AMX AXB-PT15 User Manual
AXB-PT15
PosiTrack Camera Controller
instruction manual
Camera Controllers
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction ...............................................................................................................1
Specifications .................................................................................................................... 2
Lens Control Modes .......................................................................................................... 3
Servomotor Mode..................................................................................................................... 3
Motor Mode .............................................................................................................................. 3
Pan and Tilt Control........................................................................................................... 3
Zoom, Focus, and Iris Control........................................................................................... 3
Sample Product Application .............................................................................................. 4
Pre-Installation ..........................................................................................................5
Configuration Settings ....................................................................................................... 6
Setting zoom, focus, and iris switches to servomotor or motor mode...................................... 6
Setting the RS-232 DIP switch (S2) ......................................................................................... 6
Setting the AXlink Device DIP switch (S5) ............................................................................... 8
Accessing the AXB-PT15 Internal Jumpers ...................................................................... 8
Setting the Internal Jumper Communication Mode ......................................................... 10
Configuring An External Camera/Lens Power Supply..................................................... 11
Installation ...............................................................................................................13
Mounting the PT15 .......................................................................................................... 13
AXB-PT15 Camera/Lens Mounting and Balancing ......................................................... 14
Wiring the Connectors..................................................................................................... 17
Wiring Guidelines ............................................................................................................ 18
Preparing captive wires .......................................................................................................... 18
Using the AXlink connector for data with external power ....................................................... 19
Using the AXlink connector with an external RS-232 control device or PC ........................... 19
Using the RS-232 DB-9 connector ......................................................................................... 20
Preparing the PosiTrack Controllers for communication ........................................................ 20
Using the lens control DB-15 HD (high density) connector .................................................... 21
Pan Characteristics ......................................................................................................... 22
Setting the adjustable pan-limit stops .................................................................................... 23
Tilt Characteristics........................................................................................................... 23
Setting the adjustable tilt-limit stops ....................................................................................... 23
AXB-PT15 PosiTrack Camera Controller
1
Table of Contents
Programming ..........................................................................................................25
Configuration Commands ............................................................................................... 25
Channel Commands ....................................................................................................... 33
Pan/tilt functions..................................................................................................................... 33
Motor mode lens functions ..................................................................................................... 34
Preset functions .................................................................................................................... 34
Levels.............................................................................................................................. 36
Level applications................................................................................................................... 36
Send_Commands ........................................................................................................... 36
Diagnostic error values .......................................................................................................... 39
Preset parameters and commands ........................................................................................ 40
RS-232 commands ................................................................................................................ 42
RS-232 Send_Strings ............................................................................................................ 44
Stand-Alone RS-232 Protocol ......................................................................................... 44
Response mask ..................................................................................................................... 46
Upgrading the Firmware ........................................................................................47
Communicating with the Controller via the Program Port ............................................... 47
Verifying the current version of PosiTrack Firmware ...................................................... 48
Upgrading the Firmware Using SOFTROM .................................................................... 50
Configuration.......................................................................................................................... 50
Downloading the Firmware .................................................................................................... 51
2
AXB-PT15 PosiTrack Camera Controller
Introduction
The AXB-PT15 PosiTrack 15 (FG630-63 and FG630-64) Camera Controller (FIG. 1) is a
camera/lens controllers used for precise camera-positioning applications. This PosiTrack unit
supports both AXlink and RS-232 control protocols and connects directly to an AXlink network.
All controllers contain on-board intelligence for consistent motion and lens control.
Introduction
Dual Camera/Lens Cradle Assembly
FIG. 1 AXB-PT15 PosiTrack Camera Controller (side view)
The following table shows the PosiTrack unit lens compatibility.
PosiTrack Unit Lens Compatibility
Fujinon Lenses Canon Lenses
MD KTSA
BMD RGE PZF
AMSR R
MPX REA
SNPY REA-IA
MDM REA-IA PZF
SNDS RGE
AXB-PT15 PosiTrack Camera Controller
1
Introduction
Specifications
The following table lists the specifications for all PosiTrack units.
