• The CMOS video camera provides 2,000,000
effective picture elements (pixels) that can shoot
high-definition images to offer superior picture
quality.
• The camera is compatible with 8 formats, including
the Full HD (1080i high definition) video format,
which is equivalent to an HD-TV broadcast.
HD: 1080i/59.94, 1080i/50, 720p/59.94, 729p/50
SD: NTSC (CROP), NTSC (SQUEEZE)
PAL (CROP), PAL (SQUEEZE)
•Video outputs
HD: Analog Component
SD: VBS, Y/C
• The camera is equipped with an ×10 optical auto
focus zoom lens.
• The ×12 digital zoom function allows you to zoom up
to ×120, combined with a optical zoom.
•An infrared (IR) Cut-Filter can be disengaged from
the image path for increased sensitivity in low light
environments. The ICR will automatically engage
depending on the ambient light, allowing the camera
to be effective in day/night environment.
• The VISCA is a communication protocol, which
enables the camera to be controlled from a computer.
You can select the baud rate from among 9600 bps,
19200 bps, or 38400 bps. This allows you to remotely
control the camera at a high communication speed.
• The position preset function allows the camera to
store up to six combinations of settings of camera
shooting conditions. Also, the custom preset function
allows you to customize the initial settings of each
function when the power of the camera is turned on.
Overview
Features
With consideration given to environmental
protection, this module is designed to operate with
low power consumption and also incorporates leadfree and halogen-free circuit boards.
3
Overview
Precautions
Software
Use of demonstration software developed by Sony
Corporation or use of customer developed application
software may damage hardware, the application
program, or the camera. Sony Corporation is not liable
for any damage that may occur 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
0 ˚C to +45 ˚C (32 ˚F to 113 ˚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
•Where it is subject to internal atmospheric
temperatures that exceed the camera’s operating
temperature range (0 ˚C to +45 ˚C (32 ˚F to 113 ˚F))
Other
Do not apply excessive voltage. (Use only the
specified voltage.) Otherwise, you may get an electric
shock or a fire may occur.
In case of abnormal operation, contact your authorized
Sony dealer or the store where you purchased the
product.
Phenomena specific to CMOS image
sensors
The following phenomena that may appear in images
are specific to CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide
Semiconductor) image sensors. They do not indicate
malfunctions.
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.
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
Care of the unit
Remove dust or dirt on the surface of the lens with a
blower (commercially available).
The above phenoma may be mitigated somewhat by
turning the power off once, and then turning it on
again.
Aliasing
When fine patterns, stripes, or lines are shot, they may
appear jagged or flicker.
4
Locations of Controls
Locations of Controls
Front
Right sideBottom
Top
1 Lens
2 WIDE button
3 TELE button
4 CN901 jack
5 Tripod screw hole
When a tripod is used, please use
7
5 mm (
attach it to the camera. Also,
please be sure to attach the tripod
securely.
/32 inches) or less screw to
5
Basic Functions
Basic Functions
Overview of Functions
VISCA commands are the basis of camera control.
In general
• Power On/Off
Powers the camera on and off. When the power is
off, the camera is able to accept only the lowest level
of VISCA Commands; the display and other features
are turned off.
• I/F clear
Clears the Command buffer of the FCB-H11 camera.
Clearing the buffer can also be carried out from the
control application software when the power is on.
• Address set
VISCA is a protocol, which normally can support a
daisy chain of up to seven attached devices. In this
case, if addresses from 1 to 7 are assigned to each of
7 devices, you can control seven cameras with the
same personal computer. However, the FCB-H11
camera does not support connection of cameras in a
daisy chain. Therefore, whenever a camera is
connected for the first time, be sure to use the address
set to confirm the address.
• ID Write
Sets the camera ID.
Zoom
The camera employs an 10× optical zoom lens
combined with a digital zoom function allowing you to
zoom up to 120×.
