The External Control tab allows the user to control external devices connected to the camera, such as triggers or strobes.



Trigger


The snapshot below demonstrate the functions provided in a trigger window



Trigger Switch


On / Off - used to activate and deactivate the trigger


Trigger Mode


Characterization of the trigger signal pulse from modes 0 through 14.  Current modes include:


  • 0 - Trigger on pulse leading edge for shutter integration time

  • 1 - Pulse width defines start and end of integration

  • 2 - Start integration at first pulse leading edge and end at Nth pulse leading edge

  • 3 - Camera issues triggers internally at fastest frame rate for N frames

  • 14 - Camera will capture N frames after first trigger edge


Trigger Type


Represents the means of delivering the trigger signal to the camera.


  • Free running (Frames are output continuously, driven by an internal trigger that occurs as frequently as possible)

  • Software (The trigger occurs upon receiving a software command)

  • Hardware (The trigger comes from an external device as an electrical pulse)

  • Action - PL-X Cameras Only - (The trigger occurs upon receiving an action command. See: Action Type.) 


Trigger Polarity


Represents the polarity of the trigger signal (the rising or falling edge of the voltage signal). Select "Positive or "Negative"


Note: "Positive" has a different meaning for enclosed cameras, which has optocouplers and board-level cameras, which have TTL inputs.  See Triggers and GPOs for a detailed description.


Trigger Delay


Represents the delay from trigger detection to start of integration.


Trigger Number


Represents a numeric parameter required by some trigger "Modes" and "Types". If this parameter is not required, the field is disabled and represented as N/A. 


Update Trigger


When the parameters are set, click on "Update Trigger" to send these parameters to the camera.


Trigger Description


Once the trigger mode is set, the description of the selected trigger appears in the Trigger Description box.



GPOs


The snapshot below demonstrates the function provided in the GPO window



GPO Switch


  • On / Off - used to activate and deactivate the GPO pins

  • Number - the GPO pin used to carry the current signal


GPO Mode


Represents the type of signal being generated.  Current modes include:

  • Strobe - Pulse fires for specified duration and delay after trigger input.

  • Normal - Pulse width, or steady state as set through API control.

  • Pulse - Specified number of pulses, polarity and duration each time API requests it.

  • Busy - Pulse enabled when camera is integrating a frame.


GPO Polarity


Represents the polarity of the GPO signal (the rising or falling edge of the voltage signal). Select "Positive or "Negative"


Note: "Positive" has a different meaning for enclosed cameras, which has optocouplers and board-level cameras, which have TTL inputs.  See Triggers and GPOs for a detailed description.


GPO Parms


Up to three additional parameter fields may appear dependant upon what "GPO Mode" is selected.


Update GPO


When the parameters are set, click on "Update GPO" to send these parameters to the camera.


GPO Description


Once the GPO mode is set, the description of the selected trigger appears in the Trigger Description box.



Actions (PL-X Cameras Only)


Use to schedule and send an action command to PL-X cameras.



Current actions include:

  • Frame - The camera should output one of more frames, according to the cameras FEATURE_TRIGGER settings. 

  • GPO1 - The camera’s GPO #1 will be asserted according to the cameras FEATURE_GPIO (for GPIO1).

  • GPO2 - The camera’s GPO #2 will be asserted according to the cameras FEATURE_GPIO (for GPIO2).


Events (PL-X Cameras Only)


The Events console shows a log of events that have occurred. For a list of supported events, see: Event ID