Photron Fastcam MC1 User manual

FASTCAM MC1
Hardware Manual
Revision
1.02E

• The copyright of this manual is held by PHOTRON LIMITED.
• Product specifications and manual contents are subject to change without notice.
• PHOTRON LIMITED bears no responsibility for any results by using our products nor by applying this manual to any operations.

FASTCAM MC1 Hardware Manual
1
Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of Photron’s high-speed camera system, the FASTCAM MC1.
This manual contains the operating instructions and warnings necessary for using the FASTCAM MC1.
Before using the camera, please read the entire manual.
If any part of this manual is unclear, contact Photron using the contact information printed at the back of
the manual.
After you finish reading the manual, store it in a safe place along with the warranty card and refer back
to it when necessary.

2
Using the Manual
This section explains the layout of the manual.
Introduction
An explanation of the manual and safety precautions is located here.
Chapter 1. Overview
An overview, and explanation of the features of the FASTCAM MC1, are located here.
Chapter 2. Setup
An overview of the components that make up the FASTCAM MC1, how to connect the imager,
basic keypad operation, the battery, and a list of items that should be checked before using the
camera are also explained here.
Chapter 3. Recording
Operations related to recording are explained here.
Chapter 4. Playback
Operations related to playing back record images are explained here.
Chapter 5. Connecting a PC
The procedure for connecting the FASTCAM MC1 to a PC is explained here. Refer to the
“Photron FASTCAM Viewer User’s Manual” for additional details on using the PC to control the
camera.

FASTCAM MC1 Hardware Manual
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Chapter 6. System Settings
Displayed settings, and other detailed system settings, are explained here.
Chapter 7. Product Specifications
The camera’s specifications are found here.
Chapter 8. Warranty
The warranty is explained here.
Chapter 9. Contacting Photron
Contact information to use to contact Photron if the camera malfunctions or a portion of the
manual is unclear.

4
Using the Camera Safely and Correctly
In order to prevent injury to yourself and others, and to prevent damage to property, carefully
observe the following safety precautions.
Photron has given its full attention to the safety of this product. However, the extent of
damage and injury potentially caused by ignoring the contents of the safety precautions and
using the product incorrectly is explained next. Please pay careful attention to the content of
the safety precautions when using the product.
This symbol indicates actions that carry the risk that a person could receive
a serious injury.
This symbol indicates actions that carry the risk that a person could receive
a moderate injury, or that damage to physical property will occur.
 The safety precautions to be observed are explained with the following symbols.
This symbol indicates actions that require caution.
This symbol indicates actions that are prohibited and must be avoided.
This symbol indicates actions that must always be performed.
Caution
Warning

FASTCAM MC1 Hardware Manual
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Warning
 Do not perform actions that will damage the AC cable or plug.
(Do not damage the cable, modify it, use it near a heater, excessively bend, twist
or pull upon it, place heavy objects on it, or bundle it.)
Using the cable when damaged can cause fire, electric shock, or a short circuit.
 Do not use the camera in a manner which will exceed the rating of the power
outlet or wiring equipment used.
Exceeding the power rating might cause a fire from excessive heat.
 Do not insert metallic objects into, or pour liquids such as water on, the camera.
Doing so can cause fire, electric shock, or malfunction from short circuit or heat.
 Do not disassemble or modify the camera.
There are high voltages inside the camera that can cause electric shock.
 Do not plug in or unplug the power cord with wet hands.
Doing so can cause electric shock.
 Make sure the power cable is fully inserted into the shocked.
Not fully plugging in the power cable can cause fire from electric shock or heat.
 When something is wrong with the camera, unplug the power cable immediately.
・ When a foreign substance or liquid, such as metal or water, gets inside.
・ When the outer case is broken or damaged, such as from a fall.
・ When the camera produces smoke, a strange smell, or strange sound.
Using the camera in these conditions might cause a fire or electric shock.

