
9.5.1 Intensifier
Control
The luminous gain of Intensifier tube is controlled in a log-linear fashion via the serial port (IGN
parameter). The intensifier may also be gated to provide duty-cycle control of its "on" time--the
gating is internally derived but controlled via the serial port (IPO and IPD parameters) in several
different modes (set by the IMD parameter).
Intensicam
70795
36728
19055
2512
5012
9772
1.E+03
1.E+04
1.E+05
0
51
102
153
204
255
IGN Argument
Lumi
nous G
ai
n
Figure 9.5-1: Luminous Gain versus IGN Argument
9.5.2 Notes on Intensifier Operation
CAUTION: Do NOT point the intensifier at bright lights or permanent damage to the intensifier
tube may result.
•
The INT_PULSE (which is a camera-internal signal) controls the intensifier gate and follows
negative logic, i.e. the Intensifier is "off" when this pulse is HIGH; the Intensifier is "on" when
this pulse is LOW. This pulse is used under software control either to control the "duty cycle"
of the Intensifier (IMD PON or IMD SON) or to protect the Intensifier against “photon
overload” damage by gating it OFF (IMD IOF).
•
The power on default setting of the INT_PULSE is HIGH. This will ensure that on power-up
all light to the camera is cut-off. This protects the Intensifier, since it is quite likely that a user
may power up the camera before connecting the cable required to view an image and may
accidentally cause damage to the Intensifier by pointing to a bright source of light. Software
will have to be enabled to turn on the intensifier, by using the ION command (see below), or
others. Some apps will do this on "connect" others may follow a more elaborate process, asking
the user to "enable" the intensifier.
•
Command "IMD IOF": sets the INT_PULSE to be always HIGH; this will turn OFF the
Intensifier. It is recommended that the application sets the Intensifier to this state prior to
disconnecting or terminating operation. This is also the power-on default mode.
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