Sony FCB-ER8550, FCB-ER8530, FCB-CR8530, FCB-CR8550 Technical Manual

D-201-100-12(1)

Color Camera Module

Technical Manual

FCB-ER8550/8530
FCB-CR8550/8530

2018 Sony Corporation



Table of Contents

Precautions ....................................................................... 3

Locations of Controls .......................................................5

Basic Functions ................................................................. 6

Overview of Functions .....................................................................6

About the firmware update ........................................................ 18

Eclipse ................................................................................................. 23

Spectral Sensitivity Characteristics .......................................... 23

Initial Settings, Custom Preset and Backup .......................... 24

Mode Condition .............................................................................. 26

Command List .................................................................29

VISCA/RS-232C Commands ........................................................ 29

FCB Camera Commands .............................................................. 34

Specifications ................................................................. 68

Note on the License ........................................................72

2

Precautions

Software

Use of the demonstration software developed by Sony
Corporation or use of the software with customer
developed application software may damage hardware,
the application program or the camera. Sony
Corporation is not liable for any damages under these
conditions.

Operation

Start the camera control software on your computer
after you turn on the camera and the image is displayed.

Operation and storage locations

Do not shoot images that are extremely bright (e.g.,
light sources, the sun, etc.) for long periods of time. Do
not use or store the camera in the following extreme
conditions:

• Extremely hot or cold places (operating temperature
–5 ˚C to +60 ˚C (23 ˚F to 140 ˚F))

• Close to generators of powerful electromagnetic
radiation such as radio or TV transmitters

• Where it is subject to fluorescent light reflections

• Where it is subject to unstable (flickering, etc.)
lighting conditions

• Where it is subject to strong vibration

• Where it is subject to radiation from laser beams

Care of the unit

Remove dust or dirt on the surface of the lens with a
blower (commercially available).

• In case of abnormal operation, contact your
authorized Sony dealer or the store where you
purchased the product.

Handling precautions

• When handling this unit, be careful not to apply an
excessive load to all portions of the unit except for the
sheet-metal cover. Otherwise, it may result in a
failure.

• This unit is designed to be built in the housing.
Therefore, take measures to prevent the unit from
receiving the intense light such as sunlight directly
from the direction other than the front side.
Otherwise, it may cause the image quality
degradation.

Phenomena specific to CMOS image sensors

The following phenomena that may appear in images
are specific to CMOS image sensors. They do not
indicate malfunctions.

Rolling shutter

As CMOS image sensors use shutters that capture
images line-by-line, there is a slight time difference
between the top and bottom of an image. As a result,
images may appear skewed if the camera is moved.

White flecks

Although the CMOS image sensors are produced with
high-precision technologies, fine white flecks may be
generated on the screen in rare cases, caused by cosmic
rays, etc.
This is related to the principle of CMOS image sensors
and is not a malfunction.

Other

• Design and specifications are subject to change
without notice.

• Do not apply excessive voltage. (Use only the specified
voltage.) Otherwise, you may get an electric shock or
a fire may occur.

• The CMOS image sensor and IC included in this
camera may break if exposed to static electricity.
When directly handling this camera, wear an
antistatic strap, spread a conductive sheet or similar
item under your workbench, and take measures to
eliminate static electricity.

The white flecks especially tend to be seen in the
following cases:

• when operating at a high environmental temperature

• when you have raised the master gain (sensitivity)

• when operating in Slow-Shutter mode

Aliasing

When fine patterns, stripes, or lines are shot, they may
appear jagged or flicker.

3

Notes on incorporating a camera

When incorporating a camera on a device that turns
ON/OFF 3 times or more a day on average, please
confirm the temperature in the set using
communication command 'CAM_TempInq' (VISCA)
or 'CAM_Temperature' (PTP).
Please release heat until the increased temperature
inside the set at the moment the set turns on reduces
until it is stable at 12 °C or below.

Phenomena Specific to Lenses

Ghosting

If a strong light source (e.g., the sun) exists near the
incidence angle of the lens, bright spots may appear in
the image due to diffuse reflection within the lens.

About the trademark

• “Exmor R” and “StableZoom” are trademarks of Sony
Corporation.

• The terms HDMI and HDMI High-Definition
Multimedia Interface, and the HDMI Logo are
trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI
Licensing Administrator, Inc. in the United States and
other countries.

4

Front

Locations of Controls

Back

 Lens
 CN1701 connector
 Tripod screw hole

When a tripod is used, please use 6 mm (

Also, please be sure to attach the tripod securely.

Bottom

1

/4 in.) or less screw to attach it to the camera.

5

Basic Functions

Overview of Functions

The camera control is performed by VISCA and PTP
commands. For the camera control by PTP, refer to
"Camera control PTP".

In general

• Power On/Off

Powers the camera on and off.

Although the screen is set non-displayed when the
power is off, the camera is able to accept VISCA
Command.

• I/F Clear

Clears the Command buffer of the FCB camera.

• Address Set

VISCA is a protocol, which normally supports a daisy

chain of up to seven connected cameras via RS-232C
interface. In such cases, the address set command can
be used to assign addresses from 1 to 7 to each of the
seven cameras, allowing you to control the seven
cameras with the same personal computer.

Although the FCB camera does not support direct

connection of cameras in a daisy chain, be sure to use
the address set command to set the address whenever
a camera is connected for the first time.

• ID Write

Sets the camera ID.

• Mute

Blanks the screen and sends out a synchronizing

signal.

• Lens Initialize

Initializes the zoom and focus of the lens. Even when

power is turned on, it initializes the zoom and the
focus.

• APR (Auto Pixel Restoration)

During operation of the FBC camera, the temperature

of the set rises and white flecks may be generated on
the CMOS image sensor.

The APR detects and corrects the white flecks,

making them unnoticeable.

The detection function of the APR needs to be done

while white flecks are generating.

If white flecks are not being generated, such as when

the temperature of the camera is not high
immediately after the set turns on, previously
generated white flecks cannot be detected even if the
APR is used. Therefore, please be sure to use the APR
while white flecks are generating.

By turning on the APR and turning the power OFF/

ON, white flecks are detected and corrected, and then
recorded in the set.

Please be sure to turn "APR" to OFF when the APR

correction is completed. The correction data is
maintained even if "APR" is OFF.

Zoom

The FCB camera incorporates a 20× optical zoom lens
combined with a digital zoom function; this camera
allows you to zoom up to 240×.

• Optical 20×, f = 4.4 mm to 88.4 mm (F 2.0 to F 3.8)

The zoom magnification can be set in the following
methods.

Using Standard Mode
Using Variable Mode

There are eight levels of zoom speed.

In these standard and variable modes, it is necessary to send
Stop Command to stop the zoom operation.

Direct Mode

Setting the zoom position enables quick
movement to the designated position.

Digital Zoom

There are three types of zoom modes; OFF,
combined mode and separate mode.

