GARDASOFT VTR1 User manual

USER MANUAL
VTR1 Strobe Light
Revision 4
Gardasoft Vision Ltd
Trinity Court, Swavesey
Cambridge, CB24 4UQ. UK
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Web: www.gardasoft.com

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1Disclaimer
Except as prohibited by law:
All hardware, software and documentation is provided on an “as is” basis. This information
is for guidance only. Installers must perform their own risk assessment specific to each
installation.
It is essential that the user ensures that the operation of the product is suitable for their
application.
The user must ensure that incorrect functioning of this equipment cannot cause any
dangerous situation or significant financial loss to occur.
Deliberate acts of endangerment and vandalism are not covered by this document and must
be considered by the installer.
While care has been taken in the preparation of this document Gardasoft Vision Ltd and
Gardasoft Products Ltd will not accept any liability for consequential loss of any kind
except those required by law.
All trademarks acknowledged. Hardware, software and documentation are Copyright 2002 –
2013 Gardasoft Products Ltd. Hardware manufactured by Gardasoft Vision Ltd under licence.

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2Getting Started
Read the sections on Safety (Sections 3 and 4) and Specifications (Appendix A) and check the
VTR1 fulfils your requirements. See the back cover for other Gardasoft Vision strobe lights.
Mount the VTR1 as described in Section 4. Connect the VTR1 up to a supply as described in
Connections (Section 5). Set up the VTR1 for the desired operation as described in Configuration
Commands (Section 9).
Visit www.gardasoft.com for application notes on this product. There is also a Support page
which has information on troubleshooting problems.
2.1 Summary of Features
Throughout this manual, references to the VTR1 refer to all variants in the VTR1 range unless
otherwise stated. The convention for the part number is:
VTR1-mm-www-aa-ccc
where:
mm M for master only, MS for master/slave pair
www Wavelength of light in nanometres: 740, 850, 940, W (white)
aa Beam angle in degrees: 12 or 30
ccc Communications: ETH, RS232

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3Safety
Read this before using the VTR1. Always observe the following safety precautions. If in doubt,
contact your distributor or Gardasoft Vision. The following symbols mean:
Warning: read instructions to understand possible hazard
Warning: Possible hazardous voltage
Warning: Surface may get hot
Where these symbols appear in the manual, refer to the text for precautions to be taken.
3.1 Heat
The VTR1 can dissipate up to 5W. It should be positioned away from flammable
materials.
Read the section on “Mounting the VTR1 (Section 5). Do not exceed the power ratings given in
the manual.
3.2 Electrical
The internal circuit exceeds 46.7V but should not exceed 60V. Pulse peak voltages
above 46.7V are considered hazardous. Do not have the cover removed with the
power on. Do not open the cover within 1 minute of turning the power off.
The VTR1 does not have complete tracking isolation of inputs and outputs.
3.3 General
The VTR1 must not be used in an application where its failure could cause a danger to
personal health or damage to other equipment.
If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided
by the equipment may be impaired.

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4VTR1 Eye Safety
4.1 The VTR1 has been classified for eye safety according to IEC62471, as follows:
VTR1 740nm versions Risk Group Exempt
VTR1 850nm versions Risk Group 1
VTR1 940nm versions Risk Group 1
VTR1 white versions Risk Group 2
4.2 Disclaimer
This information is for guidance only. Installers must perform their own risk assessment specific
to each installation. While Gardasoft Vision has taken every care in the provision of this
information, Gardasoft Vision and Gardasoft Products accept no liability for damages of any
kind, except those required by law.
Deliberate acts of endangerment and vandalism are not covered by this document and must be
considered by the installer.

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5Mounting the VTR1
5.1 Heatsinking
The approximate heat dissipation of the VTR1 can be calculated as follows:
HD = 0.25 * BR * PW * TF + 2
Where:
HD Heat dissipation (W)
PW Strobe pulse width (seconds)
TF Maximum trigger frequency (Hz)
BR Brightness of the light output (%)
Given the range of ambient temperatures and radiated sunlight, the installation must provide
enough heatsinking on the rear surface to keep the internal temperature of the VTR1 below 70oc.

