P+S Technik Weisscam HS-1 Manual

OPERATOR`S GUIDEBOOK
Version November 2006 - ArtNo. # 22135

2
EMERGENCY ADDRESSES
Support
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Information on this Guide Book
©2006
Stefan Weiss
Director of Photography
and developper of Weisscam
Version: November 2006
Article Number: # 22135
Printed at P+S Technik GmbH
Order No.
Manufacturer
P+S TECHNIK GmbH
Siemensstraße 12
D-85521 Ottobrunn / München
GERMANY
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email [email protected]
Web www.pstechnik.de

>> 3
OPERATOR‘S GUIDE BOOK
CONTENT 2 EMERGENCY ADDRESSES
3CONTENT
A|1 INTRODUCTION
A|2 Delivery Content
A|3 Precautions
B|1 CONTROLS, DISPLAYS and CONNECTORS
B|1 Camera Unit
B|3 Hand Unit
B|4 Control Unit
C|1 BEFORE SHOOTING
C|1 Light
C|1 Frame rate
C|1 Download
C|2 Focus
D|1 PREPARATION
D|1 Connection Chart
D|2 Control Unit
D|3 Camera
D|3 Hand Unit
E|1 SOFTWARE
E|1 Installation
E|3 Start Software
E|3 Window : View Color
E|4 Window : Camera Control
E|8 Window : Options
E|13 Window : Live Preview
E|14 Window : Camera Convert Control
F|1 RECORDING
F|1 Software Triggering
F|1 Hand Unit Triggering
G|1 PREVIEW AND SAVING
G|1 Preview
G|2 Saving

4
G|4 Playback of Saved Files
G|4 Safety Copy / Data Transfer
H|1 EXPOSURE TIME TABLES
I|1 TROUBLE SHOOTING
J|1 DOP STUFF
J|1 Light
J|1 Flicker free
J|1 HMI or Tungsten
J|2 Outdoor Shooting
J|2 Lenses
J|2 ASA
J|2 Depth of Field
J|3 Crop Factor
J|3 Lightweight Support
J|3 Bridge Plate
K|1 FAQ
L|1 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
L|1 FRAMECYCLER Hot Key Overview
M|1 TECHNICAL INFORMATION
M|1 Camera
M|1 Control Unit
M|1 Software

INTRODUCTION >> A|1
OPERATOR‘S GUIDE BOOK
INTRODUCTION
I would like to thank you for deciding to work with the new digital
highspeed system WEISSCAM HS-1. This camera system gives you
various tools to make incredible highspeed shots. You can make things
visible which your eyes never could see. With WEISSCAM HS-1 you
are using state-of-the-art technology with the massive advantage of
digital recording.
As a certified WEISSCAM operator you are specialized in highspeed
shooting. Your role is not only being an operator but also an advisor for
the DoP and the Director. In particular with the new digital technology
your expert knowledge is needed !
This OPERATOR’S GUIDE is your source of knowledge. Please read
it carefully and do not hesitate to ask further questions or to add your
own ideas.
My mission is to share my know-how and experience with you, allow-
ing us to gather information and sharing experiences to help each
other prepare for the new generation of the WEISSCAM.
Thank you for deciding to join me,
Stefan Weiss
DoP and Developer of WEISSCAM

A|2
Delivery Content
1 x Weisscam HS-1 Camera
Integrated Adapters for QuickLock Plate
Accessory Shoe for ARRI Lightweight Support (LWS)
Tape Hook
12V AntonBauer Battery Mount
(optional with IDX or V-Mount adapter)
12V DC In 4 pol XLR Plug
12V DC Out 4 pol Hirose
Standard Viewfinder Holder
1 x Video Viewfinder
2 x Interchangeable Lens Mounts:
1 x PL Mount Adapter
1 x Nikon Mount Adapter
(additional lens mounts, ie. Panavision, BNC-R, Canon EF)
1 x Adapter Plate for S35 Bridge Plate
1 x External Power Supply with XLR Cable
1 x Hand Unit
with Ramping Wheel
2 x Connecting Cables to Camera
(1 x 3m cable and 1 x 0.4m spiral cable )
1 x Mounting Bracket for Hand Unit
1 x Aluminum Camera Storage Case
1 x Control Unit
Pre-installed Operating System, WEISSCAMware, etc.
1 x Power Cable for Control Unit
2 x External USB 2.0 100GB Hard Drives
2 x USB Connection Cables (for connection to PC)
1 x Fibre Channel Converter Box
1 x 10m Fibre Channel Cable
1 x 20m Fibre Channel Cable
2 x 4,5m Firewire Cables 6 pin / 6 pin
1 x 1,5m S-VHS Cable
1 x Aluminum Control Unit Storage Case
1 x Weisscam User Guide Book (Art.No. # 22135)
1 x WeisscamWare Software CD (Art.No. # 22136)
2 x Weisscam Connection Charts (Art.No. # 27363)

