The Mct-1 Motion Capture System

Transcript

The mct-1 motion capture system introduction The mct-1 motion capture system offers a way of capturing motion with digital still and motion cameras. The control unit is supplied complete with remote sensors and cables. The system can be triggered via remote sensors namely INFRARED BEAM. This consists of an infrared transmitter and a receiver. When placed in the path of a moving object or animal the system will be triggered when the beam is broken. It is capable of capturing small objects such as a falling drop of water or large objects such as wildlife. FLASH SENSOR. This is used at night or in low light conditions and is used to trigger the system when there is a rapid change in light level such as lightning or fireworks etc. Sound. A microphone is supplied and may be connected to the controller to trigger the system when a sharp sound is encountered such as a smashing glass. The control unit allows the user to set the system to an optimum sensitivity. A delay can be set to ensure that the subject is captured at the correct time. A variable trigger timer can be used to capture multiple events, typically when the camera is set to the sports mode. Various other modes can be set up for single shot and multiple random events. The control unit has two separate channel outputs to control multiple equipments such as cameras, flash units and floodlights via the TT6 power controller. The MCT-1 is powered by 4 x AA batteries or by an external AC/ 6 volt DC supply. TRIGGER TIME DELAY RANGE TRIGGER DELAY trigger MODE SET SENSITIVITY MANUAL TRIGGER AUTO ARM CAMERA FOCUS TRIGGER INHIBIT THE CONTROL UNIT The MCT-1 is housed in a tough but compact polycarbonate case. The unit is splash proof and has a wipe clean surface that incorporates the LED indicators and touch switches. The four AA batteries are contained within the box but can also be powered from the AC power unit supplied when operated indoors. All connections are via the rear panel connectors. SENSITIVITY CONTROL This is used to adjust the sensitivity of the sensor to suit various conditions. Rotate the control clockwise until the LED lights and then turn anti-clockwise a little until it extinguishes. Inputs for the sensors are on the rear panel. The inputs are - lightning flash, infrared beam or sound. AUTO ARM The AUTO ARM switch can be set in the automatic or manual mode. When it is in the AUTO mode (LED green), the camera trigger will automatically re-arm ready for the next event. If it is set to MANUAL (LED red) the camera trigger will operate once only. TRIGGER INHIBIT If the AUTO ARM is set to Manual, the LED will glow red to indicate that the system is inhibited and the camera trigger will not operate. Depress the switch to arm the system ready for the next trigger event, the LED will then change to green. If the AUTO ARM is set to AUTO, the LED will glow green to indicate that the system is armed and the camera trigger ready for the next event. The LED will glow red during a triggering operation only. Trigger delay When an event triggers the system, the camera is triggered but it can be delay by a preset time using TRIGGER DELAY control which is rotated clockwise to increase the delay time in two ranges. delay range The range can changed by pressing the DELAY RANGE switch. The LED will glow red for a short delay and green for a long delay. The short delay can be adjusted from 1/1000 to 1/10 second. The long delay operates from 1/10 to 10 seconds. trigger time When an event triggers the system, the camera will be triggered for a pre- determined time which is set by this control and can be set from 1/1000 to 10 seconds. After the TRIGGER DELAY time is finished. If the camera is set to the ‘B’ exposure, the exposure will be the length of the TRIGGER TIMER. When setting the camera any other mode the shutter time will be dictated by the camera setting. Multiple exposures will occur within the time that is set in the TRIGGER TIMER, typically in the ‘sports mode’ trigger mode The camera can be triggered in the TIMED (LED green) or MANUAL (LED red) mode. In the timed mode the camera will be triggered for the preset time. In the manual mode the trigger will be controlled by the the trigger switch. manual trigger When the triggering is set to the manual triggering mode, the trigger will operate for as long as the trigger switch is held down. The trigger LED will light for as long as the trigger is operating in the manual or automatic modes. camera focus By pressing this switch, the camera will focus remotely depending on the camera model and setting. BUILT IN MIC. FLASH SENSOR IR TX BEAM FLASH/IR SWITCH IN/OUT SOCKETS IR RX SENSOR SOUND/IR SWITCH 2 DEG. BAFFLE REMOTE SENSOR AND TRANSMITTER MODULES Two splash proof remote modules are