Asynchronous Reset Mode With Pulnix TM-9701 Progressive Scan Camera
Primary Software: Driver Software>>NI-IMAQ
Primary Software Version: 2.0
Primary Software Fixed Version: N/A
Secondary Software: N/A
Hardware: Image Acquisition (IMAQ)>>Digital Image Devices>>PXI-1422, Image Acquisition (IMAQ)>>Digital Image Devices>>PCI-1422
Problem: How do I setup my Pulnix TM-9701 to operate in Asynchronous Reset Mode?
Solution: The Pulnix TM-9701 camera can output video in 3 different formats, RS-170 Analog, Progressive Non-Standard Analog, and Progressive Parallel Digital. In order to operate the camera in asynchronous mode, the video must be setup for Progressive Parallel Digital. This can be done using the IMAQ PCI-1422 framegrabber board. National Instruments makes a custom cable for interfacing with this camera and the PCI-1422 (Part # 184742A-02).
Please note that the Pulnix TM-9701 camera does not operate in a standard asynchronous mode. The asynchronous mode of this camera does not simply send image data only when a new image is triggered. Instead, it has on-camera memory that stores the newest image. Whenever the camera gets a trigger, it takes an image and puts it into on-camera memory. The camera continually outputs whatever is in the on-camera memory at frame rate of 30 frames per second.
This means that the IMAQ PCI-1422 will always receive 30 images per second, though some of them may be redundant. For example, if the camera is triggered at a rate of 2 frames per second, the camera will output 15 duplicate images from the first trigger, and 15 duplicate images from the second trigger. Depending on the application's desired functionality, an algorithm may need to be written to discard duplicate images in software.
Take the following steps to setup the Pulnix TM-9701 for asynchronous reset mode:
Camera Setup
- There are three switches on the back of the Pulnix TM-9701 used for configuring the imaging mode. They are to be set as follows:
-
NRM/ASY - Set to ASY for Asynchronous Mode
- INT/NON - Set to NON for Progressive Scanning
-
Shutter Dial (Settings from 0-9) - Any shutter setting will work with a single pulse except for 0, which requires a separate pulse for triggering and for shutter.
- There is a jumper inside the camera that must be unsoldered. Follow the steps below to unsolder the jumper:
- Remove the cover of the camera by unscrewing the 8 small Phillips screws on the sides and top of the camera.
- Locate the W4 jumper using the diagram on page 5 of the attached manual. (Also available at http://www.pulnix.com/Manuals/TM-9700-9701.pdf) Also note that In the manual, on page 2, it mentions setting jumper W4 on the bottom board needs to be open for asynchronous reset mode. This is a bit confusing at first because according to the diagram of the bottom board on page 5, W4 is in the exact same location as two capacitors. It turns out that diagram is mislabeled, W4 is a small solder jumper in the location that W1 is shown.
- Use a soldering iron to remove the electrical connection across the jumper.
- Replace the cover of the camera.
Triggering Setup
There are two options when triggering the camera - triggering externally, or generating pulses with the framegrabber:
- Sending Pulses from the Framegrabber - Using the earlier recommended cable, trigger pulses can be sent out over Control 0 of the framegrabber. These pulses will come into the VINIT (trigger) input on on pin 20 of the main parallel connector. Pulse trains are created with the camera file. Pulse train generation with camera files is documented in this Knowledgebase: Triggered Pulse Generation in Camera Files.
- External Triggering - The camera has a VINIT (trigger) input on pin 6 of the hirose connector. You can send trigger pulses out to the camera through the hirose connector by simply wiring it up externally. Make sure that you delete any pulse train generation settings in the camera file if using external triggering, otherwise you may experience unexpected results.
Related Links: KnowledgeBase 491KCVP9: Creating Trigger Pulses On Control Lines of IMAQ Framegrabbers
Attachments: 
- TM-9700-9701.pdf
Report Date: 05/02/2007
Last Updated: 05/10/2007
Document ID: 491K6PP9
