Introduction
Pulsar Helion XQ is a successor to the Quantum series. After upgrading the Quantum series for three times, Pulsar has decided to introduce a new series. Helion XQ is a giant step forward from Quantum and other models as far as workmanship is concerned. One of its most notable features is definitely its IPX7 standard certification (the device is protected against water immersion for 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter). Pulsar used materials of great quality for the housing, and a sole grasp of the device will make the user realize that it is truly a first-rate piece of equipment. Pulsar came up with a new revolutionary system for the battery – it can be changed within a second, and the mechanism does not affect the device’s protection against water. Furthermore, the device is held in such a way that the battery is heated by the user’s hand, which is great in winter. The B-pack is probably one of the most outstanding innovations in the world of thermal imaging cameras and will undoubtedly improve the user experience. The price is expected to be similar to that of Quantum XQ or even a bit lower. With Helion XQ, Pulsar has finally entered the world of multimedia (Quantum XQ series was equipped with an external recording unit, which was somewhat clumsy to use).

Not only does Helion XQ grant the user with the ability to record videos and take photos over a mobile phone or knobs on the device, it also allows the manipulation of other controls over a mobile phone (changing magnification, contrast, brightness, colours of the display; switching between operation modes etc.). The application to control these features (Stream Vision) is one of the most perfected on the market and will be used on all Pulsar‘s night optics products. It is extraordinary that the device will not have to be held in hand at all times but will allow the user to place it basically everywhere (e.g. on the car) and control it over a mobile phone, which expands the possibility of use to a great extent. Pulsar Helion XQ has got a similarly-sized sensor (384×288, 17um) as Quantum XQ and consequently similar magnifications and slightly improved optical characteristics. Another series, also introduced, is Helion XP. The models from this series have a larger sensor than Helion XQ (640×480, 17um), a better resolution, better detection and a wider field of view (everything that comes with an improved sensor). Regarding optical characteristics, the Helion XQ series are on the same level as the Quantum XQ series but have a visually and technically perfected housing, an improved battery and simplified battery replacement. They also come with better menus and have multimedia capabilities.
Model range
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XQ19F – range of detection up to 700 m, magnification 1.6x–6.4x, lens diameter of 19 mm)
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XQ30F – range of detection up to 800 m, magnification 2.5x–10x, lens diameter of 30 mm)
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XQ38F – range of detection up to 1350 m, magnification 3.1x–12.4x, lens diameter of 38 mm)
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XQ50F – range of detection up to 1800 m, magnification 4.1x–16.4x, lens diameter of 50 mm)

Specifications
New features
Helion XQ comes with an application called Stream Vision. It enables the user to connect a mobile phone to the Pulsar device, providing full control of it. The device is protected against water immersion for 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter. Another novelty is the B battery pack (Quantum XQ series did not have it).
First impressions
Helion XQ is an outstanding device. The image is sharp, allowing the user to clearly distinguish details. Helion XQ projects a wide range of colours portraying levels of heat. The battery compartment is brilliantly designed, and the application is first-rate – the user is encouraged to manage the device over a mobile phone. The knobs on the device are somewhat stiff to the feel, and the device lacks a rotating button. Pulsar compensated for the lack of this rotating button by introducing a remote control with it which can be bought extra.
Conclusion
Helion XQ series thermal imaging devices have a high value for money rate (at the moment, these thermal imaging devices have the best price/quality ratio on the market). Ergonomically, they are fantastic and without competition on the thermal imaging scopes market. Currently, Helion is a thermal imaging device with the best optical performance in this price class, as regards the civilian market. Pulsar has managed to make a modern device with an up-to-date application that will undoubtedly not let down its buyers.
