Photron FASTCAM Mini AX100 User manual

FASTCAM Mini AX
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 Mini AX”
(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.

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.
⚫Chapter 2, Recording
This chapter explains operations related to recording.
⚫Chapter 3, Product Specifications
This chapter explains the system’s specifications.
⚫Chapter 4, Warranty
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 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 indicates supplementary items to be aware of when
using the system.
This symbol indicates the location of a reference.
“ ”
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 emits 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 to 40°C, humidity 85 % RH or lower, maximum altitude
2,000 m 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. Be sure not to allow condensastion to form inside the system.
◼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
“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.
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.
◼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
Chapter 1 Setup 1
About the System’s Components and Accessories ...................................2
Components ............................................................................2
Accessories/Options..................................................................2
Type .......................................................................................3
Part Names ........................................................................................5
Camera Body ...........................................................................5
Camera Body Part Names..........................................................6
Interchangeable Lens Mounts.....................................................7
Status Display LEDs on the Rear of the Camera Body....................8
Camera IP Address Initialization .................................................9
Reset to the Factory Default.......................................................9
Power Supply Connector, DC Cable ........................................... 10
Connecting the Gigabit Ethernet Interface to a PC ...................... 12
Input/Output Signal Types ................................................................. 13
TRIG TTL IN Connector ........................................................... 13
IRIG IN Connector.................................................................. 13
INPUT(1,2) Connector............................................................. 14
OUTPUT (1, 2) Connector........................................................ 15
Inputting an External Synchronization Signal ............................. 16
Outputting an External Synchronization Signal ........................... 16
Synchronization with a Variable Frequency ................................ 17
INPUT, TRIG SW IN Circuit Diagram.......................................... 18
IRIG-sync Operation ............................................................... 19
Signal Delay........................................................................... 20
Device Connections........................................................................... 22
Minimum Equipment Connection .............................................. 22
Connecting the AC Power Supply.............................................. 23
Connecting a PC..................................................................... 24

Contents
Chapter 2 Recording 25
Selecting Frame Rate / Resolution....................................................... 26
Low Frame Rate Mode............................................................. 26
Selecting Shutter Speed..................................................................... 27
Chapter 3 Product Specifications 29
Specifications ................................................................................... 30
Product Specifications ............................................................. 30
Frame Rate Modes.................................................................. 31
Uncertain intervals.................................................................. 31
Random Reset Delay............................................................... 32
Inter Frame Time ................................................................... 32
Other Supported Function........................................................ 32
General Specifications ............................................................. 33
AC / DC Adaptor..................................................................... 33
Frame Rate and Resolution ...................................................... 34
Shutter Speed List .................................................................. 40
Recordable Image Count / Resolution ....................................... 42
Recordable Times / Resolution ................................................. 45
Dimensions ...................................................................................... 48
Camera Body ......................................................................... 48
AC Power Supply Unit ............................................................. 52
Chapter 4 Warranty 53
About the Warranty........................................................................... 54
Chapter 5 Contacting Photron 55
Contact Information .......................................................................... 56
A. Appendix 57
Reference Information...................................................................... 58
A.1.1 Relative Spectral Response (monochrome) ................................ 58
A.1.2 Quantum Efficiency (monochrome)........................................... 58

Contents
A.1.3 Relative Spectral Response (color) ............................................ 59
A.1.4 Quantum Efficiency (color) ...................................................... 59

1
Chapter 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
1.1 About the System’s Components and Accessories
FASTCAM Mini AX
2
FASTCA
M Mini
About the System’s Components and Accessories
Components
Refer to the attached packing list for this product’s standard components and accessories.
This system does not include a lens.
Accessories/Options
The following options are available for the system.
Use only the components and accessories/options specified on the “1.1 About the
System’s Components and Accessories” for AC power adapter / AC cable and others.
1. Dedicated Carrying Case
2. DAQ option
3. Movie analysis software
4. M42 Lens Mount

