oday, the market for home automation seems to be divided between wholehouse automation systems costing tens of thousands of dollars and the lowcost, do-it-yourself market. Whats missing is a systems-level approach providing the features of a wholehome system that is simple to install, is reliable, and comes at a low-cost. LONWORKS technology is Echelons answer for that gap. It provides a method of communicating between devices using several types of media primarily for control. Although initially used mostly in industrial and commercial building control settings. LONWORKS has become sufficiently popular that its prices have been driven down. It is now positioned for the low-cost home automation market. Special codes embedded in each LONWORKS device (e.g., a heater, thermostat, home theater center) are transmitted via the homes power lines (the technology is also available for twisted-pair, RF, infrared, coax, and fiber-optic media). To meet the desire for plug-and-play products. LONWORKS provides a basic configuration which requires no installation or programming. For more custom-
Developing Home Automation Devices with

LONWORKS

ized automation, L~NWORKS devices can be programmed or integrated with other professional control systems. After a brief introduction of LONWORKS, this article will focus on the NodeBuilder, a development tool which enables engineers to create LONWORKS devices. WHAT IS LONWORKS? LONWORKS technology is a system of sensors, actuators, displays, and logging devices (referred to as nodes) linked together to monitor and control electrical devices. Control functions are typically handled automatically, except for faults which the system cannot correct. In home automation
RICH BLOMSETH Rich believes

technology

fills the gap between whole-house automation systems costing tens of thousands and the low-cost, doit-yourself market. It provides a common device control scheme and communicates over media often already installed in the home.
Photo 1: The prototype IR dimmer hardware was easily constructed using standardproto board and an IR receiver from Radio Shack. HOME AUTOMATION I3 RUILOINC CONTROL APRIL 1995
applications, a control network may provide safety (e.g., monitoring security, fire alarms, and pool and spa areas), control (e.g., regulating room temperature, lighting, draperies, and irrigation systems), and entertainment (e.g., managing A/V equipment). Neuron chips, the heart of LONWORKS technology, contain the protocol (LONTALK) that enables them to communicate with other Neuron chips. Since Neuron chips can be connected directly to the sensors and outputs they supervise, a single Neuron chip handles processing of sensor and output status, execution of control programs, and communications with other Neuron chips. For nodes requiring more processing or I/O power, the Neuron chip can also be used as a communications coprocessor for any other processor. The Neuron chip therefore provides a scalable solution that can be used even on complex nodes which include a host computer and network interface. LONWORKS also provides interoperability with other control systems. Network management software, tools for installing complex networks, and routers enable communications between the different communications media.

ktillg

1: By declaring LONMARK objects and network variables for an IR dimmer, any device
on the same network con communicate with the dimmer. #pragma set_node_sd_string El. I R D i m m e r C o n t r o l l e r n e t w o r k o u t p u t sd_string (@Oil.) SNVT_switch nvoSwitch; n e t w o r k o u t p u t sd_string (@013.) SNVT_count nvoRawHwData;
l/O Device Name and Direction Bit, nybble, byte input and output Bitshift input and output Dual slope input Edgedivide output Edgelog input Frequency output 1% input and output Infrared input Leveldetect input Magcard and Magtrackl input Muxbus input and output Neurowire input and output Pulsecount output Pulsewidth output Oneshot output Ontime and Period input Parallel input and output Pulsecount and Totalcount input Quadrature input Serial input and output Touch input and output Triac output Triggeredcount output Wiegand input

Descrhtion Direct binary I/O Up to 16 bits of clocked serial data Comparitor input for 16-bit dual-slope A/D Waveform equal to fraction of input Edge to edge timing of an input stream Square wave output of specified frequency Philips K-compatible serial I/O Encoded input from an IR demodulator Detect logic zero level IStrack 1 and 2 magnetic card readers Multiplexed address and data bus SPI and Microwire compatible serial I/O Output specified number of pulses Output specified frequency and duty cycle Single output pulse of specified period Pulsewidth and period measurement 8-bit bidirectional I/O Transition count over fixed or total interval Shaft encoder rotary position input 8-bit asynchronous serial I/O Dallas Touch 1 -wire bus I/O Pulse delayed with respect to input edge Pulse controlled by counting input edges Wiegand card reader input