6
 Always unplug the camera when cleaning it or when it is unused for a long period
of time.
Leaving or storing the camera connected to the power source might cause fire
from insulation deterioration or electrical discharge.
 Do not set the camera in a location where the temperature might get unusually hot.
The inside or trunk of a car can get especially hot in summer.
Doing so can cause the outer case and internal components to deteriorate or
cause a fire.
 Do not set the camera in a location prone to oily smoke or steam, or in a location
with a lot of humidity or dust.
Oil, moisture, and dust conduct electricity, which can cause a fire or electric
shock.
 Ambient temperature 0-40℃, Humidity 85% RH or lower, Maximum altitude 2000
m or lower. In addition, if exceeding these limits, use in a condensation-free
environment.
Using the camera outside these limits might cause malfunction.
 Do not store the equipment in a location where the temperature goes below -20℃
or higher than 60℃.
Also keep condensation from forming in the system.
 When shipping, remove the cable connecting the camera controller and the
imager and put the equipment in its original packaging or in a specialized carrying
case.
Do not ship the equipment in an environment where the temperature goes below
-20 ℃ or higher then 60 ℃ and prevent condensation from forming during
shipment.
Caution

FASTCAM MC1 Hardware Manual
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Overview ................................................................................................................ 11
1.1. Product Overview and Features.....................................................................................12
Chapter 2. Setup ......................................................................................................................13
2.1. About the Camera’s Components and Accessories........................................................14
2.1.1. Components.............................................................................................................14
2.1.2. Accessories/Options ................................................................................................14
2.1.3. Models of FASTCAM MC1 Series ...........................................................................15
2.2. Part Names.....................................................................................................................16
2.2.1. Camera Controller....................................................................................................16
2.2.2. Camera Controller Part Names................................................................................17
2.2.3. LED Explanation......................................................................................................18
2.2.4. Imager (Camera Head)............................................................................................20
2.2.5. Camera Cable..........................................................................................................20
2.2.6. Lens mount ..............................................................................................................21
2.2.7. LCD Monitor Keypad (Optional)...............................................................................22
2.2.8. About RS-422...........................................................................................................22
2.2.9. I/O Connecters (BNC connectors)...........................................................................24
2.2.10. DC 18 - 36V 45VA Connector................................................................................25
2.3. Device Connections........................................................................................................26
2.3.1. Connecting the Imager.............................................................................................26
2.3.2. Connecting the Keypad............................................................................................27
2.3.3. Connecting a Video Monitor.....................................................................................27
2.3.4. Connecting the AC Adapter......................................................................................28
2.4. Basic Keypad Operation (Optional)................................................................................29
2.4.1. Keypad Parts............................................................................................................29
2.4.2. Startup Screen .........................................................................................................31
2.4.3. Displaying the Menu List..........................................................................................33
2.4.4. Menu Selection/Confirmation/Cancellation..............................................................34
2.4.5. Saving Shot Settings................................................................................................35
2.4.6. Menu/Manual Reference List...................................................................................36
2.4.7. Saving/Accessing Camera Settings.........................................................................37
2.4.8. Using Low Light Mode .............................................................................................38

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Chapter 3. Recording ..............................................................................................................39
3.1. Selecting the Frame Rate...............................................................................................40
3.2. Selecting the Resolution.................................................................................................42
3.3. Selecting the Shutter Speed ...........................................................................................43
3.3.1. Setting the Shutter Speed........................................................................................43
3.3.2. Changing the SHUTTER MODE..............................................................................44
3.4. Selecting the Trigger Mode.............................................................................................45
3.4.1. START Mode............................................................................................................46
3.4.2. CENTER Mode ........................................................................................................48
3.4.3. END Mode................................................................................................................50
3.4.4. MANUAL Mode........................................................................................................52
3.4.5. RANDOM Mode.......................................................................................................56
3.5. White Balance Adjustment (Color Models Only).............................................................59
3.5.1. Using Preset White Balance....................................................................................59
3.5.2. Using User White Balance.......................................................................................60
3.6. Color Enhancement Adjustment (Color Models Only)....................................................63
3.7. LUT (Look-Up Table) Operations....................................................................................64
3.7.1. Using Preset LUT Patterns......................................................................................64
3.7.2. Using a Custom LUT................................................................................................67
3.8. Edge Enhancement Function .........................................................................................68
3.9. Setting the Sensor Gain..................................................................................................69
3.10. Input/Output Signal Types.............................................................................................70
3.10.1. TRIGGER IN Connector ........................................................................................70
3.10.2. SYNC IN Connector...............................................................................................70
3.10.3. GENERAL OUT Connector....................................................................................71
3.11. Using External Triggers.................................................................................................72
3.11.1. Inputting an External Trigger Signal.......................................................................72
3.11.2. Outputting External Trigger Signals .......................................................................74
3.12. Using External Synchronization Signals.......................................................................75
3.12.1. Inputting an External Synchronization Signal........................................................75
3.12.2. Outputting an External Synchronization Signal.....................................................77
3.12.3. Synchronizing Multiple FASTCAM MC1 Systems .................................................79
3.12.4. Synchronizing the system with Other External Devices........................................82
3.12.5. Synchronizing the System with Other Cameras....................................................85
3.13. GENERAL OUT Signal Settings ...................................................................................86

