Sony FCB-H10 User manual

2007 Sony Corporation
HD Color Camera Module
FCB-H10
A-CR9-100-11(1)
Technical Manual

2
Table of Contents
Features ..................................................................... 3
Precautions ................................................................ 4
Locations of Controls ............................................... 5
Basic Functions......................................................... 6
Overview of Functions ................................................ 6
Eclipse ...................................................................... 12
Vibration Specifications ............................................ 12
Initial Settings and Position Preset ........................... 13
Mode Condition ........................................................ 14
Command List ......................................................... 18
VISCA/RS-232C Commands ................................... 18
FCB-H10 Commands ............................................... 24
Specifications .......................................................... 36

3
Overview
Features
•The CMOS video camera provides 2,000,000
effective picture elements (pixels) that can shoot
high-definition images to offer superior picture
quality.
• The camera is compatible with 8 formats, including
the Full HD (1080i high definition) video format,
which is equivalent to an HD-TV broadcast.
HD: 1080i/59.94, 1080i/50, 720p/59.94, 729p/50
SD: NTSC (CROP), NTSC (SQUEEZE)
PAL (CROP), PAL (SQUEEZE)
•Video outputs
HD: Analog Component
SD: VBS, Y/C
• The camera is equipped with an ×10 optical auto
focus zoom lens.
• The ×12 digital zoom function allows you to zoom up
to ×120, combined with a optical zoom.
•The VISCA is a communication protocol, which
enables the camera to be controlled from a computer.
You can select the baud rate from among 9600 bps,
19200 bps, or 38400 bps. This allows you to remotely
control the camera at a high communication speed.
•The position preset function allows the camera to
store up to six combinations of settings of camera
shooting conditions. Also, the custom preset function
allows you to customize the initial settings of each
function when the power of the camera is turned on.
With consideration given to environmental
protection, this module is designed to operate with
low power consumption and also incorporates lead-
free and halogen-free circuit boards.

4
Overview
Software
Use of demonstration software developed by Sony
Corporation or use of customer developed application
software may damage hardware, the application
program, or the camera. Sony Corporation is not liable
for any damage that may occur under these conditions.
Operation
Start the camera control software on your computer
after you turn on the camera and the image is
displayed.
Operation and storage locations
Do not shoot images that are extremely bright (e.g.,
light sources, the sun, etc.) for long periods of time. Do
not use or store the camera in the following extreme
conditions:
•Extremely hot or cold places (operating temperature
0 ˚C to +45 ˚C (32 ˚F to 113 ˚F))
•Close to generators of powerful electromagnetic
radiation such as radio or TV transmitters
•Where it is subject to fluorescent light reflections
•Where it is subject to unstable (flickering, etc.)
lighting conditions
•Where it is subject to strong vibration
•Where it is subject to radiation from laser beams
•Where it is subject to internal atmospheric
temperatures that exceed the camera’s operating
temperature range (0 ˚C to +45 ˚C (32 ˚F to 113 ˚F))
Care of the unit
Remove dust or dirt on the surface of the lens with a
blower (commercially available).
Precautions
Other
Do not apply excessive voltage. (Use only the
specified voltage.) Otherwise, you may get an electric
shock or a fire may occur.
In case of abnormal operation, contact your authorized
Sony dealer or the store where you purchased the
product.
Phenomena specific to CMOS image
sensors
The following phenomena that may appear in images
are specific to CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide
Semiconductor) image sensors. They do not indicate
malfunctions.
White flecks
Although the CMOS image sensors are produced with
high-precision technologies, fine white flecks may be
generated on the screen in rare cases, caused by cosmic
rays, etc.
This is related to the principle of CMOS image sensors
and is not a malfunction.
The white flecks especially tend to be seen in the
following cases:
•when operating at a high environmental temperature
•when you have raised the master gain (sensitivity)
•when operating in Slow-Shutter mode
The above phenoma may be mitigated somewhat by
turning the power off once, and then turning it on
again.
Aliasing
When fine patterns, stripes, or lines are shot, they may
appear jagged or flicker.