RIDING THE POWER LINES

Power-line signaling is ideal for homeautomation communications because it requires no new wires. As well, power wiring already reaches every device that needs to be controlled. Although power-line signaling devices have been available for years, they have two significant drawbacks-they are unreliable and lack two-way communication. Intermittent noise sources, impedance changes, and attenuation conspire to make the power line a hostile path for power-line signaling. To counteract these problems, LONWORKS combines narrowband signaling with signal processing and error correction algorithms in its transceivers. The transceiver features include:
Table 1: Built-in Neuron C I/O objects simplifjr interfaces to most common I/O devices.
ktillg 2: IR dimmer software declarations for I/O objects configure the Neuron chips internal hardware for the IR dimmer I/O devices. IO-0 IO_4 IO_6 IO-6 IO_7 output bit input quadrature i n p u t i n f r a r e d i n v e r t clack(7) input bit input 1 eveldetect ioLED = 1: ioDia1 ; ioIRData: ioIRDataLeve1 ioButton;

LiStillg a:

The complete IR dimmer software listing shows how little code is requiredfor a
complex application. // // // // // /I // II IRDIMMER.NC-Dimmer controller with manual and i n p u t s. C o m p a t i b l e w i t h t h e S o n y RM-V10 r e m o t e T h i s r e m o t e p u t s o u t t h r e e (3) i d e n t i c a l c o d e s closure. max_period = 2. 6 m s ; l o w b i t = 1. 1 m s ; h i g h b i t. = Object ID 00 nfrared control. for each key 1.9 ms

low-overhead error correction to enable the system to receive corrupted packets while maintaining a high throughput adaptive carrier-detect algorithm that automatically tracks changes in powerline noise levels impulse-rejection technology to improve performance in the presence of impulsive noise sources such as triac-controlled dimmers
Type S w i t c h s e n s o r o b j e c t , SNVT_switch
i i p r a g m a set_node_sd_string @l. I R D i m m e r C o n t r o l l e r iipragma enabl e_io_pull ups i i p r a g m a num_addr_table_entries 3

continued

APRIL 1995 HOME AUTOMATION & BUllOlNC CONTROL
listing 8: continued // Open-Loop Sensor LonMark Object, ID ii0 SNVT_switch nvoswitch; network output sd_string ("@011.") SNVT_count nvoRawHwData; network output sd_string ("@O/3.") network input sd_string i"@O16.") config SNVT_count nciGain=5; IO-0 IO_4 IO_6 IO_6 IO_7 output bit input quadrature input infrared invert clack(7) input bit input leveldetect ioLED = 1; ioDia1; ioIRData; ioIRDataLeve1; ioButton;

Add a recorded

nafh voice to your system. Voice libraries of up to 255 words or phrases (2 min total max)-record your own using our optlonal SDS-1000 development system and yourlBM compatible, orwell
prerecord your messages for you. Eprom voice storage means your lhbraty IS unaffected by power loss. Repeater identifiers Site alarms *ANI l Remote telemetry
// IR controller values #define IR_ON_OFF 149 #define IR_VOL_lJP 146 #define IR_VOL_DN 147 // ToggleSwitchStateOFToggle the state of the switch output. void ToggleSwitchState(void1 i nvoSwitch.state = !nvoSwitch.state; io_out(ioLED, nvoSwitch.state ? 0 : 1): // ChangeSwitchLevelO-Change the switch level by a specified // amount. Turn on the switch if the new level is not zero // and the switch is off. void ChangeSwitchLevel(long int deltavalue) 1 // switch temporary update value long int tempvalue; tempvalue = nvoSwitch.value + (deltavalue * nciGain1; nvoSwitch.value = (unsigned) (tempValue < 0 ? 0 : ((tempvalue > 200) ? ZOOIJ : tempvalue)); if (nvoSwitch.value && !nvoSwitch.state) ToggleSwitchStateO; // Infrared data input task-Read data from infrared remote. priority when(io_changes(ioIRDataLevel) to 0) i /I IR data unsigned int irData[Zl; if (io_in(ioIRData. irData, 12, 65424UL, 65424UL + 59UL) == 12) i nvoRawHwData = (unsigned lonq) *irData; switch (irData[Ol) 1 ii On/off control. Invert case IR_ON_OFF: li state of switch and ToggleSwitchStateO; // control LED. break; // Volume up control. case IR_VOL_UP: // Increase brightness. ChangeSwitchLevel(2); break: // Volume down control. case IR_VOL_DN: // Decrease brightness. ChangeSwitchLevel(-2); break; delay(12000); // Ignore the other two outputs #201