supplied. The first is an infrared transmitter that sends an invisible beam to the sensor unit. The beam is no more than 10 degrees wide so it needs to be line up very accurately. This module incorperates a sensitive microphone which allow the system to be triggered by sound alone. A mode switch is provided to change from IR BEAM to SOUND. The sensor box contains the infrared receiver that needs to be lined up with the IR transmitter. The receiver is active when the switch is set to IR BEAM. A special baffle is provided that fits over the IR sensor which has the effect of reducing the beam width to 2 degees, this is useful for shorter distances when capturing very small objects. Switching it to FLASH enables the visible light sensor to capture sudden changes in light such as lightning. The ambient light should be very low or dark for it to work properly The modules have two sockets that can be connected directly to the Control Unit with the cable provided or via the sensor unit to daisy chain the this unit to the controller (Fig. 3 and 4 refers). The remote boxes can be mount on the mini tripods supplied, standard tripods or can be free standing. CONNECTING THE SYSTEM Before connecting up, ensure that all equipments used are compatable with the MCT-1. The Company does not accept liability for any consiquential damage due to incompatabilites or damage as a result of faulty units. Before connecting or disconnecting, ensure that all equipment is switched off. Ensure that the equipment is protected against excessive moisure and temperatures. SAMPLE SETUP CONFIGURATIONS SOUND ACTIVATION (Fig 1 refers) - To operated in the sound mode, connect the IR TRANMITTER module to the MCT-1 into the MIC. socket using the 3.5mm jack cable provided. Switch the module to the ‘SOUND’ position, then place it close to the subject to get the best effect and adjust the sensitivity until the orange LED extiguishes. If it is adjusted too critically, false triggering may occur. FLASH ACTIVATION (Fig 2 refers) - This facility allows the user to capture events such as lightning or fireworks displays etc. Connect the sensor module to the controller via the jack cable. The plug can be connected into either of the two sensor sockets on the MCT-1. Ensure the module is set to flash mode and point sensor in the direction of the potential light source. Note, it should only be used at night or in low light conditions. If it is to be used in full light situations a cover may be put over the sensor, this can be made out of any material such as the lens from sunglasses, a degree of trial and error will be required. The principle is that the flash should be a lot brighter than the ambient light. IR TX/SOUND MODULE Fig 1 FLASH SENSOR MIC. Fig 2 MCT-1 CONTROLLER MCT-1 CONTROLLER IR RX IR TX Fig 3 INPUT 1 IR TX 1 2 INPUTS MCT-1 CONTROLLER Fig 4 IR RX INPUT 1 MCT-1 CONTROLLER CAMERA CAMERA 1 TRIGGER O/P Fig 5 CAMERA 2 1 TRIGGER O/P MCT-1 CONTROLLER Fig 6 MCT-1 CONTROLLER TT6 PHOTO FLOODS Fig 7 CONTROLLER 1 2 TRIGGER O/P MCT-1 CONTROLLER FLASH CAMERA Fig 8 CAMERA 2 1 TRIGGER O/P MCT-1 CONTROLLER INFRARED BEAM (Fig 3 and 4 refers) - This facility allows the user to capture events when a moving object or animal breaks the beam at which point the controller will be triggered. Connect the IR TX and sensor modules as shown. For convenience the cables may be routed in a ‘daisy chain’ as shown in Fig 4, to either of the sensor sockets on the controller or each box may be connector individually to both sockets as shown in fig 3. Switch both modules to ‘IR’. Arrange the two boxes so that the transmitter beam and receiver sensor are facing each other. The distance between the two can be from 30cm to 2m. Adjust the sensitivity up until the LED just glows and rotate the units until the LED extinguishes, repeat this until you have achieved the best setting then turn the control anti-clockwise a little until the LED goes out. If it is used outside in bright situations may confuse the sensor. Never direct the sensor in the direction of the sun as it could be saturated by IR from the suns rays. The units are splash proof therefore protect against severe weather. When capturing small short range objects, fit the plastic baffle over the sensor apature which will narrow the beam to 2 degrees. It is best to use the tripods to line up the sensor beam. trigger outputs (Fig 5 and 6 refers) - The outputs from the controller has two decreet output channels which are suitable for use with many popular cameras. Trigger output 1 will trigger AND prefocus the camera. TRIGGER OUTPUT 2 has no pre-focus facility. The outputs are normally open volt free open collector type that is reference to ground. The cable that is provided is terminated with a 2.5mm plug that is used on many popular cameras. The tip