Specifications
Dimensions (HWD):
AXB-PT15 • Camera controller: 6.43" x 5.61" x 5.38"
(16.32 cm x 14.25 cm x 13.67 cm)
• Camera mount: 0.65" x 2.26" x 3.23" (1.75 cm x 5.74 cm x 8.21 cm)
• Cradle support bracket: 3.64" x 5.50" x 0.20"
(9.25 cm x 13.97 cm x 0.51 cm)
Power Consumption: • 4 A max @ 12 VDC
Weight: • 10.51 lbs. (4.77 kg)
Enclosure: • Metal with enamel and anodized matte finish
Angular Travel: • Pan ± 179° (358° total)
• Tilt ± 90° (180° total)
Noise Criteria: • NC-20
Maximum Speed: • Pan 55°/sec.
• Tilt 55°/sec.
Weight Capacity: • 15 lbs. (6.80 kg) balanced lens/camera weight (maximum)
Repeatability: • ± 3 arc minutes
DIP Switches: • (S2) - RS-232 communication (baud rate)
• (S5) - AXlink communication (device #)
Presets: • Stores up to 255 presets for pan, tilt, zoom, focus, and iris operations.
• 127 of those presets return a status when queried.
Relays: Solid-state relays for servomotor lens mode control (zoom/focus speed/position
and iris local/auto)
Optical Centerline: • Optical centerline is between 1/2” and 5" above the mounting plane of the
camera/lens .
• This allows the mounting of the camera/lens so that the tilt axis is capable of
going through the optical axis of the camera.
Environmental Parameters: 32° F to 120° F (0° C to 48.8° C) ambient temperature range
Control Panel: • RS-232 DB-9 connector (300 baud - 38.4 KB communication for camera
control)
• DB-15 high density connector (lens control)
• Lens power switch (powers or isolates the camera lens)
• AXlink 4-pin connector (provides AXlink, RS-232 stand-alone
communication, and power connection points)
Battery: Lithium battery to protect preset memory (up to 10 years)
Connectors: • 4-pin captive wire (AXlink)
• DB-15 HD 15-pin high-density (female) for lens control
• DB-9 9-pin D-sub (male) for RS-232 camera control
Other AMX Equipment: • CC-CAM lens control cable (specify make and model)
• CC-CAM RS-232 camera control cable (specify make and model)
• Pedestal mount (PM-CAM, PosiTrack Pedestal Mount)
• Tripod mount (TM-CAM, PosiTrack Tripod Mount Adapter)
• Wall-mount bracket (WM-CAM, PosiTrack Wall Mount)
2
AXB-PT15 PosiTrack Camera Controller
Introduction
Lens Control Modes
The Servomotor and Motor modes are two Analog Voltage Control methods available on the
PosiTrack units.
Servomotor Mode
This method is generally used in broadcast or videoconference-style lenses. The voltage range used
for servomotor style lenses is +2.5 to +7.5 VDC. These lenses can be controlled in two different
modes: positional mode and speed mode.
Positional mode is the most common Servomotor mode. When voltage changes, the lens
moves and remains still until the voltage changes again. For example, if a lens receives a
voltage of +3 VDC, the lens moves to the corresponding position and stays there as long
as the voltage remains at +3 VDC. The movement speed of the lens motor is a function of
the PosiTrack unit’s analog output. The lens servomotor receives the preset voltage when
a preset is recalled in the positional mode.
Speed mode moves the lens when the voltage deviates from the center point of its range.
The farther the voltage moves away from the center point of reference, the faster the lens
motor moves. The lens must have POT outputs when recalling a preset in this mode,. The
outputs pass to the PosiTrack unit, and when the received voltage level matches the level
stored in the preset, the voltage returns to zero. Servomotor speed mode lenses not having
POT outputs do not have preset recall capability.
Motor Mode
Motor mode is used when the lens requires the motors be directly driven from an external source.
The standard voltage ranges are ± 6 VDC or ± 12 VDC with a center (no motion) of 0 VDC. Unlike
servomotor lenses, these only operate in speed mode.
The lens moves in relation to the voltage offset from zero. The farther the voltage moves away from
the center point, the faster the lens motor moves. The lens must have POT outputs when recalling a
preset in this mode, these outputs are then passed to the PosiTrack unit. When the received voltage
level matches the level stored in the preset, the voltage returns to zero. Motor mode lenses not
having POT outputs do not have preset recall capability.
Pan and Tilt Control
Presets and travel limit stops are based on encoder counts from a home position index, located at
the center of each axis’ range of motion.
