Photron FASTCAM-APX RS User Manual

High-speed video camera system
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FASTCAM-APX RS
Hardware Manual
Rev.1.00
PHOTRON LIMITED
JAN.2004

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Summary of Contents for Photron FASTCAM-APX RS

  • Page 1 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual Rev.1.00 PHOTRON LIMITED JAN.2004...
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    FASTCAM-APX Hardware Manual Table of contents Chapter 1 Introduction ................7 1.1. Preface......................8 1.2. Warranty ......................9 1.3. How to Use This Manual.................11 1.4. Precautions ....................13 Chapter 2 Setting Up................15 2.1. To Start......................16 2.1.1. Unpacking....................16 2.1.2.
  • Page 4 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 2.4.3. Menu Selection ..................31 2.4.4. Screen Displays ..................32 2.4.5. Cancelling Menu Selection ................ 33 2.4.6. Storing Menu Settings................33 2.4.7. Menu / Manual Reference................33 2.5. System Clock Setup (Date, Time and Revision).......... 34 2.5.1.
  • Page 5 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.6.2. Setting from Resolution................65 3.6.2.1. Image window in the screen center............65 3.6.2.2. Image window in any position ..............67 3.6.3. How to Use Saved Setup Data ..............69 3.6.4. Erasing Setup Data..................70 3.6.5. Reverting to Default Settings ..............71 3.7.
  • Page 6 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.13.2. Setting GENERAL OUT Signals .............. 99 3.14. Event Marker Function ................100 3.15. MCDL – Multi-Channel Data Link.............. 101 3.16. IRIG Time Code ..................103 Chapter 4 Playback ................105 4.1. Playing Recorded Images ................106 4.2.
  • Page 7 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 6.1.4. Frame Rates and Resolutions ..............133 6.1.5. Number of Recorded Images vs. Resolution ........... 137 6.1.6. RS422 Serial Control Commands ............138 6.1.7. STATUS OUT................... 143 6.1.8. Shutter Speed Table (COARSE Steps) ............ 144 6.2. Mechanical Data................... 147 6.2.1.
  • Page 8 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual Memo...
  • Page 9: Chapter 1 Introduction

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual Chapter 1 Introduction 1.1. Preface 1.2. Warranty 1.3. How to Use This Manual 1.4. Precautions...
  • Page 10: Preface

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 1.1. Preface The FASTCAM-APX RS High-Speed Video Camera System will prove itself a truly powerful visualization tool giving solution to engineers and scientists in such fields as general research and development, designing, manufacturing, quality assurance, scientific researches, medical and biological researches, space and aeronautics engineering.
  • Page 11: Warranty

    If there is evidence of the APX RS being subjected to accidental damage, misuse or abuse. If the APX RS has been repaired or tampered with by persons other than PHOTRON personnel, customer personnel trained by PHOTRON or without permission of PHOTRON.
  • Page 12 PHOTRON LIMITED makes no other warranties, express or implied, including the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. If this APX RS does not function properly during the warranty period, PHOTRON LIMITED will repair it without charge according to the terms stated above.
  • Page 13: How To Use This Manual

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 1.3. How to Use This Manual DEFINITION OF TERMS You will notice that some of the information in this manual is presented as a NOTE, CAUTION or WARNING. It is important that you understand the significance of these three terms.
  • Page 14 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual Chapter 5. Connection to a PC Shows how to connect and operate the APX RS to a PC (Operation of the APX RS from PC is discussed in the PFV Software Manual). Chapter 6. Specifications Provides detailed specifications of the APX RS system.
  • Page 15: Precautions

    1.4. Precautions Ambient Temperature Photron FASTCAM-APX RS has been designed to work properly in an ambient temperature range of 0 to 35 degrees Celsius (32 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit), no condensation.To use the system in ambient temperature of over 35 degrees Celeius a special heet sink(optional) must be used.
  • Page 16 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual Memo -14-...
  • Page 17: Chapter 2 Setting Up

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual Chapter 2 Setting Up 2.1. To Start 2.2. Names of Components 2.3. System Connection 2.4. Basics of Remote Control Keypad Operation 2.5. System Setup -15-...
  • Page 18: To Start

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 2.1. To Start 2.1.1. Unpacking The APX RS system consists of the following items. Make sure if all the components are found in the package. 1. Camera 1 ea. 2. Remote Control Keypad 1 ea. 3. AC Power Adapter with AC Cable 1 ea.
  • Page 19: Names Of Components

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 2.2. Names of Components The APX RS system consists of a camera, remote-control keypad, AC power adapter and control software. 2.2.1. Camera With the APX RS-series camera, two memory-capacity models are available – 2.6 GB, standard, and 8 GB maximum – each having monochrome and color models.
  • Page 20: Names Of Camera Components

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 2.2.2. Names of Camera Components Handle Lens mount VIDEO OUT1 Operation Indicator LED VIDEO OUT2 GENERAL IN IEEE1394 POWER LINK TRIGGER IRIG REC IEEE 1394 GENERAL OUT VIDEO OUT 1 GENERAL IN DC OUT MCDL / RS422 DC...
  • Page 21: Changeable Lens Mount

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 2.2.3. Changeable Lens Mount The lens mount for the APX RS can be changed to the particular need of applications. Three types of lens mounts are available to choose from: Nikon F-type mount, C-type mount and Hi-G mount (Photosonics-type, optional). Note that lenses other than the F-type lens may cause vignetting in the image corners when full resolution (1024 x 1024 pixels) recording is made.
  • Page 22: Installing Heat Sink(Optional)

