Operation

Using the Device

The hardware essentials: what the parts are, how to power and charge it, how to aim it, and how to swap the battery. For the on-screen interface, see the Screen Guide.

Overview

Device at a glance

A robust, lightweight handheld with a 4-inch touchscreen, a single power button on the back, a USB-C port on the bottom for charging and data, and a trigger on the handle that takes a measurement.

Device overview showing side, rear, and bottom views with feature callouts
Figure 2 — Device overview (side / rear / bottom views)

Feature callouts

  • 4-inch touch screen
  • Power button
  • Protective cover
  • Trigger
  • Battery cover
  • Lanyard loop
  • USB-C port / charging port

Power

Powering on and off

Power on

  1. Press and hold the power button for 3–5 seconds. The green targeting lasers and the screen backlight turn on — the startup sequence has begun.
  2. Release as soon as the screen lights up.
  3. Wait for the main screen. The device finishes its startup routine and is ready to use.
Caution: holding the button too long triggers an immediate shutdown — a safety feature to prevent accidental battery drain.

Power off

  1. Press and hold the power button for 3–5 seconds until the screen goes black.
  2. Release the button immediately once the screen turns off. The device is now powered down.
The device can also be set to turn off automatically — configure this in Power Settings.
If the device doesn’t power on, check the battery charge level and recharge if necessary.

Charging

How to charge

  1. Locate the USB-C port at the bottom of the device and connect the supplied USB-C cable.
  2. Plug the other end into a certified USB power adapter or computer port.
  3. While charging, the battery indicator shows a charging symbol and the exact battery percentage.
  4. A 100 % indicator means fully charged. The device may stay connected to power without risk of overcharging.

LED indicator

  • A steady red LED indicates the battery is charged.
  • A flashing LED indicates the battery is actively charging.

Optics

Optics and sighting

The Helios gives you target vision through a camera mounted 2 cm above the pyrometer’s optical axis, with green targeting lasers 2 cm to the left and right. All four optical axes are aligned at manufacture to be parallel. The camera and pyrometer focus are fixed.

Optical overview showing camera, pyrometer, and green dot laser positions
Figure 3 — Optical overview: ① camera ② pyrometer ③ green dot laser

Key facts

  • Camera field of view: 30°
  • Pyrometer spot size: ~20 mm diameter at 1–2 m, opening to 30 mm at 3 m
  • Spectral response: 1 µm
  • Laser: Class II, < 1 mW

Spot size vs. distance

Target distanceCollection area
1 m (3.3 ft)20 mm (0.8 in)
2 m (6.6 ft)20 mm (0.8 in)
3 m (9.8 ft)30 mm (1.2 in)
5 m (16.4 ft)60 mm (2.4 in)
10 m (32.8 ft)140 mm (5.5 in)

Aiming and the reticle

Because the pyrometer and camera sit on different optical axes, the area on screen where the pyrometer collects light depends on distance. The measurement area is always along the center vertical line, and approaches the center of the screen as the target gets farther away. The Helios reticle is designed to show how that measurement position shifts with distance.

About these diagrams. The aiming diagrams below are optical concept illustrations. They are drawn inside a stylized device-screen frame whose on-screen chrome is illustrative and does not match the current interface. For the real, current UI, use the Screen Guide. Art refresh TBD
Measurement area alignment diagram showing the reticle
Figure 4 — Measurement-area alignment
Laser spot position at about 1 meter
Figure 5a — Laser spots at ~1 m
Laser spot position at about 3.5 meters
Figure 5b — Laser spots at ~3.5 m

Maintenance

Replacing the battery

The battery is a commonly available Li-ion pack and is user-serviceable. It’s accessed through the battery cover on the handle grip.

Exploded view of the battery replacement procedure
Figure 6 — Battery replacement (exploded view)
  1. Remove the 4× M2 screws on the battery cover.
  2. Remove the battery and fit the replacement pack.
  3. Seat the battery connector into its pocket — insert it without compression between the battery and the case.
Caution: ensure the battery connector is replaced into the connector pocket and inserted without compression between the battery and the case.

Warnings

Safe operation

Repair, service, and returns. Apart from the user-replaceable battery pack, this device contains no user-serviceable parts. Repairs to the internal electronics and optical components may only be carried out by BASF or a BASF-authorized agent. Return devices in protective packaging; contact us for an RMA number — see Support.
Disposal. This device contains electronic components and must be treated as electronic waste at end of life. Consult your local regulations before disposal.