Combined Mode

This is the previously existing zoom method.
After the optical zoom has reached its

6

maximum level, the camera switches to Digital
Zoom Mode.

Separate Mode

In this mode, Optical Zoom and Digital Zoom
can be operated separately. You can use digital
zoom magnification at any time from within
any level of optical magnification.

In the combined mode, the digital zoom range
can be set.

Super Resolution Zoom

Through the use of “all pixel super resolution
technology” developed by Sony Corporation,
this product provides superior images while
maintaining the resolution without degrading
image quality, even when magnified. By
combining with optical zoom 20×, zoom is
achieved up to 30× in 4K and 40× in FHD.

About Continuous Zoom Position Reply

With ZoomDirect mode, or when zooming according
to a preset, the camera outputs zoom position data
when Continues Zoom Position Reply is set to On via a
command.
Continues Zoom Position Reply: y0 07 04 69 0p 0p 0q
0q 0q 0q FF

pp: D-Zoom Position
qqqq: Zoom Position

Focus

Focus has the following modes.

- Normal

Reaches the highest focus speed quickly. Use this
when shooting a subject that moves frequently.
Usually, this is the most appropriate mode.

- Low

Improves the stability of the focus. When the
lighting level is low, the AF function does not take
effect, even though the brightness varies,
contributing to a stable image.

• Manual Focus Mode

Manual Focus has both a Standard Mode and a

Variable Mode. Standard Mode focuses at a fixed rate
of speed. Variable Mode has eight speed levels.

In these standard and variable modes, it is necessary to send Stop
Command to stop the zoom operation.

• One Push Trigger Mode

When a Trigger Command is sent, the lens moves to

adjust the focus for the subject. The focus lens then
holds that position until the next Trigger Command is
input.

• Near Limit

Can be set in a range from 1000 (∞) to F000 (80 mm).
Initial setting: B000h (35 cm)

• Spot focus mode

The spot focus mode allows you to focus on a specific

portion of the subject. This mode is used when it is
difficult to focus on the subject by using the normal
auto focus, and so on. The focusing spot is specified
by the area of the entire screen divided into 16-split
both vertically and horizontally.

• Auto Focus Mode

The Auto Focus (AF) function automatically adjusts

the focus position to maximise the high frequency
content of the picture in a center measurement area,
taking into consideration the high luminance and
strong contrast components.

The minimum focus distance is 80 mm at the optical

wide end and 800 mm at the optical tele end.

- Normal AF Mode

This is the normal mode for AF operations.

- Interval AF Mode

The mode used for AF movements carried out at
particular intervals. The time intervals for AF
movements and for the timing of the stops can be
set in one-second increments using the Set Time
Command. The initial setting for both is set to 5
seconds.

- Zoom Trigger Mode

When zoom position is changed,it becomes AF
mode during the pre-set value (initial setting is set
to 5 seconds). Then it stops.

• AF Sensitivity

The switching of AF sensitivity can be set.

White Balance (WB)

White Balance has the following modes.

• Auto

This mode computes the white balance value output

using color information from the entire screen. It
outputs the proper value using the color temperature
radiating from a black subject based on a range of
values from 2500K to 7500K.

This mode is the initial setting.

• ATW

Auto Tracing White balance (2000K to 10000K)

• Indoor

3200K Base Mode

• Outdoor

5800K Base Mode

• One Push WB

The One Push White Balance mode is a fixed white

balance mode that may be automatically readjusted
only at the request of the user (One Push Trigger),
assuming that a white subject, in correct lighting

7

conditions, and occupying more than 1/2 of the
image, is submitted to the camera.

One Push White Balance data is lost when the power

is turned off. If the power is turned off, reset One
Push White Balance.

• Manual WB

This is a mode that enables you to manually set the

control of R and B gain up to 256 steps.

• Outdoor Auto

This is an auto white balance mode specifically for

outdoors. It allows you to capture images with natural
white balance in the morning and evening.

• Sodium Vapor Lamp Auto

This is an auto white balance mode that is compatible

with sodium vapor lamps.

• Sodium Vapor Lamp

This is a fixed white balance mode specifically for

sodium vapor lamps.

• Sodium Vapor Lamp Outdoor Auto

This is an auto white balance mode specifically for

outdoors, which is compatible with sodium vapor
lamps.

Note

High-pressure sodium lamps are supported. Proper
white balance may not be captured for some subjects
when using low-pressure sodium lamps.

Auto Exposure Mode (AE)

A variety of AE functions are available for optimal
output of subjects in lighting conditions that range
from low to high.

• Full Auto

Iris, Gain and Shutter Speed can be set automatically.

• Gain Limit Setting

The gain limit can be set at Full Auto, Shutter Priority,

Iris Priority, Bright, Spot Exposure and Manual in AE
mode. Use this setting when you want to obtain
images with a focus on the signal-to-noise ratio.

• Shutter Priority

Adjust with Variable Shutter Speed (1/1 to 1/10,000

sec., 16 high-speed shutter speeds plus 12 low-speed
shutter speeds), Auto Iris and Gain.

1) Flicker in the East Japan area (50 Hz power supply frequency)

can be eliminated by setting shutter to 1/100s.

• Iris Priority

Adjust with Variable Iris (F2.0 to Close, 22 steps),

Auto Gain and Shutter speed

1)

• Gain

Adjust with Variable Gain (0 to 36 dB, 13 steps, 38

steps on High sensitivity mode), Auto Iris and Shutter
speed

• Manual

Adjust with Variable Shutter speed, Iris and Gain

• Bright

Adjust with Variable Iris and Gain (Close to F2.0, 34

steps and High Sensitivity Mode at 38 steps)

AE – Shutter Priority

The shutter speed can be set freely by the user to a total
of 28 steps – 16 high speeds and 12 low speeds. When
the slow shutter is set, the speed can be adjusted
according to subject brightness. The picture output is
read at a normal rate from the memory. The memory is
updated at a low rate from the CMOS. AF following
capability is lowered and also the number of frame to
be displayed is decreased.
In high speed mode, the shutter speed can be set up to
1/10,000s. The iris and gain are set automatically,
according to the brightness of the subject.

Data 59.94/29.97 mode 50/25 mode 23.98 mode

21 1/10000 1/10000 1/10000
20 1/6000 1/6000 1/4800
1F 1/4000 1/3000 1/2400

1E 1/3000 1/2500 1/1200
1D 1/2000 1/1750 1/576
1C 1/1500 1/1250 1/400

1B 1/1000 1/1000 1/288
1A 1/725 1/600 1/200

19 1/500 1/425 1/192

18 1/350 1/300 1/144

17 1/250 1/215 1/120

16 1/180 1/150 1/100

15 1/125 1/120 1/96

14 1/100 1/100 1/60

13 1/90 1/60 1/50

12 1/60 1/50 1/48

11 1/50 1/30 1/40

10 1/30 1/25 1/25

0F 1/20 1/20 1/24

0E 1/15 1/15 1/20
0D 1/10 1/12 1/12
0C 1/8 1/8 1/8

0B 1/6 1/6 1/6
0A 1/4 1/4 1/4

9 1/3 1/3 1/3
8 1/2 1/2 1/2
7 2/3 2/3 2/3
6 1/1 1/1 1/1

8

AE – Iris Priority

MIN

MAX

AGC

CLOSE

OPEN

Iris

The iris can be set freely by the user in 22 steps
between F2 and Close.
The gain and shutter speed are set automatically
according to the brightness of the subject.

