Photron FASTCAM Multi User manual

F
FA AS ST TC CA AM M M Mu ul lt ti i

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 users will be required to correct
the interference at their 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
Thank you for your purchase of Photron’s high-speed camera system, the “FASTCAM Multi” (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.
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 indicates a space for you to make notes.
“ “
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 Manual
This section explains the layout of the manual. For other options, please refer to each manual.
Introduction
The introduction explains the manual and safety precautions.
Chapter 1. Overview
This chapter gives an overview of the system and an explanation of its features.
Chapter 2. 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.
Chapter 3. System Connections
This chapter explains the procedure for connecting each component of the system and to a PC.
Chapter 4. Functions
This chapter explains the system’s functions. Refer to the “Photron FASTCAM Viewer User’s Manual” for
additional details on using a PC to control the system.
Chapter 5. Product Specification
This chapter explains the system’s specifications.
Chapter 6. Warranty
This chapter explains about the warranty.
Chapter 7. 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.

Using the System Safely and Correctly
In order to prevent injury to yourself and others, and toprevent damage to property, carefullyobserve 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

■ 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

■ 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.
■ Do not obstruct the air intake and exhaust port, when the system is installed.
■ 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.
■The rubber foot used in this product might be hydrolyzed if it is stored or used in a high
humidity environment for a long time.
Moreover, it might be hot melted if it is stored or used in a high temperature environment
for a long time.
Caution

“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

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

■Minimum curve radius of the camera cable is 125mm. Be careful when using or storing camera
cable to give an ample space for the curvature.
■Do not give an excessive impact or load to camera cables to avoid damage.
■Whenever the cables are out of use, place the attached connector caps for protection of the
connectors.
■In operation, connect the main unit’s connector cap and the camera cable’s connector cap
each other to avoid dirt and pollution and to keep clean inside.
The camera cable includes optics fibers. If dust or dirt is in inside of a connector, it may cause a
communication error. Keep clean the inside of connectors. If a connector is polluted, clean the fiber
edges by following instruction or using the bundled cleaning kit.
■DO NOT use hard and/or sharp materials for cleaning.
■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.
■Fibers are indicated with a red circle over the cable cross-section.
Camera Cable

Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Overview 1
1.1. Product Overview and Features ..............................................................................2
Chapter 2. Setup 3
2.1. System’s Components and Accessories..................................................................4
2.1.1. Components................................................................................................4
2.1.2. Type ............................................................................................................4
2.2. Accessories/Options................................................................................................5
2.2.1. Camera Head..............................................................................................5
2.2.2. Camera Cable.............................................................................................5
2.2.3. LED Light ....................................................................................................6
2.2.4. Micro Four Thirds Lens Option ...................................................................6
2.2.5. Remote Controller.......................................................................................6
2.3. Part Names..............................................................................................................7
2.3.1. Main Unit.....................................................................................................7
2.3.2. Main Unit Part Names.................................................................................8
2.3.3. Main Power Switch ...................................................................................10
2.3.4. Status LEDs on the Front Side .................................................................11
2.3.5. Remote Controller (Optional)....................................................................13
2.3.6. I/O PORT Connector.................................................................................14
2.3.7. Power Supply Connector ..........................................................................16
Chapter 3. System Connections 17
3.1. Camera Head Connection .....................................................................................18
3.2. AC Power Supply Connection ...............................................................................20
3.3. Remote Controller Connection (Optional) .............................................................21
3.4. PC Connection.......................................................................................................22
3.4.1. Connecting the Main Unit and a PC .........................................................23
3.4.2. Setting the IP Address ..............................................................................23
3.4.3. Connecting Multiple Systems and a PC ...................................................23
3.4.4. Initializing Gigabit Ethernet Interface and Camera IPAddress.................24
3.4.5. Initializing to Factory Default Settings.......................................................24
3.5. Video Monitor Connection......................................................................................25
Chapter 4. Functions 27
4.1. Input / Output Signals ............................................................................................28
4.1.1. TRIG TTL IN Connector............................................................................28
4.1.2. TRIG TTL OUT Connector........................................................................28
4.1.3. TRIG SW IN Connector ............................................................................28
4.1.4. SYNC IN Connector..................................................................................28