Lens specifications: Optical 10×, f = 5.1 to 51 mm
(F1.8 to F2.1)
The horizontal angle of view is approximately 50
degrees (wide end) to 5.4 degrees (tele end).
Digital Zoom enlarges the center of the subject by
expanding each image in both the vertical and
horizontal directions. When 12× digital zoom is used,
the number of effective picture elements in each
direction reduces to
deteriorates.
You can activate the zoom in the following two ways:
•By pressing the TELE or WIDE buttons on the
camera.
•Using a VISCA Command
Using Standard Mode
Using Variable Mode
There are eight levels of zoom speed.
Direct Mode
Setting the zoom position enables quick
movement to the designated position.
1
/12 and the overall resolution
• Mute
Blanks the screen and sends out a synchronizing
signal.
6
Basic Functions
Focus
Focus has the following modes, all of which can be set
using VISCA Commands.
• Auto Focus Mode
The Auto Focus (AF) function automatically adjusts
the focus position to 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 10 mm at the optical
wide end (extreme close-up settings with VISCA
control) (distance from the front end of the lens).
- 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 value for both is set to five
seconds.
- Zoom Trigger Mode
When the zoom is changed with the TELE or the
WIDE buttons, the pre-set value (initially set at 5
seconds) becomes that for AF Mode. Then, it
stops.
• Manual Focus Mode
MF (Manual Focus) has both a Standard Speed Mode
and a Variable Speed Mode. Standard Speed Mode
focuses at a fixed rate of speed. Variable Speed Mode
has eight speed levels that can be set using a VISCA
Command.
• Near Limit Mode
Can be set in a range from about 4.5 m (2000) to 1 cm
(C000).
The focus range is narrowed by excluding the
unnecessary range.
White Balance
White Balance has the following modes, all of which
can be set using VISCA Commands.
• Auto White Balance
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 3000 to 7500K.
This mode is the default setting.
• Indoor
3200 K Base Mode
• Outdoor
5800 K 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
conditions and occupying more than
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 the One
Push White Balance.
• Manual WB
Manual control of R and B gain, 256 steps each
1
/2 of the image,
To stop the required operation after sending a
Standard Speed command or a Variable Speed
command, send the Stop command.
• One Push Trigger Mode
When a Trigger Command is received, the lens
moves to adjust the focus for the subject. The focus
lens then holds the same position until the next
Trigger Command is input.
• Infinity Mode
The lens is forcibly moved to a position suitable for
an unlimited distance.
7
Basic Functions
Automatic Exposure Mode
The variety of AE functions, which allow video signal
to output the optimum image for subjects from low
light conditions to bright light conditions, are
available.
• Full Auto
Auto Iris and Gain, Fixed Shutter Speed (59.94/
NTSC:
• Slow shutter limit
Lower limit of the slow shutter mode in the Full Auto
mode. For the 59.94/NTSC video format, select the
lower limit from among 1/60, 1/30, 1/15, 1/8, 4/1 or
1/2.
For the 50/PAL video format, select the lower limit
from among 1/50, 1/25, 1/12, 1/6, 1/3 or 1/2.
• Shutter Priority
Variable Shutter Speed, Auto Iris and Gain
1
(
slow shutter: 6 steps)
• Iris Priority
Variable Iris (F1.8 to Close, 18 steps), Auto Gain and
Shutter speed.
• Manual
Variable Shutter, Iris and Gain.
• Bright
Variable Iris and Gain (Close to F1.8, 18 steps at
0 dB: F1.8, 6 steps from 0 to 18 dB)
• Spot light
Avoids a situation where the face of the subject is
over-illuminated, and becomes whitish.
1
/60 s, 50/PAL: 1/50 s)
1)
/2 to 1/10,000 s, 21 steps, high speed shutter: 15 steps,
AE – Shutter Priority
The shutter speed can be set freely by the user to a
total of 21 steps – 15 high speeds and 6 low speeds.