Data

19 F2 0E F5.2

18 F2.2 0D F5.6

17 F2.4 0C F6.2

16 F2.6 0B F6.8

15 F2.8 0A F7.3

14 F3.1 09 F8

13 F3.4 08 F8.7

12 F3.7 07 F9.6

11 F4 06 F10

10 F4.4 05 F11

0F F4.8 00 CLOSE

Setting value

Data

Setting value

AE – Manual

The shutter speed (28 steps), iris (22 steps) and gain
(17 steps) can be set freely by the user.

Data Iris Gain Data Iris Gain

29* F2.0 48 dB 16 F2.6 0 dB
28* F2.0 45 dB 15 F2.8 0 dB
27* F2.0 42 dB 14 F3.1 0 dB
26* F2.0 39 dB 13 F3.4 0 dB

25 F2.0 36 dB 12 F3.7 0 dB
24 F2.0 33 dB 11 F4 0 dB
23 F2.0 30 dB 10 F4.4 0 dB
22 F2.0 27 dB 0F F4.8 0 dB
21 F2.0 24 dB 0E F5.2 0 dB
20 F2.0 21 dB 0D F5.6 0 dB
1F F2.0 18 dB 0C F6.2 0 dB

1E F2.0 15 dB 0B F6.8 0 dB
1D F2.0 12 dB 0A F7.3 0 dB
1C F2.0 9 dB 9 F8.0 0 dB
1B F2.0 6 dB 8 F8.7 0 dB
1A F2.0 0 dB 7 F9.6 0 dB

19 F2.0 0 dB 6 F10 0 dB

18 F2.2 0 dB 5 F11 0 dB

17 F2.4 0 dB 00 CLOSE 0 dB

*When high sensitivity mode is on.

AE – Bright

The bright control function adjusts both gain and iris
using an internal algorithm, according to a brightness
level freely set by the user. Exposure is controlled by
gain when dark, and by iris when bright.
As both gain and iris are fixed, this mode is used when
exposing at a fixed camera sensitivity. When switching
from Full Auto or Shutter Priority Mode to Bright
Mode, the current status will be retained for a short
period of time.
Only when the AE mode is set to “Full Auto” or
“Shutter Priority,” can you switch it to “Bright.”

Gain

Iris curve

Gain curve

Dark Bright

Controlled
by gain

Bright limit which controllable
for this unit

Controlled by Iris

When switching from the Shutter Priority mode to the
Bright mode, the shutter speed set in the Shutter
Priority mode is maintained.

Gain Limit Setting

The gain limit can be set at the Full Auto, Shutter
Priority and Iris Priority of the Auto Exposure Mode.
Use this setting when you want to obtain image in
which signal-to-noise ratio is particularly important.

Gain Point Setting

Set the Gain Point in the middle between 0dB and gain
limit. The shutter speed can be changed from the point
when the set gain value is reached. When you want to
obtain the motion-priority image, use this setting.

Spot Exposure Mode

In Full Auto AE, the level for the entire screen is
computed and the optimum Auto Iris and Gain levels
are determined. In Spot AE, a particular section of the
subject can be designated, and then that portion of the
image can be weighted and a value is computed so that
the Iris and Gain can be optimized to obtain an image.
For example, in an image with a lot of movement and
with varying levels of brightness, portions without
much change can be designated as such a “spot,” and
changes to the screen can be minimized in that area.
As shown in the diagram below, a range of 16 blocks
vertically and 16 blocks horizontally can be designated.
The level is calculated by the value of the surrounding
blocks (shaded) including the designated center block
(black). The range of the Spot AE frame is fixed to 5
blocks vertically and 4 blocks horizontally.

9

(8,7)

Horizontal 16

Vertical 16

0

0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
A
B
C
D
E
F

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E F

Exposure Compensation

Exposure compensation is a function which offsets the
internal reference brightness level used in the AE
mode, by steps of 1.5 dB.

High Resolution Mode

This mode enhances edges and produces higher
definition images.

Aperture Control

Aperture control is a function which adjusts the edge
enhancement of objects in the picture.
When it is set to Auto, the adjustment is performed
automatically.
When it is set to Manual, you can adjust multiple
setting items. Sometimes, the noise particle that is
generated when the gain is increased becomes
noticeable because its edge is enhanced by this
function. In this case, lower the edge enhancement
level or adjust the edge enhancement amount of noise
by “Crispening”.

Data Step

0E +7 +10.5 dB
0D +6 +9 dB
0C +5 +7.5 dB
0B +4 +6 dB
0A +3 +4.5 dB

09 +2 +3 dB

08 +1 +1.5 dB

07 0 0 dB

06 −1 −1.5 dB

05 −2 −3 dB

04 −3 −4.5 dB

03 −4 −6 dB

02 −5 −7.5 dB

01 −6 −9 dB

00 −7 −10.5 dB

Setting value

Slow AE (Auto Exposure)

The slow AE Response function allows you to reduce
the exposure response speed. Usually the camera is set
up so that the optimum exposure can be obtained
automatically within about 1 second. However, using
the slow AE response function allows you to lengthen
the auto exposure response speed from the initial setup
speed (01h) to approx. 10 minutes (30h) (at normal
shutter speed).
For example, with the normal setting (about 1 second),
if the headlights of a car are caught by the camera, the
camera automatically adjusts the exposure so that it can
shoot a high-intensity subject (in this case, the
headlights). As a result, images around the headlights,
that is, the rest of the subject, except the headlights,
becomes relatively dark, and poorly distinguished.
However, using the slow AE function means the AE
response speed will be slower, and response time will
be longer. As a result, even if the camera catches a high­intensity subject (e.g., the headlights) for a moment,
you can still easily distinguish the portions of the image
surrounding the headlights.

Backlight Compensation

When the background of the subject is too bright, or
when the subject is too dark due to shooting in the AE
mode, back light compensation will make the subject
appear clearer.

Visibility Enhancer (VE)

Depending on the imaging scene, the Visibility
Enhancer function makes the darker part of a camera
image brighter, and automatically correct brightness
and contrast to show bright parts clearly.

Defog mode

When the surrounding area of the subject is foggy and
low contrast, the defog mode will make the subject
appear clearer.
You can select four levels for this function: OFF, Low,
Middle and High.