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6Connections
See the Specification (Appendix A) for information on connection ratings.
Assembled cables are available from Gardasoft Vision to the customer’s specification.
All connections are provided on a 10 core cable. The wire allocation depends on the options
provided.
Wire Colour Ethernet
version RS232 version
Black Power Supply − Power Supply −
Red Power Supply + Power Supply +
White TRGI −TRGI −
Brown TRGI +TRGI +
Grey Ethernet TX+ No connect
Pink Ethernet TX−
RS232 TX
(output from VTR1)
Yellow Ethernet RX+RS232 RX
(input to VTR1)
Green Ethernet RX− RS232 GND
Orange TRGO−TRGO−
Purple TRGO+TRGO+
6.1 Power Supply
Choose a PSU that limits its output current by design, by setting the current limit on the supply
(if this feature exists) or use fuses. Remember to derate the fuse, if mounted in an enclosure, as
the temperature will be higher than ambient. The external power supply will need to be able to
supply at least 1A.
The use of a regulated power supply with 100% short circuit protection is recommended. If
however a non-regulated power supply is used, then the maximum ripple voltage of this power
supply must not exceed 10% of the actual DC value.

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Low voltage and mains wiring should be routed separately. If they must be loomed together
ensure that low voltage insulation rating is sufficient or that supplementary insulation is used.
Power supply cable length is recommended not to exceed 3m. If longer cables are fitted, or if
surge or transient interference greater than +/-60V may occur on the power supply lines,
additional surge protection should be provided.
6.2 Trigger Input Option
There is an optional opto-isolated trigger input. The opto-isolator isolates voltages up to 50V.
Signal Function
TRGI –ve Trigger input –ve.
TRGI +ve Trigger input +ve.
The trigger input circuit is as follows:
The trigger input circuit operates as follows:
When a voltage of 5V to 24V is applied across TRGI –ve and TRGI +ve, the trigger input is
logic 1 (on). When a voltage of 0V to 2V is applied across TRGI –ve and TRGI +ve, the trigger
input is logic 0 (off).
The trigger input takes about 3mA at all voltages from 5V to 24V.

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6.3 Trigger Output Option
There is an optional trigger output which is opto-isolated. The opto-isolator only isolates voltages
up to 50V.
Signal Function
TRGO –ve Trigger input –ve.
TRGO +ve Trigger input +ve.
The trigger output circuit is as follows:
The trigger output can be used to switch a signal of up to 24V, switching up to 20mA when on.
When the output is logic 1 (on) a current of up to 20mA can flow. The maximum current must be
limited to 50mA by the external circuit. The forward voltage is less than 2V.
When the output is logic 0 (off) a voltage of up to 24V can be blocked.
6.3.1 Ethernet Option
The Ethernet connection is 10BaseT operating at 10Mbits per second.
6.3.2 Serial Option
The RS232 connections are as follows. The communications port should be set to 115Kbaud, no
parity, 8 data bits and 1 stop bit.
Connecting to the specified pin on a 9-way female D-type will allow straight through connection
to a PC COM port.
Signal Function Connection pin on a
standard PC 9-way Female
D-Type
GND Connected to power input –ve 5
RX Receive input to VTR1 3
TX Transmit output from VTR1 2

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7General Description
The VTR1 current controller provides repeatable intensity and timing control for strobe lighting.
Two modes of operation are provided for the light output:
Pulse (Strobe):
In pulse mode output is pulsed once per trigger. One trigger input is used as a trigger. The
delay from trigger to pulse, the pulse duration and the brightness can be set.
Switched:
In switched mode a trigger input can be used to switch the output current on and off. The
sense of the trigger signal can be active high or active low.
The set up is non-volatile, so the VTR1 will resume the same operation after a power cycle.
7.1.1 Pulse and Duty Cycle Limits
In both pulsed and switched modes, the pulse width and duty cycle are internally limited to
prevent damage to the light.
The brightness can be set up to 100%, but only for short periods and at low duty cycles, so that
the lighting does not overheat and get damaged. In pulse mode, the duty cycle is limited by
ignoring triggers which are too soon after the previous trigger.
Output
Brightness
Allowed Pulse
Width for 850nm
and 940nm lights
Allowed Duty
Cycle for 850nm
and 940nm lights
Allowed Pulse
Width for white
and 740nm lights
Allowed Duty
Cycle for white
and 740nm lights
0 to 20% 3ms 6% 3ms 3%
21 to 30% 3ms 6% 2ms 3%
31% to 50% 3ms 3% 2ms 2%
51% to 100% 1ms 2% 1ms 1%
So for example, if the brightness is set to 40%, then a VTR1-850 will not allow pulses greater
than 3ms long. With 1ms pulses, if a trigger occurs within 33ms of a previous trigger (so that the
duty cycle would be greater than 3%) the trigger is ignored.
If necessary the VTR1 will limit the duty cycle by increasing the retrigger delay.
When the VTR1 internal temperature gets too high, the allowed duty cycle is reduced and
event 149 is generated. This typically happens at 60oC.

