Photron FASTCAM ultima SE User manual

User’s ManualUser’s Manual
FASTCAM ultima SEFASTCAM ultima SE
FASTCAMFASTCAM
ultima SEultima SE
MOMOTIONTION ANANALALYYSIS SYSIS SYSTEMS DIVISIONSTEMS DIVISION
PHOPHOTRTRONON LLTDTD..

NotesNotes

Table of ContentsTable of Contents
CHAPTER1-INTRODUCTIONCHAPTER1-INTRODUCTION
IntroductionIntroduction 1.11.1
WarrantyWarranty 1.21.2
How to use this manualHow to use this manual 1.31.3
PrecautionsPrecautions 1.51.5
CHAPTER 2 - CONTRCHAPTER 2 - CONTROLSOLS AND CONNECTAND CONNECTORSORS
FASTCAM ultima SEFASTCAM ultima SE 2.12.1
ImagerImager 2.22.2
Processor Front PanelProcessor Front Panel 2.32.3
Processor Rear PanelProcessor Rear Panel 2.42.4
CHAPTER 3 - KEYPCHAPTER 3 - KEYPAD OPERAAD OPERATIONTION
IntroductionIntroduction 3.13.1
LiveLive 3.23.2
Recording RateRecording Rate 3.33.3
Recording OperationRecording Operation 3.43.4
Playback ControlPlayback Control 3.93.9
Display RateDisplay Rate 3.113.11
Display ModeDisplay Mode 3.123.12
RS232 Protocol and CommandsRS232 Protocol and Commands 3.163.16
CHAPTER 4 - GETTING STCHAPTER 4 - GETTING STARARTEDTED
Connecting the systemConnecting the system 4.14.1
Power OnPower On 4.44.4
Making an AUX MEM RecordingMaking an AUX MEM Recording 4.54.5
Make your first recordingMake your first recording 4.54.5
CHAPTER5-DOCHAPTER5-DOWNLWNLOOADINGIMAADINGIMAGESGES
Moving images to your computerMoving images to your computer 5.15.1
FASTCAM Series SCSI Download utility(READCAM.EXE)FASTCAM Series SCSI Download utility(READCAM.EXE) 5.15.1
How to Use Camera UtilityHow to Use Camera Utility 5.25.2
TIFF IMAGE FILE STRUCTURETIFF IMAGE FILE STRUCTURE 5.125.12

TableofContentsTableofContents
CHAPTER6-RECORDINGSTRACHAPTER6-RECORDINGSTRATEGIESTEGIES
IntroductionIntroduction 6.16.1
How the Processor stores imagesHow the Processor stores images 6.26.2
StartStart 6.36.3
CenterCenter 6.46.4
EndEnd 6.56.5
RandomRandom 6.66.6
Choosing a Record modeChoosing a Record mode 6.76.7
CHAPTER7-ROUTINECARECHAPTER7-ROUTINECARE
Care of lensesCare of lenses 7.17.1
SpecificationsSpecifications 7.27.2

Chapter1-IntroductionChapter1-Introduction
IntroductionIntroduction
WarrantyWarranty
How to Use This ManualHow to Use This Manual
PrecautionsPrecautions

NotesNotes

IntroductionIntroduction
The PHOTRON FASTCAM ultima SE is designed to be a valuable addition to theThe PHOTRON FASTCAM ultima SE is designed to be a valuable addition to the
engineer’s or scientist’s problem solving instrumentation kit. The simple hand heldengineer’s or scientist’s problem solving instrumentation kit. The simple hand held
keypad, extraordinary framing rates, and instant video playback make evaluatingkeypad, extraordinary framing rates, and instant video playback make evaluating
difficultmotionrelatedproblemsroutine.difficultmotionrelatedproblemsroutine.
The live setup feature allows the user to be sure that the image is exactly what isThe live setup feature allows the user to be sure that the image is exactly what is
required to solve the problem. There is no guesswork about exposure levels or imagerequired to solve the problem. There is no guesswork about exposure levels or image
composition. What the user sees on the video monitor is what will be captured incomposition. What the user sees on the video monitor is what will be captured in
memory when the Record key is pressed.memory when the Record key is pressed.
The information in this manual will teach you how to operate the PHOTRONThe information in this manual will teach you how to operate the PHOTRON
FASTCAM ultima SE.FASTCAM ultima SE.
1-11-1