Zoom, Focus, and Iris Control
Each PosiTrack unit delivers a low voltage pulse-width-modulated output for zoom, focus, and iris
functions for motor mode lenses. These units are also capable of receiving reference voltage rails
and sending zoom, focus, and iris control signals in response to these rails. In this setting
(slide-switch configured), no active control signals will reach the lens before power (+ 12 VDC and
GND) is supplied to the lens. This motor mode applies to the control of the Fujinon and Canon
teleconferencing lenses. During preset recall operation, these outputs are synchronized with the pan
and tilt motions.
AXB-PT15 PosiTrack Camera Controller
3
Introduction
Refer to the PosiTrack Unit Lens Compatibility table on page 1. Four solid state relays are also
provided to control the zoom, focus, and iris speed/position mode selection and iris local/auto
selection on the Fujinon MD series and Canon KTSA series lenses.
Sample Product Application
FIG. 2 shows a sample camera control application using the AXB-PT15.
Application #1 - AXlink
GND
RX2
TX2
TX
AMX AXP-PLV
AXM
485EN
GND
GND
RX
TX
RX
TX1
RX1
RS-232 / 422 AXlink PWR
PWR cable
12VDC
AXP
PWR
AMX AXB-PT15
PWR cable
AMX ABS (AXlink Bus Strip)
12 VDC
Powe r S up ply
AXlink
AXlink
AMX AXB-EM232 (rear view)
V
CTS2
RTS2
RS-232
12 VDC
Power S up pl y
Application #2 - RS-232
AMX AXB-PT15
Local 12 VDC
PWR cable
power supply
FIG. 2 Sample AXB-PT15 camera product application
Use a separate power supply to power each PosiTrack unit. Power to the PosiTrack
unit is supplied from the external power supply to the unused power pin on the
PosiTrack unit’s AXlink connector.
The AXB-PT5 unit requires the use of a 12 VDC-compliant power supply which meets
the power requirements outlined within the Specifications table on page 2.
PC or other
RS-232
controller
4
AXB-PT15 PosiTrack Camera Controller
Pre-Installation
There are four SPDT slide switches in the lens control section (FIG. 3). Three of the switches
toggle the lens control selection between servomotor or motor mode hardware for control of zoom,
focus, and iris. The fourth selects between ± 6 VDC and ± 12 VDC control for motor mode lens
functions.
An SPDT switch is a Single Pole-Double Throw switch. This switch is completed at
both positions. An example is the Volt switch that is active in both the 6 and 12
positions.
Each PosiTrack unit consists of two main Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs):
PosiTrack Processor PCB (PosiTrack Mother Board) contains the main processor,
2MB FlashROM, and 2MB SRAM.
PosiTrack Power Management PCB (PosiTrack Daughter Board) contains power
conditioning circuitry, control outputs/inputs to the pan/tilt drives, and zoom/focus/iris
outputs, and inputs to the lenses.
Pre-Installation
The following table shows the necessary tools when working on the PosiTracks.
Necessary Tools
AXB-PT15
3/32 HEX KEY Camera Alignment Peg
3/16 HEX KEY Camera Mount Screw
1/16 HEX KEY Cover Screws and Connector
Bezel
5/64 HEX KEY Tilt Arm Screws
3/32 HEX KEY Camera Mount ADJ. Screws
AXB-PT15 PosiTrack Camera Controller
5
Pre-Installation
Configuration Settings
Ther PosiTrack 15 unit contains switches for setting the control mode, lens control voltage, RS-232
baud rate, and AXlink address. Before installing the PosiTrack unit, you must set the DIP switches,
lens control mode switches, and lens control voltage switch.
AXlink
S6 VOLT
6 12
S1 ZOOM
S M
S3 FOCUS
S M
S4 IRIS
S M
FIG. 3 Lens control section (back panel)
LED
RS-232
AXlink
Setting zoom, focus, and iris switches to servomotor or motor mode
The PosiTrack unit supports servomotor (+2.5 to +7.5 VDC operating range) and direct-drive motor
(± 6 VDC or ± 12 VDC operating range) lens control. The table below shows how to set the
switches for servomotor mode (S) or motor mode (M). If you are using a direct-drive lens, refer to
the manufacturer's literature to set the VOLT switch for ± 6 or ± 12 VDC control.
Servomotor and Motor Voltage Switch Settings
Servomotor mode Motor mode (+ 6 VDC) Motor mode (+ 12 VDC)
VOLT
6 12
ZOOM
S M
FOCUS
S M
IRIS
S M
VOLT
ZOOM
FOCUS
IRIS
6 12
S M
S M
S M
VOLT
6 12
ZOOM
S M
FOCUS
S M
IRIS
S M
Setting the RS-232 DIP switch (S2)
The RS-232 DIP switch (S2) positions 1 and 2 set the stop and data bits, positions 3 through 5 set
the parity, and positions 6 through 8 set the baud rate. FIG. 4 shows the RS-232 DIP switch.