ATMs Multiple languages l Emergency announcements
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// Quadrature dial input task-Read data from shaft encoder. when(io_update_occurs(ioDial)) i ChangeSwitchLevel(input_value); // Push button input task-Read data from on/off push button. when(io_changes(ioButton) to 1) 1 ToqqleSwitchStateO; II Debounce deiay(500);

Distribution

HOMEAlJTOMATlON&BUllDlNCCONTROL
Since the technology complies with signaling regulations in North America and Europe, developers are able to expand their potential market significantly. DEVELOPING AN INTEROPERABLE IR DIMMER To give you an idea of how to take advantage of this technology, I will work through a simple example. You will see how NodeBuilder can be used to develop an interoperable, remote-controlled dimmer for the home. The IR dimmer is a wall-mount dimmer controller with a quadrature dial and push button for manual input. An infrared receiver offers input from a hand-held remote controller. A single LED output is used as an on/off indicator. FIRST THE SOFTWARE Applications for the Neuron chip are written in the Neuron C programming language. Neuron C is based on ANSI C, with extensions for network communications, I/O, and event-driven task management. Network communications for interoperable LONWORKS devices are performed using LONMARK objects. These objects define standard formats and semantics for how
Photo 2: The LTM-IO module is usedforprotoQping andproduction. It includes a Neuron 3150
chip, 32.KBjlash memory, and 32.KB RAM.
information is exchanged between devices on a network. The most common objects are LONMARK sensors and LONMARK actuators. A sensor object corresponds to a physical device which can be monitored, whereas an actuator object corresponds to a physical device which can be controlled. For the IR
t.mVhrks NodeEktildci - IRDIMMERDEV
E d i t view Build Manage Browse Options Window Help
Photo & This device definition specifies the
application code and hardware device template to be used.for the IR dimmer. & I#
dimmer, there is a single LONMARK sensor object. Each object is defined by a unique object type number and a defined collection of network variables. To a Neuron C application, each network variable looks like a standard C variable. Unlike the standard C variable, however, network variables can be connected between devices. Therefore, updates to a network variable on one device automatically update the connected network variables on other devices, Network variables have types like C variables, but a predefined set of Standard Network Variable Types (SNVTs; pronounced snivits) go beyond C types by also defining standard units and ranges. For example, SNVTs are defined for temperature, pressure, and velocity. Another difference from standard C variables is that network variables have a direction. Output network variables automatically send their values to other devices when updated. Input network variables are automatically updated when they receive updates from other devices. For the IR dimmer, there are two output network variables: n v o Sw i t c h and nvoRawHwData. The nvoSwitch output reports the on/off state and

APRIL 1885 HOME AUTOMATION 8 8lRLlJlNG CONTROL
level of the dimmer. This output can be connected to network lamp modules which control their level. However, the output can be connected to other devices as well. For example, by connecting a networked amplifier device, you could control the on/off state and volume of the amplifier output.