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 2.2.4. Installing Heat Sink(optional) Cover 1. Remove the screw covers (2) on the handle and undo the retaining screws (2). 2. Place a heat sink (optional) on the top of the camera body. Fasten the heat sink onto the camera top with the provided screws (2) 3.
  • Page 23: Remote Control Keypad

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 2.2.5. Remote Control Keypad The APX RS Remote Control Keypad connects to the camera and controls all the functions of the camera system. The keypad is “hot-pluggable” and can be connected or disconnected with power on.
  • Page 24: General In Cable

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 2.2.6. GENERAL IN Cable The APX RS can be used as an integral part of a testing system by its capability to work in sync with external trigger and sync signals from other devices and equipment within the system.
  • Page 25: General Out Cable

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 2.2.7. GENERAL OUT Cable The APX RS can be used as an integral part of a testing system by its capability to make other devices and equipment in the system work in sync with the APX RS’s exposure timing and sync signals.
  • Page 26: Mcdl / Rs422 Cable (Optional)

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 2.2.8. MCDL / RS422 Cable (Optional) The APX RS has connectivity with Photron MCDL (Multi-Channel Data Link) unit (optional). The waveform data output (up to 4 channels of analog data and up to 6 channels of digital data) from MCDL is sampled and recorded together with image data.
  • Page 27 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual Connector on Connector on Signal Name / Input Connector / Connector Camera Cable Pin No. Pin No. Name Model (Mftr) Model (Mftr) 9-pin D-sub MCDL Connector (Female) SYNC- SYNC+ CLK+ CLK- DATA_B- DATA_A- DATA_A+ DATA_B+ 10 N.C.
  • Page 28: Dc In Cable (Dc Power In)

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 2.2.9. DC IN Cable (DC Power IN) A B D C DC-IN Connector Pins Connector on Connector on Connector Name Signal Name Pin No. Camera Cable Model (Mfr) Model (Mfr) DC+12V PT02A-8-4PW PT06A-8-4SW(SR) DC+12V DC-IN (Amphenol) (Amphenol) N.C.
  • Page 29: System Connection

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 2.3. System Connection 2.3.1. Connecting Remote Control Keypad 1. Connect the keypad cable connector to the REMOTE CONTROLLER connector on the camera rear panel. Remote Control Keypad Connector Note: The keypad is “hot-pluggable” and allows for connecting and disconnecting while power is on.
  • Page 30: Power Connection

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 2.3.4. Power Connection The APX RS is powered by DC power fed from the provided AC power adapter that connects to a power line of 100 VAC. DC IN Connector Power SW I: ON; O: OFF...
  • Page 31: Basics Of Remote Control Keypad Operation

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 2.4. Basics of Remote Control Keypad Operation The APX RS Remote Control Keypad has been so designed that most of “frequently-used” functions are operated by one touch on the relevant key on the keypad as much as possible. Also, the menu has been so organized that parameter settings can be effectively carried out by the cursor using the direction (Up-Down and Left-Right) keys .
  • Page 32: Basic Operation

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 2.4.2. Basic Operation 1. When the system conncection is done, switch the camera system on by pressing the power switch on the top panel of the AC Power Adapter. To VIDEO OUT 1 Digital Interface IEEE1394...
  • Page 33: Menu Selection

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 4. Press the MENU key on the keypad and the menu list is displayed on the screen. Keypad Menu List Menu Submenu 5. If you wish to return to previous menu selection, press the BACK key on the keypad.
  • Page 34: Screen Displays

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 2.4.4. Screen Displays Screen display when the menu is shown: LIVE.READY.REC MODE Trigger mode Partition TIME or DATE Number of recorded frames Duration of Recording(sec) Submenu Menu Frame rate Resolution Shutter speed FR.REV.PLAY.FF status Frame Time elapsed...
  • Page 35: Cancelling Menu Selection

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 2.4.5. Cancelling Menu Selection To cancel selecton of a menu item while the menu is shown on the screen, simply press the MENU key. 2.4.6. Storing Menu Settings After making necessary selections in the main menu and submenu, press the STORE key on the keypad to store the menu settings.
  • Page 36: System Clock Setup (Date, Time And Revision)

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 2.5. System Clock Setup (Date, Time and Revision) This section discusses how to set up the internal clock of the APX RS system. Date and time are correctly set up and are stored as part of recorded image data. Once the clock is set up, it is supported by an internal battery and the date and time are retained correctly even when the main power is turned off.
  • Page 37: Displaying Date Or Time

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 2.5.2. Displaying Date or Time For display in the image frame, either date or time is chosen. Follow the below procedure to make a choice: Press the MENU key to display the menu list. Move the cursor by U-D and L-R keys to select the DATE/TIME menu.
  • Page 38: Displaying System Revision

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 2.5.3. Displaying System Revision The current system version number of the APX RS system is shown on the display. Press the MENU key on the keypad to display the menu list. Move the cursor by the U-D and L-R keys to select the OTHERS menu.
  • Page 39: Chapter 3 Recording

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual Chapter 3 Recording 3.1. Initialization (Calibration - Shading Correction) 3.2. Selecting Frame Rate 3.3. Selecting Resolution 3.4. Selecting Shutter Speed 3.5. Selecting Trigger Mode 3.6. VARIABLE Setting Mode 3.7. Adjusting White Balance (Color Model) 3.8. Partitioning Memory 3.9.
  • Page 40: Initialization (Calibration)

