Photron Fastcam SA3 User manual

F
FA AS ST TC CA AM M S SA A3 3

The copyright of this manual is held by PHOTRON LIMITED.
Product specifications and manual contents can change without advanced notification.
This manual was created taking every possible measure to ensure the accuracy of its contents. However, if you find a section which is unclear, a mistake, or an
omission, please contact PHOTRON LIMITED using the contact information provided at the end of the manual.
PHOTRON LIMITED bears no responsibility for the results of using the product or from following the instructions in this manual.
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
Thank you for your purchase of Photron’s high-speed camera system, the “FASTCAM SA3” (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 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 indicates a space you to use for making 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.
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 basic keypad
operation and a list of items that should be checked before using the system.
Chapter. 3 Recording
This chapter explains operations related to recording.
Chapter. 4 Connecting a PC
This chapter explains the procedure for connecting the system to a PC. Refer to the “Photron FASTCAM
Viewer User’s Manual” for additional details on using a PC to control the system.
Chapter. 5 Product Specifications
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 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

■Product safety may be spoiled when it is used by the method which does not meet a manual.
■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.
■This chapter lists the contact information to use when contacting Photron if the
system malfunctions or if a portion of the manual is unclear.
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.
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.
■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 0-40° C, humidity 85% RH or lower, maximum altitude 2000m
or lower.
In addition, if exceeding these limits, use in a condensation-free environment.
Doing so 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
■This device is for indoor use, do not use it outdoors.
Do not use in a location that has dust.
Doing so can cause malfunction.
■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 then 60°C. Also, prevent condensation from forming during shipment
Caution

Cleaning of 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 Camera Body.
■Use dry or wet cloth to remove dirt from surface of the Body.
■To remove stubborn contamination, use detergent.
Cleaning

Table of Contents
Chapter. 1 Overview 1
1.1. Product Overview and Features ..............................................................................2
Chapter. 2 Setup 3
2.1. System Components and Accessories ....................................................................4
2.1.1. Components................................................................................................4
2.1.2. Accessories/Options ................................................................................... 4
2.1.3. Type ............................................................................................................5
2.2. Part Names ..............................................................................................................6
2.2.1. Camera Body ..............................................................................................6
2.2.2. Camera Body Part Names .......................................................................... 7
2.2.3. Status Display LEDs on the Rear of the Camera Body ..............................8
2.2.4. Interchangeable Lens Mounts................................................................... 10
2.2.5. LCD Remote Controller (Optional)............................................................ 11
2.2.6. RS-422 Serial Control ...............................................................................12
2.2.7. I/O Port Connector ....................................................................................13
2.2.8. Power Supply Connector ..........................................................................15
2.3. Device Connections ............................................................................................... 16
2.3.1. Connecting a Video Monitor...................................................................... 16
2.3.2. Connecting the AC Power Supply.............................................................17
2.3.3. Connecting the LCD Remote Controller (Optional) ..................................18
2.3.4. Connecting a PC.......................................................................................19
2.3.5. Factory Default Setting .............................................................................19
2.3.6. Memory Backup Battery (Option) ...........................................................19
Chapter. 3 Recording 21
3.1. Image Initialization (Calibration) ............................................................................22
3.1.1. Executing Calibration ................................................................................22
3.1.2. Saving Calibration Settings....................................................................... 22
3.1.3. Loading Calibration Settings ..................................................................... 22
3.2. Selecting the Frame Rate ......................................................................................23
3.3. Selecting the Resolution ........................................................................................ 23
3.4. Selecting the Shutter Speed ..................................................................................24
3.4.1. Changing SHUTTER MODE.....................................................................24
3.5. DS SHUTTER Function .........................................................................................25
3.6. AUTO EXPOSURE Operation ...............................................................................26
3.7. Selecting the Trigger Mode....................................................................................28
3.7.1. START Mode.............................................................................................28
3.7.2. CENTER Mode ......................................................................................... 28
3.7.3. END Mode.................................................................................................29
3.7.4. MANUAL Mode .........................................................................................29
3.7.5. RANDOM Mode ........................................................................................29
3.7.6. RANDOM RESET Mode ........................................................................... 30
3.7.7. TWO STAGES Mode ................................................................................ 31