Sony BRC-H900 User Manual

A-E99-100-11 (1)

HD Color Video Camera

Command List

Version 1.00

BRC-H900

Table of Contents

VISCA RS-232C/RS-422 Commands .................. 3

Overview of VISCA ........................................... 3

VISCA Communication Specifications ............. 4

VISCA Device Setting Command ..................... 6

VISCA Command/ACK Protocol ...................... 7

VISCA Camera-Issued Messages ...................... 8

BRC-H900 Commands ......................................... 9

BRC-H900 Command List (1/5)........................ 9

BRC-H900 Command List (2/5)...................... 10

BRC-H900 Command List (3/5)...................... 11

BRC-H900 Command List (4/5)...................... 12

BRC-H900 Command List (5/5)...................... 13

BRC-H900 Inquiry Command List (1/3) ......... 14

BRC-H900 Inquiry Command List (2/3) ......... 15

BRC-H900 Inquiry Command List (3/3) ......... 16

BRC-H900 Block Inquiry Command List ....... 17

VISCA Command Setting Values .................... 25

Pan/Tilt Status Code List ................................. 27

Memory Function (Inquiry Commands) .......... 28

Revision History .................................................. 29

VISCA1) RS-232C/RS422 Commands

Use of RS-232C/RS-422 control software based upon this command list may cause malfunction or damage to hardware and software. Sony Corporation is not liable for any such damage.

Overview of VISCA

In VISCA, the side outputting commands, for example, a computer, is called the controller, while the side receiving the commands, such as a BRC-H900, is called the peripheral device. The BRC-H900 serves as a peripheral device in VISCA. In VISCA, up to seven peripheral devices like the BRC-H900 can be connected to one controller using communication conforming to the RS-232C/RS-422 standard. The parameters of RS232C/RS-422 are as follows.

• Communication speed: 9600 bps/38400 bps

• Data bits : 8

• Start bit : 1

• Stop bit : 1

• Non parity Flow control using XON/XOFF and RTS/CTS, etc., is not supported.

Note

In the same network, all the camera address selectors should be set to “0” (automatic setting) or all the selectors should be manually set to “1” to “7”. Do not mix the automatic and manual settings.

Each VISCA equipment has VISCA IN and VISCA OUT connectors. Set the DTR input (the S output of the controller) of VISCA IN to H when controlling VISCA equipment from the controller.

Fig. 1 VISCA network configuration

VISCA Controller

VISCA Equipment

OUT

Peripheral devices are connected in a daisy chain. As shown in Fig. 1, the actual internal connection is a onedirection ring, so that messages return to the controller via the peripheral devices. The devices on the network are assigned addresses. The address of the controller is fixed at 0. The addresses of peripheral devices are as follows.

When the camera address selector is set to 0 (automatic setting mode)

The peripheral devices are assigned to the addresses, 1, 2, 3… in the connected order, starting from the one connected nearest to the controller. These addresses are set when the controller sends address commands during initialization of the network.

When the camera address selector is set to 1 through 7 (manual setting mode)

The addresses of the peripheral devices will be set to the pre-selected numbers. Within a single system, the same number can be used only once. If an address selector number other than 0 is used, set the camera address selectors on the connected BRC-H900 cameras to different numbers.

OUT

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................

1) VISCA is a protocol developed by Sony for controlling a consumer’s camcorder. “VISCA” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

VISCA Communication Specifications

VISCA packet structure

The basic unit of VISCA communication is called a packet (Fig. 2). The first byte of the packet is called the header and comprises the sender’s and receiver’s addresses. For example, the header of the packet sent to the BRC-H900 assigned address 1 from the controller (address 0) is 81H in hexadecimal. The packet sent to the

Packet (3 to 16 bytes)

BRC-H900 assigned address 2 is 82H. In the command list, as the header is 8X, input the address of the BRCH900 to X. The header of the reply packet from the BRC-H900 assigned address 1 is 90H. The packet from the BRC-H900 assigned address 2 is A0H. Some of the setting commands for BRC-H900 can be sent to all devices at one time (broadcast). In the case of broadcast, the header should be 88H in hexadecimal. When the terminator is FFH, it signifies the end of the packet.