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.1. Initialization (Calibration) To take advantage of the high image quality of the APX RS system, it is important to correct the non-uniformity in sensitivity of each pixel of the imaging sensor. The APX RS has a calibration (shading correction) function that corrects the non-uniformity in output of each pixel based on black level.
  • Page 41: Saving Calibrated Settings

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.1.2. Saving Calibrated Settings The APX RS can save one pattern of black image data obtained through calibration. Follow the below procedure to save a correction pattern. Press the MENU key on the keypad to display the menu.
  • Page 42: Selecting Frame Rate

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.2. Selecting Frame Rate The APX RS can set a frame rate of from 50 Frames Per Second (FPS) up to 250,000 FPS depending on the particular need of a recording. With the APX RS, frame rates from 50 FPS to 3,000 FPS allows for recording of image using the full resolution of 1024 x 1024 pixels of the imaging sensor.
  • Page 43: Selecting Resolution

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.3. Selecting Resolution The APX RS has a high-speed mega-pixel imaging sensor with a full resolution of 1024 x 1024 pixels in its imager. It can produce a high-density image of 1,000,000 pixels in full resolution operation. Also, depending on the needs from each recording application, it can record at higher speeds by limiting the image resolution, or can record for a longer duration by reducing the amount of data of each of captured frames.
  • Page 44: Selecting Shutter Speed

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.4. Selecting Shutter Speed The APX RS’s electronic shuttering system makes it possible to control the exposure time within a frame regardless of the current frame rate. By using an exposure time that is shorter than the frame time determined by the frame rate (i.e. 1/frame rate sec.), you can capture events taking place at an extremely high speed as a still image without blurring effect.
  • Page 45 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.4.2. Switching Shutter Modes By switching between MODE 1 and MODE 2 in the [SHUTTER MODE] menu, you can change the mode of shutter speed setting as follows: MODE 1:The shutter speed is automatically set to 1/(frame rate) sec when the frame rate is changed.
  • Page 46: Selecting Trigger Mode

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.5. Selecting Trigger Mode The APX RS has several different modes of triggering to meet the particular needs of capturing instantaneous events of varied nature. This section discusses how each of the trigger modes works. First, the procedure to select a trigger mode is shown, and then how each trigger mode works is discussed.
  • Page 47: Start Mode

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.5.1. START Mode In the START trigger mode, the camera starts recording at the moment the REC key is pressed and continues recording until the memory is full, and automatically stops recording. This mode is useful when you know for sure when the anticipated event will occur.
  • Page 48: Center Mode

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.5.2. CENTER Mode In the CENTER trigger mode, the camera records the target event in the same number of frames before and after the trigger. It is useful when you are interested in the scenes of before and after a particular event. If your camera has a recording capacity of two seconds, the camera records the scenes in the same number of frames (1024 frames –...
  • Page 49: End Mode

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.5.3. END Mode The END trigger mode records the images of a target event right before the REC key is pressed. This mode is useful when it is hard to know when your target event will take place.
  • Page 50: Manual Mode

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.5.4. MANUAL Mode In the MANUAL trigger mode, the camera records scenes before and after the REC key is pressed. Unlike the CENTER mode, however, the numbers of frames to record before and after a trigger can be preset differently. For a camera with a recording capacity of two seconds, for example, record durations of 0.5 seconds before and 1.5...
  • Page 51 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual Now set the numbers of frames before and after a trigger. Using the U-D and L-R cursor keys, up or down to increase or decrease the number, and left or right to jump the digit position, set a number. If you set the number for [–FRAME] as shown below, for example, the number for [+FRAME] is automatically set depending on the total number of frames available for recording.
  • Page 52: Random Mode

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.5.5. RANDOM Mode In the RANDOM trigger mode, the camera records in its memory a preset number of frames of images every time a trigger is given. This mode is useful to record images of events that take place at an unpredictable timing with output of a trigger signal. The number of frames to record at each trigger can be set any number from 1 (one) up to the total number of available frames in the memory.
  • Page 53 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual When you are done, press the ENTER key key to enter the settings. Now you should see the number of frames to record at each trigger as [RANDOM 20 FR] in the upper left area of the screen as shown below, where the number of frames to record at each trigger is 20.
  • Page 54: Random Reset Mode

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.5.6. RANDOM RESET Mode This section describes the principle of operation of the RANDOM RESET mode in comparison with the RANDOM and START modes. To simply put it, the RANDOM RESET mode is a mode of recording operation that has been devised to improve the accuracy of temporal relationship between the timing of trigger input and that of start of recording by resetting the recording timing, i.e.
  • Page 55: Random Center Mode

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual trigger input and start of recording of the first frame. It is a known fact that it takes 100 ns from the input of a trigger signal to reset of the vertical sync signal, i.e. start of recording.
  • Page 56 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual Press the MENU key on the keypad to display the menu list. Move the cursor to [RANDOM E TIMES] and press the ENTER key to set the selection. The RANDOME TIMES menu is displayed as shown below. The number of triggers to be accepted is preset in the right-hand side area of the screen.
  • Page 57 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual Press the REC key again when you know events of your interest are coming very soon. The camera records in the memory the preset number of frames of images before and after the event, and stands by for a next trigger. In addition to the REC key on the keypad, contact or TTL signals from external trigger input terminals can be used to trigger the camera in the RANDOM mode (see Section 3.10 External...
  • Page 58: Random Manual Mode