ThenvoRawHwData

Interfacing to any of these types is done by declaring an I/O object and then reading or writing it with a function call. For example, Listing 2 declares the five I/O objects for the IR dimmer. The following statement reads the IR sensor:

GND 2o

io_in(ioIRData, irData, 65424UL,

65424UL + 59UL)

The input parameters to the i o-i n ( 1 output reports valid infrared call define the number of bits (i.e., figure 1: The schematic for the IR-dimmer prototype shows how most commands and could imple12) per command and the threshold of the I/O inter&e is implemented internally in the Neuron chip. ment other types of IR control. period to distinguish between the one You could connect this output and zero input. These parameters are to a central controller to invoke new value to the IR dimmer sensor output selected for a Sony RM-VlO remote control. control applications for the home network. value: Other remote controls can be used by Listing 1 contains Neuron C changing the timing parameters. For this nvoSwitch.state =!nvoSwitch.state; project, all testing was done with a Sony statements which specify that the IR remote control and a Sony-compatible dimmer has a single LONMARK sensor universal remote control. Interfacing to I/O devices is as simple (object type 1) and declares the two Processing for network variables and network variable outputs. as network variables. Table 1 lists the 33 built-in device types that Neuron C includes. I/O objects is accomplished within tasks. Once declared, output network variables are updated with a simple C These types provide built-in support Neuron C tasks are independently scheduled for the most commonly used I/O statement sequences. Each task is defined by assignment statement. For example, devices in home control. one or more when statements that specify the the following C statement assigns a

,,i. ,P.,.

-,TjIIT. ,:,5, ,,., J< / 1 * /f _.~p + I v.x -7* _* - j in~n.q~,q.~::. ~~:d nj; :_,_(nigbnL/_i.&.~. 8*_el

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Get all these capabilities and y more with the Circuit Cellar jL HCS II. Call, write, or FAX us for a brochure. Available as- * sembled or as a kit. :. i I ; I
PhOtO 4: This device template defines the hardware conqigumtionfor the IR dimmer.

events that must be true before the task can be scheduled. The complete code for the IR dimmer is shown in Listing 3. There are three tasks: one that executes when an IR input is received, one that executes when the
quadrature input dial is moved, and one that
executes when the on/off button is pressed.

DESIGNING THE HARDWARE

LONWORKS applications can be designed around any of the three Neuron
3 120~~ chips (for description of the chips, see the Neuron Chip sidebar), the Neuron chip with 2 KB of on-chip RAM and up to 58 KB of external memory, or any other microcontroller as long as the Neuron chip is used as a communications coprocessor. Because of the extensive support provided by the Neuron chip firmware, the IR dimmer application requires only 486 bytes of memory and easily fits in a Neuron chip. The IR dimmer was prototyped using the NodeBuilder hardware. The LTM-10 node included with NodeBuilder provides a complete prototype node. The infrared decoder, quadrature dial, input button, and output LED were constructed on a prototyping board shown in Photo 1. This board was plugged into the NodeBuilder hardware. The schematic for the prototype I/O board is shown in Figure I. Prototypes may also be easily constructed using the LTM- 10 module (see Photo 2). The LTM-10 module includes a Neuron 3 1.50, a IO-MHz

The Neuron Chip

The Neuron chip (see Photo I) uses advanced CMOS VLSI technology to implement low-cost control networks. Included in each Neuron chip are all the functions required to acquire and process information, make decisions, generate outputs, and propagate control information via a standard protocol. Communication takes place across a wide variety of network media such as twisted-pair cable, power line, infrared, radio frequency, or coaxial cable. Neuron chips are manufactured and distributed by Motorola and Toshiba. They are available in four versions: the 3120,3120El, 3120E2, and 3150 chips. All versions are highly integrated, require a minimal number of external components, and include three 8-bit CPUs. One CPU executes user applications, which could include measuring input parameters, timing events, making logical decisions. and driving outputs. c
EEPROM bytes RAM bytes 1024 Neuron ChiD 3120El 3126E2 3120-2048

ROM bvtes

Ext. Me&my Interface

10.240 No

10.240
Table I: Neuron chip memory configurations provide a range of options for memory size and inteamtion.
The second CPU executes the LONTALK protocol. Messages are properly encoded and decoded for distribution over the network. This protocol supports distributed, peer-topeer communication that enables individual nodes, such as actuators and sensors, to communicate directly with one another. The third CPU controls the Network Communication I Port, which physically sends receives the packets. and There is onboard EEPROM and RAM, and either onboard ROM (Neuron 3 120~~ chip) or an external memory port (Neuron chip) to support the three CPUs. Table I summarizes the memory configurations of the four Neuron chips.

