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This manual was created taking every possible measure to ensure the accuracy of its contents. However, if you find a section which is unclear, a mistake, or an omission, please contact Photron LIMITED using the contact information provided at the end of the manual. Photron LIMITED bears no responsibility for the results of using the product or from following the instructions in this manual.
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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.
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This chapter explains overview of the function for recording. Chapter. 4 Connecting a PC This chapter explains the procedure for connecting the system to a PC. Refer to the “Photron FASTCAM Viewer User’s Manual” for additional details on using a PC to control the system.
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In order 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.
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■ Do not plug in or unplug the power cord with wet hands. Doing so can cause electric shock. ■ This chapter lists the contact information to use when contacting Photron if the system malfunctions or if a portion of the manual is unclear.
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Caution ■ 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.
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Cleaning Cleaning of the Image Sensor Surface. ■ ALWAYS take appropriate anti-static precautions when cleaning or working near the Image sensor. ■ DO NOT use any form of cleaning equipment using electrostatic or ‘charged fiber’ technology. ■ Please discharge any electrostatic build up in your body by touching a grounded metallic Surface before working near the camera sensor.
Table of Contents Chapter. 1 Overview 1.1. Product Overview and Features ................2 Chapter. 2 Setup 2.1. System Components and Accessories ..............4 2.1.1. Components ....................4 2.1.2. Accessories/Options ................... 4 2.1.3. Model ......................5 2.2. Part Names ......................6 2.2.1.
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3.16.1. Inputting an External Synchronization Signal ........... 49 3.16.2. Outputting an External Synchronization Signal ........49 3.16.3. Synchronizing Multiple FASTCAM SA2 Systems ........50 (Multiple Unit Synchronized Recording) ..............50 3.16.4. Synchronizing the System with Other External Devices ......52 (Frame Rate Synchronized Recording) ..............
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Camera Body .................... 77 5.2.2. LCD Remote Controller (Optional) ............79 5.2.3. AC Power Supply Adapter ................ 82 5.3. Cleaning the Filter ....................83 Chapter. 6 Warranty 6.1. About the Warranty ....................86 Chapter. 7 Contacting Photron 7.1. Contact Information ....................88...
The system combines both recording performance and operability, to produce a high speed camera that is easy to use by anyone. Use the state-of-the-art technology in the FASTCAM SA2 to slow down and observe high-speed phenomena, and also as an input component for a dynamic image measurement system.
FASTCAM SA2 86K-M1 Monochrome 16GB FASTCAM SA2 86K-M2 32GB FASTCAM SA2 86K-M3 "RV (Range Version) type” is prepared for each model. It has be sealed-up a camera chassis for keep it free of dust. FASTCAM SA2 / SA2 RV Hardware Manual...
Part Names The system is composed of components including the camera body, AC power supply, and the "Photron FASTCAM Viewer" controls software (referred to below as PFV). For each of the system components. - Do not expose to shock outside of specifications.
Chapter. 2 Setup 2.2.2. Camera Body Part Names Handle FASTCAM SA2 F Mount Front Front Handle Duct (filter) Status Display LEDs POWER SW Power Supply Switch USER SW SYNC SYNC POWER TRIGGER IRIG LINK/TRANS MODE READY Programmable Switch Gigabit ETHER...
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DC 18 -3 6V 1 00 VA H D SD I H D SD I K EY PA D DC18-36V 100VA Power Supply Connector HD SDI HD SDI Output Connector KEYPAD Rear KEYPAD Connector FASTCAM SA2 / SA2 RV Hardware Manual...
Chapter. 2 Setup 2.2.3. Status Display LEDs on the Rear of the Camera Body There are a number of LEDs on the rear of the system's camera body. These LEDs indicate the status of the system. The meaning of each LED is explained here. POWER (Green) ...
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LINK/TRANS (red) blink alternately from right to left and from left to right a number of times. For how to initialize of the Gigabit Ethernet interface, refer to "4.1.5. Gigabit Ethernet Interface Initialization", page 66. FASTCAM SA2 / SA2 RV Hardware Manual...
Chapter. 2 Setup 2.2.4. Interchangeable Lens Mounts The lens mount on the system can be changed according to the recording application. There are five types of interchangeable lens mounts: "Nikon F Mount", "C Mount", "PL Mount" (optional), "B4 Mount" (optional), and "Lens Mount with Filter Changer(Triple Type / Single Type)" (optional).