1-21-2
WarrantyWarranty
NNEWEW EEQUIPMENTQUIPMENT WWARRANTYARRANTY
PHOTRON FPHOTRON FASTCAMASTCAM ultimaultima SE SSE Serieseries
PHOTRON LIMITED warrants this PHOTRON FASTCAM ultima SE series and accessories manufac-PHOTRON LIMITED warrants this PHOTRON FASTCAM ultima SE series and accessories manufac-
tured by PHOTRON LIMITED, to function properly for one year from the date of shipment, if thetured by PHOTRON LIMITED, to function properly for one year from the date of shipment, if the
warrantyregistration cardwasfilled outandreturned toPHOTRONUSA, INC.orPHOTRON EUROPEwarrantyregistration cardwasfilled outandreturned toPHOTRONUSA, INC.orPHOTRON EUROPE
LIMITEDwithinthirtydaysofshipment.LIMITEDwithinthirtydaysofshipment.
PHOTRON LIMITED, in conjunction with PHOTRON USA,INC. or PHOTRON EUROPEPHOTRON LIMITED, in conjunction with PHOTRON USA,INC. or PHOTRON EUROPE
LIMITED,agreestoperformthefollowingequipmentwarrantyservices:LIMITED,agreestoperformthefollowingequipmentwarrantyservices:
1. Repair service: If shipped to PHOTRON at any of the addresses shown below, repairs will be made at1. Repair service: If shipped to PHOTRON at any of the addresses shown below, repairs will be made at
nocharge.nocharge.
2. Parts replacement: Replacement parts installed under warranty will be provided at no charge.2. Parts replacement: Replacement parts installed under warranty will be provided at no charge.
THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT APPLY UNDER THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT APPLY UNDER THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
Failure to operate the PHOTRON FASTCAM Ultima SE series in accordance with PHOTRON’s writtenFailure to operate the PHOTRON FASTCAM Ultima SE series in accordance with PHOTRON’s written
instructions,includingenvironmentalspecificationslistedintheUser’sManual.instructions,includingenvironmentalspecificationslistedintheUser’sManual.
IfthereisevidenceofthePHOTRONFASTCAMUltimaSEseriesbeingsubjectedtoaccidentaldamage,Ifthereis evidenceofthePHOTRONFASTCAMUltimaSEseriesbeingsubjectedtoaccidentaldamage,
misuseorabuse.misuseorabuse.
IfthePHOTRON FASTCAMUltima SEseries hasbeen repairedortampered withby personsother thanIfthe PHOTRONFASTCAM Ultima SEseries hasbeen repairedor tamperedwith by personsother than
PHOTRONpersonnel,customerpersonneltrained byPHOTRONorwithoutpermissionofPHOTRON.PHOTRON personnel,customerpersonneltrainedbyPHOTRONorwithout permissionofPHOTRON.
Shipping damage is not covered by this warranty. The purchaser has the responsibility to place a claim ofShipping damage is not covered by this warranty. The purchaser has the responsibility to place a claim of
damageinshipmentwiththecarrier.damageinshipmentwiththecarrier.
PHOTRON LIMITED makesnoother warranties,expressorimplied, includingtheimpliedwarranties ofPHOTRON LIMITED makesnootherwarranties, expressorimplied,including theimpliedwarrantiesof
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. If this PHOTRON FASTCAM Ultima SE series doesmerchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. If this PHOTRON FASTCAM Ultima SE series does
not function properly during the warranty period, PHOTRON LIMITED will repair it without chargenot function properly during the warranty period, PHOTRON LIMITED will repair it without charge
according to the terms stated above. Repair without charge is PHOTRON LIMITED’s only obligationaccording to the terms stated above. Repair without charge is PHOTRON LIMITED’s only obligation
underthiswarranty. PHOTRON LIMITED,PHOTRONUSA,INC.or PHOTRONEUROPELIMITEDunder thiswarranty. PHOTRONLIMITED,PHOTRONUSA,INC.or PHOTRON EUROPELIMITED
willnot beresponsible forany consequentialor incidentaldamages resultingfromthe sale,use orimproperwill notbe responsibleforanyconsequentialor incidentaldamages resultingfrom thesale, useor improper
functioningofthisequipmenteveniflossordamageiscausedbythenegligenceorother faultofPHOTRONfunctioningofthisequipmenteveniflossordamageiscausedbythenegligenceorotherfaultofPHOTRON
LIMITED,PHOTRONUSA,INC.or PHOTRONEUROPE LIMITED.LIMITED,PHOTRONUSA,INC.or PHOTRONEUROPELIMITED.
Returntheequipmentthatneedswarrantyserviceto:Returntheequipmentthatneedswarrantyserviceto:

How To Use This ManualHow To Use This Manual
DEFINITION OF TERMSDEFINITION OF TERMS
You will notice as you read this manual that some of the information is presented as aYou will notice as you read this manual that some of the information is presented as a
NOTE, CAUTION or WARNING. It is important that you understand the signifi-NOTE, CAUTION or WARNING. It is important that you understand the signifi-
cance of these three terms.cance of these three terms.
NOTENOTE A note contains information that we wish to emphasize regarding theA note contains information that we wish to emphasize regarding the
operation of your FASTCAM ultima SE.operation of your FASTCAM ultima SE.
CAUTIONCAUTION
A caution is intended to warn you that a certain operation or conditionA caution is intended to warn you that a certain operation or condition
may cause harm to your FASTCAM ultima SE.may cause harm to your FASTCAM ultima SE.
WWARNINGARNING
A warning is important to the safety of anyone operating the FASTCAMA warning is important to the safety of anyone operating the FASTCAM
ultima SE and should not be disregarded under any circumstances.ultima SE and should not be disregarded under any circumstances.
CHAPTER ONE, INTRODUCTIONCHAPTER ONE, INTRODUCTION
Contains the Warranty, precautions, introduction and how to use this manual.Contains the Warranty, precautions, introduction and how to use this manual.
CHAPTER TWO, CONTROLS AND CONNECTORSCHAPTER TWO, CONTROLS AND CONNECTORS
An introduction to the components of your FASTCAM ultima SE. Explains the use ofAn introduction to the components of your FASTCAM ultima SE. Explains the use of
each connector and control on the Processor and the Imager.each connector and control on the Processor and the Imager.
CHAPTER THREE, KEYPCHAPTER THREE, KEYPAD OPERAAD OPERATIONTION
Explains the use of each of the buttons and indicators on the keypad and the RS232Explains the use of each of the buttons and indicators on the keypad and the RS232
command set.command set.
CHAPTER FOUR, GETTING STCHAPTER FOUR, GETTING STARARTEDTED
Details how to connect and operate the FASTCAM ultima SEDetails how to connect and operate the FASTCAM ultima SE.. The step by stepThe step by step
instructions in CHAPER FOUR organize your first recording session, from compo-instructions in CHAPER FOUR organize your first recording session, from compo-
nentconnectiontoplayback.nentconnectiontoplayback.
1-31-3

How To Use This ManualHow To Use This Manual
CHAPTER FIVE, DOWNLOADING IMAGESCHAPTER FIVE, DOWNLOADING IMAGES
This chapter discusses downloading images to a host personal computer. Using theThis chapter discusses downloading images to a host personal computer. Using the
ReadCam utility software included with your FASTCAM ultima SE and the definitionReadCam utility software included with your FASTCAM ultima SE and the definition
of the TIFF files created by the Processor.of the TIFF files created by the Processor.
CHAPTER SIX, RECORDING STRACHAPTER SIX, RECORDING STRATEGIESTEGIES
Provides a model for understanding how a solid state recorder works and also pro-Provides a model for understanding how a solid state recorder works and also pro-
videsthebackgroundinformationforselecting an appropriate recordmode.videsthebackgroundinformationforselecting an appropriate recordmode.
CHAPTER SEVEN, ROUTINE CARECHAPTER SEVEN, ROUTINE CARE
Contains information about caring for lenses, cleaning the air filters and how to get inContains information about caring for lenses, cleaning the air filters and how to get in
touch with your service engineer should you need assistance with your FASTCAMtouch with your service engineer should you need assistance with your FASTCAM
ultima SE. Product specifications are the last items included in this chapter.ultima SE. Product specifications are the last items included in this chapter.
1-41-4

