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Photron FASTCAM ultima SE User Manual

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User's Manual
User's Manual
FASTCAM ultima SE
FASTCAM ultima SE
FASTCAM
FASTCAM
ultima SE
ultima SE
MO
MOTION
TION AN
ANAL
ALY Y SIS SY
SIS SYSTEMS DIVISION
PHO
PHOTR
TRON
ON L L TD
TD. .
STEMS DIVISION

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Summary of Contents for Photron FASTCAM ultima SE

  • Page 1 User’s Manual User’s Manual FASTCAM ultima SE FASTCAM ultima SE FASTCAM FASTCAM ultima SE ultima SE MOTION TION AN ANAL ALY Y SIS SY SIS SYSTEMS DIVISION STEMS DIVISION PHOTR TRON ON L L TD TD. .
  • Page 2 Notes Notes...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    How to use this manual Precautions Precautions CHAPTER 2 - CONTR CHAPTER 2 - CONTROLS OLS AND CONNECT AND CONNECTORS FASTCAM ultima SE FASTCAM ultima SE Imager Imager Processor Front Panel Processor Front Panel Processor Rear Panel Processor Rear Panel...
  • Page 4 Table of Contents Table of Contents C H A P T E R 6 - R E C O R D I N G S T R A C H A P T E R 6 - R E C O R D I N G S T R A T E G I E S T E G I E S Introduction Introduction...

  • Page 5: Introduction

    Chapter 1 - Introduction Chapter 1 - Introduction Introduction Introduction Warranty Warranty How to Use This Manual How to Use This Manual Precautions Precautions...
  • Page 6 Notes Notes...

  • Page 7: Fastcam Ultima Se

    Introduction Introduction The PHOTRON FASTCAM ultima SE is designed to be a valuable addition to the The PHOTRON FASTCAM ultima SE is designed to be a valuable addition to the engineer’s or scientist’s problem solving instrumentation kit. The simple hand held engineer’s or scientist’s problem solving instrumentation kit.
  • Page 8 LIMITED,agrees to perform the following equipment warranty services: 1. Repair service: If shipped to PHOTRON at any of the addresses shown below, repairs will be made at 1. Repair service: If shipped to PHOTRON at any of the addresses shown below, repairs will be made at no charge.
  • Page 9 ARTED Details how to connect and operate the FASTCAM ultima SE Details how to connect and operate the FASTCAM ultima SE. . The step by step The step by step instructions in CHAPER FOUR organize your first recording session, from compo- instructions in CHAPER FOUR organize your first recording session, from compo- nent connection to playback.
  • Page 10 This chapter discusses downloading images to a host personal computer. Using the This chapter discusses downloading images to a host personal computer. Using the ReadCam utility software included with your FASTCAM ultima SE and the definition ReadCam utility software included with your FASTCAM ultima SE and the definition of the TIFF files created by the Processor.
  • Page 11 When shipping, use the shipping carton in which the unit was originally deli-vered. If you must frequently ship your FASTCAM ultima SE, you may wish to purchase an you must frequently ship your FASTCAM ultima SE, you may wish to purchase an accessory carrying case that has been designed for this purpose.
  • Page 12 Precautions Precautions FEDERAL COMMUNICA FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION ST TIONS COMMISSION ST A A TEMENTS TEMENTS WARNING: This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy WARNING: This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if it is not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause and if it is not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause interference to radio communications.

  • Page 13: Imager

    Chapter 2 - Controls and Connectors Chapter 2 - Controls and Connectors PHOTRON PHOTRON FASTCAM FASTCAM ultima SE ultima SE Imager Imager Processor Front Panel Processor Front Panel Processor Rear Panel Processor Rear Panel...
  • Page 14 Notes Notes...
  • Page 15 P H O T R O N F A S T C A M u l t i m a S E P H O T R O N F A S T C A M u l t i m a S E...
  • Page 16 Imager Imager TRIPOD MOUNTING TRIPOD MOUNTING The tripod mounting hole is located near the center of balance of the Imager. There The tripod mounting hole is located near the center of balance of the Imager. There is a threaded hole, for a 1/4-20 screw, and two additional holes for a locating pin on is a threaded hole, for a 1/4-20 screw, and two additional holes for a locating pin on the tripod.
  • Page 17 The processor front panel has the AC power switch and an air filter. The air filter should be changed periodically to prolong the life of your FASTCAM ultima SE. See should be changed periodically to prolong the life of your FASTCAM ultima SE. See chapter seven, page 7-2, for detailed instructions on how to change the air filter.
  • Page 18 P r o c e s s o r R e a r P a n e l P r o c e s s o r R e a r P a n e l ⑧ ⑧ ⑪ ⑪ ⑩...
  • Page 19 P r o c e s s o r R e a r P a n e l P r o c e s s o r R e a r P a n e l VIDEO OUT 1 AND VIDEO OUT 2 VIDEO OUT 1 AND VIDEO OUT 2 BNC type connectors that carry the video output signal from the FASTCAM ultima BNC type connectors that carry the video output signal from the FASTCAM ultima...
  • Page 20 A BNC-type connector that accepts a synchronizing signal input from another A BNC-type connector that accepts a synchronizing signal input from another FASTCAM ultima SE, allowing the user to synchronize two or more units. Use the FASTCAM ultima SE, allowing the user to synchronize two or more units. Use the menu’s Sync Select function to enable this input, (See page 3-...