INTRODUCTION >> A|3
OPERATOR‘S GUIDE BOOK
Precautions
Please read carefully.
MAX. 60° C - Do not expose the camera or Con-
trol Unit to high temperatures. In very hot setups, pre-
vent overheating of the camera by using styro and / or a fan
to get cool air close to the camera. The ventilation slot at the
righthand side of the camera is the „AIR IN“ slot! The actual
system temperature is shown in the status line in the „Camera
Control“ window. More than 60°C for El. Temp. or more than
65°C for Power Temp. endanger your equipment. This is es-
pecially very important when shooting top shots.
Avoid direct sun light. Save Camera and Control Unit
from direct sun light, Tungsten or HMI light.
Avoid dust inside the Control Unit or Camera.
Prevent dust from coming inside through the fans.
Do not install additional software on the Control Unit.
If doing so, product guarantee will become void.
Do not connect the Control Unit to the internet.
If doing so, product guarantee will become void.
Be careful not to scratch the security glass in front of the
CMOS sensor of the camera when you exchange the camera
mounts. Always cover the CMOS sensor with a cap, when no
lens is attached to the Camera.
Do not unplug any cable while Camera or Control Unit
are running! Always turn off the camera before disconnec-
ting cables. If not this may cause break down your Windows
operating system.
When using Fiber Optic Cable : Never bend, fold or crack
them nor step on them. Clean them regularly and treat the
connectors with care. Always use the connector caps when
not using the cables. Remember the inner core of this cable is
glass and very sensitive!
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A|4
Never completely discharge the battery pack attached
to the camera. This might cause damage to the mains adap-
ter inside the camera!
Do not connect accessories to the DC 12V OUT con-
nector that pull more than 3A.
The Weisscam HS-1 Camera is fuse protected with a
6.3V/T fuse. In case the fuse disconnects the power supply
for protection reasons, disconect the camera from the power
supply. After a view minutes the connection is released and the
camera can be run again. Check the power supply and con-
nected accessories for damages and malfunctions.
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•

CONTROLS, DISPLAYS and CONNECTORS >> B|1
OPERATOR‘S GUIDE BOOK
CONTROLS, DISPLAYS and CONNECTORS
Camera Unit
A
C
H
F
B
I
D
E
G
A – P+S Technik Interchangeable Mount
B – Camera Mount (e.g. PL Mount)
C – Viewfinder Holder
D – Hand Grip
E – Ventilation Slots
F – Battery Plate Anton Bauer Gold Mount
G – Integrated Adapters for Sony QuickLock Plate
H – Accessory Mounting Plate (Rosette) for Hand Unit
I – Image Plane / Measuring Tape Hook

B|2
D
C
J
A
I
L
F
W V U T
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
K
J – Viewfinder Connector (Hirose 20 pin)
K – Security glass in front of CMOS sensor
L – Accessory Shoe for ARRI 15mm Lightweight Support (LWS)
M – Video In (BNC)
N – Video Out (BNC)
O – Hand Unit (Fischer 6 pin)
P – 12V Power Outlet for Accessories (Hirose 4 pin)
Q – BNC Sync (for future applications)
R – Firewire Connector
S – Fiber Optical Line (FOL) Connector OPTICAL ( Duplex-SC )
T – Control LEDs (Camera connected; Power supply)
U – Fuse 6.3A/T exchangeable
V – Power ON / OFF Switch
W – 12V XLR Power Supply Plug

