FM Systems HDFM-1 User manual

HDFM-1
HIGH DEFINITION CAMERA FOCUS METER
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
IB-647701
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

HDFM-1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DESCRIPTION
METER OPERATION
INPUT SIGNALS AND CONNECTORS
DISPLAY FORMAT
DISPLAY FOCUS
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
BATTERIES
ENCLOSURE
AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT
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DESCRIPTION:
The HDFM-1 is a handheld camera focus meter you can use to set the maximum focus of any TVI, CVI
High Definition cameras and any analog cameras without the need for a monitor or the subjective nature of
"eyeballing" the cameras image on a small screen. Trying to see the maximum focus point of a High Definition
image on a small test monitor in full sun light is all but impossible and leads to many cameras being set to less
than the maximum focus point. This meter works by measuring the amount of information in the video frame as
it varies with the focus adjustment. As you adjust the camera focus to make a sharper image, the information in
the scene increases and so does the numeric reading on the meter. To get the maximum focus on any camera the
installer connects the meter to the output of the camera and adjusts the focus ring on the camera for a maximum
reading on the meter to get the maximum High Definition advantage from every camera you install. All scenes
will have a different number because the information in the scene is different, but the maximum reading on the
meter will always be the maximum focus point for the camera. The two line LCD displays the focus reading
with a 36 point Bar Graph for course adjustment and a numeric display for the fine adjustment.
This meter will also identify the video format and number of lines of definition of any TVI, CVI or
analog video signal. When connected to a video signal it first identifies the format and Lines of definition of the
video signal and briefly displays that information on the LCD display, then it goes into focus mode so you can
set the maximum focus on the camera. The ability to measure the video format and lines of definition can help
you identify and verify any unfamiliar camera you come across in your work. With the multi-format cameras
and DVRs available today it is easy to identify the output they are set to which could save you a lot of time
troubleshooting miss-matched video formats on the job. It will measure the format of video signals like HD-
TVI, HD-CVI, AHD, CVBS, YPbPr, RGB, and any composite analog video signal.
The HDFM-1 has a comfort grip hand-held case made of flame retardant ABS plastic with a flame
rating of 94-5VA. A battery compartment door allows easy access to the 9-Volt battery that powers the device.
The meter comes with an impact resistant rubber boot to protect it during daily use. This meter uses a "battery
check" system to monitor the battery condition and the LCD display lets you know when it is time to change the
battery. The LCD has a backlight feature so you can use the meter in total darkness if needed. Just push and
hold the power ON button and the display will backlight for easy reading in the dark.
METER OPERATION:
When the meter is powered up it first checks the condition of the battery and if the battery is below 6
Volts (Affectively Dead) in will give you a display indicating “REPLACE BATTERY” and you need to change
out the battery for a good one.
If the battery is low but useable the unit will display “LOW BATTERY” for 2 seconds then and
continue on to the measurement process.
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If there is no video connected to the unit or the camera is disconnected from the unit during test the
display will read “INPUT VIDEO FOCUS MAX #” indicating the video camera needs to be connected to the
unit. If video is connected to the use at power up you will not see this display
When a video camera is connected to the unit it will test for the Video Format and display one of the
following displays indicating the video format being input.
After the video format is displayed the unit will go into Focus mode and display “FOCUS (a number)”
with a moving bar graph on the second line of the display. The bar graph and the numeric display represents the
focus measurement. Use the bar graph to make the course adjustment of the focus ring on the camera the larger
the bar graph extends to the left of the display the better the focus of the camera. Then use the numeric display
for fine tuning of the focus ring on the camera. If there is movement in the scene you will see a small amount of
change in the display, this is caused by the information in the display changing and so the focus number will
change slightly.
If the meter is being used with video un-terminated you may see this display appear asking you to terminate the
video input. If you see this display put a 75 Ohm termination on the unused BNC connector to continue the
focus process.
