Sony XC-55, XC-55BB Operating Manual

3-861-203-11 (1)

Precautions

System Components

CCD-Black-and-White
Video Camera Module

Operating Instructions

Before operating the unit, please read these instructions
thoroughly and retain them for future reference.

Do not touch any internal switches

Do not touch any internal switches unless instructed to do so in the
Application Guide. Touching those switches may damage the system.
For details, see the Application Guide.
To obtain an application guide, contact your Sony dealer.

Power supply

Be sure to operate the video camera module according to the power
requirement outlined under “Specifications” of the back side. In the
U.S., use only with a UL-listed 12 V DC Class 2 power supply.

Foreign objects

Be careful not to spill liquids, or drop any flammable or metal objects
into the camera body.

Operating and storage locations

Avoid operating or storing the camera in the following locations.

• Extremely hot or cold places (operating temperature
–5°C to +45°C [23°F to 113°F])

• In direct sunlight for long periods, or close to heating equipment

• Damp or dusty places

• Where it is exposed to rain

• Locations subject to strong vibration

• Close to generators producing strong magnetism

• Close to generators producing powerful electromagnetic radiation,

such as radio or TV transmitters

Pictured below are the components of the XC-55/55BB video camera
module system.

Control unit (CCU)

XC-55 Video Camera Module

Camera adaptor
DC-77RR/77RRCE

XC-55BB Video Camera
Module

JB-77 Junction box

A special cable CCXC-T20P02 is supplied with the XC-55BB. (An
additional cable can be purchased as needed.)

Head unit (CHU)

Camera cables
CCXC-12P02S (2 m [6.6 feet])
CCXC-12P05S (5 m [16.5 feet])
CCXC-12P10S (10 m [33.3 feet])
CCXC-12P25S (25 m [83.25 feet])
CCXC-12P05D/U/R/L (5 m [16.5 feet])
CCMC-12P02 (2 m [6.6 feet])

PC-XC12
Connector (12-pin) CCXC-T20P02 Special cable for

the XC-55BB

XC-55/55BB

Sony Corporation  2000

Owner’s Record

The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom.
Record the serial number in the space provided below.
Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer
regarding this product.

Model No. XC-55/55BB Serial No.

WARNING

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose
the unit to rain or moisture.

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.

For the customers in the USA

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment
in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which
case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own
expense.

You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly
approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this
equipment.

Printed in Japan

Care

• Remove dust or dirt on the surface of the lens or optical filter with a
blower.

• Clean the cabinet with a soft, dry cloth. If it is very dirty, use a cloth
dampened with a small quantity of neutral detergent, then wipe dry.

• Avoid the use of volatile solvents such as alcohol, benzene, and
thinners. They may damage the surface finish, or impair the operation
of the shutter adaptor.

Ventilation

Do not wrap the camera in a cloth, etc., during operation. This may
cause the internal temperature to rise excessively and the camera to
malfunction.

Miscellaneous

• Be careful not to spill water or other liquids on the camera or allow
combustible or metallic objects inside the body. If used with foreign
objects inside, the camera is liable to fail or cause a fire or an electric
shock.

• If the product is transported or shipped, repack it as originally packed
at the factory, or in materials equal in quality.

In the event of any problems with the operation of the video camera
module, contact your Sony service representative.

When installing the camera

When you install the camera with various peripheral devices and if the
devices have different ground electric potential, ground only one
device. In case there is an ground electric potential difference, the
camera may be damaged.