PrecautionsPrecautions
VENTILAVENTILATIONTION
Holes at the front and rear of the Processor are provided for proper ventilation. ToHoles at the front and rear of the Processor are provided for proper ventilation. To
protect from overheating, do not block or cover the holes and do not operate theprotect from overheating, do not block or cover the holes and do not operate the
Processor in a space that does not have proper ventilation.Processor in a space that does not have proper ventilation.
TEMPERATEMPERATURETURE
TheThe PHOTRONFASTCAMultimaSE,PHOTRONFASTCAMultimaSE, isdesignedtooperatesatisfactorilyinanenviron-isdesignedtooperatesatisfactorilyinanenviron-
ment where the ambient temperature is between 0 and 45 degrees Celsius (32 andment where the ambient temperature is between 0 and 45 degrees Celsius (32 and
113 degrees Fahrenheit), and there is no water condensation present.113 degrees Fahrenheit), and there is no water condensation present.
STORAGESTORAGE
Do not store the equipment in an area where the temperature will drop below -20Do not store the equipment in an area where the temperature will drop below -20
degrees or exceed 70 degrees Celsius (-4 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit). Ensure thatdegrees or exceed 70 degrees Celsius (-4 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit). Ensure that
moisturedoesnotcondense onthesystem.moisturedoesnotcondense onthesystem.
SHIPPINGSHIPPING
When shipping, use the shipping carton in which the unit was originally deli-vered. IfWhen shipping, use the shipping carton in which the unit was originally deli-vered. If
you must frequently ship your FASTCAM ultima SE, you may wish to purchase anyou must frequently ship your FASTCAM ultima SE, you may wish to purchase an
accessory carrying case that has been designed for this purpose.accessory carrying case that has been designed for this purpose.
Do not ship the equipment to an area where the temperature will drop below 20Do not ship the equipment to an area where the temperature will drop below 20
degrees or exceed 70 degrees Celsius (-4 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit). Ensure thatdegrees or exceed 70 degrees Celsius (-4 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit). Ensure that
moisturedoesnotcondense onthesystem.moisturedoesnotcondense onthesystem.
1-51-5

PrecautionsPrecautions
FEDERAL COMMUNICAFEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION STTIONS COMMISSION STAATEMENTSTEMENTS
WARNING: This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energyWARNING: This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy
and if it is not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may causeand if it is not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
interference to radio communications. It has been tested and found to comply withinterference to radio communications. It has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class “A” computing device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of thethe limits for a Class “A” computing device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of the
FCC Rules and VDE 0871 Class “B”, which are designed to provide reasonableFCC Rules and VDE 0871 Class “B”, which are designed to provide reasonable
protection against such interference when operated in a commercial environment.protection against such interference when operated in a commercial environment.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference inOperation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference in
which case the user at his own expense will be required to take whatever measureswhich case the user at his own expense will be required to take whatever measures
may be required to correct the interference.may be required to correct the interference.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and VDE 0871. Operation isThis device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and VDE 0871. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful inter-subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful inter-
ference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received including interfer-ference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received including interfer-
encethatmaycauseundesired operation.encethatmaycauseundesired operation.
WWARNINGARNING
Thisproductisgroundedthroughthepowercord. ThisprotectivegroundconnectionisThisproductisgroundedthroughthepowercord. Thisprotectivegroundconnectionis
essentialforsafeoperationoftheequipment. Avoidelectricalshockbypluggingtheessentialforsafeoperationoftheequipment. Avoidelectricalshockbypluggingthe
powercordintoaproperlywiredreceptacle. Alossoftheprotectiveground,foranypowercordintoaproperlywiredreceptacle. Alossoftheprotectiveground,forany
reason,couldresultinelectricalshock. Usetheproperpowercordandmakecertainreason,couldresultinelectricalshock. Usetheproperpowercordandmakecertain
thatitisingoodcondition.thatitisingoodcondition.
CAUTIONCAUTION
Toavoidtheriskoffire,useonlythefusespecifiedfortheequipment. TheproperfuseisToavoidtheriskoffire,useonlythefusespecifiedfortheequipment. Theproperfuseis
listedonthebackpaneloftheequipment. Toavoidtheriskofanexplosion,donotlistedonthebackpaneloftheequipment. Toavoidtheriskofanexplosion,donot
operatethisproductinanexplosiveatmosphere.operatethisproductinanexplosiveatmosphere.
1-61-6