INPUT SIGNALS AND CONNECTORS:
This meter is equipped with two BNC female input connectors so you can loop the camera signal
through the meter and into a test monitor or focus the camera with it connected to the actual DVR at the end of
the cable. Loop through is not required to focus the camera but it is the best practice to do so. When using the
unit to focus with only one cable input and no loop through, it is best to put a 75 Ohm Termination on the
remaining un-used BNC connector, this prevents video reflections that can interfere with the maximum focus
adjustment.
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This Focus Meter will measure camera signals from all types of analog cameras and is most useful when
used on the HD type analog cameras like HD-TVI, HD-CVI, and AHD cameras. The BNC type connectors are
used to input the HD and CVBS (base-band composite) video signals. It can also be used to input YPbPr, and
RGB signals by connecting to the "Y" or “G” channel that has the sync signal on it. Only the channel that has
the sync signal on it should to be connected for proper operation. The RGB signal format is measured using one
of the three channels, the Chroma/Sync channel normally the "G" or Green with Sync or any channel can be
measured as long as it has the synchronization signal on it.
DISPLAY FORMAT:
When the HDFM-1 meter measures and displays the following formats.
HDTV EDTV SDTV
1080i (SMPTE 274M) 480p (ITU-R BT.1358) NTSC (SMPTE 170M)
1080p (SMPTE 274M) 576p (ITU-R BT.1358) PAL (ITU-R BT.470)
1080PsF (SMPTE RP 211) 480i (SMPTE 267M)
720p (SMPTE 296M) 576i (ITU-R BT.601)
* 1080PsF is a Progressive Segmented Frame video signal and reads as 1080i. See the note on last page.
DISPLAY FOCUS:
When the unit is in Focus mode the display will react to changes in the camera focus both numerically and
on the bar graph display. The meter is measuring information in the scene and will react to changes in the focus
ring and also changes in the image or content of information in the scene. If you have set the maximum focus on
the camera and you put your hand up in front of the camera you will see the numbers and bar graph go down in
focus. This is caused by the loss of information caused by the change of (in focus) information. When focusing the
camera be sure to stay outside of the image of the camera when setting maximum focus.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE:
No routine maintenance or test procedures are required other than battery replacement. Attempts at field
repair or adjustment will void the warranty.
The HDFM-1 is a precision measuring instrument and should be treated accordingly. While it can withstand
ordinary every day indoor use, it should not be left outside in the rain or otherwise mistreated. It is not waterproof.
The battery should be removed if it is placed into storage to prevent leakage of corrosive fluids from batteries as
they discharge and age.
Replace batteries at least once a year even if ordinary use does not discharge the battery because old
batteries may leak and cause corrosion damage. If the HDFM-1 fails to operate even after battery replacement, or
does not read a known video signal correctly, call the factory for a Return Authorization Number and return it to the
factory for repair.
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BATTERIES:
A battery compartment door allows easy access to the 9 Volt battery that powers the device. One
alkaline 9 Volt "transistor" battery is used. If the unit will not power up the battery must be replaced by a fresh 9
Volt battery.
The battery is located in the case with access provided by a sliding plastic cover plate that has an arrow
printed on it. Slide in the direction of the arrow to open. When replacing the cover, place it flat into the grooves so
that both ends engage when closing.
ENCLOSURE:
The comfort grip hand-held case is made of flame retardant ABS plastic with a flame rating of 94-5VA.
The meter comes with an impact resistant rubber boot to protect it during daily use.
AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT:
The MC1, MC2, and MC3 are Protective Carry Cases to house and protect the HDFM-1 and your other test
meters while being transported. These are very rugged water resistant ABS cases with foam-lined interiors suitable
for transporting this meter and other test equipment. You can order these carry cases as an option.
* 1080PsF is a high definition video format that has 1080 lines of vertical resolution using a Progressive Segmented
Frame. The frame is sub-divided into two fields. One field is for the odd numbered lines and the other is for the
even numbered lines. This format appears like an interlaced 1080i signal and this meter reads it as 1080i.
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