CONTROLS, DISPLAYS and CONNECTORS >> B|3
OPERATOR‘S GUIDE BOOK
Hand Unit Settings
P : Records while GREEN
button is pushed down
L : Programm LIMITS or
Set ready for JUMP :
> Chose Limit 1, press SET
LIMITS until LED is lit,
do the same for Limit 2
> Push JUMP while record-
ing for frame rate JUMP
C : Continous recording
after GREEN button is
pushed once, push
again for STOP
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Hand Unit
1 – Fastener for Limits
2 – Limit Stop
3 – Control LEDs (Green STANDBY / Red RECORD )
4 – Limit Stop
5 – Two LED to Control Limit Settings (blue)
6 – Green START / STOP Recording Button
7 – Hand Unit Program Switch
8 – SET LIMITS Button or JUMP Button
(During Recording)
9 – Power ON / OFF Switch for Hand Unit
10 – Accessory Mounting Plate to Attach Hand Unit to
Camera with Hand Unit Bracket
(part of delivery content)
11 – Short Instructions for Hand Unit Program Switch
12 – Connector for Camera Connecting Cable (Fischer 6 pin)
12front side back & top
Hand Unit Settings
P : Records while GREEN
button is pushed down
L : Programm LIMITS or
Set ready for JUMP :
> Choose Limit 1, press SET
LIMITS until LED is lit,
do the same for Limit 2
> Switch to Cand start
recording
> Push JUMP while record-
ing for frame rate JUMP
C : Continous recording
after GREEN button is
pushed once, push
again for STOP

B|4
1 – LED Power On
2 – LED Hard Disk Status
3 – Screen Settings Menu On / Off
4 – Select / Submenu
5 – Navigate right
6 – Navigate left
7 – Reset Button
8 – General Power ON / OFF Button
Control Unit
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

CONTROLS, DISPLAYS and CONNECTORS >> B|5
OPERATOR‘S GUIDE BOOK
a – Integrated Keyboard
b – Push Switch to Open Keyboard
c – Graphic Card Out (S-VIDEO)
d – 2x Video Out (S-VIDEO)
e – 2x Video Out (BNC)
f – Security Lock for Removable Hard Drive
(HDD will only be recognized if set to locked position)
g – Pull Handle for Removable Hard Drive
h – Removable Hard Drive
i – DVD Rom Drive ( Reader / Recorder )
j – Firewire 1394 Connector ( Bridge to MAIN IEEE 1394 )
k – Firewire 1394 Connector ( Bridge to MAIN IEEE 1394 )
l – OPTICAL to Camera ( Fiber Optical Line FOL )
m – 2x Firewire 1394 Connectors ( Backup )
n – Push Switch to Open Keyboard
o – DVI 1 Out ( Internal Monitor )
DVI 2 Out ( Only usable, if GRAPHIC CARD OUT is disconnected )
p – Video Splitter In (S-VIDEO)
q – Sound Connectors
r – 4x USB 2.0
s – MAIN Firewire 1394 connector ( to Camera or Bridge )
t – DVI to VGA Adapter for Internal Monitor
u – Cable to Connect Onboard Speakers (Integrated in Internal Monitor)
v – VGA Connection Cable for Internal Monitor
w – Control Unit Power ON / OFF Switch
x – Control Unit Power Plug
c d e
b
f
g
h
i
x
w
v u t
m
n
o
q
r
s
GRAPHIC CARD IN VIDEO OUT VIDEOOUT
IEEE 1394 ( Bridge to MAIN IEEE1394 ) OPTICAL ( to CAMERA )
2x IEEE 1394 ( BACKUP )
DVI 2 OUT DVI 1 OUT (internal monitor)
GRAPHIC CARD
OUT
4x USB 2.0
MAIN IEEE 1394 to camera or bridge
a
j k l
p