1
When the slow shutter is set, the speed can be
1
/15, 1/8, 1/4, or 1/2 s. The picture output is read at a
/30,
normal rate from the memory. The memory is updated
at a low rate from the CCD. AF capability is low.
In high speed mode, the shutter speed can be set up to
1
/10,000 s. The iris and gain are set automatically,
according to the brightness of the subject.
Parameter
151/100001/10000
141/60001/6000
131/40001/3500
121/30001/2500
111/20001/1750
101/15001/1250
0F1/10001/1000
0E1/7251/600
0D1/5001/425
0C1/3501/300
0B1/2501/215
0A1/1801/150
091/1251/120
081/1001/100
071/901/75
061/601/50
051/301/25
041/151/12
031/81/6
021/41/3
011/21/2
59.94i50i
[sec][sec]
Note
When the low shutter speed is used, Auto Focus and
White Balance may not function fully.
1) Flicker can be eliminated by setting shutter to:
t1/100 s for NTSC models used in countries with a 50 Hz power supply
frequency.
t1/120 s for PAL models used in countries with a 60 Hz power supply
frequency.
8
Basic Functions
AE – Iris Priority
The iris can be set freely by the user to 18 steps
between F1.8 and Close.
The gain and shutter speed are set automatically
according to the brightness of the subject.
parameterIRIS (F1.8) F No.parameterIRIS (F1.8) F No
11F1.808F8.0
10F2.007F9.6
0FF2.406F11
0EF2.805F14
0DF3.404F16
0CF4.003F19
0BF4.802F22
0AF5.601F26
09F6.800CLOSE
AE – Manual
The shutter speed (21 steps), iris (18 steps) and gain (8
steps) can be set freely by the user.
AE – Bright
The bright control function adjusts both the 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,” the user can switch it to “Bright.”
Gain
AGC
IRIS
MAX
OPEN
IRIS gain curve
AGC gain curve
MIN
CLOSE
DarkBright
Controlled
by gain
Bright limit controllable
for this unit
Controlled by IRIS
ParameterIRIS (F1.8)GAIN
F No.
17F1.818dB
16F1.815dB
15F1.812dB
14F1.89dB
13F1.86dB
12F1.83dB
11F1.80dB
10F2.00dB
0FF2.40dB
0EF2.80dB
0DF3.40dB
0CF4.00dB
0BF4.80dB
0AF5.60dB
09F6.80dB
08F8.00dB
07F9.60dB
06F110dB
05F140dB
04F160dB
03F190dB
02F220dB
01F260dB
00CLOSE0dB
When switching from the Shutter Priority mode to the
Bright mode, the shutter speed set in the Shutter
Priority mode is maintained.
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 computed so that
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 following diagram on the next page, a
range of 16 blocks vertically and 16 blocks
horizontally can be designated.
In the case where the center is designated (shown in
black), the level is computed along with a weighted
value for the surrounding block (shaded), including the
specified portions; and then the Gain and Iris are set.
The value of the designated portions and the
surrounding areas should be calculated as 100%, the
9
Basic Functions
rest should be set to 20%. The range of the Spot AE
frame is fixed to 5 blocks vertically and 4 blocks
horizontally.
Horizontal 16
0
123456789ABCDEF
0
1
2
Ver tical 16
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
A
B
C
D
E
F
(8,8)
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.
EXPOSURECompStep
Value
0E+10.5dB+7
0D+9dB+6
0C+7.5dB+5
0B+6dB+4
0A+4.5dB+3
09+3dB+2
08+1.5dB+1
070dB0
06–1.5dB–1
05–3dB–2
04–4.5dB–3
03–6dB–4
02–7.5dB–5
01–9dB–6
00–10.5dB–7
Back Light 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.
ICR (IR Cut-Removable) Mode
An infrared (IR) Cut-Filter can be disengaged from the
image path for increased sensitivity in low light
environments. The ICR will automatically engage
depending on the ambient light, allowing the camera to
be effective in day/night environments.