Color bars will be displayed if [HD SDI] is set as the output. The LCD remote controller is optional. It is not included in the standard configuration. For how to operate of the LCD Remote Controller, refer to "LCD Remote Controller User's Manual". FASTCAM SA2 / SA2 RV Hardware Manual...
For details, check the command list. Serial control commands are available as separate list of commands. Please contact Photron or the dealer where the system was purchased regarding the command list. A cable is not offered as an accessory. When using RS-422 control, construct a cable using the pin diagram below for reference.
Use extreme caution as there is a risk of damage to both devices, the input device and the output device. I/O PORT (Camera Body) MCDL D-sub 9-pin Female PT02A-16-26P (023) For the signal which can be inputted, refer to “3.14. Input/Output Signal Types”, page 44. FASTCAM SA2 / SA2 RV Hardware Manual...
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Chapter. 2 Setup Camera body Conector Conector Cable connector model Input conector Signal Name model No. Name No. (Manufacturer) (Pin No.) (Manufacturer) TRIGGER TTL IN TRIGGER TTL OUT TRIGGER SW SYNC IN GENERAL IN GENERAL OUT1 GENERAL OUT2 D-sub 9 pin MCDL CLK- D-sub 9 pin MCDL CLK+...
By using a power supply outside of the system specifications, not only is there the danger of the system malfunctioning, but also of fire and electric shock. FASTCAM SA2 / SA2 RV Hardware Manual...
Chapter. 2 Setup 2.3. Device Connections 2.3.1. Connecting a Video Monitor A video monitor connected to the camera controller can be used to check the live image (Camera Pass - through image). Connect the video input connector according to the video signal type of the monitor to display to the "VIDEO OUT"...
Connect the AC cable to the AC power supply unit. Connect the AC cable to the power outlet. For the specification of the power supply which can be used, refer to “5.1.2. General Specifications”, page 69. FASTCAM SA2 / SA2 RV Hardware Manual...
Chapter. 2 Setup 2.3.3. Connecting the LCD Remote Controller (Optional) If you have the optional LCD remote controller, connect it by plugging the LCD remote controller connector into the connector labeled "KEYPAD" on the rear of the camera body. The LCD remote controller is hot-pluggable. It can be plugged in and removed while the system's power is on.
The maximum cable length between the PC and the system is, compliant to the 1000BASE-T specification, up to 100 m. One PC can connect to a maximum of 64 Photron Gigabit Ethernet interface equipped cameras using a hub. When connecting multiple devices, connect through a switching hub that can connect at 1000BASE-T.
3.16. Using External Synchronization Signals 3.17. GENERAL Signal Settings 3.18. Signal Delay 3.19. Event Marker Function 3.20. Using USER SW (Programmable Switch) 3.21. Using MCDL (Analog Waveform Synchronized Recording Unit) 3.22. IRIG Time Code (External Time Synchronization) FASTCAM SA2 / SA2 RV Hardware Manual...
Executing Calibration Calibration is executed from the "LCD remote controller (optional)" or from PFV. For the procedure of performing this function, refer to "LCD Remote Controller User's Manual" or "Photron FASTCAM Viewer User's Manual". 3.1.2. Saving Calibration Settings The black image data for correction use that was obtained by executing the calibration can be saved internally on the system.
For frame rates faster than 1,080 fps, the resolution is automatically set to the maximum available at that frame rate. For more details, refer to “5.1.4. Frame Rate and Resolution”, page 71. FASTCAM SA2 / SA2 RV Hardware Manual...
Chapter. 3 Recording 3.3. Selecting the Resolution With the system, you can record images with a maximum size of 4,194,304 pixels using the high-speed image sensor, which has a maximum size of 2,048x2,048 pixels. You can also record at even faster frame rates or reduce the amount of image data to make even longer recordings by limiting the resolution according to the application.
The light exposure adjustment can be set from 0% to 95% in 5% increments according to the subject to be recorded. The amount of adjustment is expressed as %.For the strength of the adjustment, 0% is no adjustment, 95% is the maximum effect. FASTCAM SA2 / SA2 RV Hardware Manual...
Chapter. 3 Recording 3.4.3. AUTO EXPOSURE Operation The system has a function that automatically varies the shutter (the sensor’s exposure time) for the quantity of light input so that it will achieve the desired image output level. After the settings are made once, this function displays its effect when recording in an environment where the subject’s amount of light changes.