APRIL 1885 HOME AUTOMATION & RUILUING CONTROL
Photo 5: The network variuble browser makes it easy to obsenv and manipulate the IR dimmer over the nutwork.
crystal, 32-KB flash memory, and 32. KB RAM. The I/O and communications pins are all 0. I centers for easy prototyping.

DEFINING THE DEVICE

A device in NodeBuilder is defined using a device file. The device file defines the devices hardware characteristics and specifies which Neuron C application the device needs. The screen shot in Photo 3 shows the device definition for the IR dimmer. The IR dimmer device is defined by specifying the application program tobethe IRDIMMER.NCfiledescribed earlier. For prototyping, the device template is defined to as LTMFLASH to specify that the hardware will be based on the LTM- IO LONTALK module with the application stored in the LTM-I 0 flash memory.
When the device is ready for highvolume production, the device template can be changed to the template. The default device templates simplify hardware definition, but a custom template can be defined for any hardware configuration. The device template is easily modified by clicking on the Edit button next to the template name. Photo 4 shows the memory tab of the device template for the LTM-IO module.

PROGRAMMING THE DEVICE

With the Neuron C application written and the IR dimmer device defined, you are ready to compile the program and program the device. You do this by simply clicking the Build/Load button in the Device window shown in Photo 3. This automatically installs the device hardware, invokes the compiler and linker with the parameters specified in the device file, downloads the new application to the device, and starts the new

Lets Work Together.

Networking provides access to a world of resources, and Home Systems Network offers a world of resources to those who are interested in home automation. Check it out.
+ Are you looking for information?
Obtain unbiased information about how to install and use all types of home automation systems from our books and Intelligent Home video tape series.
+ Are you looking to identify sources? Call our toll free number for a list of sources for any type of home automation dealers, products, or services. + Are you looking for marketing assistance? List your products and services in the Home Systems Network database and let us tell the world about them through our books, video tapes, television shows and referral services.

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EDMOND, OK 73083

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Neuron chip

Low-voltage, link-power, twisted-pair network
this case). In each case, the core of the design stays the same while just the transceiver changes.
CPO-2 Link Power Transceiver LPT-10

X CLKl CLK2 X

INSTALLING LONWORKS DEVICES Typically, one node of a LONWORKS network installs all the other nodes on the network. This installation tool can be integrated into a home computer or set-top box connected to the network. Developers can also build this tool themselves or use an existing tool for home networks such as Windows-based tools from IBM in Germany or Control Plus in the U.S. CONCLUSION
FiglIt% 2: The 1R dimmer device with a link-power twisted-pair transceiverprovides the simplest implementation since no local power supply is required. The LPT-10 transceiver supplies sufficient powerfor the entire IR dimmer device. Other transceivers can be used in place media without having to change the core of the design
of the LPT-10 to communicate on other
application. The downloading occurs over the network during development. Again, when a device is ready for production, the programming can be done using a Neuron programmer for Neuron 3 120xX-based devices or using a standard PROM programmer for Neuron 3 150-based devices.

TESTING THE DEVICE

The IR dimmer device is tested over the network, exercising it using the same interface that will be used by other LONWORKS devices when it is installed in the network. Clicking on the Browse button in the Device Window opens the Network Variable Browser window shown in Photo 5. By default, all the network variables on the device are displayed in the left column, followed by the type, size, and current value of the network variables. The browser automatically polls all the network variables on the device and updates their values. The operation of the IR dimmer device is tested by sending infrared commands, rotating the quadrature dial, pressing the push button, and observing the resulting network variable changes. If the network variables change as expected, the application is working and ready to go to production. If developers are not sure about the remote controller command numbers, they
can observe the nvoRawHwData output network variable and determine their values. If the application doesnt work as expected, the developer modifies the Neuron C application, reruns Build/Load, and tests again. A source-level debugger ships in summer 9.5 as a free upgrade for all NodeBuilder 1.0 customers. Until then, the network variable browser can be used for debugging and testing LONWORKS devices.

