RCX C-Link User’s Guide
Configuration
EDT, Inc. November 2006
10
In the case of a dual tap camera, the Camera Link pixel clock is half the camera’s pixel rate. For
example, a dual-tap 12-bit camera with a 40 MHz Camera Link clock sends 80 million pixels per
second. This camera is compatible with the RCX C-Link in blink code 1-1.
Blink Codes for Medium- and Full-mode Systems
An RCX C-Link module running firmware revision 11 or higher with medium- and full-mode cameras
offers the operating modes shown in
Table 2
.
Most full-mode Camera Link cameras operate between 60 and 80 MHz, so use blink codes of 1-4 at
the camera end and 2-4 at the frame-grabber end. Full-mode cameras that transfer 80 bits per clock
cycle can use blink codes 1-5 (camera end) and 2-5 (frame-grabber end).
Many medium-mode Camera Link cameras operate at 40 MHz, so use blink codes of 1-1 at the
camera end and 2-1 at the frame-grabber end.
See
Firmware on page 12
for instructions on verifying and updating the firmware.
Setting the Blink Code
You select the operating mode of an RCX C-Link by setting the appropriate blink code, if necessary.
(RCX C-Link modules leave EDT configured with the blink code that’s correct for the operating mode
specified when they were ordered.)
To set the blink code:
1. Turn off power to the RCX C-Link module. Only a power supply need be connected to it, nothing
else. It may be helpful, however, to connect the power supplyto a power strip, or otherwise arrange
matters so that you can easily turn the power back on while accessing the recessed button.
2. Press the recessed button on the RCX C-Link with a blunt object such as a ballpoint pen (see pic-
ture below).
Table 2. Medium- and Full-mode Blink Codes and Operating Modes
Blink Code End
Camera
Clock Rate
Constraints
Link Rate
1-1 camera
20–40 MHz
72 bits
1.25 GBaud
1-2 undefined
1-3 camera
20–60 MHz
72 bits
2.5 GBaud
1-4 camera
60–80 MHz
72 bits
2.5 GBaud
1-5 camera
60–72 MHz
for 80-bit full-mode cameras
2.5 GBaud
2-1 frame-grabber
20–40 MHz*
72 bits
1.25 GBaud
2-2 undefined
2-3 frame-grabber
20–60 MHz*
72 bits
2.5 GBaud
2-4 frame-grabber
60–80 MHz*
72 bits
2.5 GBaud
2-5 frame-grabber
60–72 MHz*
for 80-bit full-mode cameras
2.5 GBaud
3-3 firmware update ( See
Updating the Firmware on page 12
.)
1.25 GBaud
2 fast, 2 slow, 2 fast Error: unsupported code entered
*The resync cable determines the actual frequency.
For additional LED blinking behavior, see
LED Status on page 8
.