B|6

BEFORE SHOOTING >> C|1
OPERATOR‘S GUIDE BOOK
BEFORE SHOOTING
High speed shooting is very special skill and not as easy as you might
think. Although it is digital and you can repeat everything, you have to
consider a few facts:
Light
First of all, high speed shooting needs a lot of light, no mat-
ter if you shoot on film or digital. To avoid the image fli-
ckering, use a minimum of 10 K or 20K tungsten sources.
The HMI are not frickerfree although they say it. If you put
4 x 4K´s through a white diffusion, the flickering of every 4K´s
is eliminated by the mixture of light.
Always remember, you are shooting digital. That means, you
have got a contrast range of about 5 T-Stops (and not a con-
trast range of up to 11 T-Stops like on film). The image has to
be lit in between this contrast range!
Do not compare WEISSCAM HS-1 with standard speed HD
cameras or with film cameras. WEISSCAM HS-1 is an effect
camera for high speed shots with a single CMOS sensor whe-
reas HD cameras have three CCD sensors and film is film.....
Frame rate
Not all situations are ideal for High speed shots. If you can not
follow something with your eyes, it is good for high speed! If
you can see and follow something with your eyes, it is NOT
good for high speed.
You do not always need the maximum frame rate! Get a
feeling for the fps and discuss the frame rate with the DoP /
Director:
Human dancing: 150 – 300 fps
Human sport: 150 – 300 fps
Pouring Hot Chocolate: 250 fps (depended on the thickness of the liquid)
Water, beer, drops: 950 fps
Download
Inform your customer about the download time after every shot. The
download time from the camera to the hard drive of the control unit
depends on the following decisions:
- the chosen resolution
- the chosen color algorithm
- the amount of frames to download
The download time depends on finding the right mixture for
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C|2
every shoot.
You may offer a resolution of PAL / NTSC plus 20%. This red-
uces the download time and gives the customer the chance to
make a digital zoom in post without loosing resolution
For a long take, you may offer a “ramp”. Record just the most
important thing in high speed and the rest in normal speed.
Trigger the ramp early enough so the post have enough fra-
mes to cut on music
You may choose a faster color algorithm. But show it to your
customer before and let them decide whether they want the
slower and sharper color algorithm or the faster color algo-
rithm.
Focus
When shooting high speed, you normally struggle with the focus,
because the depth of field is very shallow. It always helps, to fix the
camera and mark the focus area. To get the focus by monitor, put so-
mething with hard edges inside the frame. If you cannot see the focus,
change the viewing color algorithm to “PCO”. How to do this, see chap-
ter Software > “Window: Options”
The backfocus of the camera is calibrated. So you can use the tape
hook as usual, when the camera and the place you are recording is
under n ormal temperature. In very high speed set´s, the temperature
is very light and this will effect the backfocus. If so, do not measure the
distance anymore, do the focus by eye on the monitor.
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PREPARATION >> D|1
OPERATOR‘S GUIDE BOOK
PREPARATION
Connection Chart
Hand Unit
Cable
Firewire
Cable
External Monitor
BNC Video Cable
Power Cable
CONTROL UNIT
left side right
Graphic
Card Out
Power Cable
External Monitor
BNC Video Cable
CAMERA
HAND UNIT
Video Signal
for Viewnder
FOL
Connection
needs
Firewire
bridge
Video
Splitter In
S-Video
Cable
Adapter to
Internal
Monitor

D|2
Control Unit
Open side doors of the Control Unit
Connect Control Unit monitor with DVI 1 out (internal monitor) at the left side.
Connect GRAPHIC CARD OUT with GRAPHIC CARD IN at the Control Unit with the S-Video
cable.
Plug in and turn on the Control Unit
-> If not possible, check power cable and connection
Connect Control Unit “Main IEEE 1394” with Camera “IEEE 1394” with a Firewire cable. If the
distance is more than 4,5m (standard Firewire cable) or 10m (special Firewire cable for distances
up to 10 meters), you have to use the FOL cable.
-> For “OPTICAL” connection: Bridge “Main IEEE 1394” with one of the two “IEEE 1394 (bridge
to Main IEEE 1394)” at the top and leftside from the “OPTICAL” plug. Then plug the Fibre Optical
cable into “OPTICAL” on the camera’s back and into the control unit. Both green lights are sup-
posed to light up now. The Control Unit is then connected through Fibre Optical cable with the
camera.
-> Fibre Optical cables are very sensitive. Never bend or fold them, do not step on them. Clean
the ends very carefully and only special cleaning liquid for Fibre Optical Connectors. Always put
caps onto the connectors, when you do not use them.
-> Do not bridge the “Main IEEE 1394” with one of the two “IEEE 1394 (backup)” plugs. These
are for backup use in case the “Main IEEE 1394” is out of order.
Layout the cables with a savety catch to prevent accidents.
Make sure, NVIEW of your graphic card is active and it is set on “Clone”
-> Get familiar with the massive tools of your NVIDIA graphic card
-> The “cloned” picture will be visible in the viewfinder and all additional monitors.
-> There will be no signal on DVI 2 if GRAPHIC CARD OUT is connected.
-> If you have enough experience with the graphic card, you can also put the NVIEW Modus to
“Dual View” and send the Preview picture to the viewfinder and all additional monitors. Be aware,
that you will need two monitors for yourself to operate.
Connect the “Video out” connector of the CONTROL UNIT with “Video in” connector of the CAM-
ERA with a BNC 75 Ohm cable and use strain relief or tape cable to prevent connectors from
breaking.
-> The “cloned” picture will be in the viewfinder and all additional monitors.
Connect additional monitor at “Video out” connector if needed. They are supposed to be PAL /
NTSC monitors, no HD monitors.
Load “calibration charts” from NVIDIA graphic card “Tools” and calibrate viewfinder and all con-
nected monitors.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

