AOS C-Series User manual

AOS High Speed Cameras
Camera Manual
C-Series
AOS Technologies AG
Taefernstrasse 20
CH-5405 Baden –Daettwil, Switzerland
Tel: [phone] / fax [phone]
[e-mail]
www.aostechnologies.com

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1INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................... 5
General description of AOS High Speed Camera ............................................................... 5
Unpacking / Check of completene ss ................................................................................ 5
2CONNECTING THE CAMERA TO A PC ........................................................................... 6
2.1.1 Visual inspection ............................................................................................... 6
2.1.2 Battery charging ................................................................................................ 6
2.1.2.1 Considerations for rechargeable Batteries used in AOS products ............................ 7
2.1.3 Switching-on and -off procedure ......................................................................... 7
2.1.4 Reset to Factory Preset ...................................................................................... 7
2.1.5 Force camera shut-down .................................................................................... 8
2.1.6 Connecting the camera to a PC............................................................................ 8
2.1.7 C-VIT Ethernet Port ............................................................................................ 9
3INSTALLATION OF THE CONTROL SOFTWARE AND CAMERA D RIVERS..............................10
4OPERATION OF THE HIGH-SPEED CAMERA..................................................................10
4.1.1 The Camera Rear Panel ......................................................................................10
4.1.2 The Camera Front Panel ....................................................................................11
5LED ......................................................................................................................12
5.1.1 Status LED’s .....................................................................................................12
5.1.2 Data Interface LED (part of Ethernet Connector) ..................................................15
6OPERATION MODES ................................................................................................16
6.1.1 Sleep mode ......................................................................................................16
6.1.2 Ready mode .....................................................................................................16
6.1.3 Pre-triggering mode ..........................................................................................17
6.1.4 Recording mode ................................................................................................17
7SYSTEM SETUP .......................................................................................................18
7.1.1 Scope of supply ................................................................................................18
7.2 System Extensions (optional) .............................................................................19
7.2.1 Non-Volatile Memory (optional) .........................................................................19
7.2.2 HDMI Interface (option) ....................................................................................20
7.2.3 I/O Channels ....................................................................................................20
7.2.4 Wi-Fi Connection ..............................................................................................20
8MULTI CAMERA SETUPS ..........................................................................................21
8.1.1 Multi camera systems without frame synchronization ..........................................21
8.1.2 Frame Synchronization ......................................................................................22
8.1.3 Multi camera systems with frame synchronization (setting 1) ...............................23
8.1.4 Multi camera systems with frame synchronization (setting 2) ...............................24
8.1.5 Multi camera systems with frame synchronization (setting 3) ...............................25
9MAINTENANCE .......................................................................................................26
9.1.1 Lenses .............................................................................................................26

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9.1.2 Battery ............................................................................................................26
9.1.3 Cleaning the AOS High Speed Camera Infrared filter ............................................26
10 TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................................................................27
11 APPENDICES ..........................................................................................................28
11.1 Description of external input and output signals .................................................28
11.1.1 Pinout I/O Connector ........................................................................................28
11.1.2 Connector reference .........................................................................................29
11.1.3 Universal I/O description ...................................................................................29
12 CE DECLARATION ...................................................................................................30
13 LIMITED LIABILITY ..................................................................................................31
14 OPTIONS AND ACCESSORIES ....................................................................................32
14.1.1 Pigtail cable AOS part# 2200117 .........................................................................32
14.1.2 Camera Hubs ....................................................................................................32

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For information please contact us at:
AOS Technologies AG
Taefernstrasse 20
5405 Baden –Daettwil, Switzerland
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Web
www.aostechnologies.com
[e-mail]
Please also refer to your AOS Technologies representative in your area.
List of manual revisions
Rev
Date
Release notes
1.1.0
12.04.2017
Release C-VIT
1.1.1
1.12.2017
revised pinout description
1.1.2
22.11.2018
Added chapter Wi-Fi connection
1.1.3
16.08.2019
corrigendum
AOS Technologies is under no circumstances responsible for any loss of
data, interpretation of measurements and/or interpretation of recordings
taken with the camera. It is the sole responsibility of the user to
successfully record and/or interpret any information collected by using
this camera.
Copyright
The information in this manual is subject to changes without any prior notice and supplied “as
is”. AOS Technologies makes no warranty of any kind with regards of the information provided
herein. This limitation includes but not limits to implied warranties of merchantability and
fitness for a particular purpose AOS is under no circumstances liable for errors contained
herein nor for incidental or consequential damages from the furnishing of thi s information No
part of this manual may be photocopied or in any other means copied unless a written consent
of AOS Technologies explicitly allows such procedures.

