarkable, with a NETD value of less than 40 millikelvins and a frame rate of 50 Hz.

A particularly noteworthy aspect is the ability of this sensor to capture outstanding images even in harsh weather conditions. During summer or in rainy weather, fog, and high humidity in the air, the sensor proves to maintain a reliable and high-quality performance.

FURTHER BOX – LYNRED, the French company that manufactures thermal sensors

Lynred is a leading manufacturer of thermal sensors and advanced optical solutions for thermal applications, such as thermal viewers, thermal cameras, and other thermal sensing devices. Founded as a result of a collaboration between the French company Sofradir and the Belgian company e2v, Lynred has established its position in the industry through its expertise in the field of infrared detectors.Lynred is involved in the production of a wide range of thermal sensors, including those based on technologies such as InSb (Indium Antimonide), MCT (Mercury Cadmium Telluride) and QWIP (Quantum Well Infrared Photodetector). These thermal sensors are widely used in military, security, industrial, medical, and scientific applications.The company is known for its innovation in the field of thermal sensors and constant development of cutting-edge technologies. Their experience in the field has made them reliable partners for many companies and institutions that require high-quality thermal solutions.

MEMORY

The Axion 2 comes with an integrated photography and video recording system. The device’s internal memory allows it to store several hours of video and tens of thousands of photos. Recorded footage can, of course, be transferred to a computer’s hard drive through the USB-C port. In addition, the Axion 2 owner has 16 GB of storage space available in Pulsar’s cloud storage, where photos and videos captured with the device can be saved.

To make it even easier to use, simply install the Stream Vision 2 mobile app. Through this app, you can connect the Axion 2 to your smartphone via WiFi connection. This feature enables an integrated and simplified experience for managing and sharing captured content.

BATTERY

With its high-capacity APS5 rechargeable battery, Pulsar ensures that the AXION 2 can operate continuously for up to 11 hours. Personally, using WI-FI intensively and making constant changes to settings to complete this review, I was able to discharge it in about eight hours.

The battery can be recharged quickly through the specific charger. However, you can also power it through a regular battery pack or charge it using a common smartphone transformer, as well as through the USB Type C port built into the thermal viewer. This versatility in power supply gives greater flexibility to the use of the AXION 2, adapting to different situations and available charging options.

FIG.6 – Battery provides very good durability

QUICK OPERATION OF THE THERMAL VISOR

The AXION 2 XG35 is one of the fastest turning on thermal viewers I have tested. In fact, it is fully activated within just five seconds of pressing the button. The menu is the classic that Pulsar has accustomed us to and very different from that present on some competing Made in China products. I appreciated the quick settings but also the complexity of the menu although I would have preferred to be able to quickly change the palettes directly with a simple press of a button. The Italian language is also present.

Button	Operating status	Quick press	Prolonged pressure
Power button	Hon OFF Calibration	Power on (device turned off) Calibration (when turned on)\	Shutdown Activation

Down-rec button	Photography Video	Photo mode: Photography Reduce menu parameter Navigation below	Photo mode – switching to video
MENU button	Step zoom Continuous zoom Menu navigation
MENU button	Menu	Access the quick menu Top navigation Exit the menu Confirm choice Exit submenu	Exit the main menu
UP-ZOOM button	Zoom Navigation	Change magnification Increase parameter Navigate to the top right	Change zoom value

MENU OPTIONS

Firmware: 2.0.001805017980

Advanced settings

Amplification level (1 to 3)
Color palette: warm white, warm black, warm red, monochrome red, rainbow, ultramarine, violet, sepia
Specific filter: (ON-OFF)
User mode: (ON-OFF)
Icon brightness (1 to 10)
P.i.P mode (ON-OFF)
Wi-Fi activation
Wi-Fi settings
Microphone (ON-OFF)
Calibration: manual, semi-automatic, automatic
General settings: language, date, time, unit, video compression, bad pixel repair, reset, formatting

MAIN FUNCTIONS

The AXION 2 XG35 thermal viewer offers a number of highly interesting settings. I begin by emphasizing my appreciation for the three levels of thermal signal amplification, which, in combination with the “smoothing” filter, allow users to enjoy optimal images in both brightness and contrast, depending on the various weather conditions present during observation.