When the auto ICR mode is set to ON, the image
becomes black and white.
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.
Slow shutter – Auto/Manual
When set to “Auto,” ensures that the slow shutter is set
automatically within the range of the lower limit set by
the slow shutter limit command, when the brightness
drops. Effective only when the AE mode is set to “Full
Auto.”
Set to “Slow Shutter Auto” at shipment from the
factory.
Camera ID
The ID can be set up to 65,536 (0000 to FFFF). As this
will be memorized in the nonvolatile memory inside
the camera, data will be saved, regardless of the
“position preset.”
Aperture Control
Aperture control is a function which adjusts the
enhancement of the edges of objects in the picture.
There are 16 levels of adjustment, starting from “no
enhancement.” When shooting text, this control may
help by making the text sharper.
Effect
It consists of the following functions.
• Neg. Art: Negative/Positive Reversal
• Black White: Monochrome Image
10
Basic Functions
Gamma
Selects the desired gamma curve of the camera.
• Normal
Reproduces images with the standard video gamma
curve.
• Cinema Type 1
Reproduces images that look lively, providing depth
in images as if you shot them using a film.
• Cinema Type 2
In addition to the features of Cinema Type 1, this
setting is capable of extremely precise description of
the entire exposure zone, from shadowed parts to
highlighted parts, which enables reproduction of a
deeper black.
Freeze
This function captures an image in the field memory of
the camera so that this image can be output
continuously.
The settings are recalled when the power is turned on.
For setting items, see the “Initial Settings and Position
Preset” section on page 13.
Custom Preset
As with the positon 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 and Position
Preset” section on page 13.
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.
Others
Memory (Position Preset)
Using the position preset function, 6 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:
• Zoom Position
• 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 Auto/Manual
• White Balance Mode
• R/B Gain
• Aperture
• ICR Shoot On/Off
11
Eclipse
When designing the housing, refer to the dimensional
allowance as shown in the figure below.
Basic Functions
Vibration
Specifications
Test Method (Random vibration)
• Fix the camera at the four fixation points of the base
using M2 screws.
• Perform the random vibration test under the
following conditions in the X, Y and Z directions for
20 minutes in each direction.
• The camera vibration specification is to have no
malfunction after this test.
2/s3
Power spectrum density
Effective overall value
Test time
5 to 50 Hz4.14 m
50 to 100 Hz –36 dB/oct
2
14.3 m/s
20 minutes
{0.043 G2/Hz}
{1.46 G}
12
Initial Settings and Position Preset
The initial values are those set at the factory. Settings
for items that will be retained even when the power to
the camera is turned off are indicated by a “a,” those
that will be lost are indicated by an “×.”
Basic Functions
Mode/PositionInitial settings
Zoom PositionWide endaa
Focus Position—aa
Focus Auto/ManualAutoaa
Near Limit SettingC000h (1.0 cm)a×
AF ModeNormala×
AF activation time5 secondsa×
AF interval time5 secondsa×
WB ModeAutoaa
WB Data (Rgain, Bgain)—aa
One Push WB Data—a×
AE ModeFull Autoaa
Slow Shutter ModeOnaa
Shutter Position1/60sec (59.94/NTSC),
1/50sec (50/PAL)
Iris Position—aa
Gain Position—aa
Bright Position—aa
Exposure Compensation On/OffOffaa
Exposure Compensation Amount±0aa
Backlight On/OffOffaa
Spot AE On/OffOffa×
Spot AE position settingX=8, Y=8a×
GammaNormala×
Key LockOffa×
Aperture Level8aa
Freeze On/OffOff××
Picture EffectOffa×
Mute On/OffOff××
D-Zoom Limitx4aa
AutoSlowShutterLimitOffaa
ICR On/OffOffaa
Auto ICR On/OffOffaa
Auto ICR Threshold Level0Chaa
CustomMemroy position
preset
aa
presets 0 to 5
Notes
• The number of times data can be written to the EEPROM (by executing Position Preset) is limited.