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1Introduction
CONGRATULATIONS! By purchasing an AOS High Speed Camera high -speed digital imaging
system, you have acquired a versatile, future oriented, self -contained digital camera system.
AOS Technologies AG has combined advanced camera features with easy to use software to
create a solution for your high-speed recording needs. The intent o f this manual is to provide
the information required for a smooth operation of AOS High Speed Camera
General description of AOS High Speed Camera
AOS High Speed Camera is a high -speed camera capable of record and store data in its built-in
camera memory. The rechargeable battery allows operation of up to 15 minutes autonomous
time and up to 30 mins stand-by time.
Unpacking / Check of completeness
Unpack your camera from its transport box and check if all accessories are complete
Standard scope of delivery is:
Qty
Description
1
AOS High Speed Camera
1
Power/Trigger cable 0. 5m
1
Power Supply
1
CAT6 Data cable 5.0m
Standard scope of delivery may vary from model, territory and distributor.

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2Connecting the camera to a PC
Prior the first use of your new AOS high speed camera, certain steps need to be followed for a
successful start.
2.1.1 Visual inspection
Unpack the camera and visual inspection. Check for any visible damages.
2.1.2 Battery charging
Your AOS high speed camera features a built-in, re-chargeable battery. Prior its first use, as
well as prior of any recording session, makes sure the battery is fully charged. This is also
recommended if you have your high-speed camera always connected to power as the built -in
battery will protect the image memory again st power failures and power losses.
Connect your AOS high speed camera to power following these steps:
-switch off your camera
-connect the Power/Trigger cable (included with each camera) to the cameras I/O
connector at the rear
-connect the 2-pin LEMO connector of the Power/Trigger cable to the DC -Adapter
(included with each camera)
-Connect the DC-Adapter to mains (110…230VAC)
-Check if the cameras “Charge” LED lights up in green
-Charging time is approx. 4 hours (if battery is fully discharged)
The input range of AOS High Speed Camera is 10 to 36VDC. If applying
more than 36VDC serious damages of the camera results. Such damages
are not covered by the warranty.
External trigger signal
(closing switch / TTL low)
External power supply.
Also used to charge battery

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2.1.2.1 Considerations for rechargeable Batteries used in AOS products
Before conducting any tests where battery operation of the camera or
backup of the memory in case of power fail is required make sure that the
capacity of the battery is sufficient and the battery is charged. AOS
Techno log ie s is u n de r no circu mstan c es resp o nsib le f or any l oss o f da t a
in ca se batte ries fa i l fo r whatev e r reaso n s.
Batteries have a limited life time that heavily depends on the use of the
camera. The batteries are NO T covered by the AOS general warranty. AOS
warrants that at time of shipment the batteries h ave its nominal capacity.
Replacement of batteries by aut horized and trained AOS personnel only.
Any kind of warranty is immediately void if batteries are replaced by non -
authorized personnel.
The batteries used in the AOS cameras are of NiMH typ e (Nickel metal
hydride).
When disposing the camera make sure to follow proper environmental
handling and guidelines.
2.1.3 Switching-on and -off procedure
1- Switching on (standard) when camera is switched off
•press “Power” push button
shortly
•wait until startup sequence has
been completed (“System” LED comes to a rest)
2- Switching off (standard) when camera is switched on
•press “Power” push button shortly
•“Power / Reset” LED will indicate the
shutdown sequence
2.1.4 Reset to Factory Preset
When it is required to go back to factory presets (e.g. IP address unknown) the following
procedure applies
•Power off the camera.
•press and hold “Power” push button for more than 4 seconds
•once LED starts flashing release button and wait until startup sequence has been
completed
Note: The factory pre-set IP address is in the range of 10.0.0.115 to
10.0.0.130

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2.1.5 Force camera shut-down
Sometimes, due to external events such as heavy EMI discharge on camera or DC voltage
electrical noise the camera “hangs up”. To abort an y camera operation and enforce switch off
camera the following procedure applies:
•press “Power” push button for more than 4 seconds
•Camera shuts down without the normal procedure. This is only necessary and
recommended if the camera does not react on the standard switching off procedure
(see par. 3) or is in a “freak” position (i.e. all LED’s blinking)
Note that in case you switch off any C-series camera it is imminent to have
the camera unpowered for min 30 sec. before switch on again. When
switching on the camera within 30 sec after power down some setting may
not be deleted due to camera internal power management reasons.
Note: When it is necessary to reset the camera, hold the reset button
pressed for a minimum of 1 sec. Otherwise faulty settings may be loaded.
2.1.6 Connecting the camera to a PC
Your AOS camera does not need a special or dedicated control device, often called “camera
controller” or similar. With its standard Gigabit Ethernet data interface, your camera can be
simply connected to any standard PC (Laptop or Desktop) or Ethernet-based LAN data
network.
Follow the following steps to connect the camera to your PC
-install the included camera control SW (AOS Imaging Studio V4)
-switch your camera on (see 2.1.3)
-connect the included CAT6 data cable to the camera and to the appropriate port on
your PC

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2.1.7 C-VIT Ethernet Port
C-VIT offers a lockable Ethernet connection link to PC is desired in e.g. Hi gh-G crash tests.
Alternatively, a standard Ethernet cable with RJ45 connectors are of CAT6 type can be used.