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.5.8. RANDOM MANUAL Mode In the RANDOM MANUAL trigger mode, the camera records in the memory a preset number of frames of images at each trigger, as in the case with the RANDOM CENTER mode. The difference is that the RANDOM MANUAL allows for any number of frames to be recorded before and after a trigger, while the RANDOM CENTER mode records the same number of frames before and after a trigger.
  • Page 59 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual The meaning of each item is as follows: -FRAME Number of frames to record BEFORE a trigger. +FRAME Number of frames to record AFTER a trigger. TOTAL FRAME Total number of frames to record at a trigger.
  • Page 60 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual Recording in RANDOM MANUAL Mode Follow the below procedure to make a recording in the RANDOM MANUAL mode: Following Section 3.5, make sure the camera is in the LIVE mode, and select the RANDOM MANUAL mode.
  • Page 61: Dual Framing Rate Mode

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.5.9. DUAL FRAMING RATE Mode The DUAL FRAMING RATE Mode has been devised to use two preset framing rates alternately. It allows for changing the framing rate during a recording to capture faster or more interesting events for slower playback. For example, while shooting, at a...
  • Page 62 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual TTL change over signals, to be fed to the GENERAL IN connector, are defined as follows (e.g. for positive signal setting): GENERAL_IN Input “H” Change to higher rate from the next frame GENERAL_IN Input “L” Change to lower rate from the next frame Parameter Setting for Dual Framing Rate Mode Operation The following shows how to set parameters for a higher and lower framing rates.
  • Page 63 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual Recording in Dual Framing Rate Mode Follow the below procedure to record in the Dual Framing Rate mode. Referring to Section 3.5. Selecting Trigger Mode, make sure the camera is in the LIVE mode and the trigger mode is TWO STAGES.
  • Page 64: Variable Setting Mode

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.6. VARIABLE Setting Mode In addition to the means for setting the frame rate and resolution described in sections 3.2. and 3.3., respectively, the APX RS system offers an additional feature of VARIABLE Setting Mode which makes it possible for the user to set up, and save the setup data for subsequent use, the recording parameters –...
  • Page 65 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual Now the [POSITION ADJUSTMENT] screen is displayed on the monitor with a window in the center of the screen indicating the maximum size of image window (actually, the image data readout area on the image sensor surface) allowed by the frame rate just selected in the above steps.
  • Page 66 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 10. As soon as the image resolution is set in the previous step, the [SAVE] screen is displayed on the screen. Any resolution just set in the previous step can be stored. Up to 20 resolution patterns can be saved each assigned with a serial number from 01 to 20 (as available).
  • Page 67: Setting From Resolution

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.6.2. Setting from Resolution 3.6.2.1. Image window in the screen center This is a way of setting framing parameters based on the image resolution with the image window fixed in the center of the screen. Press the MENU key on the keypad. The menu is displayed on the screen as shown to the right.
  • Page 68 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual Now, the frame rates available being allowed by the resolution just set in the previous step, with the highest one being indicated by the cursor, are displayed. The example in the right shows 18000 FPS as the highest available frame rate at the resolution currently set.
  • Page 69: Image Window In Any Position

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.6.2.2. Image window in any position This is a way of setting framing parameters based on the image resolution with the image window placed in any position within the image sensor. Press the MENU key on the keypad to display the menu on the screen.
  • Page 70 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual Set the size o f the image window (resolution – the readout area with in the image sensor) using the U-D and L-R keys on the keypad. Note that the R an D keys, when pressed, increase the resolution;...
  • Page 71: How To Use Saved Setup Data

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.6.3. How to Use Saved Setup Data To use the setup data saved in the VARIABLE Setting Mode procedure, you should load the data in the following manner: First call up the setup data saved in the VARIABLE Setting procedure.
  • Page 72: Erasing Setup Data

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.6.4. Erasing Setup Data You can erase unnecessary setup data, saved in previous procedures of VARIABLE Setting Mode, in the following manner: Press the MENU key to display the menu. Use the U-D and L-R keys to select [VARIABLE], and then [ERASE].
  • Page 73: Reverting To Default Settings

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.6.5. Reverting to Default Settings When you wish to exit the VARIABLE Setting Mode screen to revert to the default setting screen, simply press the FRAMERATE key on the keypad. Immediately, you are back in the default setting screen as shown in the figure.
  • Page 74: Adjusting White Balance (Color Model Only)

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.7. Adjusting White Balance (Color Model only) A digital camera must have a proper white balance that renders a white target as a “pure white” image in both live and playback modes. In order to make accurate color reproduction with a color model of the APX RS, color balance must be correctly set under the color temperature of lighting being used.
  • Page 75: Manual (One Touch) White Balance

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.7.2. Manual (One Touch) White Balance To obtain a better white balance, the APX RS has a means for setting up white balance semi-automatically. Two patterns of setting can be saved in memory as preset parameters. Follow the below procedure: Set up parameters for an upcoming recording –...
  • Page 76: Partitioning Memory

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.8. Partitioning Memory The APX RS has a large capacity memory of 2.6GB, standard, or up to 8GB with optional, additional memory units. The memory can be partitioned into several sections and each section is used for recording a session. The memory can be divided into up to 64 sections of equal capacity.
  • Page 77 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual If you wish to partition the memory, select YES. A setup menu is displayed. Move the cursor by the U-D keys to select the desired number for divided sections. Once the selection is done, press the ENTER key to enter the setting.
  • Page 78: Recording Into Divided Sections

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.8.2. Recording into Divided Sections This section describes how to record image data in the PARTITIONED MEMORY mode. Make sure that the camera is in the LIVE mode. Move the cursor left or right by the U-D keys to select the ID number of the section that you wish to record.
  • Page 79: Partition Mode