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7.1.2 Pulsed Output
The output is off by default. When the VTR1 is triggered it will wait for a delay and then pulse
the output.
Retrigger delay is the minimum allowed time from one trigger to the next. Any triggers that
happen too soon after the previous trigger are ignored. The retrigger delay is set in multiples of
100us.
The delay, pulse width, retrigger delay and pulse intensity are all configurable.
7.2 Switched Output
Switched mode uses the trigger input to switch the output on or off using the timing of the trigger
signal. The output brightness can be varied from 0% to 100%.
The VTR1 applies the same duty cycle and pulse width limits as for pulse mode, to prevent the
light being damaged.
7.3 Internal Trigger Timer
An internal timer is available for continuous triggering in pulse mode. The period of this timer is
configurable.
Note that the internal timer is mostly used when synchronising a camera using the trigger output.
It is generally not possible to run the light strobe from this timer while free running the camera.
They will not stay synchronised and the images will have very variable intensity.
When this timer is turned on, the light strobe pulse and the trigger output are both triggered by
this timer. External triggers still work.
When troubleshooting during development, it is sometimes useful to set this timer to give regular
light pulses.
7.4 Trigger Input Option
An optional trigger input signal is available.
The trigger input is used as follows:
Mode Trigger Input Output
Switched Trigger input = off Output is off if P flag = 1
Output is on if P flag = 0
Trigger input = on Output is on if P flag = 1
Output is off if P flag = 0

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Mode Trigger Input Output
Pulsed Trigger rising edge Pulse is triggered if P flag = 1
Trigger falling edge Pulse is triggered if P flag = 0
Note that the P flag inverts the sense of the trigger input.
7.5 Trigger Output Option
This optional factory fitted option, when fitted can be used to trigger a camera. It can be used for
pulse width exposure control of the camera. The trigger timing for the light and camera can be
adjusted relative to each other.
This output is triggered at the same time as the light strobe output. The delay and pulse width for
this signal can be controlled independently of the light pulse.
7.6 Factory Settings
The default VTR1 configuration for the light output and trigger output are:
•Pulse operation
•1ms pulse width
•0.01ms delay
•50% intensity
•30ms retrigger delay
The CL command can be used to restore the VTR1 to its default configuration.

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8Ethernet Address (Ethernet Version Only)
You may need to ask your network administrator for advice about setting up the Ethernet
connection.
Ethernet set up is not affected by cold booting the VTR1.
8.1 Connection
The Ethernet link uses a 10 base-T connection on an RJ45 connector. Typically the VTR1 will be
connected to a network switch (or hub or router) although it is possible to connect it directly into
the network port on a PC by using a suitable crossover cable.
8.2 IP Address
The VTR1 needs an IP address to communicate over Ethernet. There are two methods to get an
IP address; either programmed into the unit or using DHCP.
Most networks use a DHCP server. If there is a PC on the network, you may be able to find out
whether a PC on the same network uses DCHP as follows:
•Go to Control Panel
•Select Network Connections
•Right click on Local Area Connection. Select Properties
•From the list, select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), press Properties
If “Obtain an IP address automatically” is set, then DHCP is probably used. However, there may
be an alternative fixed IP address on the “Alternative Configuration” tab.
You can find out what IP address is being used by a PC at any time by:
•Go to Control Panel
•Select Network Connections
•Right click on Local Area Connection. Select Status
•Select the Support tab. The IP address is displayed
When using fixed IP addresses, it is necessary to ensure that you use an IP address that is not
being used by any other device on the network. It is usual to keep the first three numbers of the
IP address the same as other devices and to change only the last number. For example, if you
have a network consisting of a PC (IP address 192.168.1.35) and two VTR1s, you might give
them addresses 192.168.1.201 and 192.168.1.202.
8.2.1 Programmed IP Address and DHCP
For DHCP mode, the VTR1 acquires its IP address, subnet mask and gateway address from a
DHCP server. Otherwise the VTR1 has a fixed IP address, subnet mask and gateway address.