5
Locations of Controls
Locations of Controls
1Lens
2WIDE button
3TELE button
4CN901 jack
5Tripod screw hole
When a tripod is used, please use
5 mm (7/32 inches) or less screw to
attach it to the camera. Also,
please be sure to attach the tripod
securely.
Front
Right side Bottom
Top

6
Basic Functions
Basic Functions
Overview of Functions
VISCA commands are the basis of camera control.
In general
• Power On/Off
Powers the camera on and off. When the power is
off, the camera is able to accept only the lowest level
of VISCA Commands; the display and other features
are turned off.
• I/F clear
Clears the Command buffer of the FCB-H10 camera.
Clearing the buffer can also be carried out from the
control application software when the power is on.
• Address set
VISCA is a protocol, which normally can support a
daisy chain of up to seven attached devices. In this
case, if addresses from 1 to 7 are assigned to each of
7 devices, you can control seven cameras with the
same personal computer. However, the FCB-H10
camera does not support connection of cameras in a
daisy chain. Therefore, whenever a camera is
connected for the first time, be sure to use the address
set to confirm the address.
• ID Write
Sets the camera ID.
• Mute
Blanks the screen and sends out a synchronizing
signal.
Zoom
The camera employs an 10×optical zoom lens
combined with a digital zoom function allowing you to
zoom up to 120×.
Lens specifications: Optical 10×, f = 5.1 to 51 mm
(F1.8 to F2.1)
The horizontal angle of view is approximately 50
degrees (wide end) to 5.4 degrees (tele end).
Digital Zoom enlarges the center of the subject by
expanding each image in both the vertical and
horizontal directions. When 12×digital zoom is used,
the number of effective picture elements in each
direction reduces to 1/12 and the overall resolution
deteriorates.
You can activate the zoom in the following two ways:
•By pressing the TELE or WIDE buttons on the
camera.
•Using a VISCA Command
Using Standard Mode
Using Variable Mode
There are eight levels of zoom speed.
Direct Mode
Setting the zoom position enables quick
movement to the designated position.

7
Basic Functions
Focus
Focus has the following modes, all of which can be set
using VISCA Commands.
• Auto Focus Mode
The Auto Focus (AF) function automatically adjusts
the focus position to the high frequency content of the
picture in a center measurement area, taking into
consideration the high luminance and strong contrast
components.
The minimum focus distance is 10 mm at the optical
wide end (extreme close-up settings with VISCA
control) (distance from the front end of the lens).
- Normal AF Mode
This is the normal mode for AF operations.
- Interval AF Mode
The mode used for AF movements carried out at
particular intervals. The time intervals for AF
movements and for the timing of the stops can be
set in one-second increments using the Set Time
Command. The initial value for both is set to five
seconds.
- Zoom Trigger Mode
When the zoom is changed with the TELE or the
WIDE buttons, the pre-set value (initially set at 5
seconds) becomes that for AF Mode. Then, it
stops.
• Manual Focus Mode
MF (Manual Focus) has both a Standard Speed Mode
and a Variable Speed Mode. Standard Speed Mode
focuses at a fixed rate of speed. Variable Speed Mode
has eight speed levels that can be set using a VISCA
Command.
To stop the required operation after sending a
Standard Speed command or a Variable Speed
command, send the Stop command.
• One Push Trigger Mode
When a Trigger Command is received, the lens
moves to adjust the focus for the subject. The focus
lens then holds the same position until the next
Trigger Command is input.
• Infinity Mode
The lens is forcibly moved to a position suitable for
an unlimited distance.
• Near Limit Mode
Can be set in a range from about 4.5 m (2000) to 1 cm
(C000).
The focus range is narrowed by excluding the
unnecessary range.
White Balance
White Balance has the following modes, all of which
can be set using VISCA Commands.
• Auto White Balance
This mode computes the white balance value output
using color information from the entire screen. It
outputs the proper value using the color temperature
radiating from a black subject based on a range of
values from 3000 to 7500K.
This mode is the default setting.
• Indoor
3200 K Base Mode
• Outdoor
5800 K Base Mode
• One Push WB
The One Push White Balance mode is a fixed white
balance mode that may be automatically readjusted
only at the request of the user (One Push Trigger),
assuming that a white subject, in correct lighting
conditions and occupying more than 1/2of the image,
is submitted to the camera.
One Push White Balance data is lost when the power
is turned off. If the power is turned off, reset the One
Push White Balance.
• Manual WB
Manual control of R and B gain, 256 steps each