RS-232
DIP switch
(S2)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
FIG. 4 RS-232 communications parameters DIP switch (S2) (default setting)
6
AXB-PT15 PosiTrack Camera Controller
Pre-Installation
The PosiTrack unit contains one EIA RS-232C standard port for equipment that requires RS-232
control. The following communication protocols are supported:
300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, and 38400 baud
7, 8, or 9 Data bits
1 or 2 Stop bits
Even, Odd, and None parity settings
The RS-232 factory default communications settings are: 9600 baud, No Parity, 8 bits, and 1 stop
bit. The following table lists the RS-232 Port DB-9 (male) pinouts.
RS-232 Port DB-9 (male) Pinouts
Pin Signal Function
1N/AN/A
2RXDRXD
3TXDTXD
4N/AN/A
5GNDGND
6N/AN/A
7RTSRTS
8CTSCTS
9N/AN/A
The following table lists the RS-232 DIP switch settings.
RS-232 DIP Switch (S2) Settings
Position 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Function Stop Bits Data Bits Parity Baud Rates
Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off
2 bits 7 bits Unused 300
On On On Off Off On Off Off
1 bit 8 bits Unused 600
Off On Off Off On Off
Unused 1,200
On On Off On On Off
Unused 2,400
Off Off On Off Off On
Unused 4,800
On Off On On Off On
Even 9,600
Off On On Off On On
Odd 19,200
On On On On On On
None 38,400
AXB-PT15 PosiTrack Camera Controller
7
Pre-Installation
Setting the AXlink Device DIP switch (S5)
The eight-position Device DIP switch (S5), shown in FIG. 5, must match the number assigned in
the Axcess software program. The Device DIP switch example is set to 90 (2 + 8 + 16 + 64 = 90),
the factory default setting.
AXlink
DIP switch
(S5)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
FIG. 5 AXlink device DIP switch (S5) (default value of 90)
The AXlink device number range is 1-255. The Device DIP switch positions determines their
values, based on the following table:
Device DIP Switch (S5) Settings and Values
Position 12 34567 8
Value 1 2 4 8 16 32 64 128
After setting the AXlink device number, remove and reconnect the AXlink connector on the
PosiTrack unit to save the new number.
Accessing the AXB-PT15 Internal Jumpers
Jumpers J6 through J8, located on the circuit board inside the PT15, set the communication mode to
AXlink (factory default) or RS-232.
You need a 5/64” (1.98 mm) and 1/16” (1.59 mm) Allen wrench to open the unit, and a pair of non-
conducting pliers to set the jumpers using the following steps.
Remove the control panel before you remove the cover, in order to avoid any damage
to the unit.
1. Discharge any accumulated static electricity from your body before removing the enclosure.
Remove the static electricity by touching a grounded metal object.
2. Unplug all connectors from the rear panel of the PosiTrack unit.
3. Remove the four screws, located around the connector panel (FIG. 6), by using the 1/16” Allen
wrench. BHSC is the abbreviation for the Button Head Socket Cap screws.
8
AXB-PT15 PosiTrack Camera Controller
Pre-Installation
BHSC screws
(two screws
BHSC screws
(two screws on top)
in rear)
Tilt-head screws (four
screws available)
Powe r
Switch
AMX
LENS POWER
RS-232
LENS
CAM
AXlink
BHSC screws
(five screws on each side)
Connector panel
(four screws)
FIG. 6 Pan-head screw locations
4. Carefully pull the connector panel away from the main unit until the bottom edge of the cover
clears the connector panel. Be careful not to damage the pins attached to the connector panel.
FIG. 7 illustrates how to remove the control panel.
Pins that connect
the control panel
to the motherboard
FIG. 7 Control panel removal for AXB-PT15
5. Using the 1/16” Allen wrench, remove the 14 BHSC screws, from the left, right, top, and back
sides of the PosiTrack unit.
6. Carefully pull the cover straight up from the main unit, until the bottom edge of the cover
clears the connector panel and then slide it backwards (as seen in FIG. 8).