Chapter 2 - Controls and ConnectorsChapter 2 - Controls and Connectors
PHOTRONPHOTRON FASTCAMFASTCAM ultima SEultima SE
ImagerImager
Processor Front PanelProcessor Front Panel
Processor Rear PanelProcessor Rear Panel

NotesNotes

PHOTRON FASTCAM ultima SEPHOTRON FASTCAM ultima SE
2-12-1

ImagerImager
TRIPOD MOUNTINGTRIPOD MOUNTING
The tripod mounting hole is located near the center of balance of the Imager. ThereThe tripod mounting hole is located near the center of balance of the Imager. There
is a threaded hole, for a 1/4-20 screw, and two additional holes for a locating pin onis a threaded hole, for a 1/4-20 screw, and two additional holes for a locating pin on
thetripod.thetripod.
IMAGER CABLE CONNECTORIMAGER CABLE CONNECTOR
There is an Imager cable connector on the rear panel of the Imager.There is an Imager cable connector on the rear panel of the Imager.
73 mm
1/4 - 20 UNC-2B
2 - Ø 5 mm
2-22-2

Processor Front PanelProcessor Front Panel
FRONT PANELFRONT PANEL
The processor front panel has the AC power switch and an air filter. The air filterThe processor front panel has the AC power switch and an air filter. The air filter
should be changed periodically to prolong the life of your FASTCAM ultima SE. Seeshould be changed periodically to prolong the life of your FASTCAM ultima SE. See
chapter seven, page 7-2, for detailed instructions on how to change the air filter.chapter seven, page 7-2, for detailed instructions on how to change the air filter.
2-32-3

Processor Rear PanelProcessor Rear Panel
CN 1CN 1
TheconnectorlabeledCN1ontheleftsideoftherearpanelmateswiththeImagercable.TheconnectorlabeledCN1ontheleftsideoftherearpanelmateswiththeImagercable.
EXT OUTEXT OUT
ABNCtypeconnectorconfiguredbySW2tooutputarecordgateoraverticalsynchronizingABNCtypeconnectorconfiguredbySW2tooutputarecordgateoraverticalsynchronizing
pulse. VerticalsyncpulsepolarityandpulsewidtharealsoconfiguredbySW2. TheRecordpulse. VerticalsyncpulsepolarityandpulsewidtharealsoconfiguredbySW2. TheRecord
GateislowduringthetimethattheProcessorisrecording. Theoutputcircuitisasfollows,GateislowduringthetimethattheProcessorisrecording. Theoutputcircuitisasfollows,
andmustbeterminatedby50ohmstoground:andmustbeterminatedby50ohmstoground:
74ACT541 Doubled
Buffer CMOS Output
Use SW2 to select
Record Gate or
VerticalSync.
VerticalSync.
Record Gate
2-42-4
⑧⑧ ⑪⑪ ⑩⑩
⑬⑬
⑫⑫
⑥⑥
⑤⑤④④
②②
①①
③③
⑦⑦