• Camera ID data will be saved regardless of the position preset.
13
Memory Command
Basic Functions
Other Status
During displaying
3)
Initializing
2)
IFC
1)
Power Off
ntil the video signal is output. Or the
ModePower On
Commanda still image
Address Setaa aaaa
IF_Clearaa aaaa
CAM_Power Ona××aa ×
CAM_Power Offa××aa ×
Mode Condition
Basic settings
CAM Version Inq.aaaaaa
CAM_Power Inq.aaaaaa
BlockInquiry×××aa×
InquiryCommand (and similar commands)×× ×aa ×
period from the time the CAM Power ON command is sent, until Completion is returned.
1) DC power is being supplied, but the camera has been turned off by a VISCA command.
2) The period from the time IF Clear is sent, until the Reply Packet is returned.
3) The period from the time DC power is turned on or the camera is turned on via a VISCA command, and the lens is initialized, u
14
Basic Functions
Memory Recall
During displaying
Zoom DirectFocus DirectAF ON
Memory Recall
During displaying
×× ×
4)
ntil the video signal is output. Or the period from the time the CAM Power ON
White balance mode
ntil the video signal is output. Or the period from the time the CAM Power ON
3)
Initializing
2)
IFC
1)
Power Off
ModePower On
3)
Initializing
2)
IFC
1)
Power Off
ModePower On
×××aaaaa ××
ЧЧЧЧЧЧЧa××
Commanda still image
CAM_Zoom Tele/Wide/Stop××××aa ××
CAM_Zoom Direct×××aaa ××
Zoom/Focus
D-Zoom Limit××××aa ××
CAM_Focus Far/Near/Stop×××a××××
CAM_Focus Direct×××aa ×× ×
CAM_Focus Mode (Auto/Manual)×××a×a××
CAM_Focus One Push Trigger×××a××××
CAM_Focus Infinity×××a×a××
CAM_Focus Near Limit×××a×a××
command is sent, until Completion is returned.
1) DC power is being supplied, but the camera has been turned off by a VISCA command.
2) The period from the time IF Clear is sent, until the Reply Packet is returned.
3) The period from the time DC power is turned on or the camera is turned on via a VISCA command, and the lens is initialized, u
White Balance
CommandAutoIndoorOutdoorOne PushManuala still image
CAM_WB Auto/Indoor/Outdoor/
OnePUshWB/Manual
CAM_WB One Push TriggerЧЧЧЧЧЧa
CAM_WB R(B) Gain
Reset/Up/Down/Direct
command is sent, until Completion is returned.
1) DC power is being supplied, but the camera has been turned off by a VISCA command.
2) The period from the time IF Clear is sent, until the Reply Packet is returned.
3) The period from the time DC power is turned on or the camera is turned on via a VISCA command, and the lens is initialized, u
4) Commands are ignored during a One Push AWB operation.
15
Memory Recall
During displaying
Basic Functions
Exposure mode
3)
aaaa ××
4)
Initializing
2)
IFC
1)
Power Off
ntil the video signal is output. Or the period from the time the CAM Power ON
ЧЧЧЧЧa××a××
×××aaaaaa ××
ModePower On
CommandFull AutoBrightShutter PriIris PriSPOT LightManuala still image
Exposure
CAM_AE
5)
Full Auto/Manual/Shutter Pri/×××aa
Iris Pri/Bright/Spot Light
CAM_AE Bright×××aaa ××× ××
CAM_Slow Shutter Limit ON/OFF×××aaaaaa ××
CAM_Shutter Reset/Up/Down/Direct
CAM_Iris Reset/Up/Down/DirectЧЧЧЧЧЧa×a××
CAM_Gain Reset/Up/Down/DirectЧЧЧЧЧЧЧЧa××
6)
command is sent, until Completion is returned.