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.8.4. PARTITION MODE The previous Subsection 3.7.2. Recording into Divided Sections shows how to record when PARTITION MODE 1 is selected. When PARTITION MODE 2 is selected, on the contrary, manual selection of ID is not needed.
  • Page 80: Lut (Look-Up Table) Operation

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.9. LUT (Look-Up Table) Operation The look-up table is a reference table that defines the mutual relationship between the grayscale values of the recorded image data and that of the displayed image on the computer monitor or video display screen.
  • Page 81: Operating Preset Lut

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.9.1. Operating Preset LUT The APX RS has five (5) preset LUT patterns. All the five patterns are shown here: D1: x 1 Gain This is a LUT pattern whose output is always linear to the input. It is the standard LUT that is used in usual applications.
  • Page 82: Customizing Lut Patterns

    This is a LUT pattern that inverts the input image data. 3.9.2. Customizing LUT Patterns LUT patterns can be created from the PFV (Photron FASTCAM Viewer) Control Software. See the PFV Software Manual for details of LUT pattern creation. USER This mode uses a custom LUT created by the PFV Control Software.
  • Page 83: Edge Enhancement

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.9.3. Edge Enhancement The Edge Enhancement feature of the FASTCAM-APX RS allows you to set the camera to one of three enhancement levels The three different adjustment levels of edge enhancement are Low, Medium and High, one of which can be selected to the particular need of your recording application.
  • Page 84: Extended Dynamic Range Mode

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.10. Extended Dynamic Range Mode The Extended Dynamic Range Mode has been developed to record highlight and lowlight portions together in one image frame by readjusting the exposure in the imaging sensor. With this feature, the sensor automatically makes a necessary...
  • Page 85: External Trigger Input

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.11. External Trigger Input The APX RS can operate in response to external triggers that are provided depending on the needs of each application. This section discusses the different kinds of external triggers and how to set up the system for each of them.
  • Page 86 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual TRIGGER SW IN Circuit TRIGGER TTL IN Circuit GENERAL IN Circuit -84-...
  • Page 87: Output Of Trigger Signals To External Equipment

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.11.2. Output of Trigger Signals to External Equipment The APX RS can output trigger signals to drive external equipment and devices. The output signals are provided from the TRIGGER SW OUT and TRIGGER TTL OUT connectors. In addition, other trigger output signals are available from the GENERAL OUT connector by setting up the circuit as necessary.
  • Page 88: Input Of External Sync Signals

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.12. Input of External Sync Signals The APX RS has an operation mode for recording in sync with an external sync signal. By using sync signals fed from outside, synchronized multiple-camera recording or single- or multiple-camera recording in sync with external instrumentation and lighting equipment is possible.
  • Page 89 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual Menu Display Description Signal Switches External Sync off. None ON POS CAM Operates in sync with APX RS. TTL level, Pos. logic ON NEG CAM Operates in sync with APX RS. TTL level, Neg. logic ON POS OTHERS Operates in sync with external equipment. TTL level, Pos. logic ON NEG OTHERS Operates in sync with external equipment.
  • Page 90: Output Of External Sync Signals

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.12.2. Output of External Sync Signals The APX RS can output sync signals to drive external equipment and devices. The following table shows the output signals that are output from the APX RS. Set up sync signal output in the following procedure.
  • Page 91: Sync Operation Of Multiple Apx Rs Systems

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.12.3. Sync Operation of Multiple APX RS Systems Multiple APX RS systems can be synchronized, using the external input and output features of the system, for synchronized recording. Concept of Sync Operation CAMERA No.2 CAMERA No.1...
  • Page 92 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual Setting up Master Camera (That Outputs Sync Signal) First decide the master camera that provides sync signal to the other camera, and make necessary setting on it in the following manner: Press the MENU key on the keypad to display the menu list.
  • Page 93 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual To set up the type of the sync signal that the slave receives, press the MENU key on the keypad to display the menu list. Move the cursor by the U-D keys to select the [EXT-SYNC IN] menu.
  • Page 94: Sync Operation With External Equipment

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.12.4 Sync Operation with External Equipment (Frame-Rate Sync Operation) In addition to its original framing rates, the APX RS has a feature of setting up a frame rate locked to the frequency of the sync signal from an external source. With this feature, the system has considerably expanded its range of application.
  • Page 95: Camera Setup

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual Camera Setup Feed a sync signal to the APX RS processor. Connect between the sync signal generator and the EXT-SYNC IN connector on the APX RS rear panel with a BNC cable. Make sure that the green LED (POWER LED) on the APX RS processor rear panel blinks when a sync signal from the generator is present.
  • Page 96 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual *Note: Every time the frequency of the external sync source is changed for any reason, do the steps 1 through 7 over again to set up the system to the new frequency. *Note: If steps 3 to 7 are done without input sync signal, the camera operates at 60 FPS.
  • Page 97: Sync Operation Of Apx Rs And Other Models Of Cameras

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.12.5. Sync Operation of APX RS and Other Models of Cameras (Sync Operation of Mixed Models of Cameras) Using the APX RS camera’s feature of setting up a frame rate locked to the frequency of a sync signal from an external source described in the previous Section 3.11.4., the model allows for sync operation with other models of FASTCAM cameras, such as the Ultima 512 and 1024R2 models.
  • Page 98 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual Move the cursor by the U-D keys to select the [EXT-SYNC IN] menu. Move the cursor by the U-D keys to select the type of output signal. Because the master camera has been set to positive (VSYNC POS), ON POS CAM should be selected here.
  • Page 99: Setting General In / Out Signals