is the camera trigger, ring is the focus and body is the return. Check your camera specification before connecting and using the system. IF IN DOUBT, CONSULT YOUR DEALER. AUXILIARY output (Fig. 7 and 8 refers) - A second trigger channel is provided to operate a variety of equipments. As with trigger 1, the output is a normally open volt free open collector type that is reference to ground. Do not use more than one piece of equipment at any one time. This output can be used for equipment such as flash guns (Fig. 8) or it can be used to trigger products such as the TT6 power controller (Fig. 7) which can control items such as photo flood lamps etc. POWER REQUIREMENTS - The MCT-1 is powered by 4 x AA non rechargeable batteries. These should be of the high power type such as Duracell. To gain access it is necessary to remove the lid by releasing the 4 screw in the base. Ensure that the batteries are the correct way round before closing the case. Do not use metal tools to remove the batteries or the circuit boards may be damaged. The system consumes about 40 milliamps, when the IR TX module is connected the consumption rises to 80 milliamps. On the rear panel there is a jack provided to plug in a mains powered low voltage supply with the centre being positive (+). The supply should be double insulated showing the correct label thus . The output must be rate from 6 to 9 volts DC (VDC) at 200 milliamps. When the power supply is connected the internal batteries are disabled. WIRING CONNECTIONS MIC. INPUT 3.5MM JACK TIP = LINE, RING = NC, BODY = SCREEN TIP RING BODY SENSOR INPUTS 3.5MM JACK TIP = IR DRIVE, RING =SENSORS IN, BODY = GROUND TRIGGER 1 OUT 5 PIN DIN PLUG 1 = TRIGGER , 5 = NC, 2 = GROUND, 4 = NC , 3 = FOCUS TRIGGER 2 OUT 5 PIN DIN PLUG 1 = TRIGGER, 5 = NC, 2 = GROUND, 4 = NC, 3 = NC 5 2 4 1 3 5 2 4 1 3 INNER BODY DC IN POWER JACK INNER = +6 TO 9VDC, BODY = 0VDC TIP RING BODY CAMERA INPUT 2.5MM JACK TIP = CAMERA TRIGGER, RING = FOCUS, BODY = RETURN TRIGGER INPUT TO CAMERA The following cameras will connect directly to MCT-1 with the trigger cable provided CANON EOS 30 EOS 33 EOS 50E EOS 300 EOS 300V EOS 300D EOS 350D EOS 3000 EOS 50 EOS 500 EOS 55 EOS 500N EOS 300X EOS Kiss EOS New Kiss EOS Kiss 7 EOS Kiss III EOS 7 EOS 7s EOS 400D EOS Digital Rebel EOS Digital Rebel X EOS Digital Rebel XSi EOS KISS X2 EOS 450D EOS Digital Rebel XTi Kiss Digital Kiss Digital N ELAN 7N ELAN II ELAN DATE ELAN 7 ELAN 7NE ELAN 7N ELAN IIE Rebel 2000 Rebel G Rebel T2 Rebel Ti Rebel X Rebel XS EOS 1000D EOS 500D Rebel T1i EOS 550D Rebel T2i G10 G11 G12 60D 600D Rebel T3i Kiss X5 1100D Rebel T3 PENTAX K100D K110D K10D *ist DS2 K200D K20D K7 *ist D *ist Ds *ist *ist DL MZ-6 ZX-L MZ- *ist DL2 K5 SAMSUNG GX-1L, GX-1S GX-10 GX-20 NX10 NX100 NX5 CONTAX 645 N N1 NX N Digital Other cameras will require an adapter, typically Calumet manufacture a range as shown below Camera Adapter for Canon with N-3 Plug (CF0061) Camera Adapter for Nikon with 10-pin Plug (CF0066) Camera Adapter for Nikon with DC-1 Plug (CF0068) Camera Adapter for Sony/Minolta with 4 channel connector (CF0070) For the above and other models JJC Corperation, Hahnel Eire, HAMA amongst others offer a range of adapters for most digital SLR cameras. All of the above will require a 2.5mm female to 3.5mm male or female 3 pole adapter. KIT CONTENTS MCT - 1 Controller Infrared transmitter/sound modue Daylight/IR sensor module 2 degree baffle Mini tripod (2) Camera trigger cable - 5m Sensor cable - 5m Sensor cable - 2m Instruction manual OPTIONAL EXTRAS MP-1 AC power supply CT-1 5m camera trigger extender cable CS-1 5m sensor extender cable TT6 Power controller, including 2m control cable CP-1 5m extender control cable for TT6 SPECIFICATIONS TRIGGER TIME - Presetable 5ms (1/200 sec.) to 8 seconds DELAY TIME - Short delay 1ms (1/1000 sec.) to 100ms (1/10 sec.) - Long delay 1000ms (1/10 sec.) to 10 seconds. TRIGGER MODES - Manual, auto 1 shot, auto re-arm FOCUS ACTIVATION - Manual activation SENSOR MODES - Flash, infrared beam, sound IR BEAM - Range 30cm to 2m. Wavelength 850nm FLASH SENSOR - Range 0 to ~1500 lumens. Sensitivity 20 lumens. SOUND RESPONSE - Frequency response 100 to 5000 Hz at 6db TRIGGER OUTPUTS - 3 x open collector (2 x trigger, 1 x focus). 50vdc max at 100 milliamps. POWER REQUIRMENTS - 4 x AA batteries, non rechargeable. 2 amp hour recconeded. - AC to low voltage PSU - 6 - 9v DC at 200 milliamps. Unit to be double insulated. SIZE - Controller - (W)19cm x (D)14cm x (H)5cm - Sensors - (W)7.5cm x (D)5cm x (H)2.6cm SENSOR MOUNTING - 1/4 bsw thread ( standard tripod thread) MINI TRIPOD HEIGHT - 8cm min. 17cm max. WEIGHT - Controller 492g. WATERPROOFING - IP53 TEMPERATURE - 0 to 35 degrees C. (operating). -10 to 50 degrees C. (non operating) SHOCK - 10 newtons Sensors 50g. Tripods 30g.