FIG. 8 Removing cover on the AXB-PT15
AXB-PT15 PosiTrack Camera Controller
9
Pre-Installation
Setting the Internal Jumper Communication Mode
1. Locate jumpers J6, J7, and J8 communication mode jumpers on the Mother PCB (FIG. 9). The
connectors and the main board are mounted onto the pan base.
2. Set the jumpers for either AXlink or RS-232 communication.
Jumper
locations
(3 pair)
J8
J6
J6, J7, and J8
communication
mode settings
Lens control
section
FIG. 9 Communication mode jumpers J6, J7, and J8 (factory default set to AXlink)
3. Set the jumpers for either AXlink or RS-232 communication.
Jumper Settings (top view)
AXlink (pins 1 & 2) RS-232 (pins 2 & 3)
AXlink
RS-232
MOTOR
Jumper 8
Jumper 7
Jumper 6
Pin #s 1 2 3
AXlink
RS-232
MOTOR
Jumper 8
Jumper 7
Jumper 6
Pin #s 1 2 3
For RS232 stand-alone mode, the 8-position AXlink Device DIP switch must be set to
all off (down position).
4. Carefully place the cover back onto the main unit by sliding it over the internal gears and
motherboard.
5. Align the Control panel screw holes. Make sure the cables are not pinched in the back panel or
drive gears.
10
6. Insert the 14 BHSC screws and tighten securely using the 1/16” Allen wrench.
7. Carefully insert the connector panel, on the PT15, into the opening on the side of the unit and
connect it to the motherboard located inside the unit.
8. Firmly secure the control panel to the motherboard.
AXB-PT15 PosiTrack Camera Controller
Pre-Installation
9. Using the 1/16” Allen wrench, insert the four BHSC screws, located around the connector
panel.
10. Use the wire tie-mount to secure connector cables.
Configuring An External Camera/Lens Power Supply
The camera/lens power switch, located between the AXlink and DB-15 connectors, regulates the
power to the camera/lens from the PosiTrack unit (see FIG. 6).
The power switch opens (turns Off) or closes (turns On) the circuit feeding power to the camera/
lens assembly. Refer to the Wiring the Connectors section on page 17 for more information about
the control panel.
Flip the Lens Power switch to the left if you are only providing power to the camera/lens
assembly through the PosiTrack unit.
Flip the Lens Power switch to the right if you are providing external power to the camera/
lens assembly. By turning the switch Off, the dedicated +12 VDC stops providing
additional power to the camera/lens; preventing damage to power supplies and noise in
the video cables.
AXB-PT15 PosiTrack Camera Controller
11
Pre-Installation
12
AXB-PT15 PosiTrack Camera Controller
Installation
IMPORTANT! READ THIS DOCUMENT BEFORE MOUNTING CAMERA.
Proper balance of the camera mount (with camera/lens/cradle) will result in optimal
performance. Follow these balancing instructions prior to operation. Failure to
balance the camera mount can result in poor performance.
This PosiTrack unit enables pan and tilt functionality for mounted camera/lens assemblies and
provides lens control functions for teleconferencing lenses. Digital encoders are installed on both
the pan and tilt drives, allowing positional feedback for presets, and to provide accurate speed
control. Software adjustable stop limits are used on the pan and tilt drives to limit the range of
motion.
Do not mount a PosiTrack unit in any location where the motion of the camera/lens is
obstructed by any object.
Installation
Mounting the PT15
Mount the PosiTrack unit to a flat horizontal surface, either upright or inverted.
1. Select a surface that can support the combined weight of the PT15, the camera/lens, and
control cables. Some support surfaces available for use with these units include the WM-CAM,
PM-CAM, and TM-CAM mounts.
2. Locate the external white position markers located on the pan and tilt axis. The position
markers must align with the pan and tilt axis in order to be considered in the home position.
FIG. 10 shows the camera cradle attachment in the center position.
Tilt Hub
Central tilt-axis
Camera cradle
mounting holes
Camera points this way
Position markers, located on the
outer surfaces, mark the center for
the vertical range of camera motion
Pan hub (mounting plate)
FIG. 10 Center position for the camera cradle attachment
3. Mount the PosiTrack unit to a flat surface by drilling four holes, according to the mounting-
plate dimensions shown in FIG. 11. Secure the unit to the surface using four 1/4” x 20 machine
bolts and lock washers. Ensure that the external white position marker, on the pan drive
hub, is inside the desired camera rotation range.
AXB-PT15 PosiTrack Camera Controller
13
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