    3.13. Setting GENERAL IN / OUT Signals With the previously launched Photron high-speed camera systems (except for the APX model), all the external input and output signal lines were connected to individual connectors on the rear panel of the processor using dedicated cables. With the APX RS,...
  • Page 100 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual Menu Items Description Signal EVENT POS Inputs event signals (Positive logic). TTL level, Positive logic EVENT NEG Inputs event signals (Negative logic). TTL level, Negative logic TRIGGER POS Inputs trigger signals (Positive logic). TTL level, Positive logic...
  • Page 101: Setting General Out Signals

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.13.2. Setting GENERAL OUT Signals This section describes how to set up signals output from the GENERAL OUT connector. Press the MENU key on the keypad to display the menu list. Move the cursor by the U-D keys to select the [GENERAL OUT] menu.
  • Page 102: Event Marker Function

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.14. Event Marker Function The APX RS’s Event Marker function makes it possible to record a frame number, on the fly, at each external marking signal so that you can jump to the marked frame (event frame) when playing recorded images.
  • Page 103: Mcdl - Multi-Channel Data Link

    The recorded data is played as a waveform on the PFV (Photron FASTCAM Viewer). Also, it is added to the header when the image data is stored in the TIFF format. It may also be viewed on video monitor.
  • Page 104 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 5. To play a recorded waveform, press the LIVE/MEMORY key to get in the MEMORY mode. Press the PLAY key and the recorded waveform is shown superimposed on each corresponding image. *Note: This feature cannot be used at 128 x 16 resolution.
  • Page 105: Irig Time Code

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 3.16. IRIG Time Code The APX RS supports the IRIG-B signal input and can add an IRIG code to each recorded frame. The sampling of IRIG code is done once every frame. The IRIG code recorded on each frame is displayed on video screen or the PFV screen.
  • Page 106 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual *Note: When you use both MCDL and IRIG together, select [MCDL IRIG ON] on the menu. To add an offset to a sampled IRIG code: Select the [IRIG OFFSET] menu. Specify an offset value within the range of +0.999999 sec to –0.999999 sec.
  • Page 107: Chapter 4 Playback

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual Chapter 4 Playback 4.1. Playing Recorded Images 4.2. Search Images of Interest (Fast Forward/Rewind Play) 4.3. Slow Playback (Jog) 4.4. Zooming (Zoom / Fit / Scroll) 4.5. Block Playback (Playback of Clips of Interest) 4.6. Text Display – Hide / Unhide 4.7.
  • Page 108: Playing Recorded Images

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 4.1. Playing Recorded Images The APX RS can play back images recorded in the memory on the video monitor instantly. The following describes how to play recorded images. If the camera is in the LIVE mode, press the LIVE key on the keypad to turn the system into the playback mode.
  • Page 109: Searching Images Of Interest (Fast Forward/Rewind Play)

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 4.2. Searching Images of Interest (Fast Forward/Rewind Play) Make sure the system is in the playback mode. Press the [>] (PLAY) key to start playback. Press the [ ] (FF) or [ ] (FR) key to search your desired images on the fly.
  • Page 110: Slow Playback (Jog)

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 4.3. Slow Playback (Jog) Make sure the system is in the playback mode. Press the [ ] (PLAY) key to start playback. > Press the [ ] (FF) or [ ] (FR) key to search your desired image.
  • Page 111: Zooming (Zoom/Fit/Scroll)

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 4.4. Zooming (Zoom/Fit/Scroll) In its high-resolution mode (1024 x 1024 pixels or 1024 x 512 pixels) recording, the APX RS system records images in a higher resolution than standard NTSC or PAL video resolution. In order to view the full image frame of recording on a video monitor, such high-resolution images from the APX RS system must be reduced to fit the NTSC or PAL video format.
  • Page 112: Fitting Image Frame To Video Screen

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 4.4.1. Fitting Image Frame to Video Screen The Fit function of the APX RS system readjusts the size of each framing resolution to maximize the playback image fitting the video screen format. This section describes how a recorded image of 256 x 256 pixel resolution is readjusted to fit the video format screen by the Fit function as an example.
  • Page 113: Zooming Playback Image Frame

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 4.4.2. Zooming Playback Image Frame The APX RS’s Zoom function magnifies the original recorded image at steps of x1, x2, x4 and x8 to display on the video monitor screen. The following describes how to zoom the recorded image.
  • Page 114: Scrolling Playback Image Frame

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 4.4.3. Scrolling Playback Image Frame The APX RS’s Scroll function moves a magnified, oversized image over the video monitor screen to display any selected portion of the bigger-than-the-screen image. Press the SCROLL key on the keypad. Make sure the SCROLL indication LED lights up.
  • Page 115: Block Playback

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 4.5. Block Playback (Playback of A Clip of Interest) Playing a high-speed recording footage is time-consuming. For example, a footage recorded at 2,000 FPS for one second takes 66 seconds to play back its entire length at 30 FPS.
  • Page 116 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual Now the system plays back the defined clip only. Start playing the clip in the Block Play mode as many times as necessary. You can use all playback keys - FR, REV, PLAY, FF, PAUSE and STOP.
  • Page 117: Text Display - Hide / Unhide

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 4.6. Text Display – Hide / Unhide The text display on the screen can be hidden or unhidden as necessary. Here is how to do it. Press the MENU key on the keypad to display the menu list.
  • Page 118: Displaying Crosshair Cursor