In addition to this, it is possible to take advantage of the P.i.P, or Picture in Picture, mode, which offers an enlargement of the main scene within a small frame positioned at the top of the display. This feature can be particularly useful for focusing on critical details without losing sight of the entire scene.

The “User Mode” feature adds a touch of customization, allowing the user to accurately adjust brightness and contrast and save them for future use, avoiding the need to repeat adjustments each time.

A smooth transition from photography to video mode is made possible with a fairly quick transition. In addition, the ability to pause and resume video recording adds flexibility to the recording options. Also noteworthy is the option to compress video files, saving space without significantly compromising the quality of recorded video.

The AXION 2 XG35 proves to offer a set of features that combine to optimize the thermal observation experience, tailoring it to the user’s preferences and the nuances of the conditions under which they operate.

FIG.7 – When you learn to juggle the menu, you can quickly change most of the settings, I would have preferred a dedicated button for changing paddles

COLOR PALETTES

The AXION 2’s color palettes prove to be a feature of great versatility and utility. With a choice of 8 different color palettes, users can observe their field of view in highly effective ways, allowing them to optimize the unit for specific tasks and adapt to changing observation conditions.

Among the available options, the White Hot, Black Hot and Red Hot modes prove particularly suitable for object detection due to their ability to emphasize temperature differences. On the other hand, Rainbow and Ultramarine modes play a key role in increasing the chances of object recognition and identification due to their ability to highlight fine details and contrasts.

For prolonged nighttime viewing sessions, the Monochrome Red, Sepia and Violet modes are the most appropriate. In addition to contributing to visual comfort, these modes provide a crisp and clear view of scenes, making them ideal for prolonged monitoring of nighttime environments. The choice of color palettes gives users flexible control over the appearance of thermal images, allowing them to tailor the viewer to their specific needs and get the most out of their viewing experience.

USE OF THE STREAM VISION 2 “APP”

The AXION 2 XG35 has a built-in WiFi module, which enables connection with smartphones and tablets equipped with the Android and iOS operating systems. This interaction is made possible through the well-known app called “Stream Vision 2.” With the help of this app, you can manage the AXION 2 XG35 with agility. The connection makes it possible to transmit images from the device to the smartphone screen in real time, enabling the publication on social platforms of photos and videos captured by the device or shared via messaging services such as “Messenger.” In addition, the ability to control the device remotely and access the latest Pulsar news is at your fingertips.

An additional benefit for registered users is access to a 16 GB cloud storage space dedicated to storing photos and videos captured with the thermal viewer.

In the context of Axion 2 thermal imaging cameras, the frequency range for standard connection to smartphones via the 2.4 GHz WiFi channel is enhanced by the effective availability of the 5 GHz frequency. The 5 GHz connection offers better bandwidth, higher data transfer rate, greater noise immunity, and superior stability. All this results in more productive and smooth operation of the camera when connected to a smartphone. To connect, simply enable Wi-Fi on the viewer, search for it in Settings-Network on your smartphone, and use the generic password: 12345678.

FIG.8 – Compact but with a 640×480 sensor, good in so many situations

PRACTICAL FIELD IMPRESSIONS

I had the privilege of taking full advantage of this compact thermal viewer during the month of August. However, it is clear that I would have been able to fully appreciate its performance during colder seasons such as fall and winter, when subjects clearly stand out in warmth from their surroundings. This more demanding trial really tested the AXION 2 and allowed me to analyze its behavior in more detail.

The aspect I noticed immediately was its compactness, a feature that differentiates it significantly from other products with 640-pixel sensors. It is surprisingly light and easily portable. I have often had the opportunity to carry it with me, putting it in my jacket pocket or anchoring it to a belt used for smartphones during my hikes. Its compactness is undeniable, but at the same time the ergonomic design allows for easy use even in the dark. This is possible not only because of the differentiated arrangement of the buttons, but also because of the reliefs on the buttons themselves, which make it easy to recognize the menu button. In addition, the strap proves reliable and comfortable, as does the focus and diopter adjustment dial.

In terms of functions, the AXION 2 stands out as one of the fastest thermal viewers to turn on that I have had the opportunity to try. In only about 5 seconds it turns on, an advantage that allowed me not to miss any scenes of great interest. During the course of the test, the software never crashed, and connecting to the smartphone via the Stream Vision app proved fast, as long as the instructions for detecting Wi-Fi and assigning the various consents for using the camera and other smartphone functions were followed precisely.

