Photron FASTCAM-512 PCI User manual

FASTCAM-512PCI
Hardware Manual
Rev.1.06E

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.

FASTCAM-512PCI Hardware Manual
Preface
Thank you for your purchase of Photron’s high-speed camera system, the “FASTCAM-
512PCI”.
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.
The FASTCAM-512PCI High-Speed Video Camera System will prove itself a truly
powerful imaging tool, providing solutions for engineers and scientists in such fields as
general research and development, designing, manufacturing, quality assurance,
scientific researches, medical and biological researches, and space and aeronautical
engineering. The FASTCAM-512PCI seamlessly connects to a PC, becoming an
integral part of the computer, and when combined with it’s easy-to-use control software
provides an image recording and processing system for analyzing captured fast moving
or high-speed events immediately, a task which has often proven difficult with
conventional video systems.
You will find this new recording technology most useful to capture images of high-speed
subjects for subsequent slow-motion observation, motion analysis, and image
processing applications. This manual presents the technical details of the
FASTCAM-512PCI system and how to operate it.
Remarks:
1. For the best use of the FASTCAM-512PCI, please read through this manual.
2. The content of this manual is based on the best knowledge of the manufacturer.
However, in case any error or missed information is found in this manual, please
inform the manufacturer of such shortcomings immediately. Notwithstanding the
above, the manufacturer is not responsible for any results of the use of this
equipment.
3. Copying all or any part of this manual without permission is prohibited.
4. The content of this manual may be changed any time without prior notice.
5. The manufacturer assumes no responsibility for any direct or indirect damages or
loss of profit resulting from the use of this equipment
6. The manufacturer assumes no responsibility for any result of the use of this
equipment.
7. Copying all or any part of the software included in this system without prior written
permission by the author is an infringement of copyright.

FASTCAM-512PCI Hardware Manual
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

FASTCAM-512PCI Hardware Manual
■ 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.
Warning

FASTCAM-512PCI Hardware Manual
■ Do not set the system in a location where the temperature gets unusually hot.
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 2,000m 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
0°C or higher than 40°C. Also, prevent condensation from forming during shipment
Caution

FASTCAM-512PCI Hardware Manual
Image sensor products are sensitive to and at risk of being damaged by Electrostatic
Discharge (ESD).
When handling or cleaning the image sensor, please confirm the following precautions.
■Imaging sensors must be handled in an ESD safe area. Do NOT use
non-ESD apparatus for handling or cleaning the sensor.
■Do NOT use a cleaning apparatus of electrostatic adsorption type (electrified
brush etc.).
■Discharge the human body static electrification before handling or cleaning
works. (e.g. touch the grounded metal.)
■For loose particle contamination, remove particles from the glass by using
an ionized air stream.
■For awful dirt, wipe gently using the synthetic fiber with Isopropyl Alcohol
(IPA). (The coating of the glass surface might peel off when rubbing
strongly.)
About Sensor Cleaning

FASTCAM-512PCI Hardware Manual
Table of contents
Chapter 1. Set Up................................................................................... 1
1.1. About the System’s Components and Accessories ..........................................2
1.1.1. Unpacking ................................................................................................. 2
1.2. About the Camera .........................................................................................3
1.2.1. Grabber Board........................................................................................... 3
1.2.2. Camera Head and Camera Cable............................................................. 4
1.2.3. Accessories................................................................................................. 5
1.2.4. Connector Specifications........................................................................... 6
1.3. Installation of Hardware ...............................................................................9
1.3.1. Installing Grabber Board in PC ............................................................... 9
1.4. Setup for Multiple-Camera Recording......................................................... 11
1.4.1. Master/Slave Mode Setup ....................................................................... 12
1.4.2. Connection of Multiple Cameras ............................................................ 13
1.4.3. Setting Up Camera ID Numbers............................................................ 17
1.4.4. Setting Up Software................................................................................ 18
1.4.5. Tips on Multiple-Camera Sync Recording ............................................. 22
1.5. Random Reset Trigger Mode .......................................................................23
Chapter 2 Appendix........................................................................... 25
2.1. Specifications ..............................................................................................26
2.1.1. Basic Specifications................................................................................. 26
2.1.2. Specifications –Recording System......................................................... 27
2.1.3. Other Specifications................................................................................ 28
2.1.4. Frame Rate vs. Image Resolution .......................................................... 29
2.1.5 Frame Rate and Image Size .................................................................... 30
2.1.6. Resolution and Shutter Speed................................................................ 31
2.1.7. Frame Rate vs. Number of Recorded Frames and Record Duration .... 32
2.2. Dimensions..................................................................................................37
2.2.1. Camera Head (Millimeters) .................................................................... 37
2.2.2. Grabber Board (Millimeters) .................................................................. 38
2.3. Timing of Recording Operations..................................................................39
2.3.1 Timing Charts for Recording Operations................................................ 39
2.3.2. Sync Timing in Multi-Camera Operations............................................. 43
2.3.3. Delay of Vertical Sync and Trigger Signals in Multiple-Camera Operation...... 43
2.3.4 Recording Interval in Random Center and Random Manual Trigger Modes ..... 44
Chapter 3 Contacting Photron ............................................................. 45
3.1 Contact Information .....................................................................................46