PREPARATION >> D|3
OPERATOR‘S GUIDE BOOK
Camera
Put the appropriate lens mount on the camera (PL-Mount, Nikon F-Mount etc.)
Provide the appropriate adaptor plate for the tripod
Put a battery onto the camera not to loose data in case someone unplugs the camera.
Plug in and turn on CAMERA
Wait till you see two green lights (power and camera) lit at the back of the camera. The camera is
now ready to shoot. If you get a different blinking signal, please refer to the following interpretation
of the flash code of the two LEDs on the camera:
Camera LED:
_ Flashing orange/off >> camera not ready (appears on camera start up)
_ Steady green >> camera ready
_ Steady orange >> recording/live previewing
Power LED:
_ Flashing orange/off >> power supply not ready (appears on camera start up)
_ Flashing red/orange >> impressed voltage too high (above 16 volts)! RISK OF DAMAGE.
Please change power supply!
_ Flashing green/orange >> impressed voltage slightly too high (between 15 and 16 volts).
No problem for shot time. Appears mostly for about 5 minutes, when
a completely charged battery is attached to the camera.
_ Steady green >> impressed voltage within the operating range
(between 10.8 and 15 volts); power supply ready
_ Flashing orange/off >> impressed voltage low (between 10,8 and 10,4 volts).
When you are using batteries, please change it now!
_ Flashing red/off >> impressed voltage very low (below 10,4 volts).
Camera is in sleeping mode in order to prevent damage.
The ventilator keeps on running to cool down the camera.
RISK of damage of IDE batteries!
IMPORTANT:
To reactivate the camera please change the battery and switch the camera OFF and ON again. All
data of the cameras memory is erased!
Load “calibration charts” from NVIDIA graphic card “tools” and calibrate viewfinder and all con-
nected monitors.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

D|4
Hand Unit
Connect the Hand Unit with the camera. Use only the cables
delivered by P+S Technik.
Mount the Hand Unit on the camera with the delivered brack-
ets, if needed.
Turn on the Hand Unit
The green LED STANDBY lights up
-> If
REC is lighting, press the green Start / Stop button to
turn the Hand Unit into STANDBY mode
-> If the blue
LIMITS LEDs lights up, erase the limits and
turn the Hand Unit into STANDBY mode.
Hand Unit Settings
P - Records while green START / STOP button is pushed down
L - Set and erase Limits
C - Continous recording after green START / STOP button is pu-
shed once, push again to stop recording
->
To set Limits
Move the Limit Stops to the appropriate positions
Turn the wheel to Limit 1
Press the blue SET LIMITS button until the blue light is lit
continuously.
Move the wheel to Limit 2
Press the blue SET LIMITS / JUMP button until the second
blue light is lit continuously.
You now have set your Limit 1 and Limit 2. A limit can be the
one with the higher value, for ex. Limit 1 is 500 fps and Limit
2 is 100 fps - just set the higher value first.
Set the Hand Unit Program Switch to C for continuous re-
cording
Press START and you are now recording with the fps of
Limit 1
Press the blue SET LIMITS / JUMP and the recording
speed jumps to the frame rate set for Limit 2 and records in
this speed until you release the blue button.
Release the blue button and you are now recording again
with the frame rate set for Limit 1
Press START / STOP to stop recording
1.
2.
3.
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2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.