CAM_Bright Reset/Up/Down/Direct××××a×××× ××
CAM_ExComp On/Off×××aaaaaa ××
CAM_ExComp Reset/Up/Down/Direct
CAM_Backlight On/Off×××a×××a×× ×
1) DC power is being supplied, but the camera has been turned off by a VISCA command.
2) The period from the time IF Clear is sent, until the Reply Packet is returned.
3) The period from the time DC power is turned on or the camera is turned on via a VISCA command, and the lens is initialized, u
4) a: Only when the camera changes to BRIGHT mode from Full Auto or SHUTTER Pri mode.
5) You are not allowed to adjust the slow shutter setting while using Digital Effect.
6) ×: This is not allowed when EX-COMP is set to OFF.
16
Memory Recall
During displaying
Basic Functions
Picture Effect ON
Slow Shutter
3)
Initializing
2)
IFC
1)
Power Off
ntil the video signal is output. Or the period from the time the
Others
ModePower On
CommandStatusa still image
CAM_Aperture Reset/Up/Down/Direct×××aa ××
CAM_PictureEffect Off/Nega/B&W×××aa ××
ICR On/Off××××aa ×
Auto ICR On/OffЧЧЧЧЧa×
Auto ICR Threshold LevelЧЧЧЧЧa×
CAM Power ON command is sent, until Completion is returned.
1) DC power is being supplied, but the camera has been turned off by a VISCA command.
2) The period from the time IF Clear is sent, until the Reply Packet is returned.
3) The period from the time DC power is turned on or the camera is turned on via a VISCA command, and the lens is initialized, u
17
VISCA1) /RS-232C
Commands
Use of RS-232C control software which has been
developed based upon this command list may cause
malfunction or damage to hardware and software.
Sony Corporation is not liable for any such damage.
Command List
Command List
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 an FCB-H11, is
called the peripheral device. The FCB-H11 serves as a
peripheral device in VISCA. In VISCA, up to seven
peripheral devices like the FCB-H11 can be connected
to one controller using communication conforming to
the RS-232C standard. The parameters of RS-232C are
as follows.
• Communication speed: 9600 bps/19200 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.
1)VISCA is a protocol which controls consumer camcorders developed by Sony. “VISCA” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
18
VISCA Communication
Specifications
Command List
VISCA packet structure
The basic unit of VISCA communication is called a
packet (Fig.1). 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-H11 assigned address 1 from the controller
(address 0) is hexadecimal 81H. The packet sent to the
FCB-H11 assigned address 2 is 82H. In the command
Packet (3 to 16 bytes)
Message (1 to 14 bytes)Header
Byte 1Byte 2Byte 3
Sender’s
10
Bit 7
(MSB)
address
Bit 6 Bit 5 Bit 4 Bit 3 Bit 2 Bit 1 Bit 0
Receiver’s address
(LSB)
list, as the header is 8X, input the address of the
FCB-H11 at X. The header of the reply packet from
the FCB-H11 assigned address 1 is 90H. The packet
from the FCB-H11 assigned address 2 is A0H.
Some of the commands for setting FCB-H11 units 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.
Terminator
FF
11111111
Bit 7
Bit 6 Bit 5 Bit 4 Bit 3 Bit 2 Bit 1 Bit 0
(MSB)
(LSB)
Fig. 1 Packet structure
Note
Fig. 1 shows the packet structure, while Fig. 2 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)
Fig. 2 Actual waveform for 1 byte.
Timing Chart
As VISCA Command processing can only be carried
out one time in a Vertical cycle, it takes the maximum
1V cycle time for an ACK/Completion to be returned.
If the Command/ACK/Completion communication
time can be cut shorter than the 1V cycle time, then
every 1V cycle can receive a Command.
From this point, if 2 or more commands in a row are to
be sent, wait for the first command (for normal
commands, an ACK or an error message, for query
commands, an Inquiry Packet) to be carried out before
sending the next one.
