FLIR Tau Camera Link Installation and operating instructions

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Tau Camera Link Module
Operation and Modification
Application Note
FLIR Commercial Systems
70 Castilian Drive
Goleta, CA 93117
Phone: [phone]
www.flir.com
Document Number: 102-PS242-100-02
Version: 100
Issue Date: October 2011
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Table of Contents
1.0 Document..........................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Revision History ...........................................................................................................................3
1.2 Scope.............................................................................................................................................3
2.0 Camera Link Operation.....................................................................................................................4
2.1 Camera Link Module....................................................................................................................4
2.2 FLIR Camera Controller GUI.......................................................................................................4
2.3 Physical Connection......................................................................................................................5
2.4 Software Connection.....................................................................................................................6
2.5 Digital Data via Camera Link.......................................................................................................8
2.6 Troubleshooting the FLIR Camera Controller GUI....................................................................11
3.0 Communications via Camera Link .................................................................................................11
3.1 Hardware Change........................................................................................................................12
3.2 Communication with Camera Link frame grabber .....................................................................13
3.3 Communication with other Frame Grabbers...............................................................................15
4.0 External Sync..................................................................................................................................15
Table of Figures
Figure 1: Tau Camera Link Module installed on a Tau 640 camera.............................................................4
Figure 2: BNC to RCA Adapter....................................................................................................................5
Figure 3: Device Manager showing proper driver installation .....................................................................6
Figure 4: FLIR Camera Controller GUI Status Tab –Not Connected..........................................................7
Figure 5: FLIR Camera Controller GUI Connection Window Part 1...........................................................7
Figure 6: FLIR Camera Controller GUI Connection Window Part 2...........................................................8
Figure 7: FLIR Camera Controller GUI Status Tab –Connected ................................................................8
Figure 8: FLIR Camera Controller GUI –Digital Tab.................................................................................9
Figure 9: Imperx FrameLink Express Software –Camera Parameters Window........................................10
Figure 10: FLIR Camera Controller Error Message...................................................................................11
Figure 11: Philips screws to remove...........................................................................................................12
Figure 12: Jack Screws to remove ..............................................................................................................12
Figure 13: Electrical Schematic –Communication Circuitry.....................................................................12
Figure 14: Photo of R11..............................................................................................................................13
Figure 15: Board Layout of R11.................................................................................................................13
Figure 16: FrameLink Express –Terminal Window ..................................................................................14

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Figure 17: FrameLink Express –Virtual COM..........................................................................................14
Figure 18: Electrical Schematic –Camera Link Connector on Camera Link Accessory...........................15
Figure 19: Ext Sync Header Connection.....................................................................................................16
Figure 20: External Sync Location.............................................................................................................16
1.0Document
1.1 Revision History
Version
Date
Comments
010
10/14/2011
Initial Draft
1.2 Scope
The Camera Link module is an expansion board for the Tau camera that USB power and communication,
analog video, and digital data via Camera Link connection. The Camera Link module takes CMOS-type
digital data from the Tau camera and converts it to Camera Link. It is also possible to make hardware
modifications to this board to enable communication over Camera Link as well as access to external sync.
The FLIR website will have the newest version of this document as well as offer access to many other
supplemental resources: http://www.flir.com/cvs/cores/resources/
Here is a sample of some of the resources that can be found:
Document Title
Document
Number
Description
Tau Quick Start Guide
102-PS242-01
Quick Start Guide for first-time use
FLIR Camera Controller GUI
User’s Guide
102-PS242-02
Detailed Descriptions for functions and adjustments for
FLIR cameras using the FLIR Camera Controller GUI
Tau 2 Product Specification
102-PS242-40
Product specification and feature description
Tau 2 Electrical IDD
102-PS242-41
Written for Electrical Engineers to have all necessary
information to interface to a Tau 2 camera
Tau 2/Quark Software IDD
102-PS242-42
Written for Software Engineers to have all necessary
information for serial control of Tau 2 and Quark
Assorted Mechanical
Drawings and Models
Various
There are drawings and 3D models for various camera
configurations for mechanical integration
Application Notes
Various
Written for Systems Engineers and general users of
advanced features such as Gain Calibration,
Supplemental FFC Calibration, NVFFC Calibration,
Camera Link, On-Screen Symbology, AGC/DDE
explanation, Camera Mounting, Spectral Response,
Optical Interface for lens design, and others.

