This tab allows the user to control external devices such as triggers and strobes connected to the camera.


How to Manipulate the Controls



Triggers

Trigger Switch


ON/OFF - Used to activate and deactivate the trigger.



When the checkbox is green in colour, it means that Trigger is currently turned on.


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 trigger internally at fastest frame rate for N frames. 

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


Use the dropdown Mode list to select the preferred Trigger mode. Please note that a camera may not support all of the above trigger modes.


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.


Use the dropdown Type list to select the preferred Trigger Type. Please note that some cameras may not support all of the above trigger types.


Trigger Polarity


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


Use the dropdown list to select the preferred Polarity.


Please note: "Positive" has a different meaning for enclosed cameras which has optocouplers, and board level cameras which have TTL inputs. Please refer to the Triggers and GPO's article for your camera for a more detailed description.


Trigger Delay


Represents the delay from trigger detection to start of integration.


Use the textbox to enter a value for Delay. The unit for delay is seconds.


Update Trigger


When the parameters are set, click on "Update Trigger" to send these parameters to the camera. You must press "Update Trigger" after making any changes to the trigger, in order for those changes to take effect.


GPIOs

GPIO Switch



ON/OFF - used to activate and deactivate the GPIO pins.


Numbers 1 and 2 - All PL-D cameras support up to two GPIO pins. Numbers 1 and 2 represents the GPIO pin used to carry the current signal.


The green checkbox means that GPIO has been enabled. The user will be able to select either GPIO1 or GPIO2 for GPIO operation. Right now GPIO1 is selected and hence the number 1 is being displayed beside GPIO switch.


GPIO 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. 

  • Flash - The interval during which a flash or strobe light can be fired. 

  • Input - Functions as a general purpose input. The status of the input will be displayed in the status box below the polarity selection box.


Use the Mode dropdown list to select the preferred GPIO mode.


GPIO Polarity


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


Use the Polarity dropdown list to select the preferred polarity. Please note: "Positive" has a different meaning for enclosed cameras, which has optocouplers and board-level cameras, which have TTL inputs. 


Update GPIO


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


Use the Polarity dropdown list to select the preferred polarity. Please note: "Positive" has a different meaning for enclosed cameras, which has optocouplers and board-level cameras, which have TTL inputs. 


Action Commands (Trigger Over Ethernet)


Note: PL-X cameras only


When the "Action" option is selected from the "Type" dropdown the action commands box will become visible. You can select the type of command as well as the desired delay to send the command. Click "send" to send the action command order to the camera.