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3Installation of the Control Software and Camera drivers
Please refer to the “AOS Imaging Studio V4 Manual” and “Installation guide”, also to be found
on the included CD
4Operation of the High-Speed Camera
The operation is primarily done by using the included AOS Imaging Studio camera control
software. Therefore, all functions and instructions how to op erate the camera can be found in
the “AOS Imaging Studio Manual” (to be found as a pdf file on the included CD).
Please follow the manual carefully to execute all operations.
In case of uncertainties or questions, please do not hesitate to contact your A OS distributor
or our support engineers.
4.1.1 The Camera Rear Panel
C-VIT Backpanel
Status LED’s
Data IF connector RJ45
Power switch
Reset switch
Data IF LED’s
I/O Connector

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4.1.2 The Camera Front Panel
The “Power / Reset”, “Charge / low Batt” and “Sync” status LED duplicates the same LED on
the camera back panel (see 5.1.1 for explanation)
Your high-speed camera has been carefully adjusted for accurate back focus alignment to
make sure your lenses can be precisely focused all the way between close up and infinity.
However, if you use special (close up) optics or any non -standard lens, it might be necessary
to re-adjust the back focus by following these steps:
Adjusting the back focus:
-loosen Allen screws to free focus ring on
both sides of the camera
-set lens to infinity and its iris to
maximum (lowest f-stop number, i.e.
1.4)
-aim at an object near the horizon
(infinite setting)
-adjust focus ring until distant object is
in focus
-set lens to 2m
-aim at an object in exactly 2m distance
(newspaper on a wall)
-adjust focus ring until object is in focus
-repeat steps until close and distant
objects can be focused correctly
2mm Allen
screw
Back Focus ring

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5LED
5.1.1 Status LED’s
Your high-speed camera has a number of Status LED’s on its back panel to indicate operation
modes and error codes. The LED’s indicate
-operation mode
-battery status
-power status
-data transfer information
-error codes
Explanation
LED off
LED permanently green
LED permanently red
LED blinking green
LED blinking red
LED blinking green and red (alternate colors)
Power / Reset LED
Remarks
Camera switched off
Camera on
(normal mode)
Camera has been switched on normally by the
power push button
Camera on
(Factory reset mode)
Power push button has been pressed for 4 secs.
Camera starts in the Factory Reset Mode and
resets all parameters to Factory Default values
before camera switches off
Camera on battery and
switch on LED is blinking 3
times
Battery has low charge; the camera must be
connected to power first.
Camera is switching off
(Power off mode)
Camera has been switched off by the power push
button. Camera operating system shuts down.
Camera reset
(Reset mode)
Camera has been reset. Operating system starts.
Image data remain unchanged. When the reset
mode is completed, camera changes to normal
mode

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Charge / Low Batt LED
Remarks
Battery is fully charged
Battery is charging
Low battery capacity
Battery needs to be charged immediately or when
power is connected battery charge is too low for
autonomous operation
Unknown Battery Status
(slow blinking frequency)
Battery charge status is unknown, connected
power and charge full
Battery not detected (fast
blinking frequency)
Battery is not detected or defective. Connect
power and charge for approx. 10mins. If status
remains unchanged contact your distributor or
[e-mail]
System Error LED
Remarks
Booting error
Switch off camera (power switch) or
reset camera (reset switch).
If camera does not start, con tact your AOS
partner
Start up sequence
Camera will be in normal mode within seconds
Start up sequence
completed
(normal mode)
Camera error
Switch off camera (power switch) or
reset camera (reset switch).
If camera does not start, contact your AOS
partner
Note: When it is necessary to reset the camera, hold the reset button
pressed for a minimum of 1 sec. Otherwise faulty settings may be loaded.

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Ready / Data LED
Remarks
Normal mode
Camera ready
Camera is ready to record
Pre-trigger buffer gets filled
with image data
Camera records and fills image data in ring buffer
Camera in pre-trigger mode
Camera is waiting to receive the trigger signal to
start recording
Camera triggered
Camera continues recording until image memory
is full
Image data download
Image data is being downloaded to PC or internal
CF memory
Download completed
Download o f ima ge data co mp leted .
Next recording can be started
Sync LED
Remarks
No external sync
External sync signal received
External sync signal controls the image clock
Sync error
Sync error: actual frame rate is lower than the
external clock. Check camera settings