FASTCAM-512PCI Hardware Manual
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Chapter 1. Set Up
1.1. About the System’s Components and Accessories
1.2. About the Camera
1.3. Installation of Hardware
1.4. Setup for Multiple Camera Recording
1.5. Random Reset Trigger Mode

FASTCAM-512PCI Hardware Manual
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1.1. About the System’s
Components and Accessories
1.1.1. Unpacking
Refer to the attached packing list for this product's standard components and accessories.

FASTCAM-512PCI Hardware Manual
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1.2. About the Camera
The FASTCAM-512PCI consists of a grabber board (PCI Board), a camera head and a control
software program set.
For each of the system components.
- Do not expose to shock outside.
- Do not use in an area with flammable gas or dust 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. Grabber Board
The grabber board of the FASTCAM-512PCI has been designed so that up to four
FASTCAM-512PCI boards can be installed in ATX standard PCI slots of a PC.
Note: When you are installing four grabber boards in one PC, the PCI slot right next to the
graphics slot in the PC becomes unusable. This means the PC must have five or more PCI slots in
it to accommodate four grabber boards.
LED
1234
DIP SWDIP SW
Camera Connector
Guide Plate
Retaining Plate PCI Card Bus Edge
EXT IN Connector
EXT OUT Connector
EXT OUT
EXT IN

FASTCAM-512PCI Hardware Manual
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1.2.2. Camera Head and Camera Cable
The FASTCAM-512PCI camera head is of lightweight and compact structure specifically designed
for easy handling in varied recording conditions. It takes lenses of C- type mount. A tripod shoe
groove is provided on each side of the camera.
Camera Connector
Grabber Board Connector
Cable (5meters)
ＳＥ ＲＩＡＬ Ｎ Ｏ ．
ＭＯＤＥＬ
Front Side Rear
Camere Cable Connector
Lens Mount
Camera head
Camera cable

FASTCAM-512PCI Hardware Manual
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1.2.3. Accessories
EXT OUT/ EXT IN Cables
The Grabber Board has two compound connectors to connect it to external equipment and
devices via cables to receive and send out signals such as external trigger and sync signals. Two
compound cables are included in the package as shown below.
T-TTL IN
SYNC IN
T-SW IN
Relay Adapter
Relay Adapter
SYNC OUT
GENE OUT
TRI OUT

FASTCAM-512PCI Hardware Manual
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1.2.4. Connector Specifications
In this chapter, the content of the external I/O connector of FASTCAM-512PCI is describes.
The connector and the cable send and receive the following I/O signals.
(Details of the two compound cables are as follows.)
1 GENERAL Output (GEN OUT) Connector
A BNC connector that outputs the following signals under software control.
Expose pos/neg : Outputs a signal that specifies the exposure period of the sensor. Signal is
present during both LIVE display and recording.
Rec pos/neg ：A signal that specifies the recording process period of the Grabber Board.
2 EXTERNAL SYNC Output (SYNC OUT) Connector
A BNC connector that outputs the camera’s vertical sync signal to synchronize external equipment
such as strobe unit and pulsed laser.
3 TRIGGER TTL Output (TRIG OUT) Connector
A BNC connector that outputs trigger signal for slaved boards to follow.
4 TRIGGER TTL IN Input (T-TTL IN) Connector
A BNC connector that receives TTL signal from external source to control the start and end of a
recording in currently selected recording mode. Input signal is a pulse of +5V, 5µsec wide, positive
going. Current is 10mA, recommended, and 20mA maximum.
ＧＥＮ ＯＵＴ
Ｔ－ＳＷ ＩＮ
ＳＹＮＣ ＩＮ
Ｔ－ＴＴＬ ＩＮ
ＴＲＩＧ ＯＵＴ
ＳＹＮＣ ＯＵＴ
EX T IN
EXT O UT
EXT OUT
EXT IN

FASTCAM-512PCI Hardware Manual
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5 TRIGGER SW IN Input (T-SW IN) Connector
A BNC connector whose co-axial cable shield and center conductors are used to send contact
closure signals to control the start and end of a recording in currently selected recording mode.
To avoid possible damage to the camera system, do NOT input signals other than contact closure
to T-SW IN connector.
6 EXTERNAL SYNC Input (SYNC IN) Connector
A BNC connector that receives sync signal from master board or external equipment.