8
Basic Functions
Automatic Exposure Mode
The variety of AE functions, which allow video signal
to output the optimum image for subjects from low
light conditions to bright light conditions, are
available.
• Full Auto
Auto Iris and Gain, Fixed Shutter Speed (59.94/
NTSC: 1/60 s, 50/PAL: 1/50 s)
• Slow shutter limit
Lower limit of the slow shutter mode in the Full Auto
mode. For the 59.94/NTSC video format, select the
lower limit from among 1/60, 1/30, 1/15, 1/8, 4/1 or
1/2.
For the 50/PAL video format, select the lower limit
from among 1/50, 1/25, 1/12, 1/6, 1/3 or 1/2.
• Shutter Priority 1)
Variable Shutter Speed, Auto Iris and Gain
(1/2to 1/10,000 s, 21 steps, high speed shutter: 15 steps,
slow shutter: 6 steps)
• Iris Priority
Variable Iris (F1.8 to Close, 18 steps), Auto Gain and
Shutter speed.
• Manual
Variable Shutter, Iris and Gain.
• Bright
Variable Iris and Gain (Close to F1.8, 18 steps at
0 dB: F1.8, 6 steps from 0 to 18 dB)
• Spot light
Avoids a situation where the face of the subject is
over-illuminated, and becomes whitish.
1) Flicker can be eliminated by setting shutter to:
t1/100 s for NTSC models used in countries with a 50 Hz power supply
frequency.
.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
t1/120 s for PAL models used in countries with a 60 Hz power supply
frequency.
AE – Shutter Priority
The shutter speed can be set freely by the user to a
total of 21 steps – 15 high speeds and 6 low speeds.
When the slow shutter is set, the speed can be 1/30,
1/15, 1/8, 1/4, or 1/2s. The picture output is read at a
normal rate from the memory. The memory is updated
at a low rate from the CCD. AF capability is low.
In high speed mode, the shutter speed can be set up to
1/10,000 s. The iris and gain are set automatically,
according to the brightness of the subject.
Parameter 59.94i 50i
[sec] [sec]
15 1/10000 1/10000
14 1/6000 1/6000
13 1/4000 1/3500
12 1/3000 1/2500
11 1/2000 1/1750
10 1/1500 1/1250
0F 1/1000 1/1000
0E 1/725 1/600
0D 1/500 1/425
0C 1/350 1/300
0B 1/250 1/215
0A 1/180 1/150
09 1/125 1/120
08 1/100 1/100
07 1/90 1/75
06 1/60 1/50
05 1/30 1/25
04 1/15 1/12
03 1/8 1/6
02 1/4 1/3
01 1/2 1/2
Note
When the low shutter speed is used, Auto Focus and
White Balance may not function fully.

9
Basic Functions
AE – Iris Priority
The iris can be set freely by the user to 18 steps
between F1.8 and Close.
The gain and shutter speed are set automatically
according to the brightness of the subject.
parameter IRIS (F1.8) F No. parameter IRIS (F1.8) F No
11 F1.8 08 F8.0
10 F2.0 07 F9.6
0F F2.4 06 F11
0E F2.8 05 F14
0D F3.4 04 F16
0C F4.0 03 F19
0B F4.8 02 F22
0A F5.6 01 F26
09 F6.8 00 CLOSE
AE – Manual
The shutter speed (21 steps), iris (18 steps) and gain (8
steps) can be set freely by the user.
AE – Bright
The bright control function adjusts both the gain and
iris using an internal algorithm according to a
brightness level freely set by the user. Exposure is
controlled by gain when dark and by iris when bright.
As both gain and iris are fixed, this mode is used when
exposing at a fixed camera sensitivity. When switching
from Full Auto or Shutter Priority Mode to Bright
Mode, the current status will be retained for a short
period of time.
Only when the AE mode is set to “Full Auto” or
“Shutter Priority,” the user can switch it to “Bright.”
Parameter IRIS (F1.8) GAIN
F No.
17 F1.8 18dB
16 F1.8 15dB
15 F1.8 12dB
14 F1.8 9dB
13 F1.8 6dB
12 F1.8 3dB
11 F1.8 0dB
10 F2.0 0dB
0F F2.4 0dB
0E F2.8 0dB
0D F3.4 0dB
0C F4.0 0dB
0B F4.8 0dB
0A F5.6 0dB
09 F6.8 0dB
08 F8.0 0dB
07 F9.6 0dB
06 F11 0dB
05 F14 0dB
04 F16 0dB
03 F19 0dB
02 F22 0dB
01 F26 0dB
00 CLOSE 0dB
When switching from the Shutter Priority mode to the
Bright mode, the shutter speed set in the Shutter
Priority mode is maintained.
Spot Exposure Mode
In Full Auto AE, the level for the entire screen is
computed and the optimum Auto Iris and Gain levels
are determined. In Spot AE, a particular section of the
subject can be designated, and then that portion of the
image can be weighted and a value computed so that
Iris and Gain can be optimized to obtain an image.
For example, in an image with a lot of movement and
with varying levels of brightness, portions without
much change can be designated as such a “spot,” and
changes to the screen can be minimized in that area.
As shown in the following diagram on the next page, a
range of 16 blocks vertically and 16 blocks
horizontally can be designated.
In the case where the center is designated (shown in
black), the level is computed along with a weighted
value for the surrounding block (shaded), including the
specified portions; and then the Gain and Iris are set.
The value of the designated portions and the
surrounding areas should be calculated as 100%, the
Gain
Dark Bright
IRIS gain curve
Controlled
by gain
Controlled by IRIS
Bright limit controllable
for this unit
MIN
MAX
AGC
CLOSE
OPEN
IRIS
AGC gain curve