1 byte
Bit 6 Bit 7
Stop
bit.
(MSB)
General Commands
Command
Query Commands
Command
ACK Completion
More than 16.7 msec
(20msec 50Hz system)
More than 16.7 msec
(20msec 50Hz system)
Inquiry Packet
16 Byte
19
Command List
Command and inquiry
● Command
Sends operational commands to the FCB-H11.
● Inquiry
Used for inquiring about the current state of the
FCB-H11.
Returned by the FCB-H11 when it receives a
command. No ACK message is returned for
inquiries.
● Completion message
Returned by the FCB-H11 when execution of
commands or inquiries is completed. In the case of
inquiry commands, it will contain reply data for the
inquiry after the 3rd byte of the packet. If the ACK
message is omitted, the socket number will contain a
0.
Reply PacketNote
AckX0 4Y FFY = socket number
Completion (commands)X0 5Y FFY = socket number
Completion (Inquiries)X0 5Y ... FFY = socket number
X = 9 to F: FCB-H11 address + 8
Socket number
When command messages are sent to the FCB-H11, it
is normal to send the next command message after
waiting for the completion message or error message
to return. However to deal with advanced uses, the
FCB-H11 has two buffers (memories) for commands,
so that up to two commands including the commands
currently being executed can be received. When the
FCB-H11 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 at
any one time, an FCB-H11 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 the Cancel command as the next command. To
cancel one of any two commands which have been
sent, use the cancel message.
Cancel PacketNote
Cancel8X 2Y FFY = socket number
X = 1 to 7: FCB-H11 address, Y = socket number
The Command canceled error message will be returned
for this command, but this is not a fault. It indicates
that the command has been canceled.
● Error message
When a command or inquiry command could not be
executed or failed, an error message is returned
instead of the completion message.
Error PacketDescription
X0 6Y 02 FFSyntax Error
X0 6Y 03 FFCommand buffer full
X0 6Y 04 FFCommand cancelled
X0 6Y 05 FFNo socket (to be cancelled)
X0 6Y 41 FFCommand not executable
X = 9 to F: FCB-H11 address + 8, Y = socket number
20
VISCA Device Setting
Command
Before starting control of the FCB-H11, 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.
Command List
PacketNote
Address88 30 01 FFAlways broadcasted.
Network ChangeX0 38 FF
X = 9 to F: FCB-H11 address + 8
VISCA interface command
● IF_Clear
Clears the command buffers in the FCB-H11 and
cancels the command currently being executed.
Command Packet Reply PacketNote
IF_Clear8X 01 00 01FFY0 50 FF
IF_Clear (broadcast)88 01 00 01 FF88 01 00 01 FF
X = 1 to 7: FCB-H11 address (For inquiry packet)
Y = 9 to F: FCB-H11 address +8 (For reply packet)
VISCA interface and inquiry
● CAM_VersionInq
Returns information on the VISCA interface.
InquiryInquiry Packet Reply PacketDescription
CAM_VersionInq8X 09 00 02 FF Y0 50 GG GG HH HH JJ JJ KK FF GGGG: Vender ID
(0020: Sony)
HHHH = Model ID
044B: FCB-H11
JJJJ = ROM revision
KK = Maximum socket # (02)
X = 1 to 7: FCB-H11 address (For inquiry packet)
Y = 9 to F: FCB-H11 address +8 (For reply packet)
CAM_IDWrite8x 01 04 22 0p 0q 0r 0s FFpqrs: Camera ID (=0000 to FFFF)
CAM_RegisterValue8x 01 04 24 mm 0p 0q FFmm: Register number (00 to 7F)
pp: Register Value (00 to FF)
Command List
1)After an ACK to a One Push White Balance Trigger is sent until the operation is completed, “Not Executable” is sent as a reply when any
other commands are received.
When a slow shutter speed (1/30, 1/25 or lower) is selected, the time needed for the One Push White Balance adjustment will be longer.