Header Terminator

Byte 1 Byte 2 Byte 3

Sender’s

Bit 7

(MSB)

Note

address

Bit 6 Bit 5 Bit 4 Bit 3 Bit 2 Bit 1 Bit 0

Receiver’s address

Message (1 to 14 bytes)

(LSB)

Fig. 2 Packet structure

Fig. 2 shows the packet structure, while Fig. 3 shows the actual waveform. Data flow will take place with the LSB first.

Start

Bit 0 Bit 1 Bit 2 Bit 3 Bit 4 Bit 5

bit

(LSB) (MSB)

1 byte

11111111

Bit 7

Bit 6 Bit 5 Bit 4 Bit 3 Bit 2 Bit 1 Bit 0

(MSB)

Bit 6 Bit 7

Stop

bit.

(LSB)

Fig. 3 Actual waveform for 1 byte.

Timing Chart

As VISCA command processing can only be carried out a maximum of one time in a Vertical (V*) cycle, it takes maximum 4V-cycle time for an ACK/Completion to be returned. If the Command and ACK/Completion communication time is shorter than 1V-cycle time, a command can be received at every 1V cycle. From this point, if two or more commands are to be sent successively, wait for a reply command (an ACK or error message for a general command, and an inquiry packet for an inquiry command) of the previous command to be received before sending the next command.

*1V=16.7 msec (NTSC, 1080/59.94i, 720/59.94p), 20 msec (PAL, 1080/ 50i, 720/50p)

General commands

Command

RxD

TxD

Inquiry commands

Command

RxD

TxD

ACK Completion

Within 4V

Inquiry Packet

16 Bytes

Command and inquiry

• Command

Sends operational commands to the BRC-H900.

• Inquiry

Used for inquiring about the current state of the BRCH900.

Command Packet Note

Inquiry 8X QQ RR ... FF QQ1) = Command/Inquiry,

QQ = 01 (Command), 09 (Inquiry)

RR = 00 (Interface), 04 (camera 1), 06 (Pan/Tilter)

X = 1 to 7: BRC-H900 address

= category code

For actual values to be sent, see Command Lists or Inquiry Command Lists.

Responses for commands and inquiries

• ACK message

Returned by the BRC-H900 when it receives a command. No ACK message is returned for an inquiry.

• Completion message

Returned by the BRC-H900 when execution of commands or inquiries is completed. In the case of inquiry commands, reply data for the inquiry is contained after the 3rd byte of the packet. If the ACK message is omitted, the socket number will contain 0.

Reply Packet Note

Ack X0 4Y FF Y = socket number Completion (Commands) X0 5Y FF Y = socket number Completion (Inquiries) X0 5Y ... FF Y = socket number X = 9 to F: BRC-H900 address + 8

• Error message

When a command or inquiry command could not be executed or failed, an error message is returned instead of a completion message.

Error Packet Description

X0 6Y 01 FF Message length error X0 6Y 02 FF Syntax Error X0 6Y 03 FF Command buffer full X0 6Y 04 FF Command canceled X0 6Y 05 FF No socket (to be canceled) X0 6Y 41 FF Command not executable X = 9 to F: BRC-H900 address + 8, Y = socket number

Socket number

When command messages are sent to the BRC-H900, it is normal to send the next command message after receiving the completion message or error message. However, to deal with advanced uses, the BRC-H900 has two buffers (memories) for commands, so that up to two commands including the commands currently being executed can be received. (There is a wait longer than a 1V cycle between commands.) However, depending on the command, it may be necessary to wait until the first command is completed. When the BRC-H900 receives commands, it notifies the sender which command buffer was used, using the socket number of the ACK message. As the completion message or error message also has a socket number, it indicates which command has ended. Even when two command buffers are being used, a BRC-H900 management command and some inquiry messages can be executed. The ACK message is not returned for these commands and inquiries, and only the completion message of socket number 0 is returned.

Command execution cancel

To cancel a command which has already been sent, send a Cancel command as the next command. To cancel one of two commands which have been sent, use the cancel message.

