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

8
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

9 FASTCAM SA3 Hardware Manual
3.18. Synchronizing the System with Other Cameras .............................................................. 77
Chapter 4. Playback............................................................................................................... 79
4.1. Video Playback................................................................................................................. 80
4.2. Fast-Forward and Fast-Reverse Playback........................................................................82
4.3. Single Frame Advance Playback......................................................................................84
4.4. Enlarging and Shrinking the Playback Screen (Zoom, Fit, Scroll) .................................... 85
4.4.1. Video Screen Fit Display ...........................................................................................85
4.4.2. Displaying the Video Screen Enlarged (Zoom) .........................................................87
4.4.3. Scrolling the Video Screen........................................................................................ 88
4.5. Segment of Interest Playback...........................................................................................90
4.6. Using the Playback Event Marker Function......................................................................92
Chapter 5. Connecting a PC .................................................................................................. 95
5.1. Connecting the Gigabit Ether Interface to a PC................................................................ 95
5.1. Connecting the Gigabit Ether Interface to a PC................................................................ 96
5.1.1. Connecting the System and a PC .............................................................................. 97
5.1.2. Setting the IP Address............................................................................................... 98
5.1.3. Using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) ............................................... 100
5.1.4. Connecting Multiple Systems and a PC.................................................................... 101
Chapter 6. Product Specifications ..........................................................................................103
6.1. Specifications.................................................................................................................. 104
6.1.1. Product Specifications .............................................................................................. 104
6.1.2. General Specifications ............................................................................................. 105
6.1.3. Options.................................................................................................................... 105
6.1.4. Frame Rate and Resolution ..................................................................................... 106
6.1.5. Recordable Image Count/Resolution ....................................................................... 107
6.1.6. Shutter Speed List................................................................................................... 108
6.2. Dimensions .................................................................................................................... 109
6.2.1 Camera Body ........................................................................................................... 109
Chapter 7. Warranty...............................................................................................................111
7.1. About the Warranty ......................................................................................................... 112
Chapter 8. Contacting Photron............................................................................................... 113
8.1. Contacting Photron .......................................................................................................... 114

10
MEMO

11 FASTCAM SA3 Hardware Manual
Chapter 1. Overview
1.1. Product Overview and Features

Chapter 1. Overview
12
1.1. Product Overview and Features
The FASTCAM SA3 is a powerful engineering tool for use in research and development, design,
production, and quality control, and in numerous fields such as science, medicine, biology, aviation and
space. The system features superior basic performance with megapixel resolution, an ultra-sensitive image
sensor capable of clear recording in low-light, and an ultra-high speed frame rate of a maximum of
120,000 fps. It also employs a hybrid design to allow operation via the LCD remote controller (optional)
and operation from the PC software via a gigabit Ethernet connection to more easily implement analysis
of dynamic bodies that had been difficult to analyze until now.
Use the state-of-the-art technology in the FASTCAM SA3 to slow down and observe high-speed
dynamic bodies and also as an input component for a dynamic image measurement system.

13 FASTCAM SA3 Hardware Manual
Chapter 2. Setup
2.1. System Components and Accessories
2.2. Part Names
2.3. Device Connections

Chapter 2. Setup
14
2.1. System Components and Accessories
2.1.1. Components
The system’s standard components are listed below. Remove the components from the packaging and
check the system.
1. Camera Body 1
2. AC Power Supply Unit/AC Cable 1
3. C Mount Adapter (cap integrated) 1
4. Hexagonal Lens Mount Adapter Wrench
(1.5 mm, 2 mm, 4 mm) 1 each
5. F Mount Lens Cap (body integrated) 1
6. I/O Cable 1
7. FASTCAM Series Setup Disk (Driver/Application CD) 1
8. FASTCAM SA3 Hardware Manual (This Manual) 1
9. Photron FASTCAM Viewer User’s Manual 1
10. Making a Gigabit Ether Connection (Simple Procedure Manual) 1
11. Warranty Card 1
12. Gigabit Ether Interface Cable (LAN Cable) 1
13. Software License Agreement 1

15 FASTCAM SA3 Hardware Manual
2.1.2 Accessories/Options
The following options are available for the system.
1. LCD Remote Controller
2. Photo-Sonics Mount Kit
3. 4 Output Trigger Box
4. Spare Power Supply Connector (For Creating a Custom Cable)
5. Dust-Proof Cover for the LAN Connector
6. Carrying Case
7. Memory Backup Battery
8. External Battery for Operation
2.1.3 Model
The system is split into models according to frame rate, color/monochrome, and amount of memory.
There are a total of eight models according to the combination of options.
The models are listed below.
Max. Frame Rate Sensor Type Memory Model Name
2GB FASTCAM SA3 model 120K-C1
4GB FASTCAM SA3 model 120K-C2
2GB FASTCAM SA3 model 120K-M1
4GB FASTCAM SA3 model 120K-M2
2GB FASTCAM SA3 model 60K-C1
4GB FASTCAM SA3 model 60K-C2
2GB FASTCAM SA3 model 60K-M1
4GB FASTCAM SA3 model 60K-M2
Color
Monochrome
Color
Monochrome
120,000 fps
60,000 fps

Chapter 2. Setup
16
2.2. Part Names
The system is composed of components including the camera body, AC power supply, and the
"Photron FASTCAM Viewer" controls software (referred to below as PFV).
·For each of the system components,
·Do not expose to shock outside of specifications.
·Do not use in an area with flammable gas or dust present.
·Do not place in an unstable location such as on a wobbly platform or an incline.
·Do not disassemble or modify.
·Do not expose to liquids such as water.
2.2.1 Camera Body
The system has monochrome and color models, and additionally for each separate model there is a
standard 2 GB memory capacity type and a large capacity 4 GB type. You can select from these models
according to the desired application when purchasing.
The camera body contains IC memory for saving images and has been designed with the capability
to save high-speed images as uncompressed digital data. The camera body has a video output connector
that can playback recorded images on a video monitor, a Gigabit Ether interface to connect a PC to fully
control the camera or download data, and interfaces for various I/O (input/output) connectors for
external synchronization/trigger signals.
Camera Body External Appearance
Camera Body Rear

17 FASTCAM SA3 Hardware Manual
2.2.2 Camera Body Part Names
I/O Port Connector
Status Display LEDs
KEYPAD Connector
DC22-32V 60VA
Power Supply Connector
Gigabit Ethernet LAN cable Connector
Power Switch
Handle
F Mount
Front
Rear
Video Output Connector

Chapter 2. Setup
18
2.2.3 Status Display LEDs on the Rear of the Camera Body
There are a number of LEDs on the rear of the system's camera body. These LEDs indicate the status
of the system. The meaning of each LED is explained here.
■MAIN LEDs
POWER (Green)
LED ON: Power On
LED OFF: Power Off
IF LINK/TRANS (Orange)
LED ON: The Gigabit Ether interface is connected
LED FLASHING: Data is transferring
LED OFF: The Gigabit Ether interface is not connected
TRIGGER (Yellow)
LED ON: A trigger signal has been input (illuminates for 0.1 s when the trigger signal is input)
LED OFF: A trigger signal has not been input
SYNC MODE (Red)
LED ON: In external synchronization mode
LED OFF: In internal synchronization mode
SYNC IN (Yellow)
LED ON: A synchronization signal is being input
LED OFF: A synchronization signal is not being input