The AMOLED display proved to be among the best in its price range, and the zoom system proved reliable and responsive.

In the field, I could see that the thermal sensor designed and built in France delivers sharp, contrasty images with well-defined details. This is particularly evident in scenes involving young deer, where antler details clearly emerge, unlike in other devices. The three signal amplification options, together with the smooting filters, allowed me to quickly adapt the thermal viewer to my preferences and the observation situation. I found the various color palette modes to be highly functional, with a personal preference for the White Hot and Black Hot options, as well as Red Hot and Rainbow, depending on the weather conditions and scenes being observed.

Once I learned how to operate the photo button, I was able to quickly capture shots and stop video recording when necessary. The display provides a pleasant viewing experience without straining the eyes. In addition, the battery life proved to be excellent. Using other high-end thermal viewers from different companies, I got used to different menus. However, after a few hours of use, I was able to become familiar with the Pulsar menu and use it to my satisfaction. However, I would have preferred a dedicated button for changing palettes directly on the surface of the viewer, since in some cases, especially when observing fast-moving subjects hiding among vegetation, I needed to change color palettes quickly.

FIGURE 9- Spindle deer at about 20 meters at 5x and male deer with female at 12x at about 90 meters from the observation point. The algorithm provides excellent images

REAL RECOGNITION DISTANCE

Undoubtedly, it is in the most subtle details that the real difference in the performance of a thermal viewer becomes apparent. Personally, I believe that it is precisely on these faint details, which emerge on roe deer, wild boar and deer at medium and long distances, that the distinctive capabilities of a thermal device such as the AXION 2 XG35 are revealed. This is especially evident when trying to distinguish between different animals, such as a doe and a roe.

In situations like these, rendering at 5X proves particularly useful. I am convinced that the thermal viewer can cope successfully with these kinds of observations at distances between 180 and 220 meters, especially when dealing with larger subjects. Under these circumstances, the thermal viewer is able to bring out crucial details such as antler conformation, size differences, and morphological traits. This ability to discern details contributes to a better understanding of the observed species, allowing us to appreciate the individual nuances and peculiarities that make each animal unique.

PROS AND CONS

PROS

Compact and lightweight
Rugged and well waterproofed
Excellent quality 640×480 sensor built in France
Quick to turn on and operate
Excellent AMOLED display
Very quick, fast and accurate algorithm
Very good battery life
Eight palettes
Dual Wi-Fi 2.4/5 GHz waveband support
Photography, video even with audio

CONS

Cannot quickly change color palettes with a dedicated button
Tendency to warm up faster than some competing thermal viewers under the same conditions

FIG.10 – As you may have understood I particularly liked this thermal viewer, the changes I would require as a finicky user are definitely very few

IN SUMMARY

The PULSAR AXION 2 GX35 thermal viewer is truly an excellent demonstration of the potential in the field of thermal observation viewers. Its combination of compactness, high-quality sensor, stable software, and excellent algorithm results in high-level performance, taking into account the characteristics of the sensor and 35 mm lens used.

Battery life is a strong point that makes it a reliable partner for extended observations, while good waterproofing allows it to be used without worry even in the most adverse weather conditions. The AXION 2 XG35 represents a concentration of powerful technology despite its small size. It is an ideal choice for those who prefer to travel light but want high-performance and reliable tools. Ultimately, this thermal viewer offers the perfect balance between portability and performance, meeting the needs of enthusiasts and professionals who demand a high-quality device.

PRICES

Brignoli’s suggested price is €2,492.40 VAT INCLUDED

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I thank Gianni Brignoli of the armory “BRIGNOLI SILVIO & C. snc ” for providing the specimen subject of this test, leaving me free to quote my impressions. I remind readers that the AXION 2 XG35 is available on their online shop

DISCLAIMER

This is a translation of the original article at www.termicienotturni.it. It was created via deepl.com. So I apologize for any errors

“Termicienotturni.it” is an editorial project of Piergiovanni Salimbeni – Italian Independent Journalist. The tested products are not for sale, they are returned after viewing and I do not receive any percentage on the eventual sale of the reviewed model. Origin STB sent the product for viewing leaving me free to quote my unbiased impressions as is the duty of any journalist.