FASTCAM MC1 Hardware Manual
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3.14. Signal Delay..................................................................................................................88
3.15. Direct Trigger Function..................................................................................................90
3.16. Using USER SW (Programmable Switch)....................................................................92
3.17. STATUS Key.................................................................................................................93
Chapter 4. Playback.................................................................................................................95
4.1. Video Playback ...............................................................................................................96
4.2. Fast-Forward and Rewind Playback...............................................................................97
4.3. Single Frame Advance Playback....................................................................................98
4.4. Enlarging and Shrinking the Playback Screen (Zoom, Fit, Scroll)..................................99
4.4.1. Video Screen Fit Display........................................................................................100
4.4.2. Displaying the Video Screen Enlarged (Zoom)......................................................101
4.4.3. Scrolling the Video Screen.....................................................................................102
4.5. Segment of Interest Playback.......................................................................................103
4.6. Using the Playback Event Marker Function..................................................................104
Chapter 5. Connecting a PC .................................................................................................105
5.1. Connecting a PC to the Camera Controller’s Gigabit Ether Interface..........................106
5.1.1. Connecting the FASTCAM MC1 and a PC............................................................107
5.1.2. Setting the Camera Controller’s IPAddress..........................................................108
5.1.3. Using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)............................................109
5.1.4. Connecting the PC to Multiple Cameras................................................................110
Chapter 6. System Settings.................................................................................................. 111
6.1. Display Settings ............................................................................................................ 112
6.1.1. Changing the Date/Time Display........................................................................... 112
6.1.2. Display/Hide On Screen Display (OSD) Text.........................................................113
6.1.3. Display Cross Hairs ............................................................................................... 113
6.1.4. Display R/G/B Plane (Color Models Only)............................................................. 115
6.1.5. Select the Video Signal Standard (NTSC or PAL)................................................. 116
6.1.6. Keypad LCD Settings............................................................................................. 117
6.2. Other Detailed Settings.................................................................................................118
6.2.1. Setting the Date/Time ............................................................................................ 118
6.2.2. Post-Recording Auto-Playback Setting (AUTO PLAY) .......................................... 119
6.2.3. Reset to Factory Default State...............................................................................120
6.2.4. Display the System Revision .................................................................................121
Chapter 7. Product Specifications.......................................................................................123
7.1. Specifications................................................................................................................124

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7.1.1. Product Specifications............................................................................................124
7.1.2. General Specifications...........................................................................................125
7.1.3. Options...................................................................................................................126
7.1.4. Frame Rate and Resolution...................................................................................127
7.1.5. Recordable Image Count/Resolution.....................................................................128
7.1.6. Shutter Speed List..................................................................................................128
7.2. Dimensions ...................................................................................................................129
7.2.1. Camera Controller..................................................................................................129
7.2.2. Imager....................................................................................................................130
7.2.3. LCD Monitor Keypad..............................................................................................131
7.2.4. AC Adapter.............................................................................................................134
Chapter 8. Warranty...............................................................................................................135
8.1. About the Warranty .......................................................................................................136
Chapter 9. Contacting Photron.............................................................................................137
9.1. Contacting Photron.......................................................................................................138

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Chapter 1. Overview
1.1. Product Overview and Features

Chapter 1. Overview
12
1.1. Product Overview and Features
FASTCAM MC1 is a camera that, by employing ultra-compact imagers, makes it possible to
shoot in locations not previously accessible to conventional high speed imagers.
The FASTCAM MC1 can record images with full resolution of 512 x 512 pixels at 2,000 fps
(frames per second), and, with a reduced resolution, at the maximum speed of 10,000 fps .
Using real-time video output and an easy-to-use remote control, the camera is fully operational
without a PC being connected, though by connecting a PC via gigabit Ethernet, full camera
operations can be performed on the PC with the easy to use control software supplied.
The FASTCAM MC1 has been engineered to meet increased demand for a compact and
lightweight camera with performance beyond that suggested by it's diminutive size and cost.
The FASTCAM MC1 utilizes the CMOS sensor technology to provide superb light sensitivity and
high speed performance from a tiny imager.