Highlight Compensation (HLC)

HLC (highlight correction) is a function to adjust AE
and AF, and to perform the masking of light area as
required when a high intensity spot light is detected.
It allows you to easily read the number of vehicles and
number plate in the indoor parking area or in the
outdoor during the night.

10

Maximum Shutter Limit

The brighter the object is, the shutter speed will
increase. This is the function to set the upper limitation
on the shutter speed. This will help to make images
smooth with less inconsistent motions when you shoot
bright objects.

Grayscale image
(256 levels)

Color image

Minimum Shutter Limit

When the subject becomes dark, the shutter speed
becomes slow and the gain is increased. This is a
function to put a limit on the shutter speed.
It prevents the camera shake when you shoot a moving
subject in a dark place.

Noise Reduction (NR)

The NR function removes noise (both random and
non-random) to provide clearer images.
This function has six steps: levels 1 to 5, plus off.
The NR effect is applied in levels based on the gain,
and this setting value determines the limit of the effect.
In bright conditions, changing the NR level will not
have an effect.
When it is set to level 7Fh, you can set NR of 2D/3D
individually.

High Sensitivity Mode

In this mode, the maximum gain increases, enabling to
obtain a brighter output even in a darker environment.
However, if the gain reaches high level, the image will
have a large amount of noise.

Variable Gamma Mode

Standard (00h), straight gamma (01h), 512 pattern
(02h) are available for setting.

Binarization
process

Note

Flicker on images with color enhancement is not a malfunction of
the camera. Flicker can be reduced by setting the threshold level

and the aperture control.

Assign any
color

Temperature Reading Function

The conversion value (hex) of the temperature sensor
built into to the camera can be read by using a query
command. The conversion value has an error of ±3 C,
and because the temperature sensor is inside the
camera, this value is not the ambient temperature. Use
it as a reference value.

Slow Shutter On/Off

When set to “On,” the slow shutter functions
automatically when the light darkens. This setting is
available only when the AE mode is set to “Full Auto.”
The initial setting is “Auto Slow Shutter Off.”

Low-Illumination Chroma Suppress Mode

You can configure a chroma suppress mode for low­illumination conditions. This can be useful when color
noise is particularly noticeable in such conditions.
Four levels (disabled and three levels) are available for
the low-illumination chroma suppress mode.

Gamma Offset

You can set the brightness from –16 (00h) to +64 (40h)
in each mode of the variable gamma mode.

Color Enhancement

The shot color image can be output in any two colors in
the grayscale image based on the density level (brighter
or darker than the threshold value) of the image
portion.
(The threshold level can be set with an optional level.)

ICR (IR Cut-Removable) Mode

The IR Cut-Filter installed in front of the CMOS image
sensor can be engaged or disengaged by the mechanical
structure. The sensitivity in the infrared region is
increased by disengaging the IR Cut-Filter, allowing the
camera to capture the image in darker places. When
the auto ICR mode is set to On, the image becomes
black and white.

11

Custom Color Gain

ICR

Shutter

Dark Bright

AGC
MAX

Iris
OPEN

Shutter 1/60 sec

ICR Off  On

GAIN

ICR On

Iris

You can configure the color gain. Use this setting when
bright color is particularly important.
The initial setting 100% (4h) can be set to range from
approx. 60% (0h) to 200% (Eh) with 15 stages.

Note

Depending on the information such as brightness, etc., in the On/
Off settings condition, a malfunction may occur when the subjects
largely consisting of blue and green colors are taken.

Camera ID

Custom Color Phase

You can configure the color phase. The initial setting 0
degrees (7h) is adjustable between approx. −14 degrees
(0h) to +14 degrees (Eh), in 15 increments.

Auto ICR Mode

Auto ICR Mode automatically switches the settings
needed for attaching or removing the IR Cut Filter.
With a set level of darkness, the IR Cut Filter is
automatically disabled (ICR On), and the infrared
sensitivity is increased. With a set level of brightness,
the IR Cut Filter is automatically enabled (ICR Off).
Also, on systems equipped with an IR light, the internal
data of the camera is used to make the proper decisions
to avoid malfunctions.
Auto ICR Mode operates with the AE Full Auto setting.

When Auto Slow Shutter is Off (initial setting)

The ID can be set up to 65,536 (0000h to FFFFh). As
this will be memorized in the nonvolatile memory
inside, data will be saved.

Picture Effect

It consists of the following function.

• Black & White: Monochrome Image

Image stabilizer

When the image stabilizer function is set to On, you
can obtain the image with less screen blur caused by
shaking and so on. The correction effect can be
achieved at the vibration frequency around 10 Hz. The
image stabilizer function uses the digital zoom method.
Although there are changes in the angle of view and
resolution, the sensitivity is maintained.

Note

The image stabilizer function may not work under the environment
of high frequency vibration components. When using the camera
under such environment, set the image stabilizer function to Off.

When Auto Slow Shutter is On

"StableZoom"

"StableZoom" is a function to perform correction using
the image stabilizer function according to the zoom
magnification and zoom the image up to approx. 24×
smoothly by combining the optical zoom with the
digital zoom. By zooming the image furthermore using
the digital zoom, the image is zoomed up to 288×. On
the wide side, the image without the deterioration in
resolution can be obtained because the digital zoom is
not used. On the other hand, the correction effect by
the image stabilizer function is maximized on the tele
side, reducing the blur.
"StableZoom" can be set to On/Off by the register
setting.

12

288×

20×

Zoom
magnification

Approx.
24×

wide

Angleofview・resolution

Opticalzoom
position

tele

Digitalzoom
isnotusedon
thewideside.

Opticalzoom

Digitalzoom

＋

StableZoom

Correctionisperformed
fortheblurinthisdigital
zoomarea.

Others

E-FLIP

This function reverses the video output from the
camera vertically and horizontally.

• Zoom Position

Digital Zoom On/Off/Super Resolution Zoom

•

Focus Auto/Manual

•

Focus Position

•

AE Mode

•

Shutter control parameters

•

Bright Control

•

Iris control parameters

•

Gain control parameters

•

Exposure Compensation On/Off

•

Exposure Level

•

Backlight Compensation On/Off

•

Slow Shutter On/Off

•

White Balance

•

R/B Gain

•

Aperture Control

•

ICR On/Off

•

Defog

•

Custom Preset

As with the position preset function, the camera
shooting conditions can be stored and recalled. The
settings are recalled when the power is turned on.

For setting items, see the “Initial Settings, Custom Preset
and Backup” section on page 24.

LR Reverse

This function reverses the video output from the
camera horizontally.

Freeze

This function captures an image in the field memory of
the camera so that this image can be output
continuously.

Because communication inside the camera is based on V cycle,
the captured image is always the one 3V to 4Vs after the
sending of a Command. Thus, you can not specify a time
period after sending EVEN, ODD or a Command.

Electronic Pan/Tilt

In 4K (3840 × 2160) mode, crop the image at the
designated position to Full HD (1920 × 1080) and
display.
You can specify the central coordinate of cropped
images by commands. Cropped sizes cannot be
changed as it is fixed to FHD.