4.1.5. GENERAL IN Connector...........................................................................28
4.1.6. GENERAL OUT (1, 2, 3) Connector .........................................................29
4.2. External Triggering.................................................................................................30
4.2.1. Inputting External Trigger Signal...............................................................30
4.2.2. Outputting External Trigger Signals..........................................................32
4.3. External Synchronization Signals..........................................................................33
4.3.1. Inputting External Synchronization Signal ................................................33
4.3.2. Outputting External Synchronization Signal .............................................33
4.3.3. Synchronization with a variable frequency ...............................................33
4.3.4. Synchronizing Multiple FASTCAM Multi Systems
(Multiple Unit Synchronized Recording).....................................................34
4.3.5. Synchronizing FASTCAM Multi with Other External Devices
(Frame Rate Synchronized Recording)....................................................36
4.3.6. Synchronizing the System with Other Cameras
(Mixed Device Synchronized Recording)..................................................38
4.4. GENERAL Signal Setting.......................................................................................39
4.4.1. GENERAL IN Signal Setting.....................................................................39
4.4.2. GENERAL OUT Signal Settings ...............................................................40
4.5. Signal Delay...........................................................................................................41
4.6. Using Programmable Switch (USER SW).............................................................43
4.7. IRIG Time Code (External Time Synchronization).................................................44
4.8. IRIG-sync Operation..............................................................................................45
4.9. AUTO EXPOSURE Operation...............................................................................46
4.10. Built-in DAQ (2ch)..................................................................................................48
4.11. Error Code .............................................................................................................50
4.11.1. Startup Errors............................................................................................50
4.11.2. Operation Errors .......................................................................................51
Chapter 5. Product Specification 53
5.1. Specifications.........................................................................................................54
5.1.1. Product Specifications ..............................................................................54
5.1.2. General Specifications..............................................................................55
5.2. Dimensions............................................................................................................56
5.2.1. Main Unit...................................................................................................56
5.2.2. Remote Controller (Optional)....................................................................58
5.2.3. AC Adapter................................................................................................59
5.2.4. Camera Cable...........................................................................................60
5.2.5. Clearance for Camera Cable Connection.................................................61
Chapter 6. Warranty 63
6.1. About the Warranty................................................................................................64
Chapter 7. Contacting Photron 65

7.1. Contact Information................................................................................................66

1
Chapter 1. Overview
1.1. Product Overview and Features

Chapter 1 Overview
2
1.1. Product Overview and Features
This product is a detachable high-speed camera that can connect up to two compact camera
heads simultaneously. Since the Multi can be easily set up for synchronized recording by attaching
two camera heads to the main unit, this system is optimum for applications such as multi-angle
recording and 3D video analysis. It is simple to exchange color/monochrome camera head(s) since
camera heads and the main unit are detachable.
The Multi has adopted a special robust multi-optical cable to connect between the main unit and
camera head(s). There are 5m-cable and 10m-cable options. They can be used for explosion,
ignition, and shock tests where dangerous phenomena will be recorded. This will allow the main unit
to be set at a safe location and important data will be protected.
The main unit has adopted a robust design where circuit boards are completely sealed from the
outside. The system is not only equipped with input/output terminals for triggering and synchronizing
with external devices, but also supports a variety of functions such as video output and Gigabit
Ethernet control by a PC and Remote Controller (Optional). Photron has software for control, image
analysis, and processing.
Use the Multi in a variety of applications with its multi-function, high-performance, robust, and
expandable specifications to take full advantage of it.
FASTCAM Multi