  • Page 21: Chapter 3 - Keyp

    P r o c e s s o r R e a r P a n e l P r o c e s s o r R e a r P a n e l SW1 AND SW2 SW1 AND SW2 There are two DIP switches behind this panel.
  • Page 22 P r o c e s s o r R e a r P a n e l P r o c e s s o r R e a r P a n e l Function EXT OUT Record Gate EXT OUT Vertical Sync EXT OUT Negative EXT OUT Positive...
  • Page 23 REMOTE CONTROLLER REMOTE CONTROLLER This connection is used for the keypad that is shipped with the FASTCAM ultima SE, This connection is used for the keypad that is shipped with the FASTCAM ultima SE, and also with the supplied RS-232 serial adapter that allows the user to remotely and also with the supplied RS-232 serial adapter that allows the user to remotely control the imager from a host PC using the RS-232 command set.
  • Page 24 Notes Notes...

  • Page 25: Introduction

    CHAPTER 3 - KEYPAD OPERATION CHAPTER 3 - KEYPAD OPERATION Introduction Introduction Live Live Recording Rate Recording Rate Recording Operation Recording Operation Playback Controls Playback Controls Display Rate Display Rate Display Mode Display Mode RS232 Protocol and RS232 Protocol and Commands Commands...
  • Page 26 Notes Notes...
  • Page 27 LIVE BUTTON LIVE BUTTON The keypad for the PHOTRON FASTCAM ultima SE is organized into six sections relating to The keypad for the PHOTRON FASTCAM ultima SE is organized into six sections relating to the various tasks associated with capturing high speed events. We will discuss the use of the various tasks associated with capturing high speed events.
  • Page 28 Live LIVE Press the Live button to place the FASTCAM ultima SE in live mode. The LED Press the Live button to place the FASTCAM ultima SE in live mode. The LED above the button will illuminate to indicate that the processor is in live mode. Press above the button will illuminate to indicate that the processor is in live mode.
  • Page 29 R e c o r d i n g R a t e R e c o r d i n g R a t e To set the framing rate, use the Recording Rate section of the control keypad. To set the framing rate, use the Recording Rate section of the control keypad.

  • Page 30: Recording Operation

    AUX MEM AUX MEM Aux Mem is a special record mode that is used to calibrate the FASTCAM ultima SE Aux Mem is a special record mode that is used to calibrate the FASTCAM ultima SE before making a recording of your event. The electronics, starting with the sensor in before making a recording of your event.
  • Page 31 6. Press the Ready button. 6. Press the Ready button. 7. Press the Record button, the FASTCAM ultima SE will record for less than a second. 7. Press the Record button, the FASTCAM ultima SE will record for less than a second.
  • Page 32 Recording Operation Recording Operation STAR ART T Press the Mode Sel button as many times as needed to illuminate the Start LED. Press the Mode Sel button as many times as needed to illuminate the Start LED. Press the Ready button and then the Record button to start a recording. The proces- Press the Ready button and then the Record button to start a recording.
  • Page 33 Recording Operation Recording Operation CENTER CENTER Press the Mode Sel button as many times as needed to illuminate the LED above Press the Mode Sel button as many times as needed to illuminate the LED above Center. To begin recording first press the Ready button and then the Record button. Center.
  • Page 34 Recording Operation Recording Operation RANDOM RANDOM Press the Mode Sel button as many times as needed to illuminate the LED under Press the Mode Sel button as many times as needed to illuminate the LED under Random. To begin recording first press the Ready button and then the Record button. Random.