Cancel Packet Note

Cancel 8X 2Y FF Y = socket number X = 1 to 7: BRC-H900 address, Y = socket number

Error message “Command canceled” will be returned for this command, but this is not a fault. It indicates that the command has been canceled.

Note

To cancel a command when VISCA PAN-TILT Drive (page 12) is being executed, wait at least 200 msec after executing. Then send a cancel command to ensure that PAN-TILT Drive stops effectively. To execute a PAN-TILT Drive command again, wait at least 200 msec after the message “Command canceled” has appeared.

VISCA Device Setting Command

Before starting control of the BRC-H900, be sure to send the Address command and the IF_Clear command using the broadcast function.

For VISCA network administration

• Address

Sets an address of a peripheral device. Use when initializing the network, and receiving the following network change message.

• Network Change

Sent from the peripheral device to the controller when a device is removed from or added to the network. The address must be re-set when this message is received.

Packet Note

Address 88 30 01 FF Always broadcasted. Network Change X0 38 FF X = 9 to F: BRC-H900 address + 8

VISCA interface command

• IF_Clear

Clears the command buffers in the BRC-H900. When cleared, the operation currently being executed is not guaranteed.

Command Packet Reply Packet Note

IF_Clear 8X 01 00 01 FF X0 50 FF IF_Clear (broadcast) 88 01 00 01 FF 88 01 00 01 FF X = 1 to 7: BRC-H900 address (For inquiry packet) X = 9 to F: BRC-H900 address +8 (For reply packet)

VISCA interface and inquiry

• CAM_VersionInq

Returns information on the VISCA interface.

Inquiry Inquiry Packet Reply Packet Description

CAM_VersionInq 8X 09 00 02 FF Y0 50 GG GG HH HH JJ JJ KK FF GGGG = Vender ID

(0001: Sony) HHHH = Model ID 0501: BRC-H700 0502: BRU-H700 0505: BRC-Z700 0507: BRC-Z330 050B: BRC-H900 JJJJ = ROM revision KK = Maximum socket # (02)

X = 1 to 7: BRC-H900 address (For inquiry packet) X = 9 to F: BRC-H900 address +8 (For reply packet)

VISCA Command/ACK Protocol

Command Command Message Reply Message Comments

General Command 81 01 04 38 02 FF

(Example)

81 01 04 38 FF (Example)

81 01 04 38 02 FF (Example)

81 01 04 08 02 FF (Example)

Inquiry Command 81 09 04 38 FF

Address Set 88 30 01 FF 88 30 02 FF The device address number plus 1 is returned.*

IF_Clear (Broadcast)

IF_Clear (For x) 8x 01 00 01 FF z0 50 FF (Completion) ACK is not returned for this command.

Command Cancel 8x 2y FF z0 6y 04 FF

* When the camera address selector is set to an address other than 0, the value x in 88 30 0x FF will be variable.

(Example)

81 09 05 38 FF (Example)

88 01 00 01 FF 88 01 00 01 FF The same command is returned.

90 41 FF (ACK)+90 51 FF (Completion) 90 42 FF 90 52 FF

90 60 02 FF (Syntax Error)

90 60 03 FF (Command Buffer Full)

90 61 41 FF (Command Not Executable) 90 62 41 FF

90 50 02 FF (Completion) Does not return ACK.

90 60 02 FF (Syntax Error)

(Command Canceled)

z0 6y 05 FF (No Socket)

Returns ACK when a command has been accepted, or Completion when a command has been executed.

Accepted a command which is not supported or a command lacking parameters.

Could not accept the command as there are two commands currently being executed.

Could not execute the command in the current mode.

Accepted an incompatible command.

Returned when the command of the socket specified is canceled. Completion for the command canceled is not returned.

Returned when the command of the specified socket has already been completed or when the socket number specified is wrong.

Do not transmit the command (except Address Set, IF_Clear, Command Cancel, POWER (page 12)) when any menu is displayed on the screen. If displayed, clear the menu first using MENU Display OFF (page 13) Command, and then proceed.

VISCA Camera-Issued Messages

ACK/Completion Messages

Command Command Message Comments

ACK z0 4y FF

(y: Socket No.)