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In this case, the variable shutter operation cannot place the image level in the desired ③ position and a phenomenon occurs where the image output level is unstable. When a situation like this occurs, it can be resolved by making RANGE a larger value. FASTCAM SA2 / SA2 RV Hardware Manual...
Chapter. 3 Recording 3.5. Selecting the Trigger Mode With the system, in order to reliably capture high-speed phenomena, many kinds of trigger modes have been made available. These trigger modes are explained next. There are five types of trigger modes which are listed below. - START - CENTER - END...
The number of frames recorded each time the trigger is input can be set as desired, in one frame increments, from one frame to the maximum of all the recordable frames available. FASTCAM SA2 / SA2 RV Hardware Manual...
Chapter. 3 Recording 3.5.6. RANDOM RESET Mode RANDOM RESET mode is explained here by comparing its operation with the normal mode. RANDOM RESET mode is a mode to improve the temporal accuracy of the record start timing and the timing of the trigger input, where, to put it simply, with the input of the trigger signal, at the timing that it is input, the camera’s record timing is reset.
The number of trigger inputs that can be accepted in RANDOM CENTER mode is a maximum of 10. Set the number of trigger inputs in advance, and the recording operation can be ended when that amount of trigger inputs is finished. FASTCAM SA2 / SA2 RV Hardware Manual...
Chapter. 3 Recording 3.5.8. RANDOM MANUAL Mode RANDOM MANUAL mode is a trigger mode, similar to RANDOM mode, where each time a trigger is input only a predetermined number of frames are saved to memory. The difference between this mode and RANDOM mode is that in RANDOM mode the number of specified frames are recorded directly after the trigger input, whereas in RANDOM MANUAL mode, at the timing of the trigger input, the frames before and after the trigger, each specified as desired, remain in the recording memory.
[GENERAL IN] connector. There is only one section of high-speed recording within the recording time. GENGERAL_IN Input"H" High-speed setting operation from next frame GENGERAL_IN Input "L" Low-speed setting operation from next frame (When the polarity is positive) FASTCAM SA2 / SA2 RV Hardware Manual...
Chapter. 3 Recording 3.6. LOW LIGHT Mode The more you increase the frame rate or shutter speed of the camera, the less light enters the camera making the displayed image darker. Low light mode is a function that temporarily increases the exposure time, making the displayed image easier to see to enable you to focus and setup the camera.
The values set here are stored in the camera body's internal memory as the user preset, and they can be loaded by selecting USER. There are also two methods for setting user white balance, AUTO USER and EDIT USER. FASTCAM SA2 / SA2 RV Hardware Manual...
Chapter. 3 Recording 3.9. Color Enhancement Function (Color Models Only) Color models feature an image color enhancement setting. The image color enhancement level can be adjusted in five steps, including the OFF setting. 3.10. LUT (Look-Up Table) Operations The LUT (Look-Up Table) refers to a reference table that defines the relationship between the pixel brightness gradation of the original image data taken and the brightness gradation displayed on a computer screen or video monitor.
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The gain is doubled and you can display the dark areas of the image emphasized. D3: Gain 4x The gain is quadrupled and you can display the dark areas of the image emphasized. This LUT emphasizes the dark portions even more than D2. FASTCAM SA2 / SA2 RV Hardware Manual...
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Chapter. 3 Recording D4: Gamma 0.56 This LUT is 0.56 gamma correction. The optimum Gamma for a MAC monitor. D5: Gamma 0.56 Gain 2x A LUT of doubled GAIN at Gamma 0.56. D6: Gamma 0.56 Gain 4x A LUT of quadrupled GAIN at Gamma 0.56.
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This LUT is 0.45 gamma correction. The optimum Gamma for a video monitor. D8: Gamma 0.45 Gain 2x A LUT of doubled GAIN at Gamma 0.45. D9: Gamma 0.45 Gain 4x A LUT of quadrupled GAIN at Gamma 0.45. FASTCAM SA2 / SA2 RV Hardware Manual...
3.10.1. Using a Custom LUT Creating a LUT pattern is done with PFV. For the creation method of a LUT pattern, refer to “Photron FASTCAM Viewer User's Manual”. 3.11. Edge Enhancement Function With the system's edge enhancement setting, you can enhance the edges in the recorded image in three steps.
Each section can be set with completely independent recording conditions, so this feature is convenient when taking consecutive recordings with changed conditions. Only the following trigger modes are valid when the partition mode is operating in "MODE2". "START", "CENTER", "END", "MANUAL" FASTCAM SA2 / SA2 RV Hardware Manual...