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DHCP mode or the IP address can be set and read the VTR1 Configuration Program available for
download at www.gardasoft.com.
8.2.2 Automatic Sensing
All the features below are implemented in a Configuration Program with C++ source code
available from www.gardasoft.com.
The VTR1 will send out a message on three events:
•On power up
•When an IP address is received or renewed by DHCP
•When an enquiry message is received
On the first two events, the message is broadcast. On the third it is a reply to a single IP address.
An enquiry message is a UDP packet from source port 30310, destination port 30311 with the
message body “Gardasoft Search” (8-bit ASCII, 13 characters).
The message output by the VTR1 is a UDP packet from source port 30311, destination port
30310. It is formatted as:
Gardasoft,VTR1,000000,111111111111,22222222
(8-bit ASCII, 44 characters), where
000000 the serial number of the unit
111111111111 the MAC address in 6 HEX bytes
22222222 the IP address in 4 HEX bytes
For example for VTR1 serial number 12345, IP address 192.168.1.103, MAC address
00.0B.75.01.80.99 the packet contains:
Gardasoft,VTR1,012345,000B75018099,C0A80167

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9Webpage Configuration
This applies to the Ethernet version only. The VTR1 has a webserver inside, so that it can be
configured from a standard web browser, such as Internet Explorer.
The IP address of the VTR1 must be known (see section 7 on Ethernet Address. Open a web
browser window and type the IP address (for example 192.168.1.71) of the VTR1 into the URL
box at the top. The main page of the VTR1 webserver should be shown.
9.1 Main Page
The main page shows general information about the VTR1. Links are provided to the
configuration pages.
9.2 General Setup Page
The General Configuration page allows the webpage protection password to be set or cleared and
the internal trigger to be set up. Also any Ethernet command from section 10 can be entered.
“Test Mode” referred to on this page is the internal trigger timer.
9.3 Light Configuration Page
This page allows the parameters for the light output to be set up. Press the Submit button to
update the VTR1 and save the changes to non-volatile memory.
Some measured values are displayed on this page.
9.4 Trigger Output Configuration Page
This page allows the parameters for the trigger output to be set up. Press the Submit button to
update the VTR1 and save the changes to non-volatile memory.

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10 Configuration Commands
The VTR1 can be configured via the Ethernet connection using UDP or TCP/IP. A configuration
program, with source code, is available for download from www.gardasoft.com.
10.1 Ethernet Communication
For TCP/IP, commands from a host are sent to destination port 30313 with replies received from
port 30312. For UDP, commands from a host should be sent from source port 30312 to
destination port 30313. Replies are sent from source port 30313 to destination port 30312.
10.2 RS232 Communication
When using RS232 the COM port should be set to 115200baud, 8 data bits, no parity and 1 stop
bit with no hardware or software handshaking.
10.3 Command Structure
Communication consists of commands sent by the host (controlling PC). All output generated by
the command is returned in reply UDP or TCP/IP packets. The last character sent is “>” (“greater
than” symbol). Once this is received, the host knows that the command has been completed.
It is recommended that the host waits for the “>” symbol before sending the next command. UDP
communications are not guaranteed to arrive, so the host software should cope with lost
messages.
Using the GT command, a host can request that a message is sent to it whenever an error occurs.
Several commands can be put into one command line by separating them by a semi-colon (“;”).
A carriage return character should be sent to terminate the command line. The VTR1 will send
any replies to the commands and then send a ‘>’ character to indicate that the command line has
been completed.
Commands comprise a code of two letters followed by the parameters (if any) needed for the
command. Spaces in the commands are ignored.
Numeric parameters are separated by a comma (“,”). For a parameter which is a time period the
default units are milliseconds. “s”, “ms” or “us” can be added to the end of the number to
indicate seconds, milliseconds or microseconds. For example:
Parameter Meaning
0.1 0.1 milliseconds
200us 200 microseconds
0.1s 0.1 seconds
Note that parameters are in “USA/UK” format so that a half is written “0.5” not “0,5”