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5.1.2 Data Interface LED (part of Ethernet Connector)
Upper LED
Remarks
No link
Link established
Transferring data
Lower LED
Remarks
Transfer speed:
10/100 Mbits/sec
Transfer speed:
1000 Mbits/sec
Upper LED
Lower LED

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„armed“
6Operation Modes
AOS High Speed Camera basically has 5 operation modes that allow an efficient power
management. Understanding the functionality of the camera is essential for best operation of
the camera.
6.1.1 Sleep mode
In the sleep mode the camera internally shuts down all tasks not requi red for data security,
communication and battery charging. Recording in the camera buffer are retained and may be
accessed again. Lowest power consumption assures data securit y in the RAM buffers for up to
30mins. By receiving a command, the camera goes automatically into READY mode.
The duration of how long data are retained in RAM memory of the camera
is depending on the capacity of the built-in battery. The battery assures
30min of data security under standard conditions , depending on the
capacity of the battery used. Battery time is affected by temperature, age
of battery and humidity that can result in a substantial reduction of the
time which data can be retained in the RAM.
6.1.2 Ready mode
In this mode the camera runs at full speed but having the se nsor only active for preview
modes. In this mode the camera is being parameterized and setting of the scene is performed.
By clicking the green button, the camera goes into the READY mode. If in the option “Skip
Set-to-rec” is selected the camera goes dir ectly into recording mode as selected. A message
will appear to acknowledge the overwriting of the buffer.
Mode:
Output signals:
Preview /
Idle
Ready
Pre-
triggered
Recording
Set ready
Set-to-rec
Trigger
„triggered“
Input signals /
commands:

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6.1.3 Pre-triggering mode
When a pre-trigger time is selected the camera may go from READY mode into PRE-TRIGGERED
mode by either clicking on the white button icon on the screen or by using the external
connector to supply a PRE-TRIGGERING signal from an external source. Once in PRE-TRIGGERED
mode the amber and red light on the back of the camera start flashing.
When you put the camera into PRE -TRIGGERED mode via the PC, be sure
you have not disconnected the Ethernet link. The Ethernet link may be
disconnected after the camera is in PRE -TRIGGERED mode.
6.1.4 Recording mode
In this mode the camera finishes the ongoing recording and then awaits access (reconnection
of the Ethernet link). The camera automatically goes into a power save mode after the
recording.
As long as unsaved data is in the camera (no access via Ethernet after a
recording) the red “Data” LE D is con stantly on. After a ccessing the ca mer a
via Ethernet this LED goes out.

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7System setup
Your AOS highspeed camera with its standard Gigabit Ethernet Data interface can be used in
many different configurations, depending on the application you have.
7.1.1 Scope of supply
Your AOS high speed camera is delivered with the follo wing:
-high speed camera
-Power / Trigger Adapter cable 0.5m
-Ethernet data cable
-power supply 110-230VDC/24VDC
Add-Ons
Add-ons are extension modules especially designed for your AOS high speed camera and will
extend the functionality of your camera for your specific applications.
Some add-ons have to be purchased with the camera (i.e. the CF ast interface), others may be
purchased at any time (i.e. Firm- and Software add-ons). Please contact your distributor for
more information.

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7.2 System Extensions (optional)
The C-VIT offers a number of extensions for adding expanded functionality and storage
options in the camera. These options must be purchased with camera or for later updates the
camera must be returned to the factory for hardware update
Available extensions are
•CFast card slot
•HDMI output on camera
•Wi-Fi connectivity
7.2.1 Non-Volatile Memory (optional)
C-series cameras offer non -volatile memory in the camera.
The widely used non -volatile Compact Flash memory cards in CFast standard offer a
convenient way to have your image data downloaded from the camera memory. Instead of
downloading the image data via the Gigabit Ethernet data interface to your PC’s hard disk, the
image data gets downloaded to the CFast memory card inserted into your camera. The camera
supports hot plug of the CFast cards.
Reserved
HDMI out
Reserved
CFast card slot

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7.2.2 HDMI Interface (option)
The AOS High Speed cameras are optionally available with a HDMI video output. This HDMI
must be ordered together with the camera.
Limitations
Definition of HDMI is found here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI
7.2.3 I/O Channels
Each AOS High Speed Camera features I/O -Channels to either accept external signals (i.e.
positioning switch) or to provide a digital output signal (i.e. “trigger out”).
The AOS High Speed Camera offer possibilities to fit a signal as in - or
output according customer needs. Contact us under
[e-mail] for discussing your needs.
7.2.4 Wi-Fi Connection
The Wi-Fi connection can be used to control the camera. The C-Series camera support 2.4GHz
and 5GHz.
To get the best throughput consider the following points:
-Connect the access point with a gigabit ethernet cable to the PC (not Wireless).
-5GHz has in most cases better performance than 2.4GHz.
-Cable and Wi-Fi connections must be in different subnets.
The attached sketch shows a typical IP setup: