Tech Support

Here at Photron we take customer service to a whole new level. Our Technical Support Team is known for going above and beyond to serve our customers. With support team members located throughout the world, it is easier than ever to get the support you need in a timely manner. Reach out today and let us know how we can help serve you.

Video Tutorials from the Photron Tech Team

Looking for answers to some commonly asked questions? You’ve come to the right place. Take a look through our library of Video Tech Tips today. Topics include:

How to set-up our PFV software and record your first video
How to change your IP address
How to use the variable mode option in PFV
How to use the two point stabilization feature in PFV

TECH TIPS

PC Configuration

Network Optimization Tool

One of the newest features implemented into PFV4 is the network optimization tool. This feature will automatically adjust network settings in both the software and computer hardware for optimal use with the currently connected control PC. This feature is only available in PFV 4.0.3.0 and later.

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Optimizing PCs for use of PFV4

When installing PFV4 on a new PC, it is crucial to ensure Windows and all the related drivers are up to date. Keeping everything updated will ensure the smoothest operation and provide the best performance. This tech tip will go over which updates and drivers are relevant to PFV4 and how to update them.

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Optimizing mobile network adapters for Windows 10

The Intel mobile i21 series of network adapters has issues communicating properly with Photron cameras if the Intel Driver is out of date. Please ensure if you have an Intel adapter that starts with i21 you upgrade to the latest driver version. The latest version for windows 10 can be found by following this link: https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/25016/Intel-Network-Adapter-Driver-for-Windows-10 (This download is an auto install executable file)

> Windows 10

> Windows 7

Camera Maintenance

Setting your camera's back focus

Back focus refers to the focal flange length, which is the distance between the rear lens element and the camera’s sensor. In the following tech tip we will go over commonly asked questions regarding back focus.

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Cleaning your cameras sensor

Keeping your camera sensor clean and free of debris is very important to obtaining the best images possible. If you notice smudges or other spots showing up on the image it’s possible the sensor may need to be cleaned. The tech tip will go over four methods we use here in our lab for cleaning our sensors when needed. We recommend performing the cleaning steps that remove the smudge/dirt in the least invasive way possible.

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Operating your camera at optimal temperature

When preparing to take images with a Photron camera it is always a good idea to let the camera warm up to optimal temperatures before recording a video. Initial Photron camera calibrations during camera production are always performed when the camera is warmed up. Warming up the camera will ensure the best image quality and light sensitivity for your recordings.

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Changing the IP address of a Photron camera in PFV

Changing the IP Address of a Photron camera in PFV.

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Camera Functions

Focus Assistance Tool

PFV4 software offers a focus assistance tool to help adjust your camera’s focus to achieve the maximum sharpness. This tool can be very useful when your camera is operating in high glare or low light environments.

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Saving a camera's settings

When configuring a Photron camera for a particular setup or test, there are two ways to save the desired settings, so they are conveniently accessible. The settings can either be saved in a PCSX (Photron Camera Settings) file and saved to the PC or the camera settings can be saved in the camera.

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New uses for I/O singals

Some users only use the I/O connectors to input their trigger signal, but below are a few other useful ways to use the I/O signals.

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Auto White Balance

White balancing is the process of removing unrealistic color casts, so the objects which appear white in person are rendered white in your image. Proper camera white balancing has to take into account the “color temperature” of a light source. The PFV software has an option for performing an auto white balance.

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Imaging Processing

Layout save

The layout save feature allows the user to conveniently save multiple image files into one file for easier viewing and comparison.

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Image overlay in PFV

Image Overlay in PFV: The image overlay feature allows you to overlay the live camera image onto a saved image or image sequence. It can be used to display an already saved image on a live image and will not work with two live images or two saved images. This feature can be used for camera alignment or after an event to see before / during / after effects of a test. Below are the steps on how to use this feature.

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Measurement Tools

PFV4 Measurement Tool Video Tutorial

The Photron distance measurement tool is used to measure the distance between two user selected points referencing a value that isdetermined and set by the user.

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Using the Photron distance measurement tool

The Photron distance measurement tool is used to measure the distance between two user selected points referencing a value that isdetermined and set by the user.

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Other FAQs

What can I do to increase the download speed of my recorded images?

Reduce the file to the smallest possible size by only saving the frames you need.
You can save a Region of Interest (ROI) which will reduce the size of the file.
Download your file in the MRAW format.
Bayer save function reduces the file size and downloading time for color image data.
Ensure that the gigabit adapter on the PC has jumbo-frames enabled to its highest value.

How do I reset my Gigabit Ethernet Interface without losing my data?

Push and hold down for 10 seconds the “User Switch 1” on the back panel of the camera. The indicator led’s will blink left to right and then right to left. This means your Gigabit Ethernet has been reset, but your network settings will remain the same.

When using the HD-SDI output for my monitor, I get color bars on my LCD keypad. What should I do?

You can switch the live image between your keypad or monitor by pressing the “Head Select/Function” button on your keypad. In order to view images on a monitor and your keypad, you will need to plug your monitor into the Video Out connector on the back of your camera.

TECH SUPPORT SPECIALISTS