Photron Fastcam SA3 User manual

FASTCAM SA3
Hardware Manual
Revision 1.00E

・The copyright of this manual is held by PHOTRON LIMITED.
・Product specifications and manual contents can change without future notification.
・This manual was created taking every possible measure to ensure the accuracy of its contents. However, if you find a questionable section, a mistake, or an
omission, please contact Photron Limited using the contact information provided at the end of the manual.
・PHOTRON LIMITED is not responsible for the aftermath of the results of using the product or from following the instructions in this manual.

1 FASTCAM SA3 Hardware Manual
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.

2
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. Playback
This chapter explains operations related to playing back recorded images.
Chapter 5. 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 6. Specifications
This chapter explains the system’s specifications.
Chapter 7. Warranty
This chapter explains about the warranty.
Chapter 8. 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.

3 FASTCAM SA3 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.
Warning
Caution

4
■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 cable is fully inserted into the socket.
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

5 FASTCAM SA3 Hardware Manual
Caution
■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 2000 m
or lower.
In addition, if exceeding these limits, use in a condensation-free environment.
Using the system outside of these 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, keep condensation from forming inside the system.
■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

6
MEMO

7 FASTCAM SA3 Hardware Manual
Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Overview................................................................................................................ 11
1.1. Product Overview and Features .........................................................................................12
Chapter 2. Setup ....................................................................................................................13
2.1. System Components and Accessories ...............................................................................14
2.1.1. Components ................................................................................................................14
2.1.2 Accessories/Options....................................................................................................15
2.1.3 Model ..........................................................................................................................15
2.2. Part Names.......................................................................................................................16
2.2.1 Camera Body ..............................................................................................................16
2.2.2 Camera Body Part Names ..........................................................................................17
2.2.3 Status Display LEDs on the Rear of the Camera Body...............................................18
2.2.4 Interchangeable Lens Mounts..................................................................................... 20
2.2.5 LCD Remote Controller (Optional) ..............................................................................21
2.2.6 RS-422 Serial Control ...............................................................................................22
2.2.7 I/O Port Connector.................................................................................................... 23
2.2.8 DC 22-32V 60VA Power Supply Connector .............................................................. 25
2.3. Device Connections .........................................................................................................26
2.3.1 Connecting a Video Monitor........................................................................................ 26
2.3.2 Connecting the AC Power Supply ..............................................................................27
2.2.3 Connecting the LCD Remote Controller (Optional)..................................................... 28
2.3.4. Connecting a PC....................................................................................................... 29
Chapter 3. Recording..............................................................................................................31
3.1. Image Initialization (Calibration) .......................................................................................32
3.1.1. Executing Calibration..................................................................................................32
3.1.2. Saving Calibration Settings ........................................................................................32
3.1.3. Loading Calibration Settings ......................................................................................32
3.2. Selecting the Frame Rate ................................................................................................ 33
3.3. Selecting the Resolution................................................................................................... 35
3.4. Selecting the Shutter Speed.............................................................................................37
3.4.1 Setting the Shutter Speed........................................................................................... 37
3.4.2 Changing SHUTTER MODE....................................................................................... 39

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3.4.3. Setting Dual Slope Shutter function...........................................................................39
3.5. Selecting the Trigger Mode ..............................................................................................40
3.5.1. START Mode............................................................................................................. 42
3.5.2. CENTER Mode ......................................................................................................... 42
3.5.3. END Mode ................................................................................................................ 43
3.5.4. MANUAL Mode ......................................................................................................... 43
3.5.5. RANDOM Mode ........................................................................................................ 44
3.6. White Balance Adjustment (Color Models Only) .............................................................. 45
3.6.1. Using Preset White Balance ......................................................................................45
3.6.2. Using User White Balance ........................................................................................ 45
3.7. Color Enhancement Function (Color Models Only) ..........................................................45
3.8. LUT (Look-Up Table) Operations .................................................................................... 48
3.8.1. Using Preset LUT Patterns ........................................................................................49
3.8.2. Using a Custom LUT .................................................................................................51
3.9. Edge Enhancement Function.............................................................................................51
3.10. Partition Memory & Record ............................................................................................ 52
3.10.1 Memory Partition Setup.............................................................................................52
3.10.2. Record to a Partitioned Section............................................................................... 55
3.10.3 Recorded Section Playback ......................................................................................56
3.10.4 PARTITION MODE ................................................................................................... 57
3.11. Input/Output Signal Types.............................................................................................. 58
3.11.1. TRIG TTL IN Connector ........................................................................................... 58
3.11.2. TRIG TTL OUT Connector .......................................................................................58
3.11.3. TRIG SW IN Connector ........................................................................................... 58
3.11.4. SYNC IN Connector .................................................................................................58
3.11.5. GENERAL IN Connector ..........................................................................................59
3.11.6. GENERAL OUT (1,2,3) Connector ..........................................................................59
3.12. Using External Triggers ..................................................................................................60
3.13. Outputting External Trigger Signals.................................................................................62
3.13.1. Outputting an External Synchronization Signal..........................................................63
3.14. Signal Delay................................................................................................................... 65
3.15. Event Marker Function.................................................................................................... 67
3.16. Synchronizing Multiple FASTCAM SA3 Systems............................................................. 68
3.17. Synchronizing the System with Other External Devices ..................................................73