FASTCAM-512PCI Hardware Manual
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TRIGGER TTL IN (T-TTL IN) Input Circuit
TRIGGER SW IN (T-SW IN) Input Circuit
Note: TRIGGER TTL IN works at the rising edge of the TTL signal and TRIGGER SW IN at the
falling edge.
TRIGGERIN
TRIGGERSTART
5V TTL level
Photocoupler
TLP521(TOSHIBA)
I/O Port
330
+5V
+5V
0V
10mA
5μsec以上
TRIGGERIN
TRIGGERSTART
220 I/O Port
GND
10K
+5V
GND
0.1μ
5μsec

FASTCAM-512PCI Hardware Manual
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1.3. Installation of Hardware
Turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from power outlet before connecting between the
camera head and Grabber Board, and installing the Grabber Board in the PC to avoid electrical
shock and possible damage to the system and/or components.
Remove the cable twist-ties before connecting.
1.3.1. Installing Grabber Board in PC
Follow the procedure below to install the Grabber Board in the PC:
1. Turn off the PC and unplug the power cable.
2. Remove covers of the PC following the PC’s instruction manual.
3. Make sure there are unused PCI slot(s).
4. Remove the metal cover plate in the back of the unused PCI slot where you wish to install the
Grabber Board.
5. Insert the Grabber Board into the unused PCI slot. Firmly press the edge of the Grabber
Board so the connector engages perfectly. Fasten the board with retaining screws.
Insert squarely into PCI slot. Fasten with screws.
The position of the guide plate on the end of the Grabber Board can be readjusted by the retaining
screws. See the board guide on the PC to check for the best position for the guide plate.
Grabber Board firmly inserted
along the board guide.
Guide Plate and its
retaining screws

FASTCAM-512PCI Hardware Manual
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6. Replace the covers on the PC following the PC instruction manual.
7．Connect the camera cable to the camera connector on the Grabber Board. Be careful about
the connector orientation. Fasten the retaining screws tightly. Pull the cable lightly to check if
the connector does not come loose.
Turn off the PC and unplug the power cord before installing the Grabber Board in the PC.
Be sure to tightly fasten the retaining screws on the camera cable connector shell to avoid damage
to the system by an accidental disconnection during operation.
In case the board guide of the grabber board does not fit the slot, readjust the guide board or
remove it to insert the grabber board. Do not force the grabber board into a slot, or it may cause a
distortion on the grabber board that may eventually result in malfunctioning.
Slanted Correctly Installed
Be sure the grabber board has been installed in the PCI slot squarely and tightly with its bottom
edge parallel to the PCI slot. Loose or slanted installation may damage the grabber board.
Retaining Screw
PCI Bus Slot
Please tight the connector lock and the screw firmly.

FASTCAM-512PCI Hardware Manual
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1.4. Setup for Multiple-Camera
Recording
The FASTCAM-512PCI is capable of multiple camera operation: up to four cameras can be
connected to a single PC. It also supports synchronized recording by sync signal supplied from
external equipment (signal generator, etc.). In multiple camera operation, the cameras record a
common subject from different perspectives along a shared timeline. This capability can also be
used to record images of a fast-moving subject, together with other subjects related to it, from
different viewpoints simultaneously.
This section describes how to set up the FASTCAM-512PCI for multiple camera operation.
Multiple camera operation requires the following setups.
1.4.1. Master/Slave Mode Setup
1.4.2. Connection of Multiple Cameras
1.4.3. Setting up ID Numbers
1.4.4. Setting up Software
1.4.5. Tips on Multiple-Camera Sync Recording

FASTCAM-512PCI Hardware Manual
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1234ON
ディップスイッチ
1.4.1. Master/Slave Mode Setup
For multiple-camera synchronized operation, one of the cameras must be set up as the master
camera and the other cameras set up as slaves. With cameras set up in this way, the slaves
operate following the sync signal provided by the master. As a result, all the cameras record
images in a shared timeline.
To set up cameras in these modes, dipswitches on the Grabber Board must be positioned in the
following manner:
Location of Dipswitches
The dipswitches for master/slave mode setup are located on the top surface of the Grabber Board.
The following figure shows the location of dipswitches as seen from above.
Setting Up Master/Slave Mode Dipswitches
Operate dipswitches to set up one board for master and the others for slave as shown in the
following table.
Dipswitch Position
Mode of Operation
Master
Mode
1
2
3
4
O
N
All four in OFF position
Multiple-Camera Operation:
This camera feeds its internally generated sync
and trigger signals to the slaves to follow, and
enables trigger signal from software.
External Sync Operation:
Disables the setup from software menu.
Slave
Mode
1
2
3
4
O
N
SW 4 in ON position
Multiple-Camera Operation:
This camera follows the sync and trigger signals
provided by the master.
External Sync Operation:
This camera follows sync and trigger signals from
external source.
Turn the PC and cameras off and unplug power cord before opening the
computer enclosure
Dip Switches