Photron Camera Hub User manual

Remote keypad w/LCD
for Nova/MH6
Hardware Manual
Rev. 4.02 E
Photron Camera Hub

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 option, the “Photron Camera Hub series”
(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.
Each part of the system is described in this manual as follows.
Photron Master Camera Hub : Master Hub
Photron Camera Hub : Camera Hub
Rack Mount Bracket (with screw) for Master Hub : Master Hub Bracket
Rack Mount Bracket (with screw) for Camera Hub : Camera Hub Bracket
Signal Converter Box : Converter
Signal Converter Bracket (with screw) : Converter Bracket

Using the Manual
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.
⚫Chapter 2, Setup
This chapter explains operations of the system.
⚫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 content that should always be read.
This symbol indicates instructions that should always be
followed when using the software, or things to be careful of when
using the software.
This symbol indicates supplementary items to be aware of when
using the system.
This symbol indicates the location of a reference.
“ ”
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
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

Using the System Safely and Correctly
◼Do not perform actions that will damage the cable.
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 connector with wet hands.
Doing so can cause electric shock.
◼Make sure the connector is fully insert into the socket.
Not fully plugging in the connector can cause fire from electric shock or heat.
◼When something is wrong with the system, unplug the connector 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.
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.
◼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.
◼Use the system in an environment with an ambient temperature of 0 to 40 °C,
humidity of 85 % RH or lower, maximum altitude of 2,000 m or lower, and no
condensation.
Use in a condition out of the above limits can cause malfunction.
◼Do not store the system in a location where the temperature goes below -20 °C or
higher than 60 °C. Be sure not to allow condensastion to form 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.
Do not ship the system in an environment where the temperature goes below -20 °C
or higher than 60 °C. Also, prevent condensation from forming during shipment.
◼When the product is contaminated, wipe with a dry cloth.
When foreign material is contaminated in the connector, blowing in the air.
Using the system in these locations can cause malfunction.
Caution

Using the System Safely and Correctly
To ensure safe use of the Photron FASTCAM series, please follow the instructions for proper storage
of the supplied AC adapter.
If there is any problem with the AC adapter or cable, stop using it immediately and contact your local
Photron office.
◼Storage Method
When storing the AC adapter or cable, make sure that no stress is placed on the root of the AC adapter or the
cable.
Do not wrap the cable around the AC adapter, but loosely bundle it.
When storing the AC adapter in a case, store it so that no strain is placed on the root of the AC adapter and
the cable.
◼Appearance Check
Before use, check the appearance of the AC adapter and cable for any abnormalities.
If there are any cracks or tears on the surface, it may cause fire, electric shock, or short circuit.
Immediately stop using the AC adapter and contact your local Photron office.
Handling of the AC Adapter

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.
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

Contents
Contents
Chapter 1 Overview 1
Supported Cameras and Functions.................................................................................................... 2
Chapter 2 Setup 3
Components and Options...................................................................................................................... 4
Part Names................................................................................................................................................... 5
Input/Output Signals and Power Supply .......................................................................................21
Device Connection..................................................................................................................................25
Chapter 3 Product Specifications 37
Specifications ............................................................................................................................................38
Dimensions ................................................................................................................................................41

Contents
Chapter 4 Warranty 51
About the Warranty................................................................................................................................52
Chapter 5 Contacting Photron 53
Contact Information...............................................................................................................................54

1
Chapter 1 Overview
This chapter gives an overview of the system.

Photron Camera Hub 2
1.1 Supported Cameras and Functions
Supported Cameras and Functions
Supported Cameras and PFV4 Version
The high-speed cameras that the system supports are as follows. Use the latest version of PFV4.
◼FASTCAM Nova S series (S6 / S9 / S12 / S16 / S20)
◼FASTCAM Nova R series (R2 / R3 / R5)
◼FASTCAM MH6
◼FASTCAM Mini series (AX / UX / WX)
◼FASTCAM Mini CX
This system is supported by PFV 4.0.5.1 or later.
Use the version that is compatible with your camera or the latest PFV.
Supported Functions
The following functions are available for the system.
Master Hub
Camera Hub
Converter
Connection to Master Hub


Connection to Camera Hub



Connection to PC (PFV control)

Maximum number of connectable cameras
1*1
4*1
Connection to a stabilized power supply

Power supply to camera


Power control (ON/OFF)

Remote power control (ON/OFF)

Power supply control for cameras
*2

Input/Output of synchronization signal



Internal clock mode

Connection to signal generator


Input/Output of IRIG signal


MASTER TRIG IN
(connection to tape switch)

Input/Output of differential signal


*1This is the maximum number of connections per Camera Hub. This will change depending on the connection status of
peripheral devices. For details, refer to the “2.4.4 Maximum Number of Connected Cameras and Maximum Cable Length
by Power Source”. In case of Master Hub, it does not supply power to the camera, but only SYNC OUT signal and TRIG
OUT signal. Use the SYNC OUT and the TRIG OUT BNC connectors to connect a camera.
*2Since the Camera Hub power can be turned on and off in conjunction with the Master Hub power, the camera power can
also be controlled indirectly.
For details and examples of connection, refer to “2.4 Device Connection” on page 25.