Monitor

Camera XC-55

Camera XC-55BB

GND2

Abnormal
electricity

Power supply unit

GND1

VCT-333I

VCT-55I
Tripod Adaptor
(Insulated)
(For the XC-55, the
XC-55BB CCU)

NF-mount lenses
VCL-03S12XM
VCL-06S12XM
VCL-12S12XM
VCL-12SXM

Tripod Adaptor (Insulated)
(For the XC-55BB CHU)

Extension ring kit
LO-77ERK (For the XC-55)
LO-999ERK (For the XC-55BB)

Location and Function of Parts and Controls

XC-55 Front Panel/Top Panel/Bottom Panel

1 Lens mount (C-mount)

2 Reference holes

2 Reference holes/

Tripod screw holes

C-mount lenses
VCL-50Y-M
VCL-25Y-M
VCL-16Y-M
VCL-12YM (Standard)
VCL-08YM

LO-999CMT
C-mount adaptor
(For the XC-55BB)

1 Lens mount (C-mount)

Attach a VCL-12YM standard lens, or any C-mount lens or other optical
equipment.

2 Reference holes for locking the camera/Tripod screw holes

High-precision screw holes for locking the camera onto the lens
mounted surface. Locking the camera minimizes optical axis deviation.

For details, see the Application Guide.

You can attach a tripod to the reference holes (4) on the bottom. You
will need a tripod adapter VCT-55I to install the tripod.
There are two more reference holes on the front of the top surface.

The shielded interface cable recommended in this manual must be
used with this equipment in order to comply with the limits for a
digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.

Für Kunden in Deutschland

Dieses Produkt kann im kommerziellen und in begrenztem Maße
auch im industriellen Bereich eingesetzt werden. Dies ist eine
Einrichtung, welche die Funk-Entstörung nach Klasse B besitzt.

For the customers in Canada

This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Pour les utilisateurs au Canada

Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme
NMB-003 du Canada.

(Ground electric potential difference)

Features

The XC-55/55BB is a black-and-white video camera module that uses
a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) solid-state image sensor compatible
with the VGA (Video Graphic Array) format.
The CCD uses an “all pixels independent read-out” method, which
enables the CCD to output all pixel signals in 1/30 sec.

Wide range of operating modes

You can easily select the required operating mode. The gain, for
example, can be set to AGC (A), to fixed gain (F), or to manual gain
control (M) with a switch on the rear. An internal switch switches γ
(gamma) compensation on or off.

For details on the internal switch, see the Application Guide.

External synchronization

The camera module can be synchronized with the signals (explained
below). The capture frequency range is ±1% of the horizontal scan
frequency.
HD (horizontal drive)/VD (vertical drive) signals:

The camera module analyzes the HD and VD signals input from
external synchronization and automatically determines whether to
operate in interlace or non-interlace mode.

Wide range of electronic shutter modes

The electronic shutter built into this unit is indispensable in attaining the
level of image resolution required for factory automation, etc., and
comes with a variety of shutter modes.

• Electronic shutter

You can select the shutter speed from a wide range of settings (1/100
to 1/8000 sec.).

• E-DONPISHA

The E-DONPISHA is an external trigger shutter that can be useful
when shooting moving objects. This function enables a camera in a
fixed location to capture flickerless images of fast-moving objects.
The shutter speed of E-DONPISHA II is controlled by the pulse width
of the external trigger signal.

1)

“DONPISHA” is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation.

Restart/Reset function

Adjusts the timing for image input/output by using a VD pulse for
external synchronization. A long exposure is also available.

Body fixing

High-precision screw holes are provided for mounting a camera module
according to the surface plane of the lens mount face, allowing
mounting with an absolute minimum deviation of the optical axis.

Other features

• Long life and high reliability

• Fine image, minimum distortion

• High resistance to vibration and impact

• Quick start-up

• Stability against strong magnetic fields

• Low power consumption 1.8 W (XC-55)

1)

II shutter

2.2 W (XC-55BB)

XC-55BB Front Panel/Top Panel/Bottom Panel and XC-55/55BB Rear Panel

1 Lens mount (NF-mount)

2 Reference holes

4 Reference holes

4 Reference holes/

Tripod screw holes

3 Connector for the

special cable

2 Reference holes/

Tripod screw holes

1 Lens mount (NF-mount)

Install an NF mounted lens or optical device, e.g., the standard lens
VCL-12S12XM. If you install a C-mount lens on the XC-55BB, you will
need the C-mount adaptor LO-999CMT.