With the availability of NodeBuilder ($3995 at the time of this writing), every device developer in the home automation market can start building LoNWoRKs-based products. The availability of low-cost Neuron chips, OEM modules, and software makes the development of easy-toinstall, reliable, and low-cost LONWORKS devices a reality.
Rich Blomseth is Echelons product marketing manager for development

PRODUCING THE DEVICE

Once the design is verified with the prototype hardware, a production version of the hardware can be built using control modules for quicker time to market or using a full custom design. Figures 2 shows a complete custom design for the IR dimmer. It uses an LPT-10 link-power twisted-pair transceiver for a hard-wired implementation with link power. The transceiver supplies all the power required by the device, so a separate power supply is not required. Another alternative is to use an FTT- 10 free-topology twisted-pair transceiver (in place of the LPT-IO) for an isolated twisted-pair design requiring local power. A third alternative is to use a PLT-20 power-line transceiver for easy installation into the home (a separate power supply is required in
and network services products. He has been involved with the design and development of control networks since 1978, and has been at Echelon since 1989. Rich has an MS. in Computer Science from the University of California, Berkeley. He may be reached at richardb@netcom.com.

SOURCES

Echelon Corporation Miranda Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94304 (415) 855-7400 LonLink BBS: (415) 856-7538 telnet:Nlonlink.echelon.com ftp:Nlonworks.echelon.com
413 Very Useful 414 Moderately Useful 415 Not Useful
APRIL 1895 HOME AUTOMATION & BUILDING CONTROL

N T S C / PA L

3CCD Color Video Camera

BRC-300 BRC-300P

MAIN FEATURES
Superb Picture Quality with a Mega Pixels 3-CCD
The BRC-300 incorporates three 1/4.7-type Advanced HAD CCD sensors with a total of 1,070,000 pixels. This camera delivers outstanding picture quality with high resolution and accurate color reproduction. Featuring Sonys Advanced HAD technology that produces image with low noise, the BRC-300 is ideal in low illuminated shooting environments or when shooting dark subjects.
Sonys new BRC-300 is a revolutionary all-in-one compact robotic color video camera system, specially designed for remote video shooting applications. The BRC-300 incorporates three 1/4.7-type Advanced HAD CCDs, that provide high-quality and high-resolution images in both 4:3 and 16:9 modes. With its high-accuracy and wide-range Pan/Tilt/Zoom capability, the BRC-300 precisely captures the right points of the viewable area surrounding the camera to meet your needs. You can also easily operate the camera with Sonys optional RM-BR300 Remote Control Unit, which is equipped with an ergonomic joystick, and feature-rich control panel. And when used with optional BRBK-303 Optical Multiplex Card and BRU-300 Optical Multiplex Unit, the BRC-300 is capable of being controlled from a long distance with a single fiber optic cable connection. The BRC-300 also comes equipped with a card slot that accepts optional interface cards, enabling the camera to be integrated into every kind of system from S-Video to RGB, SDI, DV, or even fiber. In addition, two remote control interfaces (VISCA protocol) are available to provide additional expandability and flexibility for your remote shooting applications. With a number of convenient features such as its Image Flip function for desktop or ceiling mount flexibility, and its compact body, the BRC-300 is ideal for use in a wide range of remote shooting applications such as houses of worship, distance learning, corporate training, high-end videoconference, event shooting, and cable TV broadcasting.
High-performance Sony Pan/Tilt/Zoom Mechanism
The BRC-300 covers a wide shooting range with its highly accurate Pan/Tilt mechanism. It has one of the widest ranges in its class: a pan range of 340 degrees, and a tilt range of 120 degrees. The 340-degree pan range can be covered in 8 seconds, while the 120- degree tilt range can be covered in 4.5 seconds. With its newly developed Pan/Tilt mechanism, the BRC-300 can capture not only fast moving objects, but also slow moving objects without rocking vibration. Whats more, the BRC-300 incorporates a 12x optical auto-focus zoom lens, allowing for a zoom capability of up to 48x when used in combination with its 4x digital zoom.
* In the following text, BRC-300 refers to both the BRC-300 (NTSC model) and the BRC-300P (PAL model), and BRU-300 refers to both the BRU-300 (NTSC model) and the BRU-300P (PAL model).
Precision 16:9 technology
The BRC-300 captures images in both 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios, and with its 3CCD technology, is able to achieve a wide angle of view in the 16:9 mode. Due to the greater number of pixels used in the 16:9 aspect ratio, the BRC-300 generates extremely high-resolution images as compared to conventional cameras.
RS-232C/RS-422 Remote control (VISCA protocol)
The BRC-300 can be controlled by external devices such as the optional RM-BR300 Remote Control Unit thanks to Sonys well-known VISCA protocol. All local controls such as Pan/Tilt/Zoom, camera settings, and six presets can be easily accessed, and up to seven cameras can be daisy-chained and controlled by the RM-BR300 Remote Control Unit.