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There is also a large amount of information in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section on the
FLIR website: http://www.flir.com/cvs/cores/knowledgebase/. Additionally, a FLIR Applications
Engineer can be contacted at 888.747.FLIR (888.747.3547).
2.0Camera Link Operation
The Camera Link module is an expansion board for the Tau camera that matches the functionality of the
VPC Module and adds the ability to access digital data via Camera Link connection. The Camera Link
module takes CMOS-type digital data from the Tau camera and converts it to Camera Link. This module
does not include a Camera Link cable, frame grabber, or capture software.
2.1 Camera Link Module
The Tau Camera is powered through the mini-USB connector with a nominal draw of 180mA at 5VDC
for both the camera and the accessory. There is a peak startup draw of 500mA. The camera uses serial
communication at either 57600 or 921600 Baud by creating a virtual COM Port on your computer for
USB communications. The Baud Rate is selected using auto-Baud and the camera will communicate at
the first Baud Rate in which it receives a command until it is powered off.
Mounting Screws
M1.6 x 0.35 8 mm SHCS
Power Status Light
MCX coaxial
(analog video)
Mini Camera Link
(digital video)
Spacer
3 mm x 3.1 mm
Mini USB
Mounting Screws
M 1.6 x 0.35 x 16 mm
Figure 1: Tau Camera Link Module installed on a Tau 640 camera
The Camera Link Module takes CMOS-type digital data from the Tau camera and converts it to Camera
Link. In order to use a Camera Link Module for acquisition of data, you will need to first enable the
CMOS XP Bus Output using the FLIR Camera Controller. This option is found in the FLIR Camera
Controller GUI under Video => Digital Video. In the Camera Controller GUI, you can select either 8-bit
or 14-bit digital output.
2.2 FLIR Camera Controller GUI
The FLIR Camera Controller GUI provides communication between a PC and a Tau camera using either
the USB interface or some other means of serial communication.

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1. If you have an older version of the FLIR Camera Controller GUI loaded on your PC, you should
first uninstall it using the Windows Uninstall utility via the Windows Control Panel before
proceeding with this installation.
2. The newest version of the FLIR Camera Controller GUI can be found at the following URL:
http://www.flir.com/cvs/cores/resources/software/tau/
3. Click on the link to download the GUI and save it to your computer.
4. Extract the file using WinZip or other software. This can typically be done by right-clicking on
the zip file and selecting “Extract”.
5. Open the directory where you saved the file and double-click “setup.exe”.
6. Walk through the installation steps.
7. When the primary installation is completed, you will be prompted to install Silicon Laboratories
drivers. This portion of the installation is necessary for using a USB connection to the camera.
8. The program will install to Start→All Programs→FLIRSystems→CameraController GUI
2.3 Physical Connection
This section describes physical connections to the camera using the Camera Link Accessory Module.
1. Plug the accessory directly into the rear of the camera. There is a white 50-pin connector that will
mate. Use the included socket head cap screws to secure the expansion board to the camera.
These will insert on either side of the 50-pin connector. The Camera Link module uses M1.6 ×
0.35 × 8 mm screws. Using longer screws could damage the camera.
2. Connect the analog video cable to the Camera Link Module on the back of the Tau Camera.
There is an MCX mini coaxial connector on the back of the accessories. The opposite end of the
cable has a standard coaxial connector. Connect this to the video input of an analog monitor. It
may be necessary to use a BNC Female to Phono Plug (RCA) Adapter. These are readily
available at electronics stores and allow the camera to be connected to the standard yellow video
input on a monitor.
Figure 2: BNC to RCA Adapter
3. Connect the USB-mini B cable to the Camera Link Module and the USB-A end to your
computer. (If you have sound enabled on your computer, you should hear a chime and see a
notification that the device has been connected).
4. Analog video should appear within a few seconds after connecting the USB cable. Verify analog
video is displayed on the monitor to ensure the camera is properly powered.

