Table of Contents
Summary of Contents for Desert Star FrogEye FC-2
- Page 1 FrogEye™ FC-2 Rugged Amphibious Digital Camera System Operator Manual Version 2.20 September 2005 Desert Star Systems 3261 Imjin Road Marina, CA 93933 Phone (831) 384-8000 www.desertstar.com © Copyright 2005, Desert Star Systems, LLC...
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
Table of Contents Basic Operation Image Retrieval Converting Image Formats Lens and Filter Selection Night Vision Modes Remote Operation Underwater Use of FrogEye Trigger Modes, Motion Imagery and Compression Settings Exposure Control Power Supply Options and Battery Charging Software Installation, Firmware Upgrade, Set Clock Protection, Maintenance, and Upgrades FrogEye™... -
Page 3: Basic Operation
Basic Operation FrogEye™ Controls FrogEye™ is controlled using onscreen information (the Status Bar) and menu commands (the Control Menu). Control buttons (the trigger, CB1, CB2 and CB3) are used to navigate and choose menu commands and settings. The following table and guided tour demonstrates the basic controls. Full-View Detail-View Button... - Page 4 Basic Operation (cont.) (to turn off and on press CB3 for 3 second) The Status Bar (to turn on press CB3 for 1 second) The Control Menu Menu Settings (recommended for general terrestrial work in Bold) Option Still Still Image File Format: Raw and JPG: Low, Med, High, or Best Motion Motion Image File Format: BTC Best or High Trigger...
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Page 5: Image Retrieval
Image Retrieval Image Retrieval Options: § Via Firewire (fastest) § Via RS-485 (if Firewire is not available) § Open the camera and remove CF cards (if all interfaces have failed) Image Retrieval Via Firewire: 1. Start the ImageRetrieval application on the PC. Switch the camera ON. ImageRetrieval displays ‘No Link Established!’... -
Page 6: Converting Image Formats
Converting Image Formats Images acquired with FrogEye™ in Raw or BTC formats can easily be converted to other common formats using the imgConvert software included with the purchase of FrogEye™. The control panel for imgConvert is shown below. Input controls are on the left side of the window and output controls are on the right side. - Page 7 Rough environment operations incl. diver beach insertion and reconnaissance from sea: Portability and the ability of the lens to withstand shock, dirt and water may be of great concern. Use tough and lightweight FrogEye™ FL-400 lens. Lens collapses and transports under water without protection. Extend lens prior to surfacing, then surface and wait 2-3 seconds for water to drain.
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Page 8: Night Vision Modes
Night Vision Modes FrogEye™ supports three night vision modes. • NVD (Night Vision Device) mode is FrogEye’s primary night vision mode and uses the camera’s built-in ‘single photon detector’ (SPD). The principal advantages are the highest target resolution (best target detail with a given lens), best contrast and effective wet environment / underwater use because no external intensifier module is required and the FL-400 lens and Canon lens hoods can be used. - Page 9 Selecting a Night Vision Mode NVD Mode Setup 1. Select NVD on the Sensor menu. This selects the night vision sensor. 2. Set the NVD operating mode to Day, Twilight or Night depending on conditions. Night produces greatest sensitivity but also the most noise, while Day has the least sensitivity but offers the clearest pictures when conditions permit.
- Page 10 • The darkening of the image in On mode is not perfect because the iris of most lenses cannot be closed all the way. A ‘shadow’ will appear when acquiring a dark frame while the lens is pointed at a bright target, but then moving the lens to image darker regions.
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Page 11: Remote Operation
Remote Operation Remote control of FrogEye™ using a notebook computer allows the operator to remain ina safe or more comfortable location.. Variables to consider in setting up remote cameras include camera battery life and the effect of wire length on image transmission speed. -
Page 12: Underwater Use Of Frogeye
Underwater Use of FrogEye Use of FrogEye™ underwater can take three forms; 1. taking underwater pictures; 2. purely underwater transport such as beach insertions; or 3. a combination of both. Preparing FrogEye™ for underwater use or transport • The lens port must be sealed with either a lens hood or the FL-400 lens. •... -
Page 13: Trigger Modes, Motion Imagery And Compression Settings
Trigger Modes, Motion Imagery and Compression Settings FrogEye™ offers trigger modes and image compression methods to support both individual stills and motion imagery. Trigger Modes Trigger modes are selected through the Trigger menu. • Auto is the most common setting. A still image is acquired as soon as the trigger button is pressed. Motion sequence acquisition starts after about ½... -
Page 14: Exposure Control
Exposure Control FrogEye’s overall exposure control system is designed to produce best available detail even under difficult conditions such as haze or when imaging a moving target in low light conditions. To control exposure, select your operating mode by choosing Gain and AE (Auto Exposure) options from the control menu. Set the lens Aperture as needed. When imaging, activate the Exposure Control and use the CB1 &... - Page 15 Auto Exposure ON/OFF and Exposure Control Auto Exposure is switched ON or OFF via the control menu. • Switch auto exposure OFF to control exposure time directly in imaging mode. Auto exposure OFF is recommended for most night vision applications because exposure time control at night is used primarily to select the best trade-off between motion blur, image update rate and image quality.
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Page 16: Power Supply Options And Battery Charging
10. Power Supply Options and Battery Charging Power Supply Options Internal Buffer Battery (Rechargeable) The standard power supply is an internal Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery. It lasts for about 1.5 hours, and can be recharged from multiple sources in about two hours. The internal batteries cannot be replaced without opening the camera body, which should only be done in a maintenance depot due to dry sealing requirements. -
Page 17: Software Installation, Firmware Upgrade, Set Clock
Vis_term utility for installing new firmware on the camera. Insert the disk and follow the wizard instructions. The installation will place a Desert Star Systems entry in the Programs list of the Start menu. -
Page 18: Protection, Maintenance, And Upgrades
FrogEye™ is a modular system. The image sensor module and FLASH cards can be upgraded to keep the camera up to date. Upgrades for special tasks are available too. Upgrades are generally performed by Desert Star Systems. Alternatively, upgrades may be performed at the depot level by skilled electronics technicians. 13. FrogEye™ FC-2 Specifications Size: 240mm x 105mm x 105mm (largest dimensions incl. -
Page 19: Accessories
14. Accessories AC/DC Power Converter (100-240V): Car Power Cable (12V): BA5590 Battery and Cable: ACDC-U FCBL-C FCBL-5590 Multi-Function Adapter Dummy-plug multi-function Battery container for BA-5590 Cable: FCBL-A connector: CON00383 (FBP-2) with integrated 40 GB Hard Disk option (FHD-40) 400mm F5.3 Collapsible / Underwater Lens Hood (for Canon lenses Remote Ops Accessory Kit: Transportable Lens: FL-400... -
Page 20: Frogeye™ Parts
ON Switch Tripod Mount Development of the original FrogEye technology was funded in part by U.S. SOCOM under a SBIR contract. Desert Star Systems wishes to thank U.S. SOCOM for their technical and financial support. Page 20...