Chapter. 3 Recording 3.14. Input/Output Signal Types With the system, many signals can be input and output through the I/O cable. Signals that can be input and output from the I/O cable are listed below. A signal other than the specified signal must not be input to the various connectors. Use extreme caution as there is a risk of damage to both devices, the input device and the output device.
* Outputs during both LIVE and recording. REC POS/NEG Outputs a signal during recording. TRIG POS/NEG Outputs the trigger signal the camera received. READY POS/NEG Outputs a signal that indicates the recording ready state. FASTCAM SA2 / SA2 RV Hardware Manual...
Chapter. 3 Recording 3.15. Using External Triggers With the system, you can record by receiving various trigger signals matched to the recording application. The trigger signals that can be used on the system are explained here, along with a description of how to use them. 3.15.1.
Chapter. 3 Recording 3.15.2. Outputting External Trigger Signals With the system, you can externally output trigger signals. Output is performed with the TRIG TTL OUT connector's dedicated trigger output system provided by the system, and additionally, output can also be optionally set from the GENERAL OUT connector. External trigger signal output settings are also made by selecting [SYNC IN/OUT] from the menu and [TRIG TTL] OUT or [GENERAL OUT] from the submenu.
Chapter. 3 Recording 3.16.3. Synchronizing Multiple FASTCAM SA2 Systems (Multiple Unit Synchronized Recording) The system can perform synchronized recording by synchronizing multiple units using external. Synchronization input/output CAMERA No.2 CAMERA No.1 (SLAVE) SYNC IN (MASTER) SYNC OUT (BNC Cable) Synchronized recording settings using the system are made with the "LCD remote controller (optional)"...
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If steps, 2 to 4 are completed when no synchronization signal is being input, the camera will not operate normally. As detailed in the procedure, make the settings when the signal is being input. FASTCAM SA2 / SA2 RV Hardware Manual...
Chapter. 3 Recording 3.16.4. Synchronizing the System with Other External Devices (Frame Rate Synchronized Recording) With the system, in addition to the frame rate preset in the system, a function has been provided where you can receive a synchronization signal externally, set the frame rate to that frequency, and record.
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(an error of about ±1-5Hz is produced). For example, when performing external device synchronization inputting a synchronization signal of 10000Hz, the monitor display error is: 10,000 Hz ±1Hz = 9,999 fps to 10,001 fps. FASTCAM SA2 / SA2 RV Hardware Manual...
BNC cable, select the synchronization signal output polarity on the master camera, and then set the slave camera to be operated by that signal. For camera models that can perform synchronized recording or for detailed instructions on making the settings, contact Photron at the contact information in "7.1. Contact Information"...
When using the camera as a part of a system, verify the characteristics of the input signals before using them. For the details of an EVENT POS/NEG setup, refer to “3.19. Event Marker Function”, page 58. FASTCAM SA2 / SA2 RV Hardware Manual...
Chapter. 3 Recording 3.17.2. GENERAL OUT Signal Settings Details of the signals output from the GENERAL OUT connector explained in section “3.14. Input/Output Signal Types” are shown in the chart below. There are three GENERAL OUT connectors and individual settings can be made for each connector. Menu Display Contents Signal Type...
1,000 fps Synchronization Signal SYNC OUT Output An accurate frequency is output, but when SYNC OUT TIMES is set to a large value with a high frame rate, the setting may result in frequency errors. FASTCAM SA2 / SA2 RV Hardware Manual...
Chapter. 3 Recording 3.19. Event Marker Function With the system, it is possible to input an external signal during recording, at the instant the frame number is stored, and during playback you can immediately access, or jump to, the stored frame numbers (event markers).
The same function as the [REC] key on the keypad. LOW LIGHT The same function as the [LOW LIGHT] key on the keypad. CALIBRATE The same function as the [CALIBRATE] key on the keypad. FASTCAM SA2 / SA2 RV Hardware Manual...
The sampling rate is 10 times the frame rate and the timing of the sample is 1/10th of the interval of each frame rate. The saved data can be played as a waveform image with the “Photron FASTCAM Viewer” software. About MCDL, IRIG restrictions This applies only to the 32GB model.
The system supports IRIG-B input and can add an IRIG code to each recorded frame. The sample timing for the IRIG code is once each frame. The recorded IRIG code is displayed on the VIDEO display or with the “Photron FASTCAM Viewer” software.