Conventional Camera

Total effective pixels on CCD

BRC-300

1152 pixels

Versatile Video Outputs

The BRC-300 can be used with a range of versatile optional interface cards allowing for flexible analog and digital system configurations. Choose from the following interface cards to configure your individual requirements: Analog RGB/Component: BRBK-301*1 SDI: BRBK-302*1 DV: BRBK-304*1 Thanks to these convenient options, the BRC-300 truly functions as an all-in-one, compact robotic camera.
*1: Can be installed into the both BRC-300 and BRU-300.

648 pixels

16:9 picture image area Less pixels are used to reproduce the 16:9 area

4:3 picture image area

16:9 picture image area The higher "Mega Pixel" count allows a sufficient amount of pixels to be used in 16:9 mode
Angle of view in 16:9 mode (Conventional Camera)
Angle of view in 4:3 mode
Wider angle of view in 16:9 mode (BRC-300)

Fig. 1 16:9 aspect ratio

OTHERS CONVENIENT FEATURES
Ceiling or Desktop Mount Installation
Thanks to Sonys Image Flip functions, the BRC-300 can be ceiling mounted using the supplied ceiling mount kit or can also be used on the desktop.
Easy-to-use and Ergonomic designed Remote Control Unit (RM-BR300)
All camera settings including the Pan/Tilt/Zoom function and six preset patterns can be controlled from the optional RM-BR300 Remote Control Unit. The ergonomic joystick design and feature-rich control panel provide superb operability in various remote-shooting applications.

Six Presets

Various camera settings such as Pan/Tilt/Zoom and focus can be preset in up to six presets per camera.
Optical Multiplex Unit (BRU-300)
With the optional BRBK-303 Optical Multiplex Card and the optional BRU-300 Optical Multiplex Unit, uncompressed digital data including external sync and camera control can be transmitted via the BRU-300 Optical Multiplex Unit. With only a single cable connection required between the camera and the optical multiplex unit, the system is extremely easy to install. The maximum cable length between these units is 500 meters allowing multiple cameras to be located virtually anywhere you want. Whats more, the BRU-300 Optical Multiplex Unit is equipped with two built-in card slots identical to the ones found in the BRC-300 camera allowing for flexible analog and digital system configurations.