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5. Additional Information: Access the Device Manager to verify proper driver installation and
identify communications port. Connection issues are most often caused by attempting to use
the wrong COM Port to connect to the camera.
a. Right-Click on “My Computer” and select “Manage”. This is typically either on the
desktop or available through the start menu.
b. Select “Device Manager” on the left Pane.
c. Expand the tree for “Ports (COM & LPT)”.
d. Note the COM Port number used for Silicon Labs. The following example shows COM3.
Figure 3: Device Manager showing proper driver installation
2.4 Software Connection
This section describes simple communication with the camera using the FLIR Camera Controller GUI
and assumes that the camera is connected to the PC using a USB cable and the Camera Link Accessory
Module. Please refer to the FLIR Camera Controller GUI User’s Guide for more details on functionality
of the FLIR Camera Controller GUI and the Tau camera.
1. Run the FLIR Camera Controller GUI by clicking on the start menu and accessing Start→All
Programs→FLIRSystems→CameraController GUI. (The software may take up to 30 seconds to
load the first time.
2. When the GUI first opens, it will display “Not Connected” on the bottom left. The first step is to
connect to the camera.

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Figure 4: FLIR Camera Controller GUI Status Tab –Not Connected
3. Connect to the camera by selecting Tools→Connection
Figure 5: FLIR Camera Controller GUI Connection Window Part 1
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4. Select Serial (RS-232), select 921600 as the Baud Rate for fastest communication, and click
Next. If you only have one serial communication port on your computer, the button will say
Finish.
Figure 6: FLIR Camera Controller GUI Connection Window Part 2
5. Select the Com port seen in the Device Manager and click Finish.
6. The GUI will now automatically connect to the camera and refresh information in the software.
The status LED will turn green and it will display “Connected” on the bottom left. It is also
possible to retrieve the part number and serial number of your camera from this screen.
Figure 7: FLIR Camera Controller GUI Status Tab –Connected
2.5 Digital Data via Camera Link
This section describes digital data acquisition with the Camera Link accessory and assumes that all prior
sections have been successfully completed
1. Connect one end of the Camera Link cable to the camera. The camera connection is a Mini-
Camera Link connector and frame grabbers may use either standard or Mini-Camera Link. It is
possible to purchase cables that have mini connectors on both ends or standard on one end with
mini on the other.
2. The camera must be configured to output CMOS digital data in order for the Camera Link
accessory to work. This can be done by clicking “Video” on the left pane of the GUI, “Digital

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Video” tab on the top, and selecting “CMOS” for the XP Bus Output. Select either 14-bit or 8-bit,
depending upon your preference. 8-bit data has the AGC applied and looks similar to the analog
video image. 14-bit data does not have AGC applied.
Figure 8: FLIR Camera Controller GUI –Digital Tab
3. Once you make these changes, it is a good idea to save settings to make them power cycle
persistent. This can be done on the Setup Tab by clicking the “Save Settings” button.
4. The digital data complies with Base Camera Link standards and will be compatible with most off-
the-shelf Camera Link frame grabbers. FLIR has tested the ImperX FrameLink Express frame
grabber (http://imperx.com/frame-grabbers/framelink-express) and the Matrox Solios Camera
Link frame grabber
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(http://www.matrox.com/imaging/en/products/frame_grabbers/solios/solios_ecl_xcl_b/). It is
important to note that this module provides access to digital data only and the other portions of
the Base Camera Link specifications are not met. Camera control, external frame sync, and power
through the Camera Link connector are not supported. With simple hardware modifications, it is
possible to route communications through the Camera Link interface rather than through USB. It
is also possible to access the Tau camera’s external sync channel on the Camera Link accessory
through appropriate modification. Please consult a FLIR representative for details on these
modifications.
5. The FLIR Camera Controller GUI allows for control of the Tau camera, but does not support
Camera Link frame capture and so third-party software must be used. The ImperX frame grabber
includes FrameLink Express software that allows for recording single or multiple images (BMP,
JPG, TIF, and RAW) as well as standard AVI clips. Configuration requires selecting:
“1 TAP, L->R”for the tap reconstruction, selecting the same bit depth that you chose in the FLIR
Camera Controller GUI in step 2, and clicking “Learn” to discover the number of digital pixels
available.
6. Click Apply and Start Grab
Figure 9: Imperx FrameLink Express Software –Camera Parameters Window
7. Note: If the image appears to have very little contrast, the output is likely in 14-bit mode. If that is
the intended setting, use the histogram feature in the frame-grabber software to change the
display range. Otherwise, set the Tau camera to 8-bit Digital Output Mode and the frame-grabber
to 8-bit capture mode. Click “Apply” in the frame grabber software. The camera will now use its
built in AGC functionality that is accessible from the AGC tab in the FLIR Camera Controller
GUI.
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