3
Chapter 2. Setup
2.1. System’s Components and Accessories
2.2. Accessories/Options
2.3. Part Names

Chapter 2 Setup
4
2.1. System’s Components and Accessories
2.1.1. Components
Refer to the attached packing list for this product's standard components and accessories.
As to the ancillary items, such as AC adapter and AC cable, use those components,
accessories and optional items that are shown in “2.1. System’s Components and Accessories”
section only.
2.1.2. Type
This product has 1 or 2 data recording channels depending on the number of cameras to be
connected. Also, each system has a memory capacity of 8GB, standard, or larger capacity of 16GB
or 32GB. Memory capacity, together with the number of recording channels, can be selected to the
user’s particular needs at the time of purchase. The below table shows combinations of the number
of recording channels and memory capacity available to choose from:
Camera’s types and specifications
Item
symbols
Descriptions
Channel
1ch
Channel 1
2ch
Channel 2
Memory
8GB
8 Gigabytes
16GB
16 Gigabytes
32GB
32 Gigabytes
FAST Drive
FD
FAST Drive / FAST Dock-compatible
N/A
FAST Drive / FAST Dock-noncompatible
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 using your camera
outside Japan, check with Photron first. Contact information is given in 7.1 Contact Information.
FAST Drive / FAST Dock
Type
Descriptions
FAST Drive type 2TB
High-Speed SSD Box (2TB)
FAST Drive Cable
High-Speed SSD Box Cable (50cm)
FAST Dock
High-Speed SSD Box Dock Station
FASTCAM Multi Main Unit type 1ch-32GB-FD
Channel
Memory
FAST Drive
Product Name

5 FASTCAM Multi Hardware Manual
2.2. Accessories/Options
This camera system is used in conjunction with various accessories and optional items as
necessary.
Accessories and optional items available as of March 2016, are shown in the following
subsections:
2.2.1. Camera Head
FASTCAM Multi Camera Head HS-01 type 750K-M (Monochrome) (102479)
FASTCAM Multi Camera Head HS-01 type 750K-C (Color) (102480)
FASTCAM Multi Camera Head HS-01 type 200K-M (Monochrome) (102829)
FASTCAM Multi Camera Head HS-01 type 200K-C (Color) (102830)
The camera head incorporates an area sensor with the full resolution of 1280 x 1024 pixels,
maximum frame rate of 4,800 fps (at full frame recording), up to 750,000 fps (at segmented frame
recording, at type 750K). Regarding type 200K, its maximum frame rate is 200,000fps.
Refer to “FASTCAM Multi Camera Head HS-01 Hardware Manual”.
Export-controlled model type 200K is subject to restriction on the frame rate and 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 using your camera
outside Japan, check with Photron first. Contact information is given in 7.1. Contact Information.
2.2.2. Camera Cable
FASTCAM Multi Camera Cable 5m (102481)
FASTCAM Multi Camera Cable 10m (102482)
FASTCAM Multi Camera Bulkhead Cable 5m
FASTCAM Multi Camera Bulkhead Cable 10m
They are cables to connect between the camera head and processor.
The Bulkhead Cable is an optional cable, which can segment the camera cable in the middle. It
can be attached to the specialcamera housing. The length can be extended to a maximum of 50 m
by combining it with the normal camera cable.

Chapter 2 Setup
6
・Minimum curve radius of the camera cable is 125mm. Be careful when using or storing
camera cable to give an ample space for the curvature.
・Do not give an excessive impact or load to camera cables to avoid damage.
・Whenever the cables are out of use, place the attached connector caps for protection of
the connectors.
2.2.3. LED Light
FASTCAM Multi LED Light Option (102483)
This lighting unit is attached to the camera head.
Refer to “FASTCAM Multi LED Light Option Hardware Manual”.
2.2.4. Micro Four Thirds Lens Option
Micro Four Thirds Lens Option For FASTCAM Multi (102484)
This is the lens mount, to be fitted to the camera head, to take the Micro Four Thirds lens.
Refer to “Micro Four Thirds Lens Option For FASTCAM Multi Hardware Manual”.
2.2.5. Remote Controller
Remote Controller
These are the external control, to be used in connection with the body.
Refer to “Remote Controller User’s Manual”.