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 4.7. Displaying Crosshair Cursor The APX RS has a crosshair cursor display function. This function is useful to pinpoint certain points of interest within the image displayed on the video screen at recording and playback. The following shows how to use the crosshair function.
  • Page 119 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual If you have selected ON 1 or ON 2 in step 5 above, you will see a crosshair displayed in the center of the video screen with its corresponding coordinates of the cross are shown in the lower right corner of the screen.
  • Page 120: Displaying R G B Planes

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 4.8. Displaying R G B Planes (Color Model Only) The APX RS’s R/G/B Display function lets you have an image of R, G or B channel, or RGB combined (color) image displayed on the screen. The following describes how to make a selection.
  • Page 121: Switching Between

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 4.9. Switching between NTSC / PAL Video Formats The APX RS has a function that lets you switch the video display format between NTSC and PAL to display images on the video screen. Caution: You must have appropriate NTSC and PAL video monitors properly connected in the system to change the video formats from NTSC to PAL, or other way around, using this function.
  • Page 122: Automatic Playback

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 4.10. Automatic Playback The APX RS has a function that makes the system automatically change from the LIVE mode to playback mode as soon as a recording is done. The trigger frame of the recorded images is displayed on the monitor screen and the system is just ready to play back.
  • Page 123: Playback Event Markers

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 4.11. Playback Event Markers The APX RS has a function to set event markers, on the fly, to any frame of interest during playback. Up to ten event marks can be set within each partitioned recording.
  • Page 124 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual Press the SHUTTER key on the keypad to jump to previous or △ ▽ subsequent marked frames. When a marked frame is being displayed on the screen, a text of [MARKER FRAME x] is shown with the [x] being a number 1 to 10 representing the serial number of each marked frame within the currently played recording.
  • Page 125: Chapter 5 Connecting Apx Rs To Pc

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual Chapter 5 Connecting APX RS to PC 5.1. Connecting APX RS to a PC 5.2. Connecting Multiple APX RS’s to a PC 5.3. Connecting Mixed Models of FASTACM Cameras to a PC -123-...
  • Page 126: Connecting Apx Rs To A Pc

    APX RS camera to a PC using various types of interface. The FASTCAM APX RS camera can be fully operated from the PC via digjtal interface. For details of the control software (PFV – Photron FASTCAM Viewer) operation, see the FASTCAM Control Software Operation Manual. The IEEE1394 interface is factory-installed in the APX RS camera prior to shipment from the plant.
  • Page 127: Connecting Multiple Apx Rs Cameras To A Pc

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 5.2. Connecting Multiple APX RS Cameras to a PC Multiple APX RS cameras can be connected to a PC for integrated, synchronized control. Caution: When hooking up cameras to a PC, be sure not to duplicate ID numbers: each camera must have a unique ID number.
  • Page 128 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual Example Note: For synchronized recording operation with multiple APX RS cameras, see Subsection 3.11.3. of this manual. -126-...
  • Page 129: Connecting Mixed Models Of Cameras To A Pc

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 5.3. Connecting Mixed Models of Cameras to a PC The APX RS is capable of working in synchronization with other IEEE1394 compatible FASTCAM-series cameras such as the APX and Ultima 1024R2 in a multiple-camera system with mixed models under control from a PC. When connecting cameras to a PC, be sure the ID numbers do not duplicate: each camera must have a unique ID.
  • Page 130 Right-click on the screen, with the mouse cursor on the LIVE image screen, to display the camera selection tab. You can set up the camera whose LIVE image is being displayed on the monitor screen. The below figure shows the PFV (Photron FASTACM Viewer) operation screen.
  • Page 131: Chapter 6 Specifications

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual Chapter 6 Specifications 6.1. Specifications 6.2. Mechanical Data 6.3. How to Care Lenses -129-...
  • Page 132: Specifications

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 6.1. Specifications 6.1.1. Product Specifications Imaging sensor C-MOS imaging sensor Sensor resolution 1024 x 1024 pixels Frame rate Up to 3,000 FPS, full resolution F mount (Nikon); C mount; Hi-G mount (Photosonics type, Lens Mount optional) interchangeable.
  • Page 133: Miscellaneous Information

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 6.1.2. Miscellaneous Information Operating Conditions Ambient 0 to 40 degrees Celsius (32 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit), no condensation. For temperature over 35 degrees Celsius, heat sink is required (optional) temperature 0 to 85 %, no condensation...
  • Page 134: Standard Equipment And Optional Items

    Spare power connector (for custom-made cable) MCDL/IRIG compound cable IEEE1394 optical extension unit (OpticalLinkTE/RE) 4-ch MCDL analog waveform recording unit 4-output trigger box Specifications for Selection FireWire I/F for APX RS Photron Gigabit Optical Network I/F for APX RS -132-...
  • Page 135: Frame Rates And Resolutions

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 6.1.4. Frame Rates and Resolutions Table 1 Frame Resolution (pixels) Resolution Rate 128 × 128 × 128 × 128 × 32 128 × 48 128 × 64 (pixels) (FPS) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 50(PAL) ✓...
  • Page 136 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual Table 2 Frame Resolution (pixels) Resolution Rate 256 × 256 × 256 × 256 × 320 × 256 × 64 (pixels) (FPS) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 50(PAL) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓...
  • Page 137 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual Table 3 Frame Resolution (pixels) Resolution Rate 512 × 512 × 512 × 512 × 512 × 512 × (pixels) (FPS) 1024 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 50(PAL) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓...
  • Page 138 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual Table 4 Frame Resolution (pixels) Resolution Rate 1024 × 640 × 480 1024 × 128 1024 × 256 1024 × 512 (pixels) (FPS) 1024 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 50(PAL) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓...
  • Page 139: Number Of Recorded Images Vs. Resolution

