I have a project in which I am looking to use a Sony FCB-H11 HD block camera. I need to build a controller will allow me to use 3 momentary rocker switches to control the zoom and focus. It must be a standalone controller.
The camera uses visca ttl via rs 232 for control.
Will the arduino work for this application and how difficult would it be.
Thanks in advance
Thanks for the response. It would be an on/off control of the functions. Just looking for basically 3 controls, zoom(in/out), iris(bright/dark), focus (near/far). Each of the 3 functions has its own rocker switch. Also the camera would need to turn on as soon as power is applied.
Here is a link to a similar controller that I am looking for.
http://appliedvp.net/products/CameraContollers.html
The fcb-h11 seems like a great hd camera but is limited by the way it has to be controlled.
Thanks Richard
I'm going to go ahead and start this project and it appears I will have alot to learn.
Along with spending loads of time on this site, are there any books/guides that are recommended for beginners. I do have a 2yr degree in electrical/electronics (from a long time ago) but more experience on the electrical side. I'm also pretty good with computers but know nothing about microcontrollers. Must have slept through that class and I'm now regretting it.
Also, what stuff will I need to purchase? Right now I just have a sony fcb camera similar to the hd version (fcb-h11) to practice on. Oh, and I have the rocker switches too. I'm assuming there are arduino boards already built a opposed to kits? I not really looking to cut costs or save a few bucks since I do have a some money to spend on this. I just want to put it together as quickly and easily as possible. Any interfaces you think I'll need too? Also where to buy this stuff?
I already have a similar sony block camera that capable of being controlled via Ttl signal-level (visca protocol) with a max baud rate of 38.4 max, stop bit 1/2 selectable. I just downloaded the sony fcb camera demo program which will allow me to control this camera from my computer, which I guess would be a good first step in the learning process. The nice thing about the program is there are windows showing commands sent and received. I haven't hooked up a camera to the computer yet so obviously nothing shows up in the received window but commands do show up in the sent window. Sony seems to have quite alot of information in the manual supporting these cameras and how to control them but my lack of knowledge right now makes it really look foreign. Like I said, alot to learn, but I pretty excited about this project and the while arduino thing. Looks to be a great hobby in the end.
Once again, thanks in advance for any all all tips this forum can provide!
Richard,
I really appreciate your help. I'm sorry about the delay between my posts. I ended up getting side tracked on another project. I am definitely up for developing this project here and will do my best to provide as much information in the posts so as to help anyone else looking interface the sony cameras with the arduino. I will also see it to the end. There is nothing worse than finding a discussion on an internet related to something your working on, only to find the original poster disappearing without him posting the final outcome or results. This seems like a great community in which alot can be learned.
I have spent a little time reading up on the visca protocol as well as rx and tx so I will have a decent understanding as we move ahead. My first goal to get more familiar with my test camera and controlling it with the demo control software that I downloaded from Sony. I ordered a Usb to ttl interface board so I can connect the camera control to my laptop. I also ordered an arduino and both should arrive this week.
Once I can control the camera with laptop, I'll be able to see exactly what commands are being sent and received thanks to the windows on the demo software. Plus I'll be able to choose the speeds of the lens functions(eg. How fast it zooms in) I'll be hooking up the video to a separate video monitor which is exactly what my final application will be.
Of course I already ran into a minor problem. The connector on all sony block cameras which has the serial connections is a ffc(1.0 pitch). Making the connection to it could be a bit of a challenge seeing ho ffc to "flying leads" breakout cables or interface boards don't seem readily available.
For my test setup, I'm sure I will be able to rig it up, but for final application, I will need to find the proper connector/interface.
And speaking of the final application, the fcbh11 will be used in a conference room setting as a type of Hd document camera. I never like it when people ask for help but are too afraid to divulge what the end user application will be.
Hey wad2kxx, I am also trying to work a similar solution. Let me know how it goes!
-Michael