  • Page 35: Playback Control

    NOTE NOTE When the FASTCAM ultima SE is in live mode the Playback controls are disabled by When the FASTCAM ultima SE is in live mode the Playback controls are disabled by the processor. If the Live LED is illuminated press the Live button to exit live mode and the processor.
  • Page 36 Playback Controls Playback Controls Fast forward advances the pictures on the monitor by a multiple of 10 or 100 frames Fast forward advances the pictures on the monitor by a multiple of 10 or 100 frames at a time, depending on the menu setting. The rate of play is adjusted by the Display at a time, depending on the menu setting.

  • Page 37: Display Rate 3 . 1

    D i s p l a y R a t e D i s p l a y R a t e The Display Rate controls the rate at which the recorded information is displayed on The Display Rate controls the rate at which the recorded information is displayed on the video monitor.
  • Page 38 D i s p l a y M o d e D i s p l a y M o d e REPORT REPORT The Report function overlays the top and bottom of the image on the video monitor The Report function overlays the top and bottom of the image on the video monitor with text information.

  • Page 39: Display Mode 3 . 1

    Display Mode Display Mode There is a number displayed within the Report text on the video monitor in the upper There is a number displayed within the Report text on the video monitor in the upper left corner of the image. The number showing on the monitor can be used to identify left corner of the image.
  • Page 40 D i s p l a y M o d e D i s p l a y M o d e MENU MENU Press the Menu button and a list Press the Menu button and a list of operating parameters will of operating parameters will appear on the video monitor as appear on the video monitor as...
  • Page 41 5. ST 5. STA A TUS Opens another page with information about the FASTCAM ultima SE DIP switch Opens another page with information about the FASTCAM ultima SE DIP switch settings that includes; memory, Ext Out settings, Trigger, and SCSI ID number.
  • Page 42 R S 2 3 2 P r o t o c o l a n d C o m m a n d s R S 2 3 2 P r o t o c o l a n d C o m m a n d s RS232 COMMUNICA RS232 COMMUNICATIONS PROT TIONS PROTOCOL...

  • Page 43: Rs232 Protocol And Commands 3 . 1

    RS232 Protocol and Commands RS232 Protocol and Commands PLAYBACK COMMANDS YBACK COMMANDS Send the Processor a code to specify a playback mode and the Processor responds Send the Processor a code to specify a playback mode and the Processor responds with a code for that mode.
  • Page 44 RS232 Protocol and Commands RS232 Protocol and Commands DISPLA DISPLAY MODE Y MODE These commands are for changing the appearance of the on screen data and controlling These commands are for changing the appearance of the on screen data and controlling the block playback function.
  • Page 45 R S 2 3 2 P r o t o c o l a n d C o m m a n d s R S 2 3 2 P r o t o c o l a n d C o m m a n d s RECORDING MODE SELECT RECORDING MODE SELECT The Processor is sent a code to change the record mode.
  • Page 46 Notes Notes...

  • Page 47: Chapter 4 - Getting St

    Chapter 4 - Getting Started Chapter 4 - Getting Started Connecting the System Connecting the System Power On Power On Making Your First Recording Making Your First Recording Summary Summary...
  • Page 48 Notes Notes...
  • Page 49 C o n n e c t i n g t h e S y s t e m INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION In this chapter you will learn how to connect your FASTCAM ultima SE components In this chapter you will learn how to connect your FASTCAM ultima SE components to a video monitor and VCR.
  • Page 50 Make sure that the AC power cord is not connected to the Processor Make sure that the AC power cord is not connected to the Processor while you are connecting the components of your FASTCAM ultima SE. while you are connecting the components of your FASTCAM ultima SE.
  • Page 51 C o n n e c t i n g t h e S y s t e m C o n n e c t i n g t h e S y s t e m FASTCAM ULTIMA SE CONNECTION DIAGRAM FASTCAM ULTIMA SE CONNECTION DIAGRAM...
  • Page 52 P o w e r O n P o w e r O n APPL APPLYING POWER T YING POWER TO THE PROCESSOR O THE PROCESSOR Turn the front panel power switch on. The Processor configures itself, when power Turn the front panel power switch on. The Processor configures itself, when power is applied, to the following conditions: is applied, to the following conditions: 1.

  • Page 53: Making An Aux Mem Recording

    6. Press the Ready button. 6. Press the Ready button. 7. Press the Record button. The FASTCAM ultima SE will record for less than a second. 7. Press the Record button. The FASTCAM ultima SE will record for less than a second.
  • Page 54 P o w e r O n P o w e r O n SUMMAR SUMMARY Y The following is a summary procedure for making a recording of an event you wish to The following is a summary procedure for making a recording of an event you wish to study: study: 1.
  • Page 55 Chapter 5 - Downloading Images Chapter 5 - Downloading Images Moving Images to Your Moving Images to Your Computer Computer Image Download Utility Image Download Utility TIFF Image File Structure TIFF Image File Structure...
  • Page 56 Notes Notes...