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The command codes and their meaning are described below. The upper case commands are
shown, followed by lower case letters denoting the numeric argument.
Error number Reason
Err 1 A parameter value is invalid
Err 2 Command not recognised
Err 3 Numeric value is wrong format
Err 4 Wrong number of parameters
Err 5 (This is only a warning) A timing parameter was out of range and has
been adjusted to a valid value.
Any changes made using Ethernet commands are not saved permanently until the AW
command has been issued.
10.3.1 General Commands
Reports the version of firmware running in the VTR1
VR
This command returns the firmware version. For example:
VTR1 (HW001) V001
Set switched mode
The output is set to switched mode at a percentage of full brightness.
RW1,s
Where:
s = setting in percent (s = 0 to 100)
Set pulse mode
The output can be set up to pulse on a trigger input. The delay from trigger to the start of the
pulse, the length of the pulse and the brightness are configurable.
An error is generated if the brightness setting requires a current greater than 20A or if the
combination of pulse width and setting is not allowed.
RT1,p,d,s
RT1,p,d,s,r
Where:
p = pulse width in milliseconds (0.01 to 3)
d = delay from trigger to pulse in milliseconds (0.01 to 999)
s = setting in percent (s = 0 to 100)
r = retrigger delay in milliseconds. This parameter is optional

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Set the Option Flags
RE1,p
Where:
p = 0 P flag set (positive triggers)
p = 4 P flag cleared (negative triggers)
Set Internal Trigger
Enables or disables the internal trigger. When enabled, all outputs are triggered simultaneously
using an internal trigger signal. This setting can be saved to non-volatile memory using the AW
command.
TT0 Disable internal trigger
TT1 Enable internal trigger (uses previously set period)
TT1,p Enable internal trigger and set the period
Where:
p= period of the triggers in milliseconds
For example:
TT1,200 Set the internal trigger to 200ms (5Hz)
TT1,1S Set the internal trigger to 1 second (1Hz)
Save the settings to memory
AW
The results of the RW, RT, RE, TT commands are all saved. Once the settings are saved to
memory they are then retained when the unit is switched off. If this is not done, changes to
the settings are volatile, and if the unit is switched off they revert to those in force when the
last AW command was issued.
Clear Configuration
CL
Clears the configuration. The results of the RW, RT, RE, TT commands are all cleared.
Report the configuration
ST
Reports all the channel settings. Typical output is:
CH 1, MD 1, S 100.0 DL 10us, PU 1.000ms, RT 1.020ms, IP1,FL0, CS0.000A, RA24V
Where the numeric values are:
MD Mode: 1 = pulse, 2 = switched
S Brightness percentage setting
DL Pulse delay
PU Pulse width
RT Retrigger delay
IP, FL, CS, RA Unused

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ST0
Reports the general settings. Typical output is:
TM 1, TP 20.00ms
Where:
TM Internal trigger: 0 = off, 1 = on
TP Internal trigger period
Simulate an Input Trigger
TR1
Simulates a trigger pulse. If the channel is in pulse mode it will pulse.
Enable Ethernet Messages
GTm
m = 0 to disable Ethernet messages
= 1 to enable Ethernet messages
When Ethernet messages are enabled, any error reports are sent to the most recent UDP or
TCP address from which a command has been received.
Messages are of the form:
Evt1,e
Where v event value:
32 to 47 Lighting error code
Clear any Errors
GR
If Ethernet messages are not enabled, the last event or error number can be read by this
command. If there was a lighting error, the VTR1 will resume operation.
The reply will be in the same form as the GT command above. If there are no outstanding
events or errors, then only the prompt “>” is returned.
Set/Clear the Webpage Password
EY
EY asc1, asc2, asc3, asc4, asc5, asc6
This command sets the password required to access the webpages. If EY is entered on its
own then the password is cleared. There are six optional parameters, which are decimal
ASCII values for a password from one to six letters. A value of 65 is ‘A’, 66 is ‘B’, etc to
90 is ‘Z’.

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10.3.2 Command Summary
Command Example Effect
AW AW Save changes
CL CL Clear configuration
ST ST Show configuration
GT GT1 Enable Ethernet messages
GR GR Clear any error condition.
EY EY65,66 Set webpage password to “AB”
VR VR Read the firmware version
RW RW1,50 Set optical intensity to 50%, switch mode
RT RT1,3,100us,50 Set light to strobe with 3ms pulses, delayed by
100us, at 50% brightness
RE RE1,4 Trigger on falling edge of trigger input
TT TT1,100ms Set internal triggers every 100ms
TR TR1 Trigger an output pulse