2 Reference holes for locking the camera/Tripod screw holes

(head unit)

You can attach a tripod to the reference holes (4) on the bottom. You
will need a tripod adapter VCT-333I to install the tripod.
There are two more reference holes on the front of the top surface.

Note

The XC-55BB head unit (CHU) must have the same serial number as
the control unit (CCU).

3 Connector for the special cable

Connect the head unit and the control unit with the supplied cable
CCXC-T20P02.

4 Reference holes for locking the camera/Tripod screw holes

(control unit)

High-precision screw holes for locking the camera onto the lens
mounted surface. Locking the camera minimizes optical axis deviation.

For details, see the Application Guide.

You can attach a tripod to the reference holes on the bottom of the
head unit. You will need a tripod adapter VCT-55I to install the tripod.
There are two more reference holes on the front of the top surface.

5 GAIN switch

Use this switch to select the following modes:

A: Automatic
F: Fixed
M:Manual

6 Manual gain control

Controls the gain level (0 to +18 dB) in manual gain mode (with the
GAIN switch 5 set to M).

7 VIDEO OUT/DC IN/SYNC (Video signal output/DC power input/

sync signal I/O) connector (12-pin)

Connect a CCXC-12P05S camera cable to this connector, the +12 V
DC power supply, and the video signal output from the camera module.
When a sync signal generator outputting external sync signals is
connected to this connector, the camera module is synchronized with
the external sync signals.

The pin configuration of this connector is as follows:

9

1

2

8

10

11 12

3

7

4

6

5

Pin
no.

10 Ground Ground
11 +12 V DC +12 V DC
12 VD input (ground) VD output (ground)

a)

An internal switch change is necessary to output HD and VD signals.

For details, see the Application Guide.

External sync mode

1 Ground Ground
2 +12 V DC +12 V DC
3 Video output (ground) Video output (ground)
4 Video output (signal) Video output (signal)
5 HD input (ground) HD output (ground)
6 HD input (signal) HD outputa) (signal)
7 VD input (signal) VD outputa) (signal)
8 TRIG input (ground) TRIG input (ground)
9 TRIG input (signal) TRIG input (signal)

5 GAIN switch

6 Manual gain control

7 VIDEO OUT/DC IN/

SYNC connector

8 SIGNAL switch

Camera sync output

8 SIGNAL switch

Use this switch to select the following modes:
1I : Outputs the field accumulated signals (1/60 second interlaced)

from VIDEO OUTPUT.

1N : Outputs the 1/30 non-interlaces signals from VIDEO OUTPUT.

Connections

1

ODD

2

EVEN

3

ODD

4

EVEN

6

EVEN

5

ODD

Video Output Modes

The camera has two modes to output video signals. You can select a
mode with the SIGNAL switch on the rear panel.

Select a shutter mode with the internal switches.

For details, see the Application Guide.

C-mount lenses

VCL-08YM

2

*

VCL-12YM

VCL-16Y-M

VCL-25Y-M

2

*

VCL-50Y-M

VCL-03S12XM VCL-12SXMVCL-12S12XMVCL-06S12XM

LO-77ERK

Extension

ring kit

LO-999CMT

C-mount adaptor

NF-mount lenses

You can remove
the dummy glass
and install the IR
cut filter.

*

CHU

VCT-333I (Tripod adaptor)

(Tripod adaptor)

(Tripod adaptor)

1

Special cable for XC-55BB

XC-55

VCT-55I

XC-55BB

CCU

VCT-55I

CCXC-T20P02

Camera cables

CCXC-12P02S

05S
10S
25S
05D
05U
05R

05L

Junction box

JB-77

Camera adaptor
DC-777

Camera adaptor
DC-77RR

1 You can purchase the XC-55BB cable (CCXC-

*

T20P02)

2 If you use a C-mount lens in the XC-55BB, you

*

can attach a VCL-12YM/VCL-50Y-M lens.