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 6.1.5. Number of Recorded Images vs. Resolution Model1 Model2 Display size No. of Recorded Images No. of Recorded Images (Resolution in pixels) 8 G B memory 2.6 GB memory 1024 × 1024 2,048 6,144 1024 × 512...
  • Page 140: Rs422 Serial Control Commands

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 6.1.6. RS422 Serial Control Commands RS422 Protocol and Commands RS422 Communication Commands The APX RS camera has a UART-type asynchronous system with its NRZ (Nonreturn-to-Zero) format comprising 8 data bits, 2 stop bits, and nonparity bit. The baud rate is 4800.
  • Page 141 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual UP ↑ 0x79 DOWN ↓ 0x7A LEFT ← 0x7B RIGHT → 0x7C Camera Information Acquisition Commands Camera setup information is acquired using the following commands. Each command allows you to obtain necessary camera information. Camera Information Acquisition Commands...
  • Page 142 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual Camera Information Response Commands The APX camera system returns the camera information to the requiring command. The returned information includes a camera information command indicating the kind of camera information followed by setup response command that shows the setup details.
  • Page 143 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual RANDOM FRAME 0xE0 00000001 ~ 0xxxxxxx MANUAL TRIGGER 0xE1 00000001 ~ 0xxxxxxx RAMNDOM M TRIGGER 0xE2 00000001 ~ 0xxxxxxx RANDOM E TIMES 0xE3 00000001 ~ 00000010 00000002 : 1/2 TWO STAGES 0xE4 00000003 : 1/4 00000004 : 1/8 00000001 :...
  • Page 144 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 00000001 : 5100K COLOR TEMP 0xEB 00000002 : 3100K 00000003 : USER 1 00000004 : USER2 00000001 : D1 LUT SELECT 0xEC 00000002 : D2 00000003 : D3 00000004 : D4 00000005 : D5 00000006 : USER 00000001 :...
  • Page 145: Status Out

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual Digit of Setup Response Commands 0x30 0x31 0x32 0x33 0x34 0x35 0x36 0x37 0x38 0x39 6.1.7. STATUS OUT By turning the STATUS OUT on in the menu, you can set the camera in the status where it always outputs image data in the serial format. The camera statuses where serial output can be made are LIVE, MEMORY, READY, REC and ENDLESS.
  • Page 146: Shutter Speed Table (Coarse Steps)

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 6.1.8. Shutter Speed Table (COARSE Steps) The following table shows the shutter speeds available for the COARSE setup of shutter speeds. After 1/2,000 seconds, however, the speed increases at a fine step of 1/1,000 seconds up to the highest speed of 1/250,000 seconds.
  • Page 147 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 1024 1/79,000 1/79,000 1/80,000 1/79,000 1/81,000 1/81,000 1/81,000 1/80,000 1/92,000 1/91,000 1/90,000 1/91,000 1/92,000 1/92,000 1/91,000 1/90,000 1/104,000 1/101,000 1/101,000 1/99,000 1/102,000 1/100,000 1/100,000 1/100,000 1/154,000 1/151,000 1/155,000 1/150,000 1/153,000 1/150,000 1/150,000 1/149,000 1/190,000 1/203,000 1/194,000 1/203,000 1/197,000 1/205,000 1/199,000 1/202,000...
  • Page 148 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 1/246000 sec. 1/500000 sec. and 1/1000000 sec. Example 3: For Resolution/Frame Rate Set in VARIABLE Setting Mode For a parameter setting of 10000 FPS and 256 x 256 resolution, for example, the maximum allowable resolution is 256 x 512 pixels, and so the maximum horizontal resolution is 256 pixels.
  • Page 149: Mechanical Data

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 6.2. Mechanical Data 6.2.1. Camera (in millimeters) 131.4 54.95 196.9 141.45 3/8-16UNC depth6 146.45 1/4-20UNC depth6 POWER LINK TRIGGER IRIG REC 161.45 IEEE 1394 φ4.5 depth5.5 VIDEO OUT 1 GENERAL IN 175.45 234.9 DC OUT VIDEO OUT 2...
  • Page 150: Keypad (In Millimeters)

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 6.2.2. Keypad (in millimeters) Cable 5m 20.8 10.15 Frame Trigger ZOOM SCROLL Resolution Shutter Rate Mode PARTITION / PLAYBACK RETE MENU BACK SEGMENT PLAYBACK ENTER ON/OFF START STOP slow fast PLAY STORE LIVE REC READY PAUSE STOP 39.7...
  • Page 151: Care Of Lenses

    FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual 6.3. Care of Lenses The surface of photographic lenses has thin coatings that reduce unwanted reflections. Extra care must be taken to protect these fragile coatings. Protect the lens by installing a lens cap when you are not using the camera. Brush the lens gently with a camel hairbrush or loosely folded piece of lens paper to remove dust particles.
  • Page 152 FASTCAM-APX RS Hardware Manual In Americas and Antipodes: PHOTRON USA, INC. 9520 Padgett Street, Suite 110 San Diego, CA 92126-4446, USA Phone: 858-684-3555 Fax: 858-684-3558 E-mail: image@photron.com www.photron.com In Europe, Africa and India: PHOTRON EUROPE LIMITED Willowbank House 84 Station Road Marlow, Bucks SL7 1NK, U.K.

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