Memory (Position preset)

Using the position preset function, 16 sets of camera
shooting conditions can be stored and recalled.
This function allows you to achieve the desired status
instantly, even without adjusting the following items
each time.

User Memory Area

A user area of 16 bytes allows you to write data, such as
an ID for each customer, data for each system, and so
on, freely.

Note

Rewriting of memory is not unlimited. Be careful to avoid using the
memory area for such as unnecessary tasks as rewriting the
contents of the memory for every operation.

Register Setting

The camera’s initial settings can be changed by the
register setting command.
Register Setting Command:

8x 01 04 24 mm 0p 0q FF

mm: Register No. (=00 to 7F)
pq: Register Value (=00 to FF)

Register Inquiry Command:

8x 09 04 24 mm FF

mm: Register No.

y0 50 0p 0p FF

pp: Register Value
(returned from the camera)

The register setting items and No. are as follows.
For details, see “Register Setting” on page 55.
Baud Rate: 00

Communication speed can be changed.

Monitoring Mode: 72

The output mode can be set.

13

Zoom Limit: 50 (wide end), 51 (tele end)

The wide and tele zoom limits can be set.

D-Zoom Max: 52

The maximum digital zoom limit can be set (initial
settinig is 12×).

FocusOffset: 55

Placing a dome cover in front of the camera may
cause the focal distance of the camera to change.
Especially at the Tele end, this effect exceeds the AF
range, so focus cannot track, although it responds
to changes in this value.

For details, see “Register Setting” on page 55.

Extended mode: 5F

ON/OFF can be set. (initial setting is OFF.)
For details, see page 17.

Note

After changing the register setting, turn off the camera, then turn it
on again.

Privacy Zone Masking Settings

For details, see page 15.

00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07

A B C D E F G H

08 09 0A 0B 0C 0D 0E 0F

I J K L M N O P

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Q R S T U V W X

18 19 1A 1B 1C 1D 1E 1F

Y Z & ? ! 1 2

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0

28 29 2A 2B 2C 2D 2E 2F

À È Ì Ò Ù Á É Í

30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

Ó Ú Â Ê Ô Æ Ã

38 39 3A 3B 3C 3D 3E 3F

Õ Ñ Ç ß Ä Ï Ö Ü

40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47

Å $ ¥ £ ¿ ¡

48 49 4A 4B 4C 4D 4E 4F

ø ” : ’ . , / -

Title Display

• You can set a title of up to 11 lines. One line can
contain up to 20 characters.

• You can set display on/off, the horizontal position of
the first character, blinking state and color for each
line.

• The camera gives priority to a title display when the
camera status is displayed on the relevant line. On the
lines where a title is not set, the camera status is
displayed.

Line Number 00h to 0Ah
H-position 00h to 1Fh

00h WHITE
01h YELLOW
02h VIOLET

Color

Blink

03h RED
04h CYAN
05h GREEN
06h BLUE
00h Off
01h On

14

Privacy Zone Masking Function

Privacy Zone masking protects private objects and
areas such as house windows, entrances, and exits
which are within the camera’s range of vision but not
subject to surveillance.
Privacy zone masking can be masked on the monitor to
protect privacy.

Comments: Each of 24 Privacy zones can be switched

on and off individually by a single VISCA
Command. If you want to display a Privacy zone,
you must set its bit to 1. If you do not want to
display a Privacy zone, you must set its bit to 0.

Set Mask Color

Command: 8x 01 04 78 pp pp pp pp qq rr FF
Parameter:

Features

• Mask can be set on up to 24 places according to Pan/
Tilt positions.

• Mask can be displayed on 8 places per screen
simultaneously.

• Individual on/off zone masking settings.

• Two colors can be individually set for each of
24 privacy zones.

• Interlocking control with zooming.

• Interlocking control with Pan/Tilt.

• Non-interlocking control with Pan/Tilt.

Details of Setting Commands

Set Mask

Command: 8x 01 04 76 mm nn 0r 0r 0s 0s FF
Parameters:

mm Setting Mask

See “mm: Mask setting list” in “Parameters” on page 15.

nn Selects new setting or resetting for the zone. See “nn:

Setting” in “Parameters” on page 15.
rr Sets the half value “w” of the Mask Width.
ss Sets the half value “h” of the Mask Height.

See “pp: x, qq: y, rr: w, ss: h” in “Parameters” on page 15.

Comments: To set the mask, first display the object at

the center of the screen. When “nn” is set to 1, the
current Pan/Tilt/Zoom Position is recorded in
internal memory.

When “nn” is set to 0, the Pan/Tilt/Zoom Position

in memory is not changed.

Notes

• The tilt angle at which you can set the mask is between –70 to
+70 degrees.

• It is recommended that you set the size to at least twice the size
of the object (height and width).

pp pp pp pp Each 24 Privacy Zones correspond to the BIT.

See “pp pp pp pp: Mask bit” in “Parameters” on
page 16.

qq Set the color code
rr Set the color code. See “qq, rr: Color code” in

“Parameters” on page 17.

Comments: Two different color masks can be chosen.
Two colors can be individually set for each of

24 privacy zones.

If the bit of parameter (pp pp pp pp) is set to “0”,

mask color will be “qq” color (Color code). If the
bit of parameter (pp pp pp pp) is set to “1”, the
mask color will be “rr” color (Color code).

Example: 8x 01 04 78 00 00 00 03 00 07 FF
The mask color of Mask_A and Mask_B is White

(color code 07h), and the mask color of the other
Mask (C to X) is Black (color code 00h).

Set Pan Tilt Angle

Command: 8x 01 04 79 0p 0p 0p 0q 0q 0q FF
Parameter:

ppp Pan Angle
qqq Tilt Angle

See “Setting pan/tilt angle” in “Parameters” on
page 16.

Comments: Pan/Tilt angle settings are hexadecimal

data.

The resolution of Pan/Tilt angle is 0.088 degrees.

Notes

• When you set the pan/tilt angle, locate the pan/tilt position at
the center point of the FCB camera’s position.

• If you set the pan/tilt angle or zoom the camera, a bigger mask
will be displayed for about one second.

Set Display

Command: 8x 01 04 77 pp pp pp pp FF
Parameter:

pp pp pp pp Each 24 Privacy Zones corresponds to the BIT.

See “pp pp pp pp: Mask bit” in “Parameters” on
page 16.

15

Set PTZ Mask

160

90

0h(x,y)

w

B0h

D3h

2Dh

50h

Command: 8x 01 04 7B mm 0p 0p 0p 0q 0q 0q 0r 0r

0r 0r FF

Parameter:

mm Setting Mask

See “mm: Mask setting list” in “Parameters” on page 16.

ppp Pan Angle (000 to FFF)

See “Setting pan/tilt angle” in “Parameters” on page 16.

qqq Tilt Angle (000 to FFF)

See “Setting pan/tilt angle” in “Parameters” on page 16.

rrrr Zoom Position (000 to 4000)

See “Zoom Ratio and Zoom Position (for reference)” on
page 53.

