Uniblitz N-CAS VINCENT ASSOCIATES VLM1 User manual

User Manual
VLM1/VLM1B Interface Module
For the FS Shutter Series
14-0055
Version 1.01
2021
1.800.828.6972

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For information regarding applicable intellectual property, please visit www.uniblitz.com/patents.
For WARRANTY information please visit https://www.uniblitz.com/terms/
Information in this publication supersedes that in all previously published material. Due to our ongoing
development program, Vincent Associates reserves the right to discontinue or change specifications or
designs, at any time, without incurring any obligation.
Revision Table
Version 1.00 - 2020
10/21/20 STP Initial release – Rev b
Version 1.01 - 2021
3/23/21 STP Minor revisions – Rev c
Vincent Associates, a Division of VA, Inc.
803 Linden Ave.
Rochester, NY 14625
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
UNIBLITZ, N-CAS and VINCENT ASSOCIATES are registered trademarks of VA, Inc.
Printed in the U.S.A.

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TableofContents
TABLE OF FIGURES ...................................................................................... 4
GENERAL SAFETY SUMMARY .................................................................. 5
Injury Precautions ...................................................................................................... 5
Product Damage Precautions .................................................................................... 5
Safety Terms and Symbols ........................................................................................ 6
PREFACE .......................................................................................................... 6
GETTING STARTED ...................................................................................... 7
Features ....................................................................................................................... 7
Introduction ................................................................................................................ 8
OPERATOR CONTROLS............................................................................... 9
VLM1/VLM1B Rear Panel Operator Connections ................................................ 9
VLM1/VLM1B Front Panel Operator Controls/Indicators ................................. 10
Start Up ..................................................................................................................... 1 1 
Extending the Shutter Interconnection .................................................................. 11
Terminal Block Wire Installation ........................................................................... 12
OPERATING BASICS ................................................................................... 14
Initial Operation and Testing .................................................................................. 14
BNC I/O Active State Selection ............................................................................... 15
Fuse Information ...................................................................................................... 15
USB Operation .......................................................................................................... 18
Maintenance .............................................................................................................. 18
Inspection 18
Cleaning Procedure 18
SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................................................... 19
System Characteristics ............................................................................................. 19
External Input Characteristics ............................................................................... 19
External Output Characteristics ............................................................................. 20
General Characteristics ........................................................................................... 20

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NOTES ............................................................................................................. 23
Table of Figures
Figure 1: 5-Pin Pluggable Phoenix Connector ....................................................................................... 7
Figure 2: VLM1/VLM1B Rear Panel/View Layout ............................................................................... 9
Figure 3: VLM1/VLM1B Front Panel/View Layout ........................................................................... 10
Figure 4: VLM1/VLM1B SHUTTER Wire Installation Diagram ..................................................... 12
Figure 5: VLM1 to FS Series Shutter - Interconnection Diagram ..................................................... 13
Figure 6: VLM1 Dimensional Layout ................................................................................................... 16
Figure 7: VLM1B Dimensional Layout - Fuse/Jumper Locations ..................................................... 17
Figure 8: VLM1/VLM1B Schematic Diagram ..................................................................................... 22

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General Safety Summary
Review the following safety precautions to avoid injury and prevent damage to this product or any
products connected to it. To avoid potential hazards, use the product only as specified.
Only qualified personnel should perform service procedures.
Injury Precautions
 Avoid Electric Overload – To avoid electrical shock or fire hazard, do not apply a voltage to a
terminal that is outside the range specified for that terminal.
 Avoid Electric Shock – To avoid injury or loss of life, do not connect or disconnect line cord
while it is connected to the line voltage.
 Ground the Product – This product can be grounded through the SHUTTER connector, Pin #4
if required.
 Use Proper Fuse – To avoid fire hazard, use only the fuse type and rating specified for this
product. The VLM1/VLM1B contain no user replaceable fuses.
 Do Not operate in Wet/Damp Conditions – To avoid electric shock, do not operate this product
in wet or damp conditions.
 Do Not Operate in an Explosive Atmosphere – To avoid injury or fire hazard, do not operate
this product in an explosive atmosphere.
Product Damage Precautions
 Use Proper Power Source – Do not operate this product from a power source that applies more
than the voltage specified.
 Provide Proper Ventilation – To prevent product overheating, provide proper ventilation.
 Do Not Operate with Suspected Failures – If you suspect there is damage to this product, have
it inspected by qualified service personnel.

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Safety Terms and Symbols
These terms appear in this manual.
Preface
This Manual provides information for the VLM1/VLM1B Interface Module. The manual contains the
following chapters:
 Getting Started contains a brief product description, information needed to power on the driver
and a brief procedure to verify that it functions.
 Operating Basics gives further details to the operational features of the driver.
 Specifications are described for all input/output controls as well as operational features of the
VLM1/VLM1B.
What follows is the complete operator’s manual for the UNIBLITZVLM1/VLM1B Interface Module.
Please read this manual completely before operating the unit. Due to the construction of this unit,
Vincent Associates recommends that the unit be returned to the manufacturer for repair. There are no
user-serviceable parts.
CAUTION
Warning statements identify conditions or practices that
could result in injury or loss of life.
Caution statements identify conditions or practices that
could result in damage to this product or other property.
WARNING