10
Basic Functions
rest should be set to 20%. The range of the Spot AE
frame is fixed to 5 blocks vertically and 4 blocks
horizontally.
(8,8)
Horizontal 16
Ver tical 16
0
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
A
B
C
D
E
F
123456789ABCDEF
Exposure Compensation
Exposure compensation is a function which offsets the
internal reference brightness level used in the AE
mode by steps of 1.5 dB.
EXPOSURE Comp Step
Value
0E +10.5dB +7
0D +9dB +6
0C +7.5dB +5
0B +6dB +4
0A +4.5dB +3
09 +3dB +2
08 +1.5dB +1
07 0dB 0
06 –1.5dB –1
05 –3dB –2
04 –4.5dB –3
03 –6dB –4
02 –7.5dB –5
01 –9dB –6
00 –10.5dB –7
Aperture Control
Aperture control is a function which adjusts the
enhancement of the edges of objects in the picture.
There are 16 levels of adjustment, starting from “no
enhancement.” When shooting text, this control may
help by making the text sharper.
Back Light Compensation
When the background of the subject is too bright, or
when the subject is too dark due to shooting in the AE
mode, back light compensation will make the subject
appear clearer.
Slow shutter – Auto/Manual
When set to “Auto,” ensures that the slow shutter is set
automatically within the range of the lower limit set by
the slow shutter limit command, when the brightness
drops. Effective only when the AE mode is set to “Full
Auto.”
Set to “Slow Shutter Auto” at shipment from the
factory.
Camera ID
The ID can be set up to 65,536 (0000 to FFFF). As this
will be memorized in the nonvolatile memory inside
the camera, data will be saved, regardless of the
“position preset.”
Effect
It consists of the following functions.
• Neg. Art: Negative/Positive Reversal
• Black White: Monochrome Image
Gamma
Selects the desired gamma curve of the camera.
•Normal
Reproduces images with the standard video gamma
curve.
•Cinema Type 1
Reproduces images that look lively, providing depth
in images as if you shot them using a film.
•Cinema Type 2
In addition to the features of Cinema Type 1, this
setting is capable of extremely precise description of
the entire exposure zone, from shadowed parts to
highlighted parts, which enables reproduction of a
deeper black.

11
Basic Functions
Freeze
This function captures an image in the field memory of
the camera so that this image can be output
continuously.
Because communication inside the camera is based on V
cycle, the captured image is always the one 3V to 4Vs after
the sending of a Command. Thus, you can not specify a time
period after sending EVEN, ODD or a Command.
Others
Memory (Position Preset)
Using the position preset function, 6 sets of camera
shooting conditions can be stored and recalled.
This function allows you to achieve the desired status
instantly even without adjusting the following items
each time:
•Zoom Position
•Focus Auto/Manual
•FocusPosition
•AE Mode
•Shutter control parameters
•Bright Control
•Iris control parameters
•Gain control parameters
•Exposure Compensation On/Off
•Exposure Level
•Backlight Compensation On/Off
•Slow shutter Auto/Manual
•White Balance Mode
•R/B Gain
•Aperture
The settings are recalled when the power is turned on.
For setting items, see the “Initial Settings and Position
Preset” section on page 13.
Custom Preset
As with the positon preset function, the camera
shooting conditions can be stored and recalled. The
settings are recalled when the power is turned on.
For setting items, see the “Initial Settings and Position
Preset” section on page 13.