Completion z0 5y FF

(y: Socket No.)

z = Device address + 8

Error Messages

Command Command Message Comments

Syntax Error z0 60 02 FF Returned when the command format is different or when a command with

Command Buffer Full z0 60 03 FF Could not accept a command that is received while two commands are

Command Canceled z0 6y 04 FF

(y: Socket No.)

No Socket z0 6y 05 FF

(y: Socket No.)

Command Not Executable z0 6y 41 FF

(y: Socket No.)

Returned when the command is accepted.

Returned when the command has been executed.

illegal command parameters is accepted.

currently being executed (two sockets have been used).

Returned when a command which is being executed in a socket specified by the cancel command is canceled. The completion message for the command is not returned.

Returned when no command is executed in a socket specified by the cancel command, or when an invalid socket number is specified.

Returned when a command cannot be executed due to current conditions. For example, when a command for controlling the manual focus is received during the auto focus mode.

Network Change Message

Command Command Message Comments

Network Change z0 38 FF Issued when power is supplied to the camera.

BRC-H900 Commands

BRC-H900 Command List (1/5)

Command Set Command Command Packet Comments

EXPOSURE MODE FULL AUTO 8x 01 04 39 00 FF

MANUAL 8x 01 04 39 03 FF

SHUTTER Pri 8x 01 04 39 0A FF

IRIS Pri 8x 01 04 39 0B FF

BACK LIGHT 8x 01 04 33 02 FF Available only when MODE is set to FULL

SPOT LIGHT 8x 01 04 3A 02 FF

IRIS Reset 8x 01 04 0B 00 FF When EXPOSURE MODE is set to MANUAL or

Up (OPEN) 8x 01 04 0B 02 FF

Down (CLOSE)

Direct 8x 01 04 4B 00 00 0p 0q FF pq: See the VISCA Command Setting Values

SHUTTER Reset 8x 01 04 0A 00 FF When EXPOSURE MODE is set to MANUAL or

Up (HIGH)

Down (LOW) 8x 01 04 0A 03 FF

Direct 8x 01 04 4A 00 00 0p 0q FF pq: See the VISCA Command Setting Values

GAIN Reset 8x 01 04 0C 00 FF When EXPOSURE MODE is set to MANUAL,

Up 8x 01 04 0C 02 FF

Down 8x 01 04 0C 03 FF

Direct 8x 01 04 4C 00 00 0p 0q FF pq: See the VISCA Command Setting Values

AE SPEED Direct

AE LEVEL Reset 8x 01 04 0E 00 FF

Up 8x 01 04 0E 02 FF

Down 8x 01 04 0E 03 FF

Direct 8x 01 04 4E 00 00 00 0p FF p 5: -1.0 6: -0.5 7: 0 8: +0.5 9: +1.0

AGC ON/OFF 8x 01 7E 01 75 0p FF p 2: ON 3: OFF

AGC LIMIT Direct 8x 01 04 2C 0p FF p 0: 3dB 1: 6dB 2: 9dB 3: 12dB 4: 18dB

AGC POINT Direct 8x 01 7E 01 76 0p FF p 0: F5.6 1: F4 2: F2.8

AUTO SHUTTER

SHUTTER LIMIT

SHUTTER POINT

Direct 8x 01 7E 01 77 0p FF p 2: ON 3: OFF

Direct 8x 01 7E 01 78 0p FF p 0: 1/100 1: 1/125 2: 1/250 3: 1/500

Direct 8x 01 7E 01 79 0p FF p 0: F5.6 1: F8 2: F11 3: F16

8x 01 04 0B 03 FF

8x 01 04 0A 02 FF

8x 01 04 5D 0p FF

AUTO.

IRIS Pri, the setting is F5.6.

(IRIS) section

SHUTTER Pri, the setting is 1/60 (for 1080/

59.94i, 720/59.94p). When EXPOSURE MODE is set to MANUAL or SHUTTER Pri, the setting is 1/50 (for 1080/50i, 720/50p).

(SHUTTER) section

the setting is 0dB.

(GAIN) section

p 1: LOW 2: MID 3: HIGH

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