Photron FASTCAM-PCI R2 User manual

FASTCAM-PCI R2
Hardware Manual
Rev.1.04
PHOTRON LIMITED
2005

Table of contents
Chapter 1 Introduction ....................................................................................... 6
1.1 Preface................................................................................................................. 7
1.2.Warranty .............................................................................................................. 8
1.3.How To Use This Manual ................................................................................... 9
1.4.Precautions ....................................................................................................... 10
Chapter 2. Set Up ................................................................................... 12
2.1. Introduction...................................................................................................... 13
2.1.1. Unpacking.................................................................................................. 13
2.1.2. Optional Accessories ................................................................................. 13
2.2. About the Camera............................................................................................ 14
2.2.1. Grabber Board ........................................................................................... 14
2.2.2. Camera Head ............................................................................................ 15
2.2.3. Accessories................................................................................................ 16
2.2.4. Connector Specifications ........................................................................... 17
2.3. Installation of Hardware.................................................................................. 19
2.3.1. Installing Grabber Board in PC.................................................................. 19
2.4. Setup for Multiple-Camera Recording........................................................... 20
2.4.1. Master/Slave Mode Setup ......................................................................... 21
2.4.2. Connection of Multiple Cameras ............................................................... 22
2.4.3. Setting Up Camera ID Numbers................................................................ 26
2.4.4. Setting Up Software................................................................................... 27
2.4.5. Tips on Multiple-Camera Sync Recording ................................................. 30
2.5. Random Reset Trigger Mode.......................................................................... 31
2.6. Restriction of Record Duration ...................................................................... 32
Chapter 3 Appendix............................................................................. 34
3.1. Specifications .................................................................................................. 35
3.1.1. Basic Specifications ................................................................................... 35
3.1.2. Specifications – Recording System ........................................................... 36
3.1.3. Framing Rate vs. Model............................................................................. 37
3.1.4. Frame Rate vs. Image Resolution ............................................................. 38
3.1.5. Shutter Speed vs. Framing Rate ............................................................... 39
3.1.6. Number of Recorded Frames .................................................................... 41
3.2. Dimensions ...................................................................................................... 44
3.2.1. Camera Head ............................................................................................ 44
3.2.2. Grabber Board ........................................................................................... 45
3.3. Optical Axis and Image Center....................................................................... 46

3.4. Timing of Recording Operation...................................................................... 47
3.4.1 Timing Charts for Recording Operation ...................................................... 47
3.4.2. Shutter Setup and Exposure Period .......................................................... 51
3.4.3 Sync Timing in Multi-Camera Operation..................................................... 52
3.4.4. Delay of EXT OUT Signals ........................................................................ 53
3.5. Care of Lenses................................................................................................. 54

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Memo

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Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1. Preface
1.2. Warranty
1.3. How To Use This Manual
1.4. Precautions

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1.1. Preface
The FASTCAM-PCI R2 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 PCI R2 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 PCI R2
system and how to operate it.
Remarks:
1. For the best use of the Photron FASTCAM PCI R2 system, 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.

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1.2. Warranty
New Equipment Warranty
PHOTRON FASTCAM-PCI R2
PHOTRON LIMITED warrants this PHOTRON FASTCAM-PCI R2 (“PCI R2”) and
accessories manufactured by PHOTRON LIMITED to function properly for one year
from the date of shipment, provided the warranty registration card was filled out and
returned to PHOTRON USA, INC. or PHOTRON EUROPE LIMITED within thirty days
of shipment. PHOTRON LIMITED, in conjunction with PHOTRON USA, INC. or
PHOTRON EUROPE LIMITED, agrees to perform the following equipment warranty
services:
1. Repair service: If shipped to PHOTRON at any of the addresses shown below,
repairs will be made 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:
Failure to operate the PCI R2 in accordance with Photon’s written instructions,
including environmental specifications listed in the User’s Manual.
If there is evidence of the PCI R2 being subjected to accidental damage, misuse
or abuse.
If the PCI R2 has been repaired or tampered with by persons other than
PHOTRON personnel, customer personnel trained by PHOTRON or without
permission of PHOTRON.
Shipping damage is not covered by this warranty. The purchaser has the
responsibility to place a claim of damage in shipment with the carrier.
PHOTRON LIMITED makes no other warranties, express or implied, including the
implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. If this PCI R2
does not 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 obligation under this warranty. PHOTRON LIMITED,
PHOTRON USA, INC. or PHOTRON EUROPE LIMITED will not be responsible for any
consequential or incidental damages resulting from the sale, use or improper
functioning of this equipment even if loss or damage is caused by the negligence or
other fault of PHOTRON LIMITED, PHOTRON USA, INC. or PHOTRON EUROPE
LIMITED.
Return the equipment that needs warranty service to:
In Americas & Antipodes
PHOTRON USA,INC.
9520 Padgett Street
Suite 110
San Diego, CA 92126-4446
USA
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail:[email protected]
www.photron.com
[In Europe:
PHOTRON EUROPE LTD.
Willowbank House
84 Station Road
Marlow, Bucks SL7 1NX
U. K.
Phone:[phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail:[email protected]
www.photron.com
In other areas:
PHOTRON LIMITED
Fujimi 1-1-8, Chiyoda-Ku
Tokyo 102-0071
Japan
Phone:[phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail:[email protected]
www.photron.co.jp

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1.3 How To Use This Manual
DEFINITION OF TERMS
You will notice that some of the information in this manual is presented as a NOTE,
CAUTION or WARNING. It is important that you understand the significance of these
three terms. For safe operation of the system, please follow the safety instructions
below:
“Note” includes information that should be emphasized regarding the operation of the
PCI R2.
“Caution” includes important information regarding operation. If it is neglected and the
equipment is used in the wrong manner, damage may be caused to the content of
recording, the equipment and related peripheral devices.
“Warning” presents very important information regarding safety of the operators. If it is
neglected and the equipment is used in the wrong manner, a seriously hazardous
sequence involving human injury or death may result. It must not be disregarded.
Chapters
This manual is divided into three chapters each discussing subject matters related to its
chapter title.
Chapter 1. Introduction
Contains Warranty, precautions, introduction and how to use this manual.
Chapter 2. Set Up
Introduces you to the components of the PCI R2 and explains the use of each
connector, keypad operation and parameter settings for recording.
Chapter 3. Recording
Explains the operation of the PCI R2 for recording.