12
Basic Functions
Vibration
Specifications
Test Method (Random vibration)
• Fix the camera at the four fixation points of the base
using M2 screws.
• Perform the random vibration test under the
following conditions in the X, Y and Z directions for
20 minutes in each direction.
• The camera vibration specification is to have no
malfunction after this test.
Power spectrum density
Effective overall value
Test time
5 to 50 Hz 4.14 m
2
/s
3
{0.043 G
2
/Hz}
50 to 100 Hz –36 dB/oct
14.3 m/s
2
{1.46 G}
20 minutes
Eclipse
When designing the housing, refer to the dimensional
allowance as shown in the figure below.

13
Basic Functions
Initial Settings and Position Preset
The initial values are those set at the factory. Settings
for items that will be retained even when the power to
the camera is turned off are indicated by a “a,” those
that will be lost are indicated by an “×.”
Mode/Position Initial settings Custom Memroy position
preset presets 0 to 5
Zoom Position Wide end aa
Focus Position — aa
Focus Auto/Manual Auto aa
Near Limit Setting C000h (1.0 cm) a×
AF Mode Normal a×
AF activation time 5 seconds a×
AF interval time 5 seconds a×
WB Mode Auto aa
WB Data (Rgain, Bgain) — aa
One Push WB Data — a×
AE Mode Full Auto aa
Slow Shutter Mode On aa
Shutter Position 1/60sec (59.94/NTSC), aa
1/50sec (50/PAL)
Iris Position — aa
Gain Position — aa
Bright Position — aa
Exposure Compensation On/Off Off aa
Exposure Compensation Amount ±0 aa
Backlight On/Off Off aa
Spot AE On/Off Off a×
Spot AE position setting X=8, Y=8 a×
Gamma Normal a×
Key Lock Off a×
Aperture Level 8 aa
Freeze On/Off Off ××
Picture Effect Off a×
Mute On/Off Off ××
D-Zoom Limit x4 aa
AutoSlowShutterLimit Off aa
Notes
•The number of times data can be written to the EEPROM (by executing Position Preset) is limited.
•Camera ID data will be saved regardless of the position preset.

14
Basic Functions
Mode Condition
Basic settings
Mode Power On
Power Off
1)
IFC
2)
Initializing
3)
During displaying
Other Status
Memory Command
Command a still image
Address Set aaaaaa
IF_Clear aaaaaa
CAM_Power On a××aa ×
CAM_Power Off a××aa ×
CAM Version Inq. aaaaaa
CAM_Power Inq. aaaaaa
BlockInquiry ×××aa ×
InquiryCommand (and similar commands) ×××aa ×
1) DC power is being supplied, but the camera has been turned off by a VISCA command.
2) The period from the time IF Clear is sent, until the Reply Packet is returned.
3) The period from the time DC power is turned on or the camera is turned on via a VISCA command, and the lens is initialized, until the video signal is output. Or the
period from the time the CAM Power ON command is sent, until Completion is returned.

15
Basic Functions
Zoom/Focus
Mode Power On
Power Off
1)
IFC
2)
Initializing
3)
Zoom Direct Focus Direct AF ON
During displaying Memory Recall
Command a still image
CAM_Zoom Tele/Wide/Stop ××××aa ××
CAM_Zoom Direct ×××aaa ××
D-Zoom Limit ××××aa ××
CAM_Focus Far/Near/Stop ×××a××××
CAM_Focus Direct ×××aa ×××
CAM_Focus Mode (Auto/Manual) ×××a×a××
CAM_Focus One Push Trigger ×××a××××
CAM_Focus Infinity ×××a×a××
CAM_Focus Near Limit ×××a×a××
1) DC power is being supplied, but the camera has been turned off by a VISCA command.
2) The period from the time IF Clear is sent, until the Reply Packet is returned.
3) The period from the time DC power is turned on or the camera is turned on via a VISCA command, and the lens is initialized, until the video signal is output. Or the period from the time the CAM Power ON
command is sent, until Completion is returned.
White Balance
Mode Power On
Power Off
1)
IFC
2)
Initializing
3)
White balance mode
During displaying Memory Recall
Command Auto Indoor Outdoor One Push Manual a still image
CAM_WB Auto/Indoor/Outdoor/
OnePUshWB/Manual ×××aaaaa ××
CAM_WB One Push Trigger ××××××a
4)
×× ×
CAM_WB R(B) Gain
Reset/Up/Down/Direct ×××××××a××
1) DC power is being supplied, but the camera has been turned off by a VISCA command.
2) The period from the time IF Clear is sent, until the Reply Packet is returned.
3) The period from the time DC power is turned on or the camera is turned on via a VISCA command, and the lens is initialized, until the video signal is output. Or the period from the time the CAM Power ON
command is sent, until Completion is returned.
4) Commands are ignored during a One Push AWB operation.

