Photron FASTCAM Mini CX Series User manual

FASTCAM Mini CX100
Hardware Manual
FASTCAM Mini CX

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 CX100”
(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 about 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, 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 supplementary items to be aware of when
using the system.
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 system, or things to be careful of when
using the system.
This symbol indicates a space for 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 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. 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 electric shock or fire from 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, 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
◼Attach the handle and High-G mount plate before operating the system as its body will be heated to
a high temperature during running the system.
◼When installing the camera with a tripod, check the tripod load capacity and be careful not to
exceed the load bearing capacity.
Also, when using a tripod, make sure that the tripod, tripod screw, panhead, and others are properly
set, and be careful not to let the tripod fall down.
◼Although this camera can be used outdoor, the AC power supply unit is not usable outdoor. When
using the system 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.
Hereby, PHOTRON LIMITED declares that the radio equipment type FASTCAM Mini CX100 is in
compliance with Directive 2014/53/EU.
The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the following internet address:
https://photron.com/mini-cx/
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
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. Status Display LEDs on the Camera Body ..................................7
1.2.4. POWER／RESET switch ........................................................... 9
1.2.5. Gigabit Ethernet connector .................................................... 10
1.2.6. Wi-Fi antenna ...................................................................... 11
1.2.7. CFast Card Slot .................................................................... 12
1.2.8. Handle ................................................................................ 13
1.2.9. High-G Mount Plate............................................................... 14
1.2.10. Multipul I/O PORT connector.................................................. 15
1.3. Input / Output Signal Types ............................................................. 17
1.3.1. Power ................................................................................. 17
1.3.2. Remote On .......................................................................... 17
1.3.3. Trigger In Connector............................................................. 17
1.3.4. Sync In Connector ................................................................ 17
1.3.5. Ready Out Connector ............................................................ 18
1.3.6. Expose Out Connector........................................................... 18
1.3.7. Sync Out Connector.............................................................. 18
1.3.8. Synchronization with a variable frequency ............................... 18
1.3.9. SYNC IN, SYNC OUT, REMOTE ON, TRIGGER,
EXPOSE Circuit Diagram ........................................................ 19
1.4. Device Connections......................................................................... 20
1.4.1. Minimum Equipment Connection ............................................ 20
1.4.2. Wi-Fi Connection .................................................................. 21

Contents
1.4.3. Connecting a Video Monitor ................................................... 29
1.5. Built-In Battery .............................................................................. 30
Chapter 2 Recording 31
2.1. Selecting Frame Rate / Resolution .................................................... 32
2.2. Selecting Shutter Speed .................................................................. 33
Chapter 3 Product Specifications 34
3.1. Specifications ................................................................................. 35
3.1.1. Product Specifications ........................................................... 35
3.1.2. Other Supported Function ..................................................... 35
3.1.3. General Specifications ........................................................... 36
3.1.4. Frame Rate and Resolution .................................................... 37
3.1.5. Shutter Speed List ................................................................ 39
3.1.6. Recordable Image Count / Resolution ..................................... 39
3.1.7. Recordable Times/Resolution ................................................. 40
3.2. Dimensions.................................................................................... 41
3.2.1. Camera Body ....................................................................... 41
3.2.2. Camera Body with Handle and High-G mount plate................... 42
3.2.3. Handle ................................................................................ 43
3.2.4. High-G mount plate .............................................................. 43
3.2.5. Sensor Position .................................................................... 44
3.2.6. AC Power Supply Unit ........................................................... 44
Chapter 4 Warranty 45
4.1. About the Warranty ........................................................................ 46
Chapter 5 Contacting Photron 47
5.1. Contact Information........................................................................ 48

Contents
A.Appendix 49
A.1. Reference Information..................................................................... 50
A.1.1. Relative Spectral Response (monochrome) .............................. 50
A.1.2. Quantum Efficiency (monochrome)......................................... 50
A.1.3. Relative Spectral Response (color).......................................... 51
A.1.4. Quantum Efficiency (color) .................................................... 51

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
FASTCAM Mini CX100
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. Dedicated Carrying Case
2. I/O cable
3. AC adapter
4. Junction-BOX (4ch)
5. Lens LM8HC-V (Focus Length 8mm, F1.4)
6. Lens LM12HC-V (Focus Length 12mm, F1.4)
7. High-G Brackets for LM8HC-V
8. High-G Brackets for LM12HC-V
9. Base plate for camera
10. C-Fast card
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.
Please contact Photron using the contact information at the back of the manual for the operation / power
supply method via Junction-Box.

3
FASTCAM Mini CX100
A.1 Reference Information
1.1.3. Type
For the FASTCAM Mini CX100 system, there are monochrome and color versions, there are 8GB memory
capacity. When purchasing, you can select from these models according to the application or your demands.
The Types are listed below.
◼Camera type name and category
Item
Notation
Meaning
Frame Rate
10K
10,000 fps
Sensor
M
Monochrome
C
Color
Memory
8GB
8GB
•Being 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 “5.1 Contact Information”.
FASTCAM Mini CX100 type 10K-C-8GB
Frame Rate
Sensor
Memory
Camera Name

4
FASTCAM Mini CX100
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 an 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 the Gigabit Ethernet interface and Wi-Fi antenna,
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, power input.
In addition, it has CFast card slot and Display output connector on the side panel.

5
FASTCAM Mini CX100
A.1 Reference Information
1.2.2. Camera Body Part Names
Status Indicator LEDs
Reset SW
Reset Switch
MULTIPLE I/O
(DC 22-36V IN)
Multiple I/O connector
(Power Supply Connector)
GIGABIT ETHER
Gigabit Ethernet
LAN Cable Connector
POWER SW
Power Switch
Front LED
C Mount Front
Front
Back
WIRELESS
Wireless Antenna

6
FASTCAM Mini CX100
1.2 Part Names
C-Fast Card Slot
DISPLAY
Display Port
Side
C-Fast LED