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1.4. Precautions
Ambient Temperature
Photron FASTCAM-PCI R2 has been designed to work properly in an ambient
temperature range of 0 to 40 degrees Celsius (32 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit), no
condensation.
Storage Temperature
The PCI R2 must be stored in a place with an ambient temperature range of -20 to +70
degrees Celsius (-4 to +158 degrees Fahrenheit), no condensation.
Transportation
Save the original carton the unit came in for future transportation. Do not transport the unit
under ambient temperature of below -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit) or above
70 degrees Celsius (+158 degrees Fahrenheit).
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION STATEMENTS
WARNING: This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy
and if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
interference to radio communications. It has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class computing device pursuant to Subpart A of Part 15 of the FCC Rules
and VDE 0871 Class B which are designed to provide reasonable protection against
such interference when operated in a commercial environment. Operation 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 measures may be required to correct
the interference.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and VDE 0871. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) this equipment may cause harmful
interference, and (2) this equipment must accept any interference received including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
WARNING
This product is grounded through the power cord. This protective ground connection is
essential for safe operation of the equipment. Avoid electrical shock by plugging the
power cord into a properly wired power outlet. A loss of the protective grounding, for
any reason, could result in electrical shock. Use the proper power cord and insure that
it is in good condition.

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Memo

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Chapter 2. Set Up
2.1. Introduction
2.2. About the Camera
2.3. Installation of Hardware
2.4. Setting up for Multiple Camera Recording
2.5. Random Reset Trigger Mode
2.6. Limitation of Recording Duration

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2.1. Introduction
2.1.1. Unpacking
The PCI R2 consists of the following items. When you open up the package, be sure to check all
components are present.
1. Camera Head (with 6-Meter Camera Cable) 1
2. Grabber Board (PCI Board) 1
3. Lens Mount Cap 1
4. Driver/Application Setup CD-ROM 1
5. FASTCAM-PCI R2 Hardware Manual 1
6. FASTCAM Control Software Operation Manual 1
7. Warranty Registration Card 1
8.ExternalAccessoryCables 2(1eachof2types)
2.1.2. Optional Accessories
The following item is offered as an optional accessory.
16 meter long camera cable
Note: This 16-meter cable requires readjustment of the PCI board. Consult your distributor when
ordering.

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2.2. About the Camera
The FASTCAM-PCI R2 consists of a Grabber Board (PCI Board), camera head and control
software program set.
2.2.1. Grabber Board
The grabber board of the FASTCAM-PCI R2 has been designed so that up to four FASTCAM-PCI
R2 cards can be installed in ATX standard PCI slots of a PC.
Camera Connecto
r
PCI Card Bus Edge

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2.2.2. Camera Head
The PCI R2 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 screw hole is
provided on each side of the camera.
C-t
y
pe Lens Moun
t
PCI R2 Camera Head
Camera Connecto
r
Camera Cable
(
6 meters
)

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2.2.3. Accessories
EXT OUT/ EXT IN Cable
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.
1. GEN OUT
2. SY NC OUT
Connector
Connector
3. TRIG OUT
4. T-TTL IN
5. T-SW IN
6. SY NC IN

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2.2.4. Connector Specifications
Details of the two compound cables are follows:
1 GENERAL Output (GEN OUT) Connector
A BNC connector that outputs the following signals under software control.
Expose pos/neg : A signal that specifies the exposure period of CCD 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.
RT Expose pos/neg ：A signal that specifies the first exposure period after triggering in a
RANDOM RESET TRIGGER mode recording.
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.
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.
Caution: 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.
1. GEN OUT
2. SYNC OUT
4.
T
-TTL IN
5.
T
-SW IN
6. SYNC IN
3. TRIG OUT

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TRIGGER TTL IN (T-TTL IN) Input Circuit
TRIGGER IN
TRIGGER START
5V TTL level
Optical Isolator
TLP521(Toshiba)
I/O Por t
330
+5V
+5V
0V
10mA
Over 5 usec
TRIGGER SW IN (T-SW IN) Input Circuit
TRIGGER IN
TRIGG ER STA RT
220
I/O Por t
GND
10K
+5V
GND
0.1μ
Note: TRIGGER TTL IN works at the rising edge of the TTL signal and TRIGGER SW IN at the
falling edge.

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2.3. Installation of Hardware
Warning:
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.
Caution: Remove the cable twist-ties before connecting.
2.3.1. 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.
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.
Caution:
Be sure to tightly fasten the retaining screws on the camera cable connector shell to avoid damage
to the system by unintentional disconnection during operation.
Warning:
Turn off the PC and unplug the power cord before installing the Grabber Board in the PC.

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2.4. Setup for Multiple-Camera
Recording
The FASTCAM-PCI R2 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-PCI R2 for multiple camera operation.
Multiple camera operation requires the following setups.
2.4.1. Master/Slave Mode Setup
2.4.2. Connection of Multiple Cameras
2.4.3. Setting up ID on Each Camera
2.4.4. Setting up Software (PFV – Photron FASTCAM Viewer)
2.4.5. Tips on Multiple-Camera Sync Recording