Processor Rear PanelProcessor Rear Panel
VIDEO OUT 1 AND VIDEO OUT 2VIDEO OUT 1 AND VIDEO OUT 2
BNC type connectors that carry the video output signal from the FASTCAM ultimaBNC type connectors that carry the video output signal from the FASTCAM ultima
SE. Each output is designed to drive a 75 Ohm coaxial cable that can be connectedSE. Each output is designed to drive a 75 Ohm coaxial cable that can be connected
to a video monitor, VCR or hard copy video printer.to a video monitor, VCR or hard copy video printer.
TRIGGER INTRIGGER IN
BNC-type connector, one of two trigger inputs. The input is connected to an opto-BNC-type connector, one of two trigger inputs. The input is connected to an opto-
isolator requiring roughly 10 milliamps drive current from a 5 volt source. The Pro-isolator requiring roughly 10 milliamps drive current from a 5 volt source. The Pro-
cessor response to a trigger input is programmed by SW2. The Processor waits untilcessor response to a trigger input is programmed by SW2. The Processor waits until
the start of the next frame to trigger if SW2 is set to “trigger”. If SW2 is set to “resetthe start of the next frame to trigger if SW2 is set to “trigger”. If SW2 is set to “reset
& trigger” the Processor will start a new frame the instant the trigger is received and& trigger” the Processor will start a new frame the instant the trigger is received and
mark it as the trigger point. A simplified schematic for the input and a suggestedmark it as the trigger point. A simplified schematic for the input and a suggested
driver are as follows:driver are as follows:
2-52-5
Example2Example2
Example1Example1
TRIGGER IN SCHEMATICTRIGGER IN SCHEMATIC
Hi toLowTriggerHi toLowTrigger
Low toHiTriggerLow toHiTrigger
ConnecttoConnectto
Trigger inTrigger in
ConnecttoConnectto
Trigger inTrigger in
Trigger inTrigger in
180180
+5V+5V
10K10K
+5V+5V
+5V+5V
330330
BufferBuffer

Processor Rear PanelProcessor Rear Panel
TRIGGER SW INTRIGGER SW IN
BNC type connector, one of two trigger inputs. This input requires a contact closureBNC type connector, one of two trigger inputs. This input requires a contact closure
between the connector center conductor and shield in order to generate a trigger.between the connector center conductor and shield in order to generate a trigger.
The Processor response to a trigger input is programmed by SW2. The ProcessorThe Processor response to a trigger input is programmed by SW2. The Processor
waits until the start of the next frame to trigger if SW2 is set to “trigger”. If SW2 iswaits until the start of the next frame to trigger if SW2 is set to “trigger”. If SW2 is
set to “reset & trigger” the Processor will start a new frame the instant the trigger isset to “reset & trigger” the Processor will start a new frame the instant the trigger is
received, and mark it as the trigger point. A simplified schematic for the input is asreceived, and mark it as the trigger point. A simplified schematic for the input is as
follows:follows:
TRIGGER SW IN CIRCUIT DIAGRAMTRIGGER SW IN CIRCUIT DIAGRAM
EXT INEXT IN
A BNC-type connector that accepts a synchronizing signal input from anotherA BNC-type connector that accepts a synchronizing signal input from another
FASTCAM ultima SE, allowing the user to synchronize two or more units. Use theFASTCAM ultima SE, allowing the user to synchronize two or more units. Use the
menu’s Sync Select function to enable this input, (See page 3-menu’s Sync Select function to enable this input, (See page 3- 14).14).
SYNCHRONIZING TWO OR MORE PROCESSORS TOGETHERSYNCHRONIZING TWO OR MORE PROCESSORS TOGETHER
Connect the EXT OUT of one Processor to the EXT IN of the next Processor. TheConnect the EXT OUT of one Processor to the EXT IN of the next Processor. The
EXT OUT of the second Processor can then drive a third Processor, and so on. TheEXT OUT of the second Processor can then drive a third Processor, and so on. The
EXT OUT must be set to V Sync with SW2. You may need to increase the V SyncEXT OUT must be set to V Sync with SW2. You may need to increase the V Sync
pulse width as you increase cable length between Processors. Configure EXT IN topulse width as you increase cable length between Processors. Configure EXT IN to
Reset & Trigger.Reset & Trigger.
10K
+ 5V
220
0.1µf
TRIGGER
SWITCH IN
2-62-6