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Chapter 2. Setup
2.1. About the Camera’s Components and Accessories
2.2. Part Names
2.3. Device Connections
2.4. Basic Keypad Operation

Chapter 2. Setup
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2.1. About the Camera’s Components and Accessories
2.1.1. Components
The system’s standard components are listed below.
Remove the components from the packaging and check the camera controller and accessories.
1. Camera Controller 1
2. Imager (Camera Head) with Tripod Adapter 1
3. Camera Cable 1
4. AC Adapter/AC Cable 1
5. Hexagonal Flange Back Adjustment Wrench (1.5 mm) 1
6. Gigabit Ether Interface Cable (LAN Cable) 1
7. Gigabit Ehternet Setup Procedure 1
8. IP Label 5
9. FASTCAM series Setup Disk (Driver/Application) 1
2.1.2. Accessories/Options
The following options are available for the FASTCAM MC1.
1. Battery Power Supply Unit
2. LCD Monitor Keypad
3. NF Mount / NF mount Lenses (3.5mm, 6mm, 12 mm focal lengths)
4. Dedicated Carrying Case
5. Extra Imager (monochrome/color)

FASTCAM MC1 Hardware Manual
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2.1.3. Models of FASTCAM MC1 Series
A total of 12 different models are available with the FASTCAM MC1 depending on the features
each of them has such as the frame speed, color or monochrome, and the memory capacity. All
models are shown in the following list:
Maximum frame
speed
Imager Memory
size
Model name
１G FASTCAM MC1 model 500-C1
Color
２G FASTCAM MC1 model 500-C2
１G FASTCAM MC1 model 500-M1
500FPS
Monochrome
２G FASTCAM MC1 model 500-M2
１G FASTCAM MC1 model 2K-C1
Color
２G FASTCAM MC1 model 2K-C2
１G FASTCAM MC1 model 2K-M1
2000FPS
Monochrome
２G FASTCAM MC1 model 2K-M2
１G FASTCAM MC1 model 10K-C1
Color
２G FASTCAM MC1 model 10K-C2
１G FASTCAM MC1 model 10K-M1
10000FPS
Monochrome
２G FASTCAM MC1 model 10K-M2

Chapter 2. Setup
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2.2. Part Names
The FASTCAM MC1 is composed of multiple components which include the camera controller,
imager, AC adapter, and the control software “Photron FASTCAM Viewer” (referred to below as
PFV).
For each of the FASTCAM MC1 components:
・ Do not use in an area with flammable gas or dust present.
・ Do not place in an unstable location such as on a wobbly platform or an incline.
・ Do not disassemble or modify.
・ Do not expose to liquids such as water.
・ Do not use in a manner with excessive force.
2.2.1. Camera Controller
Two different models are available depending on the memory capasity - Model 1 with 1GB
memory and Model 2 with 2 GB. The models are further divided by the maximum frame speed -
Model (500) with maximum frame speed of 500 fps, Model (2K) 2,000 fps and Model (10K) 10,000
fps. They contain IC memory for saving images, and they have been designed with the capability to
save high-speed images as uncompressed digital data. The camera controller has a video output
connector to display live and recorded images on a video monitor, a Gigabit Ether interface to
connect a PC to fully control the cameras or download data, and various I/O (input/output)
connectors for external synchronization/trigger signals.
Camera Controller Exterior

FASTCAM MC1 Hardware Manual
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2.2.2. Camera Controller Part Names
Front Panel

Chapter 2. Setup
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2.2.3. LED Explanation
The FASTCAM MC1 camera controller has a number of LEDs on its front panel. These LEDs
indicate the status of the FASTCAM MC1. The function of each LED is explained here.
MAIN LED
• POWER (Green)
LED ON: Power On
LED OFF: Power Off
• IF LINK/TRANS (Red)
LED ON: The Gigabit Ether interface is connected.
LED FLASHING: Data is transferring.
LED OFF: The Gigabit Ether interface is not connected.
• TRIGGER (Yellow)
LED ON: A trigger signal is present (being input).
(The LED will light for 0.1 second when the trigger signal is input.)
LED OFF: The trigger signal is not present.
• SYNC MODE (Red)
LED ON: In external synchronization mode (synchronized to external signal)
LED OFF: In internal synchronization mode (synchronized to the internal signal)
• SYNC IN (Yellow)
LED ON: A synchronization signal is Present (being input).
LED OFF: The synchronization signal is not being present.