2
Chapter 2 Setup
This chapter gives an overview of the
components that make up the system.

Photron Camera Hub 4
2.1 Components and Options
Components and Options
Components
Refer to the attached packing list for this product’s standard components and accessories.
Options
The following options are available for the system.
Camera Hub
When using an external power supply, induces high current in the cable.
Contact specialized company for assembly of the cable.
•Use a LINK cable to connect the Master Hub and Camera Hub.
•The LINK cable is a commercially available shielded LAN cable (straight-through cable).
The recommended cable is a Cat 5e STP single-wire LAN cable (RJ45 connectors on both ends).
•The length of the LINK cable can be up to 1.2 km according to the RS422 standard.
However, this may not be achievable depending on the characteristics of the cable used.
•Photron has tested LINK cables up to 200 m in length.
1. AC Adapter for Photron Camera Hub
2. AC Cable for Photron Camera Hub
3. Converter
4. Converter Bracket (with screw)
5. Camera Hub Cable (Camera Hub to Camera, Dedicated cables for each camera model)
6. Camera Hub Extension Cable

Photron Camera Hub 5
2.2 Part Names
Part Names
This product is composed of components including Master Hub, Camera Hub, AC adapter, Converter,
and “Photron FASTCAM Viewer” control software (referred to below as PFV).
This product is a system for generating and distributing synchronization signals, distributing trigger
signals, and supplying power to each camera simultaneously for systems that use multiple Photron high-
speed cameras, such as crash tests.
While distributing synchronization signals and input trigger signals to each camera, Camera Hub
supplies power to each camera.
-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.
When supplying power to a camera, the voltage input to the camera must also be within the rated voltage
range specified for the respective camera. The voltage drop due to camera cables, etc. should be taken into
consideration.
Master Hub
Master Hub distributes the synchronization and trigger signals to Camera Hub. Master Hub can be
used to generate synchronization signals, or synchronization signals can be input from an external
source. The operating status is displayed on the OLED screen and LED, and the synchronization signal
frequency can be set from PFV4 via Ethernet.
Master Hub

Photron Camera Hub 6
2.2 Part Names
Camera Hub
Camera Hub supplies synchronization signals, trigger signals, IRIG signals from LINK cable
connected to the AUX IN, and power from DC In connector to the camera.
The CAM connector is connected to a dedicated cable to supply synchronization signals, trigger
signals, IRIG signals and power to the camera with a single cable.
Converter
Converter is used as a signal converter when extending the connection between the Camera Hub and
the camera.
It converts the differential signal from Camera Hub to a single-ended signal, providing a stable signal
to each camera even when the cable is extended up to 100 m.
When using the Converter, set the Camera Hub’s “Signal Type Switch” to [D] (differential signal).
The maximum length of the cable varies depending on the amount of power supplied to the camera.
For details, refer to “2.4.4 Maximum Number of Connected Cameras and Maximum Cable Length by
Power Source” on page 28.
Camera Hub
Converter

Photron Camera Hub 7
2.2 Part Names
Master Hub Part Names
Name
Description
POWER Switch
Controls the power ON/OFF.
It also controls the power supply for the Camera Hub connected to the AUX OUT
connector.
Status LED
Indicates the current signal status.
For details, refer to the “2.2.6 Status Indication LED” on page 14.
I/O Port Connector
There are connection connectors on the front and back, and the TRIG IN connector
has the same specifications.
For details, refer to the “2.4.1 Master Hub” on page 25.
OLED Screen
The current operating status and control button operations are displayed on the
screen.
Control Key
These keys are used to set the frequency.
Press the [Up/Down/Left/Right] keys to set the frequency in Internal mode, and
then press the [Enter] key to confirm the setting.
When in External Mode, these keys are disabled.

Photron Camera Hub 8
2.2 Part Names
Name
Description
AUX OUT Connector
1 to 5
Distributes sync/trigger signal from Master Hub to Camera Hub via LINK cable.
Operation Mode Switch
This switch changes the operation of Master Hub.
Switches between Internal mode and External mode.
Internal mode: Synchronization signals are generated internally and output from
AUX OUT and SYNC OUT connectors.
External mode: The signal input to SYNC IN is output from AUX OUT and SYNC
OUT connectors.
Gigabit Ethernet Connector
Connects to a PC and communicates with the PFV4.
Power Connector
Power is supplied by connecting the AC adapter.
Although the AUX OUT connector is in the shape of an RJ45 (LAN) connector, it is a special terminal
used for exchanging signals between Master Hub and Camera Hub.
Do not connect ordinary network devices such as cameras or PCs to the AUX OUT connector.
It may cause malfunction.
For details of connectors of the high-speed camera, refer to the hardware manual of each model.
•The following synchronization signals are generated internally in Internal mode.
Settable Frequency (Hz): 500, 1,000, 2,000, 2,500, 3,000, 4,000, 5,000, 6,000, 8,000, 10,000, 20,000,
40,000, 50,000, 80,000, 100,000
Accuracy: ±50 ppm
Duty ratio: 50%
* The frequency can be set in the PFV4 Synchronization Assistance menu as well as the Control Key.
For details, refer to the PFV4 User’s Manual.
•The frequency is stored in Master Hub when it is set, and the set value is retained even after the power
is turned off. However, if there is no stored value at startup, the unit will operate at 1 kHz.