16
Basic Functions
Exposure
Mode Power On
Power Off
1)
IFC
2)
Initializing
3)
Exposure mode
During displaying Memory Recall
Command Full Auto Bright Shutter Pri Iris Pri SPOT Light Manual a still image
CAM_AE
Full Auto/Manual/Shutter Pri/ ×××aa
4)
aaaa ××
Iris Pri/Bright/Spot Light
CAM_AE Bright ×××aaa ××× × ×
CAM_Slow Shutter Limit ON/OFF ×××aaaaaa ××
CAM_Shutter Reset/Up/Down/Direct
5)
×××××a××a××
CAM_Iris Reset/Up/Down/Direct ××××××a×a××
CAM_Gain Reset/Up/Down/Direct ××××××××a××
CAM_Bright Reset/Up/Down/Direct ××××a×××× × ×
CAM_ExComp On/Off ×××aaaaaa ××
CAM_ExComp Reset/Up/Down/Direct
6)
×××aaaaaa ××
CAM_Backlight On/Off ×××a×××a×× ×
1) DC power is being supplied, but the camera has been turned off by a VISCA command.
2) The period from the time IF Clear is sent, until the Reply Packet is returned.
3) The period from the time DC power is turned on or the camera is turned on via a VISCA command, and the lens is initialized, until the video signal is output. Or the period from the time the CAM Power ON
command is sent, until Completion is returned.
4) a: Only when the camera changes to BRIGHT mode from Full Auto or SHUTTER Pri mode.
5) You are not allowed to adjust the slow shutter setting while using Digital Effect.
6) ×: This is not allowed when EX-COMP is set to OFF.

17
Basic Functions
Effect
Mode Power On
Power Off
1)
IFC
2)
Initializing
3)
Slow Shutter
Picture Effect ON During displaying Memory Recall
Command Status a still image
CAM_Aperture Reset/Up/Down/Direct ×××aa ××
CAM_PictureEffect Off/Nega/B&W ×××aa ××
1) DC power is being supplied, but the camera has been turned off by a VISCA command.
2) The period from the time IF Clear is sent, until the Reply Packet is returned.
3) The period from the time DC power is turned on or the camera is turned on via a VISCA command, and the lens is initialized, until the video signal is output. Or the period from the time the
CAM Power ON command is sent, until Completion is returned.

18
Command List
Command List
VISCA1) /RS-232C
Commands
Use of RS-232C control software which has been
developed based upon this command list may cause
malfunction or damage to hardware and software.
Sony Corporation is not liable for any such damage.
Overview of VISCA
In VISCA, the side outputting commands, for example,
a computer, is called the controller, while the side
receiving the commands, such as an FCB-H10, is
called the peripheral device. The FCB-H10 serves as a
peripheral device in VISCA. In VISCA, up to seven
peripheral devices like the FCB-H10 can be connected
to one controller using communication conforming to
the RS-232C standard. The parameters of RS-232C are
as follows.
• Communication speed: 9600 bps/19200 bps/
38400 bps
• Data bits : 8
• Start bit : 1
• Stop bit : 1
• Non parity
Flow control using XON/XOFF and RTS/CTS, etc., is
not supported.
................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
1)VISCA is a protocol which controls consumer camcorders developed by Sony. “VISCA” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