DC12V
VIDEO OUT
HD/VD

AC100V
VIDEO OUT
HD/VD

AC100V
VIDEO OUT
HD/VD

EXT-HD/VD in the mode 1N/NORMAL

EXT-VD

1/30 sec

EXT-HD

T

T: Less than ±1.0 µsec

T

The Video Signal 1I Mode

In this mode, the field accumulated signals (1/60 interlaced) are output
from VIDEO OUT.

The camera module is corresponded to the EIA format.

1/30 sec.

1/60 sec.

Falling edge of HD/VD is corresponded: ODD field
Falling edge of HD/VD is not corresponded: EVEN field

Video Signal

Sync Signal

Video output

mode

Shutter mode

NORMAL

E-DONPISHA II

RESTART/RESET

The field definition is as follows:

1I

EXT-HD/VD
INT-SYNC

EXT-HD/VD
only

EXT-HD/VD
only

1N

EXT-HD/VD
INT-SYNC

EXT-HD/VD
only

EXT-HD/VD
only

Note
The XC-55BB CHU and CCU must have the same serial number combination.

Note for installing the C-mount lens to the XC-55

The lens must not project more than 7 mm (9/32 in.) from the lens
mounted surface.

Lens mounted surface

7 mm (9/32 in.)
or less

Note for installing the NF-mount lens (special lens) onto
the XC-55BB

You cannnot use the VCL-7S12XEA (auto-iris lens).

Notes for installing the C-mount lens to the XC-55BB

• To install the C mount lens, you will need a C mount adaptor LO­999CMT (not supplied). The protrusion on the C mount lens must be

4.1mm (3/16 in.) or less from the lens mounted surface.

4.1mm or less
(3/16 in.)

• When you use a C mount adapter, lock the C-mount lens instead of
the camera head. This eliminates unnecessary force to the camera
head.

• Do not use the C mount adapter where there is excessive vibration or
shock, otherwise the C mount adapter and/or the camera may be
damaged.

Lens mounted
surface

Video output

Video signal 1I mode timing chart

The Video Signal 1N Mode

In this mode, the camera module outputs 1/30 sec.
non-interlace signals from the VIDEO OUT connector.

1/30 sec.

1/60 sec.

Video output

Video signal 1N mode timing chart

Video Signal

Sync Signal

Connecting the Head Unit and the Control Unit (XC-55BB)

1

Slit

Screw

Small protrusion

Control unit

1 Connect the cable (supplied) to control unit. Match the small

protrusion with the slit in the plug. Insert the plug and tighten the
screw.

• Do not touch the lens surface. Make sure the lens is clean.

• You can connect either cable end to the control unit or head unit.

2 Similarly, connect the plug to head connector.

After connecting the cable, turn on the monitor power, then, turn on the
power for the camera control unit.

Installing the ferrit core

If you use this camera module in Europe, install the ferrit core on the
cable.

Install the ferrit core on the control unit side of the cable.

Wrap the cable around the ferrit core (see the figure), then close it.
Make sure that the cable is not caught between the pawls of the ferrit
core.

Notes

2

Head unit

Small
protrusion

Pawl

Slit

Screw

Specifications

Imaging system

Pickup device Interline-transfer CCD
Effective picture elements

659 × 494 (horizontal/vertical)
Sensing area 1/3type size
CCD vertical drive frequency

15.734 kHz ± 1%

CCD horizontal drive frequency

12.2727 MHz
Signal system EIA system
Cell size 7.4 × 7.4 µm (horizontal/vertical)

Optical system and others

Lens mount C mount (XC-55),

NF mount (XC-55BB)