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Getting Started
Features
 Two different models available – the VLM1, this unit is housed and comes equipped with a
Power Supply, USB/Power Cable, and Accessories. The VLM1B is an open frame printed
circuit card suitable for OEM applications, the only accessory included is a 2mm micro
screwdriver (also included with the VLM1). If required, the power supply and cable can be
purchased separately for the VLM1B.
 RoHS Compliant
 Designed to provide a convenient device to interface the FS Shutter series to TTL signals or
provide control through a USB com port.
 5-Pin Phoenix Contact pluggable, spring cage type, SHUTTER interface connector. Wires are
easily inserted into the connector using a small 2mm screwdriver, included. Dimension “a” is
10mm. See Figure #4 for the shutter wire installation procedure.
Figure 1: 5-Pin Pluggable Phoenix Connector
 Exposure determined by external pulse width (BNC,+5V TTL active-high/active-low selectable
by board jumper)
 Internal fuse protection for SHUTTER Connector (Pin #1) and +5V Input (USB 2.0 Micro B) –
both are resettable. For Sync System (SHUTTER Connector (Pin #5) Fast Acting – not
serviceable.
 Power input to controller via USB 2.0 Micro B connector. Power can be sourced from a
computer (0.5A min) or the supplied +5V Adapter (VLM1)
 The USB5, a +5VDC/1A External power supply (included with VLM1) is required for operation
 Size (VLM1): 1.39 x 4.50 x 3.69 inches (35.3 x 114.3 x 93.5 mm) – See Figure #7 for VLM1B
Dimensions.
 Weight: VLM1 – 5.95 oz. (0.169 kg)
 Weight: VLM1B – 2.28 oz. (0.065 kg)

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Introduction
The UNIBLITZ VLM1/VLM1B Interface Module is a convenient signal interface unit to control the
UNIBLITZ FS shutter series from a +5V TTL control signal. The FS shutter requires only +5VDC to
open and 0VDC to close – default position of the FS25/FS35 is closed. Although the interface circuit is
quite simple, for those who do not wish to build their own interface, the VLM1/VLM1B available.
The FS shutters can be operated (activated open) simply by placing +5VDC (on the actuator coil’s RED
wire) and 0VDC (ground) on the actuator coil’s BROWN wire. The VLM1/VLM1B provides the
switching circuit, BNC interconnects, USB interface, etc., to easily operate any shutter in the FS series.
Controlling the shutter from the front panel switch, from any +5V TTL signal, (the duration of this pulse
is, approximately, the exposure time of the shutter), or a computer’s USB port. See Figure #8, which
provides the Schematic Diagram for additional information on the VLM1/VLM1B operation.
Note: Under certain circumstances two VLM1/VLM1B Interface Modules may be operated from one
power supply. If the user requirement does not require that shutters open simultaneously, two drivers
may be operated from one USB5, +5VDC/1A supply. For further information and guidance please
discuss your specific application with a Vincent Associates technical representative.

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Operator Controls
VLM1/VLM1B Rear Panel Operator Connections
VLM1
VLM1B
Figure 2: VLM1/VLM1B Rear Panel/View Layout
1. PWR/COM: USB/Power Input - +5VDC 0.5A min (USB5, +5VDC 1A wall adapter included). A USB
interface cable (USB A 2.0 to USB Micro B) is also included for use the USB5 power supply, or the cable
can be connected to a computer to supply power and data.
2. PULSE INPUT: BNC – For shutter control via a +5V TTL signal – pulse width determined exposure
time. Active High or Active Low (default) is selectable with on-board jumper. See Figure #7.
3. SYNC OUTPUT: BNC – For shutters equipped with electronic sync systems. Provides a +5V TTL
output signal, Active High (default) – or Active Low is selectable with on-board jumper (See Figure #7) –
when the shutter transfers to the active state.
4. SHUTTER: 5-Pin Pluggable Spring Terminal Connector – For shutter termination and shutter sync
system interface. The flying leads from the shutter (or the 510FS Extension Cable) will connect directly
to these terminals. See Figure #1 for connector dimensions, Figure #4 for wire installation procedure, and
the External Output Characteristics for pin designations. Plug can be removed by pulling straight out
from the VLM1 Rear panel or horizontal to the VLM1B PCB.

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VLM1/VLM1B Front Panel Operator Controls/Indicators
VLM1
VLM1B
Figure 3: VLM1/VLM1B Front Panel/View Layout
5. POWER LED Power Indicator – GREEN LED Indicates the VLM1/VLM1B power status.
6. SYNC LED Sync Status Indicator – YELLOW LED Indicates the VLM1/VLM1B module’s electronic
output status. When the LED is illuminated the sync’s status will indicate the shutter coil is Active and in
the actuated state. (Please note that this LED and the SYNC Output will only activate if the shutter is
equipped with the electronic sync and that the sync wires are connected properly to the unit.)
7. N.C./N.O. Manual Shutter Open/Close Switch with GREEN LED – Push the switch to open the shutter
(place in the active state – for a Normally Open shutter the active state is activated close). Push the switch
again to close the shutter. When in the coil active state, a GREEN LED, on the switch’s push-button, will
illuminate.