Photron FASTCAM MH6 User manual

FASTCAM MH6
Hardware Manual

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.
WARNING
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case
the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
CAUTION:
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Introduction
Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of Photron’s high-speed camera system, the “FASTCAM MH6”
(referred to below as the system).
This manual contains the operating instructions and warnings necessary for using the system.
Before using the system, 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.
l

Using the Manual
Using the Manual
This section explains the layout of the manual.
Introduction
The introduction explains the manual and safety precautions.
Chapter 1, Setup
This chapter gives an overview of the components that make up the system. It also explains basic keypad
operation and a list of items that should be checked before using the system.
Chapter 2, Recording
This chapter explains operations related to recording.
Chapter 3, Product Specifications
This chapter explains the system’s specifications.
Chapter 4, Product Specifications
This chapter explains about the warranty.
Chapter 5, Contacting Photron
This chapter lists the contact information to use when contacting Photron if the system malfunctions or if a portion
of the manual is unclear.

Manual Notation
Manual Notation
The following icons and symbols are used in the explanations in this manual.
Icon/Symbol
Description
This symbol indicates supplementary items to be aware of
when using the software.
This symbol indicates the location of a reference.
This symbol indicates content that should always be read.
This symbol indicates instructions that should always be
followed when using the software, or things to be careful of
when using the software.
" "
This symbol is used to indicate the names of items on a
screen, references, dialog names, and connectors.
[ ]
This symbol is used to indicate menu names, and sub-
menu names.

Using the System Safely and Correctly
Using the System 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 system. However, the extent of damage
and injury potentially caused by ignoring the content of the safety precautions and using the
system incorrectly is explained next. Please pay careful attention to the content of the safety
precautions when using the system.
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 might 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

Using the System Safely and Correctly
■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 on 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 system 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 inside, or pour liquids such as water on, the system.
Doing so can cause fire, electric shock, or malfunction from short circuit or heat.
■Do not disassemble or modify the system.
There are high voltages inside the system 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 plug is fully insert into the socket
Not fully plugging in the power cable can cause fire from electric shock or heat.
■When something is wrong with the system, 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 system produces smoke, a strange smell, or strange sound.
Using the system in these conditions might cause a fire or electric shock.
■Do not use the accessories by the usage that a manufacturer does not specify. It
may cause damage of protection.
Warning

Using the System Safely and Correctly
■Always unplug the system when cleaning it or when it is unused for a long period
of time. Leaving or storing the system connected to the power source might cause
fire from insulation deterioration or electrical discharge.
■Please consult us in advance when you perform an event by which laser light or
direct rays fall on the image sensor surface.
■Do not set the system in a location where the temperature gets unusually hot.
The trunk and inside 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 place the system 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 0-45°C, humidity 80% RH or lower, maximum altitude
2,000m or lower. In addition, if exceeding these limits, use in a condensation-free
environment.
Use in a condition out of the above limits can cause malfunction.
■Do not store the equipment in a location where the temperature goes below -20°C
or higher than 60°C. Also, prevent condensation from forming during shipment.
■When shipping, remove the connecting cable and use the original packaging or a
dedicated carrying case.
Do not ship the equipment in an environment where the temperature goes below -
20°C or higher than 60°C. Also, prevent condensation from forming during
shipment.
Caution

Using the System Safely and Correctly
■When installing the camera with a tripod, please check the tripod load capacity and
be careful not to exceed the load bearing capacity.
Also, when using a tripod, please make sure that the tripod, tripod screw, panhead,
and others are properly set, and be careful not to fall down the tripod
Caution

Using the System Safely and Correctly
“CE” mark indicates that this product complies with the European requirements for safety,
health, environment and customer protection. “CE” mark equipments are intended for sales in
Europe.
These symbols indicate that this product is not to be disposed of with your household
waste, according to the WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC), the Battery Directive
(2006/66/EC) and/or your national laws implementing those Directives.
This product should be handed over to a designated collection point, e.g., on an
authorized one-for-one basis when you buy a new similar product or to an authorized
collection site for recycling waste electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and
batteries and accumulators. Improper handling of this type of waste could have a
possible impact on the environment and human health due to potentially hazardous
substances that are generally associated with EEE. Your cooperation in the correct
disposal of this product will contribute to the effective usage of natural resources.
For more information about the recycling of this product, please contact your local
city office, waste authority, approved scheme or your household waste disposal
service or visit www.photron.com.
(EEA: Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein)
This product is in conformity with the protection requirements of EU Council Directive
2014/30/EU (Class A) on the approximation of the laws of the Member States
relating to electromagnetic compatibility.
Warning: This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment, this product may
cause radio interference, in which case the user may be required to take adequate
measures.
European Union (and EEA) only

Using the System Safely and Correctly
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) events may cause immediate and unrecoverable damage to the image sensor.
Please read the following instructions and take EXTREME CARE when cleaning the image sensor surface.
■ALWAYS take appropriate anti-static precautions when cleaning or working near
the Image sensor.
■DO NOT use any form of cleaning equipment using electrostatic or ‘charged fiber’
technology.
◼Please discharge any electrostatic build up in your body by touching a grounded
metallic surface before working near the camera sensor.
◼Very gently, use only clean and dry air to remove dust from surface of the image
sensor.
◼To remove stubborn contamination use the highest grade (e.g. VLSI grade) pure
Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) with optical wipes of “clean room” grade.
◼Extreme care must be taken! Gently wipe across the sensor in a single action.
(DO NOT rub to avoid abrasive damage to delicate optical coatings on the glass
surface.)
Cleaning of the Image Sensor Surface