19
Command List
VISCA Communication
Specifications
VISCA packet structure
The basic unit of VISCA communication is called a
packet (Fig.1). The first byte of the packet is called the
header and comprises the sender’s and receiver’s
addresses. For example, the header of the packet sent
to the FCB-H10 assigned address 1 from the controller
(address 0) is hexadecimal 81H. The packet sent to the
FCB-H10 assigned address 2 is 82H. In the command
Timing Chart
As VISCA Command processing can only be carried
out one time in a Vertical cycle, it takes the maximum
1V cycle time for an ACK/Completion to be returned.
If the Command/ACK/Completion communication
time can be cut shorter than the 1V cycle time, then
every 1V cycle can receive a Command.
From this point, if 2 or more commands in a row are to
be sent, wait for the first command (for normal
commands, an ACK or an error message, for query
commands, an Inquiry Packet) to be carried out before
sending the next one.
Fig. 1 Packet structure
Packet (3 to 16 bytes)
Message (1 to 14 bytes)Header Terminator
Byte 1 Byte 2 Byte 3
Note
Fig. 1 shows the packet structure, while Fig. 2 shows
the actual waveform. Data flow will take place with
the LSB first.
Fig. 2 Actual waveform for 1 byte.
Start
bit
Stop
bit.
1 byte
Bit 7
(MSB)
Bit 6 Bit 5 Bit 4 Bit 3 Bit 2 Bit 1 Bit 0
(LSB)
10
FF
Bit 7
(MSB)
Bit 6 Bit 5 Bit 4 Bit 3 Bit 2 Bit 1 Bit 0
(LSB)
11111111
Bit 0 Bit 1 Bit 2 Bit 3 Bit 4 Bit 5
(LSB) (MSB)
Bit 6 Bit 7
Query Commands
General Commands
16 Byte
Command
ACK Completion
More than 16.7 msec
(20msec 50Hz system)
Inquiry Packet
More than 16.7 msec
(20msec 50Hz system)
Command
Sender’s
address Receiver’s address
list, as the header is 8X, input the address of the FCB-
H10 at X. The header of the reply packet from the
FCB-H10 assigned address 1 is 90H. The packet from
the FCB-H10 assigned address 2 is A0H.
Some of the commands for setting FCB-H10 units can
be sent to all devices at one time (broadcast). In the
case of broadcast, the header should be hexadecimal
88H. When the terminator is FFH, it signifies the end
of the packet.

20
Command List
Command and inquiry
●Command
Sends operational commands to the FCB-H10.
●Inquiry
Used for inquiring about the current state of the
FCB-H10.
Command Packet Note
Inquiry 8X QQ RR ... FF QQ
1)
= Command/Inquiry,
RR
2)
= category code
1)
QQ = 01 (Command), 09 (Inquiry)
2)
RR = 00 (Interface), 04 (camera 1), 06 (Pan/Tilter)
X = 1 to 7: FCB-H10 address
Responses for commands and inquiries
●ACK message
Returned by the FCB-H10 when it receives a
command. No ACK message is returned for
inquiries.
●Completion message
Returned by the FCB-H10 when execution of
commands or inquiries is completed. In the case of
inquiry commands, it will contain reply data for the
inquiry after the 3rd byte of the packet. If the ACK
message is omitted, the socket number will contain a
0.
Reply Packet Note
Ack X0 4Y FF Y = socket number
Completion (commands) X0 5Y FF Y = socket number
Completion (Inquiries) X0 5Y ... FF Y = socket number
X = 9 to F: FCB-H10 address + 8
●Error message
When a command or inquiry command could not be
executed or failed, an error message is returned
instead of the completion message.
Error Packet Description
X0 6Y 02 FF Syntax Error
X0 6Y 03 FF Command buffer full
X0 6Y 04 FF Command cancelled
X0 6Y 05 FF No socket (to be cancelled)
X0 6Y 41 FF Command not executable
X = 9 to F: FCB-H10 address + 8, Y = socket number
Socket number
When command messages are sent to the FCB-H10, it
is normal to send the next command message after
waiting for the completion message or error message
to return. However to deal with advanced uses, the
FCB-H10 has two buffers (memories) for commands,
so that up to two commands including the commands
currently being executed can be received. When the
FCB-H10 receives commands, it notifies the sender
which command buffer was used using the socket
number of the ACK message.
As the completion message or error message also has a
socket number, it indicates which command has ended.
Even when two command buffers are being used at
any one time, an FCB-H10 management command and
some inquiry messages can be executed.
The ACK message is not returned for these commands
and inquiries, and only the completion message of
socket number 0 is returned.
Command execution cancel
To cancel a command which has already been sent,
send the Cancel command as the next command. To
cancel one of any two commands which have been
sent, use the cancel message.
Cancel Packet Note
Cancel 8X 2Y FF Y = socket number
X = 1 to 7: FCB-H10 address, Y = socket number
The Command canceled error message will be returned
for this command, but this is not a fault. It indicates
that the command has been canceled.