Photron FASTCAM Nova User manual

FASTCAM Nova
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 NOVA”
(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

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
■This system has a handle, but this assumes use of camera installation and
transportation.
When recording, please fix the equipment using a stand, tripod, etc and do not record
with the handle being carried.
■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.
■Although this camera is compatible with outdoor use, the AC power supply unit is not
outdoor compatible. When using it outdoors, prepare another power supply.
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
Capter 1 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. Camera Body .........................................................................4
1.2.2. Camera Body Part Names........................................................5
1.2.3. Interchangeable Lens Mount ....................................................7
1.2.4. Status Display LEDs on the Rear of the Camera Body..................8
1.2.5. Power Supply Connector, DC Cable ...........................................9
1.2.6. Gigabit Ethernet Connector.................................................... 11
1.2.7. EXT-SSD Connector .............................................................. 12
1.2.8. RESET Switch ...................................................................... 13
1.3. Input / Output Signal Types ............................................................. 14
1.3.1. TRIG SW IN......................................................................... 14
1.3.2. INPUT 1/2 ........................................................................... 15
1.3.3. IO INPUT Circuit Diagram...................................................... 16
1.3.4. OUTPUT 1/2 ........................................................................ 17
1.3.5. Using External Synchronization Signals ................................... 18
1.3.6. Synchronization with a variable frequency ............................... 19
1.3.7. Signal Delay......................................................................... 20
1.3.8. IRIG IN (External Time Synchronization） ............................... 22
1.3.9. IRIG-sync Operation ............................................................. 23
1.4. Device Connections......................................................................... 24
1.4.1. Minimum Equipment Connection ............................................ 24
1.4.2. Connecting a Video Monitor ................................................... 25
Capter 2 Recording 29
2.1. Selecting Frame Rate/ Resolution ..................................................... 30

Contents
2.2. Selecting Shutter Speed .................................................................. 31
Capter 3 Product Specifications 32
3.1. Specifications................................................................................ 33
3.1.1. Product Specifications.......................................................... 33
3.1.2. Random Reset Delay/ Dead Time ........................................... 34
3.1.3. Other Supported Function ..................................................... 35
3.1.4. General Specifications ........................................................... 36
3.1.5. Frame Rate and Resolution .................................................... 37
3.1.6. Shutter Speed List ................................................................ 43
3.1.7. Recordable Image Count/ Resolution ...................................... 44
3.1.8. Recordable Image Count/Resolution ....................................... 45
3.2. Dimensions.................................................................................... 46
3.2.1. Camera Body ....................................................................... 46
3.2.2. AC Power Supply Unit ........................................................... 54
Capter 4 Warranty 55
4.1. About the Warranty ........................................................................ 56
Capter 5 Contacting Photron 57
5.1. Contact Information........................................................................ 58
A.Appendix エラー! ブックマークが定義されていません。
A.1. Reference Information ...........エラー! ブックマークが定義されていません。
A.1.1. Relative Spectral Response (monochrome)エラー! ブックマークが定義されていません。
A.1.2. Quantum Efficiency (monochrome)エラー! ブックマークが定義されていません。
A.1.3. Relative Spectral Response (color)エラー! ブックマークが定義されていません。
A.1.4. Quantum Efficiency (color)エラー! ブックマークが定義されていません。

1
Capter 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 Nova
1.1 About the System’s Components and Accessories
1.1. 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. Specialized Spear Power Supply Connector (for Custom Cable)
2. FASTCAM Nova Specialized Carrying Case
3. Specialized Canon EF Remote Control Mount
4. Specialized FAST Drive Holder
5. FAST Drive Cable (30cm)
6. FAST Drive 1TB
7. FAST Dock
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.

3
FASTCAM Nova
1.1 About the System’s Components and Accessories
1.1.3. Type
For the 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 16GB, 32GB, 64GB) 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.
◼Camera type name and category
Item
list
Explanation
Full Frame
Frame Rate
S6
6,400fps
S9
9,000fps
S12
12,800fps
Fame Rate
1000K
1,000,000fps
900K
900,000fps
800K
800,000fps
500K
500,000fps (Supports fps up to 541,000 fps with
external synchronization)
200KS
200,000fps (Shutter speed 1usec control type)
Censor
M
monochrome
C
color
Memory
8GB
8 gigabyte
16GB
16 gigabyte
32GB
32 gigabyte
64GB
64 gigabyte
•Export-controlled model type：type 200KS is subject to certain restriction on the frame
rate.
•Export-controlled model type 200KSare 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 "Capter 5 Contacting
Photron5.1", 57 page.
FASTCAM Nova S12 type 1000K-C-64GB
Censor
Memory
Camera Name
Full Frame
Frame Rate
Fame
Rate

4
FASTCAM Nova
1.2 Part Names
1.2. 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 excessive force.
1.2.1. 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.

5
FASTCAM Nova
1.2 Part Names
1.2.2. Camera Body Part Names
GtypeF Mount, without FAST Drive Holder
H D -S DI
TR I G S W IN
I R IG I N
I N PU T 1
I N PU T 2
O U TP UT 1
O U TP UT 2
DE F:SYNC IN
DE F:TRIG TTL IN
DE F:SYNC OUT
DE F:TRIG TTL OU T
GtypeF Mount
DC IN
22-32V
Primary Power Supply
Connector
Handle
POWER
Power Switch
I/O, HD-SDI Connector
BATTERY
DC22-32V
Secondary Power Supply
Connector
GIGABIT ETHERNET
Gigabit Ethernet
LAN Cable Connector
EXT-SSD
FAST Drive Connector
KEYPAD
Keypad Connector
(Reserved)
Status Indicator LED
RESET
Reset Switch

6
FASTCAM Nova
1.2 Part Names
GtypeF Mount, with FAST Drive Holder
H D -S DI
TR IG S W IN
I R IG I N
I N PU T 1
I N PU T 2
O U TP UT 1
O U TP UT 2
DE F:S YNC IN
DE F:T RIG T TL IN
DE F:S YNC OUT
DE F:T RIG T TL OU T
FAST Drive Holder

7
FASTCAM Nova
1.2 Part Names
1.2.3. Interchangeable Lens Mount
The lens mount on the system can be changed according to the recording purpose.
There are 3 types of interchangeable lens mounts: “G type F Mount”, “C Mount”, and “EF
Mount (Option)”.
The system has mechanical shutter as a standard feature.
How to change the lens mount (G type F Mount → C Mount)
1. Remove the four M5 bolts with the hexagonal holes using the hexagonal wrench.
2. Remove the G type F Mount portion as a unit.
3. Install the C Mount unit using the bolts with hexagonal holes in the 90° diagonal holes.
4. After installation, always verify that the unit is not loose and does not rattle.
GtypeF Mount
(Standard)
C Mount