Technical specifications

Values are transcribed from the FM500C1 / FM500C01 controlled user manual, revision v2 dated 18 October 2026. Values apply within the stated operating-temperature range after the sight has reached thermal equilibrium. This page is a product reference, not an independent test report or certification.

Optical and display

Power

Mechanical and environmental

FM500C1 at a glance

The FM500C1 is a compact square-format thermal imaging sight. It integrates a 256 × 192 thermal imaging module, a 13 mm F0.9 objective lens and a 1.6-inch 360 × 320 touchscreen, and is controlled by two buttons together with touch gestures on the main interface. The model is also identified as FM500C01 in the supplied documentation; FM500C1 and FM500C01 refer to the same product.

The sight provides five image palettes and five reticle colours, adjustable image contrast, brightness and enhancement, hot-spot tracking, burn-in protection, and still-photo and video capture. Zeroing is carried out directly in the zeroing screen. The standard mounting interface is the supplied RMR base; optional Picatinny mounts and an RMSc base are available, subject to the delivery documents.

The FM500C1 is intended for aiming and observation on host equipment that provides a compatible RMR mounting interface, and for use only in accordance with the laws and regulations of the country of use. It is not a toy and is not intended for use by children. It does not replace safe handling practice.

Key features

• 256 × 192 thermal imaging module with a 13 mm F0.9 objective lens.
• 1.6-inch, 360 × 320 touchscreen; field of view 13.5° × 10.1°.
• Dual control: two buttons for power, shutter calibration and capture; touchscreen for menu, reticle, palette and magnification settings.
• Five image palettes: white hot, black hot, green hot, red hot and iron; palettes can be enabled or disabled individually.
• Five reticle colours (white, black, green, blue and red); reticle size adjustable; zeroing with the direction keys.
• Imaging functions: image contrast, image/reticle/screen brightness, enhancement, hot-spot tracking and burn-in protection.
• Still photos and video capture controlled by the photo/video button.
• Two 16280 batteries with an operating time of at least 8 h; Type-C 5 V external power input.
• RMR base supplied; optional Picatinny mounts and an RMSc base are available.
• Compact and light: 99 g excluding batteries, 53 × 42 × 43 mm.
• Environmental: operating temperature −20 °C to +50 °C; shock resistance 1,000 g.

How the thermal imaging channel works

The FM500C1 uses an uncooled thermal imaging module to detect long-wave infrared radiance from the scene. The 13 mm F0.9 objective forms an image on the detector, and the electronics convert the signal into a visible image on the 1.6-inch touchscreen. Because the image is formed from thermal radiance rather than reflected visible light, targets can remain visible in low light or darkness when their temperature differs from the background.

Five palettes let the user match the display to the scene: white hot, black hot, green hot, red hot and iron. Contrast, brightness and enhancement settings affect how much detail is visible. Hot-spot tracking highlights the warmest region, and burn-in protection reduces the risk of a static bright image leaving a persistent trace on the display.

The FM500C1 is an imaging and aiming sight, not a calibrated radiometric thermometer. Its palettes display relative thermal contrast; they do not provide a certified temperature measurement.

Performance conditions and limits

• Thermal contrast depends on target-to-background temperature difference and emissivity. Low-contrast scenes may show little detail even when the detector is working correctly.
• Atmospheric transmission is reduced by fog, heavy rain, dust and smoke. Thermal imaging can help in some obscurants, but it does not guarantee seeing through every one.
• Ordinary glass blocks much of the long-wave infrared band, so the sight generally cannot image through a closed window or glass barrier.
• Operating time depends on video recording, screen and reticle brightness, the number of shutter calibrations and ambient temperature.
• Shock rating (1,000 g) is a stated test value, not a guarantee for every host, mount, ammunition load or installation.
• Storage humidity is a storage condition, not an operating-humidity or enclosure-rating claim.

Intended use and application scenarios

The FM500C1 is intended for aiming and observation on host equipment that provides a compatible RMR mounting interface, and for use only in accordance with the laws and regulations of the country of use. It is not a toy and is not intended for use by children.

• Compact thermal observation and aiming on RMR-footprint hosts where the mount and host are rated for the sight.
• Low-light and night observation where thermal contrast reveals target outlines.
• Thermal survey and field observation using the five palettes, contrast/brightness controls and hot-spot tracking.
• Documentation of field observations with still photos and video.
• Sport shooting, hunting where lawful, training and professional use on compatible hosts.

Application examples describe configuration possibilities, not a guarantee of detection, identification, hit probability or legality in a particular jurisdiction. Confirm local law and the host/mount compatibility before use.

Mounting, power and configuration

The standard mounting interface is the supplied RMR base. Optional 90° side-flip Picatinny, 45° Picatinny, one-piece quick-detach Picatinny and RMSc bases are listed in the supplied manual, subject to the delivery documents. The manual notes a mounting torque of 15–20 ft-lb on the accessory documentation; confirm the torque and installation requirements of the actual mount and host. The mounting interface of the host equipment and the delivery documents of the mounting parts govern compatibility.

Power is supplied by two 16280 batteries, with a Type-C 5 V external power input. The manual describes the supplied charger and Type-C cable; use the supplied charger for the cells. The supplied manual gives the complete battery, menu, zeroing and inspection procedure; this page intentionally does not reproduce operating instructions.

Before installation, zeroing, cleaning or any inspection, confirm that the host equipment is unloaded and in a safe state. After any impact, mount change or re-tightening, re-check the zeroing result before relying on the point of impact.

Care, storage and safety

• Remove loose dust and large particles with a clean soft brush or an air blower before wiping the objective lens. Wipe the lens with a lens cloth or professional lens tissue in one direction without pressing hard.
• Wipe non-optical surfaces with a clean, soft, dry cloth. Do not use organic solvents, alkaline cleaners or abrasive fabrics on the housing or optical surfaces. Do not touch the optical surfaces with fingers.
• If the sight becomes wet, dry the outer surfaces before opening the battery compartment, and power it on only after it is dry.
• Remove the batteries for long-term storage. Store in a dry, ventilated environment free of corrosive gases at 0 °C to +55 °C and no more than 80 % RH. Keep the sight in its protective case, protected from impact, direct sunlight and corrosive substances.
• Do not disassemble or modify the sight, and do not replace parts with non-original items. Do not attempt to clean the inside of the housing or objective assembly.
• Do not point the sight directly at the sun, lasers, welding equipment or other high-intensity heat sources, whether powered on or off.
• Do not disassemble, throw or short-circuit the batteries, and do not put them into fire or water. Do not dispose of lithium cells with household waste; follow local recycling and disposal rules.