The maximum cable length between the PC and the system is, compliant to the 1000BASE-T specification, up to 100 m. One PC can connect to a maximum of 64 Photron Gigabit Ethernet interface equipped cameras using a hub. When connecting multiple devices, connect through a switching hub that can connect at 1000BASE-T.
IP addresses that are already in use on the network. For the procedure for setting the IP address of the system, refer to the "Photron FASTCAM Viewer User's Manual" or the "LCD Remote Controller User's Manual".
Chapter. 4 Connecting a PC 4.1.4. Connecting Multiple Systems and a PC With PFV, the system’s control software, one PC can connect to and control multiple FASTCAM high-speed camera system. When connecting to multiple systems, set the IP address of each one to a unique setting. 4.1.5.
Chapter. 5 Product Specifications 5.1. Specifications 5.1.1. Product Specifications Image Sensor CMOS image sensor Sensor Resolution 2,048 x 2,048 pixels Maximum 1,080 fps with full frame resolution Frame Rate Maximum 86,400 fps when at reduced resolution F mount and C mount supplied. PL mount (optional) Lens Mount BL mount (optional), Lens Mount with Filter Changer (Triple Type / Single Type) (optional)
LCD Remote Controller (Option) 1.31 kg (No Handle) Photron has verified two types of AC cables, type A (standard for Japan, USA, Canada, etc.) and type SE (standard for Germany, France, etc.). However, when those cables cannot properly receive power when plugged in, use the proper AC cable for the region's standards and verify that AC cable works properly.
The circle indicates a possible setting.The green items are the maximum resolution setting at that frame rate. This table is the list of default settings. Even finer settings are possible with the variable setting. FASTCAM SA2 / SA2 RV Hardware Manual...
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Shutter speeds that can be set at this setting are listed in the column titled 256. Since the frame rate is 10,000 fps, with a maximum exposure of 1/10,000 s, the shutter speeds are listed below. 1/10,000s 1/12,000s 1/15,000s … 1/202,000s 1/261,000s 1/367,000s FASTCAM SA2 / SA2 RV Hardware Manual...
TRIGGER MODE PLAY PAUSE STOP FUNCTION LOW LIGHT PARTITION/ PLAYBACK RATE MENU BACK ZOOM SCROLL SLOW FAST ENTER FIT/1:1 CALIBRATE STORE STATUS SEGMENT PLAYBACK LIVE REC READY START NO/OFF All dimensions are in millimeters FASTCAM SA2 / SA2 RV Hardware Manual...
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Chapter. 5 Product Specifications Dimensions with Attached Handle (mm) 154.4 88.1 PRESET1 PRESET2 PRESET3 PRESET4 FRAME RATE RESOLUTION SHUTTER TRIGGER MODE PLAY PAUSE STOP FUNCTION PARTITION/ PLAYBACK RATE LOW LIGHT MENU BACK ZOOM SCROLL SLOW FAST ENTER FIT/1:1 CALIBRATE STORE STATUS SEGMENT PLAYBACK LIVE...
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PAUSE STOP FUNCTION LOW LIGHT PARTITION/ PLAYBACK RATE MENU BACK ZOOM SCROLL FAST SLOW ENTER FIT/1:1 CALIBRATE STORE STATUS 1/4-inch screw SEGMENT PLAYBACK LIVE REC READY START NO/OFF All dimensions are in millimeters FASTCAM SA2 / SA2 RV Hardware Manual...
Chapter. 5 Product Specifications 5.2.3. AC Power Supply Adapter inches [mm] 300.0 LED INDICATOR AC INPUT IEC 320/C14 INLET(ClassⅠ) 207.6 190.2 58.8 RUBBER FOOT All dimensions are in millimeters...
The filters reduce the risk that dirt and dust will enter the camera body, but there is no guarantee that it will eliminate problems caused by dirt and dust. FASTCAM SA2 / SA2 RV Hardware Manual...
Consumable goods (cables) When repair, adjustment, or alternation done by an entity other than Photron service has been performed on the system, or damage or malfunction that is determined to be attributed to a fault in the use the product.
Chapter. 7 Contacting Photron 7.1. Contact Information For inquires related to PFV, contact Photron at the contact information listed below. Additionally, the following items will be verified when inquiring, so please prepare them in advance. Items Verified Concrete Example Company, school or organization name,...
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