Contents
Contents
Setup 1
1.1. About the System’s Components and Accessories................................. 2
1.1.1. Components .......................................................................... 2
1.1.2. Accessories/Options ............................................................... 2
1.1.3. Type ..................................................................................... 3
1.2. Part Names .................................................................................... 4
1.2.1. Main Unit .............................................................................. 4
1.2.2. Main Unit Part Names ............................................................. 5
1.2.3. CameraHead ........................................................................ 6
1.2.4. CameraHead+Bracket ........................................................... 7
1.2.5. Gigabit Ethernet Connector.................................................... 11
1.2.6. VDA_TRIG SYNC Circuit Diagram ........................................... 14
1.2.7. IO INPUT_IF Circuit Diagram ................................................. 15
Recording 16
2.1. Selecting Frame Rate/ Resolution ..................................................... 17
2.2. Selecting Shutter Speed .................................................................. 18
Product Specifications 19
3.1. Specifications ............................................................................... 20
3.1.1. Product Specifications.......................................................... 20
3.1.2. General Specifications ........................................................... 21
3.1.3. Frame Rate and Resolution.................................................... 22
3.1.4. Shutter Speed List................................................................ 23
3.1.5. Shutter Speed List................................................................ 23
3.2. Dimensions.................................................................................... 25
3.2.1. Main Unit ............................................................................ 25
3.2.2. Main Unit with Hi-G Brackets ................................................. 26
3.2.3. CameraHead........................................................................ 27
3.2.1. CameraHead with Hi-G Bracket .............................................. 28
3.2.1. Hi-G Bracket ........................................................................ 29

Contents
3.2.1. Power Supply Unit ............................................................... 32
3.2.2. I/O 2 PORT Cable ................................................................. 32
Contacting Photron 33
4.1. About the Warranty ........................................................................ 34
Contacting Photron 35
5.1. Contact Information........................................................................ 36
A.Appendix 37
A.1. Reference Information ................................................................... 38
A.1.1. Relative Spectral Response (monochrome)............................. 38
A.1.2. Relative Spectral Response (color) ........................................ 38

1
Setup
This chapter gives an overview of the
components that make up the system. It
also explains a list of items that should
be checked before using the system.

2
FASTCAM MH6
1.1 About the System’s Components and Accessories
About the System’s Components and Accessories
1.1.1. Components
Refer to the attached packing list for this product's standard components and
accessories.
1.1.2. Accessories/Options
The following options are available for the system.
1. Hi-G Bracket for MH6 Main Unit
2. Hi-G Cable Fix Handle for MH6 Main Unit
3. Camera Cable for MH6 (9m/6m)
4. Cable Removal Prevention Cap
5. Connection Cable for Hi-G Battery (7m/3m)
6. Hi-G Battery (32V type/24V type)
7. FASTCAM MH6 Specialized Carrying Case
•The composition of cables turns into composition chosen at the time of purchase.

3
FASTCAM MH6
1.1 About the System’s Components and Accessories
1.1.3. Type
For the camera head, there are monochrome and color versions.
And for the system, there are 6ch of camera head ports.
When purchasing, it is possible to select the Camera head type and the number of
heads according to the application or your demands.
The type categories are listed as follows.
.
◼Camera head type name and category
Item
list
Explanation
Fame Rate
10K
10,000fps
Censor
M
monochrome
C
color
FASTCAM MH6 Camera Head type 10K-C
1000K-C-64GB
Censor
Camera Name
Frame Rate

4
FASTCAM MH6
1.2 Part Names
Part Names
The system is composed of components including the Main Unit, Camera Head, AC Power
Supply Unit, and the "Photron FASTCAM Viewer" controls software (referred to below as
PFV).
For the camera body and the AC power adapter
-Do not expose the camera body, AC power adapter and other optional
components to shock.
-Do not use in an area where flammable gas or dust is present.
-Do not place in an unstable location such as on an unstable platform or an
incline.
-Do not disassemble or modify.
-Do not expose to liquids such as water.
-Do not subject to excessive force.
1.2.1. Main Unit
The system has 100G of Hi-G capability and can connect a camera head of up to 6ch.
Although the memory capacity per camera head is 4GB, a maximum of 24GB capacity
with one camera head can be used by sharing memory.
Main Unit

5
FASTCAM MH6
1.2 Part Names
1.2.2. Main Unit Part Names
MH6 Main Unit
Camera Connector
USB 3.0
USB 3.0 Connector
POWER
Power Switch
USER
USER SW1～4
Status Indicator LED
KEYPAD
Remote keypad Connector
I/O PORT 2
I/O Port Connector
I/O PORT 1
I/O Port Connector
Gigabit Ethernet Connector
DC22-32V 135VA IN
Power Supply Connector

6
FASTCAM MH6
1.2 Part Names
1.2.3. CameraHead
本製品のカメラヘッドは、解像度 1,920x1,400、撮影速度 10,000fps 撮影が可能です。
カメラヘッドはカラー/モノクロタイプのヘッドが選択できます。
また、１台の Main Unit に対し複数接続可能なカメラヘッドは、共通の同期信号にて動作するため、１つの
現象を様々な角度から同時撮影することが可能です。
•Since the camera head is not compatible with hot plug, please remove it before turning off the
main power. Please note that it will cause malfunction if you turn the power on.
Camera Head

7
FASTCAM MH6
1.2 Part Names
1.2.4. CameraHead+Bracket
The system is available as standard with a Hi-G camera / lens bracket.
Since the camera head becomes hot, be sure to attach the Hi-G camera / lens
bracket or a fixture that can ensure equivalent heat dissipation performance.
A different Hi-G lens Bracket is prepared for each lens.
Please use the Hi-G lens bracket corresponding to each lens.
Lenses corresponding to the following brackets LM6HC：KOWA