Chapter 3 - Payload Sensors
TM00358 Rev. A
October 2007
L-3 WESCAM
62
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Sensitivity.
Controls the amount of light exposure to the camera CCD. The control is similar to the brightness
control on a television or monitor. However, the system makes proportional adjustments to three parameters:
•
lens’s iris opening
•
digital shutter speed
•
electronic gain
To control light use, operators can utilize either an Auto or Manual mode. In Auto mode, the system automatically
controls image brightness to maintain video quality over a range of light levels. In Manual mode, operators can
manually change brightness by making stepped adjustments to the sensitivity increment. The brightness range can
be adjusted between:
•
least sensitivity, i.e. smallest iris opening, shortest shutter speed, and minimum electronic gain.
•
most sensitivity, i.e. largest iris opening, longest shutter speed, and maximum electronic gain.
Level.
Sets the pedestal black level and similar to the contrast control on a television or monitor. Operators can
adjust the cutoff point for black to pull greater detail in deep shadows.
Scene Setup.
Controls exposure of the entire video image and optimizes contrast based on three settings:
•
Default – a general purpose setting for most light conditions.
•
Low – a low contrast setting, e.g. a gray boat in rough water.
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High – a high contrast setting, e.g. a dark plane in scattered clouds.
Filters.
Selects use of low-light camera channel and extends light wavelength viewing to a near infrared range.
There are three filter positions:
•
COL – All pass filter selection for daylight camera
•
LP – Long pass filter selection for low-light camera
•
XLP – Extra long pass for haze conditions using a low-light camera