3
1.1 About the System’s Components and Accessories
FASTCAM Mini AX
3
FASTCA
M Mini
Type
For the FASTCAM Mini AX50/100/200 system, there are monochrome and color versions, and for
each of these versions, there are 8 GB standard memory capacity type and 16 GB (or 32 GB, 64 GB,
128 GB) high capacity type. When purchasing, it is possible to select from these models according to
the application or your demands.
The type categories are listed as follows.
Max.
Frame Rate
Full Frame
Max.
Sensor
Type
Memory
Type Name
900,000fps
6,400fps
Color
4GB
FASTCAM Mini AX200 type 900K – C – 4GB
8GB
FASTCAM Mini AX200 type 900K – C – 8GB
16GB
FASTCAM Mini AX200 type 900K – C – 16GB
32GB
FASTCAM Mini AX200 type 900K – C – 32GB
Mono
4GB
FASTCAM Mini AX200 type 900K – M – 4GB
8GB
FASTCAM Mini AX200 type 900K – M – 8GB
16GB
FASTCAM Mini AX200 type 900K – M – 16GB
32GB
FASTCAM Mini AX200 type 900K – M – 32GB
540,000fps
6,400fps
Color
4GB
FASTCAM Mini AX200 type 540K – C – 4GB
8GB
FASTCAM Mini AX200 type 540K – C – 8GB
16GB
FASTCAM Mini AX200 type 540K – C – 16GB
32GB
FASTCAM Mini AX200 type 540K – C – 32GB
Mono
4GB
FASTCAM Mini AX200 type 540K – M – 4GB
8GB
FASTCAM Mini AX200 type 540K – M – 8GB
16GB
FASTCAM Mini AX200 type 540K – M – 16GB
32GB
FASTCAM Mini AX200 type 540K – M – 32GB
216,000fps
6,400fps
Color
4GB
FASTCAM Mini AX200 type 200K – C – 4GB
8GB
FASTCAM Mini AX200 type 200K – C – 8GB
16GB
FASTCAM Mini AX200 type 200K – C – 16GB
32GB
FASTCAM Mini AX200 type 200K – C – 32GB
Mono
4GB
FASTCAM Mini AX200 type 200K – M – 4GB
8GB
FASTCAM Mini AX200 type 200K – M – 8GB
16GB
FASTCAM Mini AX200 type 200K – M – 16GB
32GB
FASTCAM Mini AX200 type 200K – M – 32GB
540,000fps
4,000fps
Color
4GB
FASTCAM Mini AX100 type 540K – C – 4GB
8GB
FASTCAM Mini AX100 type 540K – C – 8GB
16GB
FASTCAM Mini AX100 type 540K – C – 16GB
32GB
FASTCAM Mini AX100 type 540K – C – 32GB
Mono
4GB
FASTCAM Mini AX100 type 540K – M – 4GB
8GB
FASTCAM Mini AX100 type 540K – M – 8GB
16GB
FASTCAM Mini AX100 type 540K – M – 16GB
32GB
FASTCAM Mini AX100 type 540K – M – 32GB

4
1.1 About the System’s Components and Accessories
FASTCAM Mini AX
4
FASTCA
M Mini
Max.
Frame Rate
Full Frame
Max.
Sensor
Type
Memory
Type Name
212,500fps
4,000fps
Color
4GB
FASTCAM Mini AX100 type 200K – C – 4GB
8GB
FASTCAM Mini AX100 type 200K – C – 8GB
16GB
FASTCAM Mini AX100 type 200K – C – 16GB
32GB
FASTCAM Mini AX100 type 200K – C – 32GB
Mono
4GB
FASTCAM Mini AX100 type 200K – M – 4GB
8GB
FASTCAM Mini AX100 type 200K – M – 8GB
16GB
FASTCAM Mini AX100 type 200K – M – 16GB
32GB
FASTCAM Mini AX100 type 200K – M – 32GB
170,000fps
2,000fps
Color
4GB
FASTCAM Mini AX50 type 170K – C – 4GB
8GB
FASTCAM Mini AX50 type 170K – C – 8GB
16GB
FASTCAM Mini AX50 type 170K – C – 16GB
32GB
FASTCAM Mini AX50 type 170K – C – 32GB
Mono
4GB
FASTCAM Mini AX50 type 170K – M – 4GB
8GB
FASTCAM Mini AX50 type 170K – M – 8GB
16GB
FASTCAM Mini AX50 type 170K – M – 16GB
32GB
FASTCAM Mini AX50 type 170K – M – 32GB
•Export-controlled model type 480K/200K/200KS is subject to certain restriction on the frame rate.
•Export-controlled model type 480K/200KS are subject to restriction on the shutter speed.
Subject to restrictions under Export Trade Control Order, your camera may NOT be used depending on the
country where you intend to use. If you are considering exporting your camera, check with Photron first.
Contact information is given in "Chapter 5 Contacting Photron 5.1", page 56.

5
1.2 Part Names
FASTCAM Mini AX
5
FASTCA
M Mini
Part Names
The system is composed of components including the camera body, AC power supply, and the
“Photron FASTCAM Viewer” control 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 an excessive force.
Camera Body
The camera body contains IC memory for image recording and has been designed to be able to record
high-speed images uncompressed. The back of the camera body is equipped with the video output
terminals, which can playback the recorded images on a video monitor; the Gigabit Ethernet interface,
which permits full camera control and data download possible via connection to a PC; the input/output
connector, which allows external synchronization signals, trigger signals, IRIG time code.

6
1.2 Part Names
FASTCAM Mini AX
6
FASTCA
M Mini
Camera Body Part Names
FASTCAM Mini AX50/100/200
Front
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