  • Page 57: Moving Images To Your Computer

    Moving Images to Your Computer Moving Images to Your Computer F A S T C A M S e r i e s S C S I D o w n l o a d U t i l i t y ( R E A D C A M . E X E ) F A S T C A M S e r i e s S C S I D o w n l o a d U t i l i t y ( R E A D C A M .

  • Page 58: How To Use Camera Utility

    H o w t o U s e C a m e r a U t i l i t y H o w t o U s e C a m e r a U t i l i t y 1.
  • Page 59 2 . F i l e M e n u : R e a d C a m e r a 2 . F i l e M e n u : R e a d C a m e r a Reads image data from the camera and records it in output folder that has bee n preset.
  • Page 60 the frame at the moment the trigger was received. Note there is no •gframe 0•h. The frame immedi- the frame at the moment the trigger was received. Note there is no •gframe 0•h. The frame immedi- ately before frame “1” is “-1”. ately before frame “1”...
  • Page 61 3 . F i l e M e n u : E x i t 3 . F i l e M e n u : E x i t Exit Exit: Ends and exits this Utility Program. : Ends and exits this Utility Program. 4 .
  • Page 62 Serial-numbered File Name Format: Serial-numbered File Name Format: Selects the option of using the MovieRuler-based format (Photron•fs motion analysis soft- Selects the option of using the MovieRuler-based format (Photron•fs motion analysis soft- ware package) for output of folder and file names to save image data.
  • Page 63 5 . S e t u p M e n u : H i s t o r y S e t u p 5 . S e t u p M e n u : H i s t o r y S e t u p H i s t o r y S e t u p H i s t o r y S e t u p Selects the directory of files to record the execution history of READCAM.
  • Page 64 6 . D i s p l a y M e n u 6 . D i s p l a y M e n u Set Font: Selects the font to use in display window. Set Font: Selects the font to use in display window. Tool Bar: Switches Show/Hide for tool bar display.
  • Page 65 8 . F i l e N a m e s f o r R e c o r d e d I m a g e D a t a 8 . F i l e N a m e s f o r R e c o r d e d I m a g e D a t a R E A D C A M S t a n d a r d F o r m a t R E A D C A M S t a n d a r d F o r m a t File names are automatically generated in the following format:...
  • Page 66 M o v i e R u l e r - C o m p a t i b l e F o r m a t M o v i e R u l e r - C o m p a t i b l e F o r m a t When MoviewRuler-compatible format is selected, the following Saving Name entry is additionally When MoviewRuler-compatible format is selected, the following Saving Name entry is additionally displayed in the saving dialog.
  • Page 67 File Name of Camera Information Files File Name of Camera Information Files TITLE TYPE.cih TITLE TYPE.cih TITLE TITLE The title entered in the image saving dialog is given here. The title entered in the image saving dialog is given here. TYPE TYPE The type of the saved image data is shown here.

  • Page 68: Tiff Image File Structure

    *This description is given for TIFF files saved using READCAM SCSI download software. The TIFF file format for the PHOTRON FASTCAM ultima SE supports one video frame per file. The The TIFF file format for the PHOTRON FASTCAM ultima SE supports one video frame per file. The file format is described, followed by descriptions of each component, including a description of each tag.
  • Page 69 A + 98 Orientation A + 110 SamplesPerPixel A + 122 RowsPerStrip A + 134 StripByteCounts A + 146 XResolution A + 158 YResolution A + 170 PlanarConfiguration A + 182 ResolutionUnit A + 194 Software A + 206 PHOTRON FrameData 5-13 5-13...
  • Page 70 TIFF IMAGE FILE STRUCTURE TIFF IMAGE FILE STRUCTURE The 18 directory entries in the IFD for the FASTCAM ultima 40K are as The 18 directory entries in the IFD for the FASTCAM ultima 40K are as follows: follows: All the following directory entry values are in hex. All the following directory entry values are in hex.
  • Page 71 P h o t o m e t r i c I n t e r p r e t a t i o n P h o t o m e t r i c I n t e r p r e t a t i o n 0106 0106 0003...
  • Page 72 S t r i p B y t e C o u n t s S t r i p B y t e C o u n t s 0117 0117 0004 0004 00000001 00000001 00010000 00010000 X R e s o l u t i o n X R e s o l u t i o n 011A 011A...
  • Page 73 S o f t w a r e S o f t w a r e 0131 0131 0002 0002 00000001 00000001 00000010 00000010 P H O T R O N F r a m e D a t a P H O T R O N F r a m e D a t a 8517 8517...
  • Page 74 p h o t r o n f r a m e d a t a p h o t r o n f r a m e d a t a The forty bytes of frame data are as follows: The forty bytes of frame data are as follows: D a t a D a t a...
  • Page 75 D i r e c t o r y a n d f i l e n a m i n g D i r e c t o r y a n d f i l e n a m i n g The naming structure of TIFF files recorded onto a hard disk is shown below.
  • Page 76 Notes Notes...
  • Page 77 Chapter 6 - Recording Strategies Chapter 6 - Recording Strategies Introduction Introduction How the Processor Stores Images How the Processor Stores Images Choosing a Record Mode Choosing a Record Mode...
  • Page 78 Notes Notes...