Comments: Mask can be set at the desired position

by setting the pan tilt angle and zoom position
using this command. The set value can be input by
hexadecimal number.

Note

Privacy mask zone follows the change of angle of view according
to zoom. However, the follow might be delayed for a moment if
there is any big change, such as when using D-Zoom or E-FLIP.

Parameters

mm: Mask setting list

Mask Name mm (Hex) Mask Name mm (Hex)

Mask_A 00h Mask_M 0Ch
Mask_B 01h Mask_N 0Dh
Mask_C 02h Mask_O 0Eh
Mask_D 03h Mask_P 0Fh
Mask_E 04h Mask_Q 10h
Mask_F 05h Mask_R 11h
Mask_G 06h Mask_S 12h
Mask_H 07h Mask_T 13h
Mask_I 08h Mask_U 14h
Mask_J 09h Mask_V 15h
Mask_K 0Ah Mask_W 16h
Mask_L 0Bh Mask_X 17h

nn:Setting

nn Setting

00h Resetting the zone size (the value of w,h)

for the existing mask.

01h Setting newly the zone size (the value of w,h).

Non Interlock Mask

Command: 8x 01 04 6F mm 0p 0p 0q 0q 0r 0r 0s 0s

FF

Parameters:

mm Setting Mask

See “mm: Mask setting list” in “Parameters” on page 15.

pp Sets the center position “x” of the Mask on screen.
qq Sets the center position “y” of the Mask on screen.
rr Sets the half value “w” of the Mask Width.

ss Sets the half value “h” of the Mask Height.

See “pp: x, qq: y, rr: w, ss: h” in “Parameters” on page 15.

Commands: Mask does not interlock with pan/tilt.

The limitations of parameters are as follows.

(hexadecimal representation)
x: ±50h
w: ±50h
y: ±2Dh
h: ±2Dh

Note

When the Set Mask command and the Non Interlock Mask
command are set to the same mask, the command set later
becomes effective.

pp: x, qq: y, rr: w, ss: h

mask

Effective display area

Note

The priority order of the mask display is in the sequence from A
(highest) to X (lowest).
When you set the parameters of masks non-sequentially, it is
recommended that you set the mask whose priority order is higher,
first.

pp pp pp pp: Mask bit

pp pp

bit 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Mask - - X W V U T S - - R Q P O N M

pp pp

bit 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Mask - - L K J I H G - - F E D C B A

The “-” must be “0”.

16

qq, rr: Color code

0 90-180 -90 180

400h800h C00h 800h

Mask (color) Code (qq, rr) Translucence (qq, rr)

Black 00 h 10 h
Gray1 01 h 11 h
Gray2 02 h 12 h
Gray3 03 h 13 h
Gray4 04 h 14 h
Gray5 05 h 15 h
Gray6 06 h 16 h
White 07 h 17 h

Red 08 h 18 h

Green 09 h 19 h

Blue 0A h 1A h

Cyan 0B h 1B h

Yellow 0C h 1C h

Magenta 0D h 1D h

Mosaic 7F h

Setting pan/tilt angle

Angle/Parameter of Angle (ppp, qqq)

Set the angle resolution to 360 (degree)/4096 (1000h).

Extended Commands

Extended commands support the following functions
(described previously).
Turn on this mode (for details, see “Extended Mode” in
“Register Setting” on page 55) to enable the following
functions.

• Exposure Compensation

The setting can be set in steps of approximately 0.2dB

(-128 (00h) to approximately +127 (FFh)).

For details, see page 9.

• Aperture Control

The setting can be set to 256 levels (00h to FFh).

For details, see page 10.

• Custom Color Gain

The initial setting is 100% (80h), and the setting can

be set to 256 levels from approximately 0% (00h) to
approximately 200% (FFh).

For details, see page 11.

• Custom Color Phase

The initial setting is 0 degrees (80h), and the setting

can be set to 256 levels from approximately −14
degrees (00h) to approximately +14 degrees (FFh).

For details, see page 11.

• Auto ICR Mode

The setting of ICR ONOFF threshold can be set

when Auto ICR is on.
The setting range is 0 step (00h) to 255 step (FFh).
The setting of ICR OFFON threshold (On Level)

can be set when Auto ICR is on.
The setting range is 0 step (00h) to 28 step (1Ch).

For details, see page 12.

Note

When the extended mode is Off, CMD_NOT_EXEC will be

returned if you send the extended commands to the camera.

When the extended mode is On, CMD_NOT_EXEC will be

returned if you send the normal commands to the camera.

17

External synchronization function
(FCB-ER8550)

About the firmware

External synchronization will start when you input
synchronization signals to 15pin on CN1701.
The possible external synchronization combinations
are listed below:

Input External

Signal

format

Camera
Mode

3840×2160/29.97p
3840×2160/25p
3840×2160/23.98p
1920×1080/59.94p
1920×1080/59.94i
1920×1080/50p
1920×1080/50i
1920×1080/29.97p
1920×1080/25p
1920×1080/23.98p
1280×720/59.94p
1280×720/50p
720×480/59.94p
720×576/50p

1080/59.94i 1080/50i 1080/47.95i

Tri-State Sync



×
× ×




×
×



×
× ×



×



×

× ×



× ×
× ×




× ×



× ×



× ×



NTSC
Black
burst

× ×



× ×
× ×

× ×



× ×

× ×

PAL
Black
burst



× ×






× ×





update

Overview

This document descries detailed operation for
firmware update.

Serial Port Setting during maintenance mode

×



×
×




×



×



×



Communication Speed 115200 bps
Data bit 8 bit
Parity None
Stop bit 1 bit
Flow control None

External signal spec

• Tri-State SYNC: partial part of SMPTE 240M/274M

• NTSC Black burst: EBU N14/SMPTE RP-154/SMPTE
170M/SMPTE 318M

• PAL Black burst: ITU-R BT.470-6

The H Phase adoption function is not available.

Notes

• Once you input the external synchronization signal, do not

change the settings until the state enters the external
synchronization mode.

• If the external synchronization signal is not stable, the unit will

not enter the external synchronization mode.

• In the cases below, images or data will be disordered and may

malfunction.
– if you input signals other than the allowed external

synchronization signals.

– if you input external synchronization signals when the external

synchronization is not supported.

18

Update Procedure (UART)

HOST FCB

CAM_Power off

8x 01 04 00 03 FF

ACK, COMP

8x 01 04 00 0C FF

ACK, COMP

8x 01 04 00 0D FF

ACK, COMP

8x 01 04 00 13 FF

ACK, COMP

8x 01 04 00 04 FF

ACK, COMP

8x 01 04 00 20 FF

ACK, COMP

Enter
Standby
Mode

Enter
Maintenance
Mode

Transition to
maintenance
mode

* When power is off during this period, camera will be broken.