Flange focal length 17.526 mm (C mount),

12.00 mm (NF mount)
Synchronization Internal/external (automatically switched

according to input signal)

External sync signal I/O

HD/VD (HD/VD level: 2 to 5 Vp-p, automatically

switched between HD/VD according to input
signal; I/O selection by internal switch)

External sync allowance frequency

±1% (of horizontal sync frequency)
Jitter Within ±50 nsec
Scanning system 525 lines

2:1 interlace mode (1I mode)

Non-interlace mode (1N mode)
Video output 1.0 Vp-p, sync negative, 75 ohms unbalanced
Horizontal resolution 500 TV lines
Vertical effective lines 483 lines
Sensitivity 400 lx., F5.6 (γ compensation ON,0 dB)
Minimum illumination 0.5 lx. (AGC mode, F1.4, γ compensation ON)
Video S/N ratio 56 dB
Gain AGC/Fixed gain/Manual gain control (selected

with the GAIN switch on the rear panel)

γγ compensation/γ – ON/OFF (0.45/1) (selected

with internal switch)

White clip 115 IRE ± 10 IRE
Shutter mode Normal shutter/E-DONPISHA II shutter
Shutter speed (normal mode)

1/100, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000, 1/2000, 1/4000,

1/8000 sec. (selected with internal switch)
Power requirements +12 V DC (range: 10.5 to 15.0 V)
Power consumption XC-55: 1.8 W (±10%)

XC-55BB: 2.2 W (±10%)
Operating temperature –5°C to +45°C (+23°F to +113°F)
Storage temperature –30°C to +60°C (–22°F to +140°F)
Operating relative humidity

25% to 80% (no condensation)
Storage relative humidity

20% to 90% (no condensation)
Vibration resistance 10 G (20 Hz to 200 Hz, 20 minutes in each X,

Y or Z direction)
Shock resistance 70 G
External dimensions XC-55: 29 × 29 × 67 mm
(w/h/d) (1

3

/16 × 1 3/16 × 2 3/4 inches)

(excluding protruding parts)

XC-55BB:

(CHU) 22 × 22 × 30 mm

7

(

/8 × 7/8 × 1 3/16 inches)

(excluding protruding parts)

(CCU) 29 × 29 × 67 mm

3

(1

/16 × 1 3/16 × 2 3/4 inches)

(excluding protruding parts)
Mass XC-55: Approx. 110 g (4 oz)

XC-55BB:
(CHU) Approx. 40 g (1 oz)
(CCU) Approx. 100 g (4 oz)

Supplied accessories Lens mount cap (1)

Special cable CCXC-T20P02 (For connecting

CCU/CHU of XC-55BB)

Operating Instructions (1)
Ferrite core (1)

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Warranty and Maintenance

Typical CCD Phenomena

The following effects on the monitor screen are characteristic of CCD
cameras. They do not indicate any fault with the camera module.

Smear

This occurs when shooting a very bright object such as electric lighting,
the sun, or a strong reflection.
This phenomenon is caused by an electric charge induced by infrared
radiation deep in the photosensor. It appears as a vertical smear, since
the CCD imaging element uses an interline transfer system.

Vertical aliasing

When you shoot vertical stripes or lines, they may appear jagged.

About 150 mm

Blemishes

A CCD image sensor consists of an array of individual sensor elements
(pixels). A malfunctioning sensor element will cause a single pixel
blemish in the picture. (This is generally not a problem.)

White speckles

When you shoot a dark object at a high temperature, small white dots
may appear all over the image.

Note

If strong light enters a wide area of the screen, the screen may become
dark. This is not a malfunction. If this occurs, avoid strong light or adjust
the lens iris to reduce the light amount.

For queries on a period and terms of the warranty, contact the store
where you purchased the product.

About the User’s Guide

The Operating Instructions describe the functions and use of this
product.

For more details, see the User’s Guide. Please ask your sales repre­sentative about the User’s Guide.