  • Page 79: Introduction

    The first section of this chapter is devoted to a brief description of how the PHOTRON FASTCAM ultima SE moves images in and out of memory. We feel this PHOTRON FASTCAM ultima SE moves images in and out of memory. We feel this will assist you to decide which record mode is best suited to a particular application.

  • Page 80: How The Processor Stores Images

    How the Processor Stores Images How the Processor Stores Images An analogy for the recording and playback process would be a Carousel slide projector An analogy for the recording and playback process would be a Carousel slide projector and a Carousel slide tray. Think of the Processor as the Carousel slide projector and the and a Carousel slide tray.
  • Page 81 How the Processor Stores Images How the Processor Stores Images STAR ART T The Start mode fills memory only once and then stops recording. Use the Start mode The Start mode fills memory only once and then stops recording. Use the Start mode when you wish to start a recording session manually.

  • Page 82: Center

    4,096 frames or half of the total number of frames available and then stops recording. Center is a good way to operate the FASTCAM ultima SE if the event you are trying to Center is a good way to operate the FASTCAM ultima SE if the event you are trying to...

  • Page 83: End

    How the Processor Stores Images How the Processor Stores Images The Processor treats memory as a circular buffer when using the End mode. Pic- The Processor treats memory as a circular buffer when using the End mode. Pic- tures are stored in sequence with the current picture replacing the oldest picture in tures are stored in sequence with the current picture replacing the oldest picture in memory until you press the Record button again or a trigger signal is received through memory until you press the Record button again or a trigger signal is received through...

  • Page 84: Random

    How the Processor Stores Images How the Processor Stores Images RANDOM RANDOM The Random mode records a user selectable number of frames for each trigger signal The Random mode records a user selectable number of frames for each trigger signal received by the Processor.

  • Page 85: Choosing A Record Mode

    Choosing a Record Mode Choosing a Record Mode Is there an external Find a way to create Is the event controlled trigger that relates to a trigger signal using or predictable? the event. light, sound or motion. Does the event have Consider using the images before it that START mode.
  • Page 86 Notes Notes...

  • Page 87: Chapter 7 - Routine Care

    Chapter 7 - Routine Care Chapter 7 - Routine Care Care of Lenses Care of Lenses Specifications Specifications...
  • Page 88 Notes Notes...

  • Page 89: Care Of Lenses

    Care of Lenses Care of Lenses The surface of photographic lenses have special coatings that reduce chromatic The surface of photographic lenses have special coatings that reduce chromatic aberration, and unwanted reflections. Extra care should be taken to protect aberration, and unwanted reflections. Extra care should be taken to protect these fragile coatings.

  • Page 90: Specifications

    Specifications Specifications PHOTRON FASTCAM-ultima SE PHOTRON FASTCAM-ultima SE Keypad: Keypad: Hand-held device providing control of all Processor Hand-held device providing control of all Processor functions. The keypad is attached to the Processor functions. The keypad is attached to the Processor through a 16 foot cable.
  • Page 91 Power Power: : 110 / 220 Volts AC, 60 / 50 Hertz, 500 VA 110 / 220 Volts AC, 60 / 50 Hertz, 500 VA PHOTRON FASTCAM-ultima SE Remote Control Keypad PHOTRON FASTCAM-ultima SE Remote Control Keypad Interface: Interface: RS-232C...
  • Page 92 PHOTRON and and FASTCAM FASTCAM are registered are registered trademarks of P trademarks of P HOTRON lIMITED. HOTRON lIMITED. Copyright Copyright PHOTRON lIMITED PHOTRON lIMITED, 2000 , 2000 2000512-001 Rev. A 2000512-001 Rev. A Printed in Japan Printed in Japan...

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