HOST FCB

’reboot’ + CR

“ready” + CR

“reprogram ( )” + CR

Sending firmware

* When power is off during this period, camera will be broken.

Sending Firmware Binary
with X modem protocol

Firmware Update
Ready Message

* WRITING Firmware

Enter Maintenance Mode

Maintenance Mode

19

Update procedure (USB)

Reboot

CMD_GET_STATE

ERR_OK (CURSTAT_PRE_INIT)

CMD_INIT

ERR_OKP

CMD_CHK_GUARD

ERR_OK (STAT_OK)

CMD_QUERY_VERSION

ERR_OK

CMD_SWITCH_MODE

ERR_OK (STAT_OK)

HOST FCB

HOST FCB

Reboot

CMD_GET_STATE

ERR_OK (CURSTAT_PRE_SWITCTMODE)

CMD_CHK_GUARD

ERR_OK (STAT_OK)

CMD_WRITE_FIRM

ERR_OK (STAT_BUSY)

ERR_OK (STAT_BUSY)

CMD_WRITE_FIRM

CMD_WRITE_FIRM

ERR_OK (STAT_OK)

CMD_COMPLETE

FCB

Reboot

Reboot

ready

updater mode

different versions

application mode

VISCA

HOST

VISCA

xmodem

H/W RePower

Error

erroroccurs

Error occurrence patterns

The update (UART) error patterns are as follows.

UART update-error 1

Different versions

20

UART update-error 2

FCB

Reboot

Reboot

ready

updater mode

date error

updater mode

VISCA

HOST

xmodem

VISCA

H/W RePower

ready

Error

erroroccurs

FCB

Reboot

Reboot

ready

VISCA

HOST

VISCA

H/W RePower

updater mode

application mode

Error during update

UART update-error 3

No update

21

UART update-error 4

FCB

Reboot

Reboot

ready

Error

VISCA

HOST

VISCA

xmodem

H/W RePower

updater mode

updater mode

fatal error

erroroccurs

Reboot

Startinthe
applicationmode.

CMD_GET_STATE

ERR_XXXX

(Refer to the command specification.)

ERR_XXXX

(Refer to the command specification.)

ERR_XXXX

(Refer to the command specification.)

CMD_COMPLETE

HOST FCB

Startagain
fromthebeginning.

CMD_GET_STATE

CMD_COMPLETE CMD_COMPLETE

HOST FCB

Versionupgrade
iscompleted.

CMD_GET_STATE

HOST FCB

Reboot Reboot

Fatal error

Update Procedure (USB)

The update (USB) error patterns are as follows.

22

Eclipse

400 500 600 700 800 900 1000

Wavelength [nm]

0.0

0.2

0.1

0.4

0.3

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

1.0

Relative response [a.u.]

Red Green Blue

When designing the housing, refer to the dimensional
allowance as shown in the figure below.

7.84

81.8°
ø31.4

Spectral Sensitivity Characteristics

unit: mm

Use the graph as a reference value. (We can not
guarantee these values.)
This data is measured when the IR cut filter is removed
and the characteristics of the lens and optical source
characteristics are ignored.

23

Initial Settings, Custom Preset and Backup

Initial Settings for the various functions of the FCB
camera are indicated in the “Initial Settings” column.
The “Custom Preset” column indicates whether the
custom preset function can be used to store the
settings. The function enables the stored settings to be
recalled automatically when the camera is turned on.
The “Back up at standby” column indicates whether the
data is preserved even when the camera is in the
standby mode.

Mode/Position setting Initial Settings

Zoom Position wide end
D-Zoom On/Off Off
D-Zoom Separate/Combine Combine
D-Zoom Position 00h
Focus Position —
Focus Auto/Manual Auto
Near Limit Setting B000 (35 cm)
AF Sensitivity Normal
AF Mode Normal
AF Run Time 5 sec
AF Interval 5 sec
WB Mode Auto
WB Data (Rgain, Bgain) —
One Push WB Data —
AE Mode Full Auto
AE Response 01h
Shutter Position —
Maximum Shutter Limit 1Dh: 1/2000 (59.94 fps)

1Dh: 1/2000 (50 fps)

1Dh: 1/30 (29.97 fps)

1Dh: 1/25 (25 fps)

1Eh: 1/48 (23.98 fps)

Minimum Shutter Limit 12h: 1/60 (59.94 fps)

12h: 1/50 (50 fps)

10h: 1/30 (29.97 fps)

10h: 1/25 (25 fps)

12h: 1/48 (23.98 fps)

Color Enhancement On/Off Off
Slow Shutter Limit 0Dh: 1/10 (59.94 fps)

0Dh: 1/10 (29.97 fps)

0Dh: 1/12(50 fps)
0Dh: 1/12(25 fps)

0Dh: 1/12 (23.98 fps)

Iris Position 19h: F2.0
Gain Position 01h: 0dB
Bright Position —
Exposure Compensation On/Off Off
Exposure Compensation Amount ±0
BackLight On/Off Off

Custom

Preset

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

Back up

at standby

A circle “” in this column signifies that the data is preserved.
A cross “” signifies that the data IS NOT preserved.

24

Mode/Position setting Initial Settings

Spot AE On/Off Off
Spot AE Position Setting X=8, Y=8
Detail Level 07h
High Resolution Mode On/Off Off
LR Reverse On/Off Off
Freeze On/Off Off
Picture Effect Off
ICR On/Off Off
Auto ICR On/Off Off
Auto ICR Threshold Level 0Eh
Camera Memory Same as the factory value setting
Display On/Off Off
Mute On/Off Off
Auto ICR Alarm On/Off Off
NR Level 3
Image Stabilizer Off
Gain Limit Off
Color Enhancement Threshold Level
Color Enhancement High Luminance

Color Setting Y
Color Enhancement Low Luminance
Color Setting Y
Low-Illumination Chroma Suppress 1h (Low)

Color Gain 4h (100%)
Color Hue 7h (0 degrees)
Title Display On/Off Off
Title Setting —
Mask Setting —
Mask Color Setting —
Center Line Display On/Off Off
E-Flip On/Off Off
Privacy Zone On/Off Off
Privacy Zone Setting —
Camera ID 0000h
ZoomPos Continuous Output On/Off Off
ZoomPos Continuous Output Interval 3Ch

HLC Level Off

HLC Mask Level Off

37h

48h

3Ah

Custom

Preset

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Back up

at standby

A circle “” in this column signifies that the data is preserved.
A cross “” signifies that the data IS NOT preserved.

Notes

• The number of times written to Non-volatile memory (when Custom Preset is executed) is limited.

• Privacy Zone Setting while digital zooming is not preserved by Custom Preset.

25

Mode Condition

Condition

Power Off

Mode

Initializing

Power On

Freeze On

MemRecall

Address Set
IF_Clear
Command Cancel
Power On/Off

Lens

Mode

Zoom Tele/Wide/Stop
Zoom Direct
Zoom Focus Direct
D-Zoom On/Off
D-Zoom Separate/Combine
D-Zoom Tele/Wide/Stop
D-Zoom ×1/Max

D-Zoom Direct
Focus Far/Near/Stop

Focus Direct
Focus Auto/Manual
One Push AF
Focus Near Limit
AF Sensitivity Normal/Low
AF Mode Norm/Interval/Zoom
AF Activation Time/Interval Setting
Camera Memory Set/Reset
Camera Memory Recall
Lens Initialize

○ ○ ○ ○ ○
○ ○ ○ ○ ○
○ ○ ○ ○ ○
○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Power Off

Initializing

Power On

Freeze On

MemRecall

Zoom Direct

Focus Direct

ZmFo Direct

× × ○ ○ × × ○ × ○
× × ○ ○ × ○ ○ × ○
× × ○ ○ × × × ○ ×
× × ○ ○ × × ○ × ○
× × ○ ○ × × ○ × ○
× × ○ ○ × ○ ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ × ○ ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ × ○ ○ ○ ○

× × ○ ○ × ○ × × ×
× × ○ ○ × ○ ○ × ×
× × ○ ○ × ○ × × ○
× × ○ ○ × ○ × × ×
× × ○ ○ × ○ × × ○
× × ○ ○ × ○ ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ × ○ ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ × ○ ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ × × × × ○
× × ○ ○ ○ × × × ○
× × ○ ○ × × × × ○

Focus Auto

26

White Balance

Power Off

Mode

Initializing

Power On

Freeze On

MemRecall

WB Auto

Indoor

Outdoor

Outdoor

Auto

Sodium Lamp

Sodium Lamp

Auto

Sodium Lamp

Outdoor Auto

OnePush

ATW

Manual

WB Mode Switchover
One Push WB
RGain Setting
BGain Setting

× × ○ ○ × ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ × × × × × × × × ○ × ×
× × ○ ○ × × × × × × × × × × ○
× × ○ ○ × × × × × × × × × × ○

Exposure

Mode

AE Full Auto
AE Manual
Shutter Priority
Iris Priority
Bright
Shutter Setting
Iris Setting
Gain Setting
Bright Setting
Auto Slow Shutter On/Off
Exposure Compensation On/Off
Exposure Compensation Setting
BackLight On/Off
SpotAE On/Off
SpotAE Setting
Defog On/Off
Minimum Shutter On/Off
VE On/Off
HLC Setting (On/Off/Mask Level)

Power Off

Initializing

Power On

Freeze On

MemRecall

AE Full Auto

AE Manual

× × ○ ○ × ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ × ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ × ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ × ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ × × × ○ × ○
× × ○ ○ × × ○ ○ × ×
× × ○ ○ × × ○ × ○ ×
× × ○ ○ × × ○ × × ×
× × ○ ○ × × × × × ○
× × ○ ○ × ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ × ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ × ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ × ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ × ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ × ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ × ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ × ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ × ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Shutter

Priority

Iris Priority

Bright

27

Others

Mode

Power Off

Initializing

Power On

Freeze On

MemRecall

Aperture Setting
High Resolution Mode On/Off
LR_Reverse On/Off
Freeze On/Off
Picture Effect Setting
ICR On/Off
Auto ICR On/Off
Auto ICR Threshold Level Setting
Auto ICR Alarm On/Off
Display On/Off
Mute On/Off
Title Setting
Mask On/Off
Mask Setting
MD On/Off
ID Write
Memory Save
Register Value Setting
Color Enhancement On/Off
NR Level Setting
Chroma Suppress
Color Gain
Color Hue

× × ○ ○ ×
× × ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ ×
× × ○ ○ ○
× ○ ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ ○
× × ○ ○ ○

28

VISCA/RS-232C Commands

This Manual outlines an RS-232C control protocol and
command list for certain Sony cameras from which
control software can be developed.
THIS CONTROL PROTOCOL AND COMMAND
LIST IS PROVIDED BY SONY ON AN “AS-IS BASIS”
WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. SONY
DOES NOT WARRANT ANY PARTICULAR RESULT
FROM THE USE OF THIS CONTROL PROTOCOL
AND COMMAND LIST AND DISCLAIMS AND
EXCLUDES ALL WARRANTIES. EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THAT CONTROL
PROTOCOL AND COMMAND LIST, INCLUDING,
BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY OR ALL IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN FACT,
SONY SPECIFICALLY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT
SOFTWARE DEVELOPED BASED ON THIS
CONTROL PROTOCOL AND COMMAND LIST
MAY CAUSE MALFUNCTION OR DAMAGE TO
HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE USED WITH IT
(INCLUDING SONY HARDWARE AND
SOFTWARE) AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS
ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SUCH MALFUNCTION
OR DAMAGE. THIS CONTROL PROTOCOL AND
COMMAND LIST SHOULD BE USED WITH
CAUTION.

Command List

Overview of VISCA

In VISCA, the device outputting commands, for
example, a computer, is called the controller. The
device receiving the commands, an FCB camera is
called the peripheral device. In VISCA, up to seven
peripheral devices like the FCB camera can be
connected to one controller using communication
conforming to the RS-232C standard. The parameters
of RS-232C are as follows.

Communication speed: 9.6 kbps/19.2 kbps/



38.4 kbps/115.2 kbps

Data bits : 8



Start bit : 1



Stop bit : 1



Non parity



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

29

VISCA Communication

Bit 7

(MSB)

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

(LSB)

1 0

FF

Bit 7

(MSB)

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

(LSB)

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Specifications

VISCA packet structure

The basic unit of VISCA communication is called a
packet. 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 FCB
camera assigned address 1 from the controller (address

0) is hexadecimal 81h. The packet sent to the camera
assigned address 2 is 82h. In the command list, as the
header is 8X, input the address of the camera at X. The
header of the reply packet from the camera assigned
address 1 is 90h. The packet from the camera assigned
address 2 is A0h.
Some of the commands for setting cameras can be sent
to all devices at one time (broadcast). In the case of
broadcast, the header should be hexadecimal 88h.
When the terminator is FFh, it signifies the end of the
packet.

Header

Sender’s
address

Byte 1 Byte 2 Byte 3

Receiver’s address

Message (1 to 14 bytes)

Command and inquiry

 Command

Sends operational commands to the FCB camera.

 Inquiry

Used for inquiring about the current state of the FCB
camera.

Packet (3 to 16 bytes)

Terminator

Command Packet Note
Inquiry 8X QQ RR ... FF QQ
RR

1)

QQ = 01 (Command), 09 (Inquiry)

2)

RR = 00 (Interface), 04 (camera 1), 06 (Pan/Tilt), 07 (camera 2)

X = 1 to 7: FCB camera address

1)

= Command/Inquiry,

2)

= category code

30