Multi-Function IR Remote Commander Unit
Basic camera settings such as Pan/Tilt/Zoom functions and six-preset patterns can be controlled from an supplied IR Remote commander.
BRC-300 and supplied IR Remote commander

RM-BR300 control panel

SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

Short-distance operation

Composite Video S-Video BRBK-301 Component/RGB BRBK-302 SDI BRBK-304 DV Video Cassette Recorder BRC-300 RS-232C / RS-422 Monitor

RM-BR300

Long-distance operation
Composite Video S-Video BRBK-301 Component/RGB BRBK-302 SDI BRBK-304 DV

BRBK-303

BRU-300
CCFC-M100 BRC-300 RS-232C / RS-422 Video Cassette Recorder Monitor
Multiple camera operation from a remote location
BRC-300 BRU-300 Video signal Switcher Projector

CCFC-M100

Monitor

Video Cassette Recorder

RS-232C / RS-422 Tally signal (Contact closure)

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

BRBK-301
Analog/RGB Component Card

BRBK-302

SDI Card

Optical Multiplex Card

BRBK-304

DV Card

Remote Control Unit

Optical Multiplex Unit

Optical Fiber Cable

CCMC-9DS

RGB/Component, Y/C Cable (9-pin D-sub)

CCXC-9DBS

RGB/Component, VBS Cable (9-pin D-sub)

VCL-HG0737X

Wide Conversion Lens

REAR PANEL LAYOUT

BRC-300 rear panel with the optional BRBK-302

RM-BR300 rear panel

BRU-300 rear panel with the optional BRBK-301/BRBK-302

SPECIFICATIONS

BRC-300 3CCD Color Video Camera Image device Three 1/4.7 type IT Advanced HAD CCD (x3), 1070000 pixels (gross) CCD effective pixels 4:3 mode 960 (H) x 720 (V) 16:9 mode 1,152 (H) x 648 (V) Effective pixels NTSC 768 (H) x 494 (V) PAL 752 (H) x 582 (V) Signal systems NTSC / PAL Horizontal resolution 4:3 mode 600 TV lines Sync systems Internal/External Lens 12x optical zoom, 48x with digital zoom Focal length f = 3.6 to 43.2 mm (F1.6 to F2.8) Horizontal viewing angle 4:3 mode 3.3 (Tele end) to 37.8 degrees (Wide end) 16:9 mode 4.0 (Tele end) to 45.4 degrees (Wide end) Minimum object distance 300 mm (Wide end), 800 mm (Tele end) Pan/Tilt angle -170 to +170 degrees (Pan), -30 to +90 degrees (Tilt) Pan/Tilt speed 0.25 to 60 degrees/s (Pan/Tilt) Minimum illumination 7 lx at F1.6 S/N ratio 50 dB Shutter speed NTSC 1/10000 to 1/4 s PAL 1/10000 to 1/3 s Gain Auto/Manual (-3 to 18 dB, 3 dB steps) switchable White balance Auto, Indoor, Outdoor, One-push WB, Manual Preset positioning 6 positions Analog output VBS (BNC), Y/C (4pin Mini DIN) Camera control interface RS-232C (VISCA protocol) / RS-422 (VISCA protocol) Back-light compensation On / Off Operating temperature 0 to 40 degrees (32 to 104 F) Storage temperature -20 to 60 degrees (-4 to 140 F) Power requirement DC 12 V Power consumption 21.6 W (without optional card) Dimensions (W x D x H) 180 x 205 x 211 mm (7 1/8 x 8 1/8 x 8 3/8 inches) Mass 2.7 kg (5 lb 15 oz) Supplied accessories AC adaptor(1), IR remote commander(1), Terminal connector(1), AC adaptor cable(1), Ceiling bracket(2), Operating instructions(1)

BRU-300 Optical Multiplex Unit Optical fiber Multi mode, LC-type connector Video output VBS (BNC), Y/C (4-pin Mini DIN) Camera control interface RS-232C (VISCA protocol) / RS-422 (VISCA protoclol) Sync systems Internal/External Card slots 2 slots: Analog RGB-Component card / SDI card / DV card Operating temperature 0 to 40 degrees (32 to 104 F) Storage temperature -20 to 60 degrees (-4 to 140 F) Power requirements NTSC AC100 to 120 V, 50/60 Hz PAL AC220 to 240 V, 50/60 Hz Power consumption 9 W (without optional cards) Dimensions(WxHxD) 212 x 88 x 233 mm (8 3/8 x 3 1/2 x 9 1/4 inches) Mass 2.7 kg (5 lb 15 oz) Supplied accessories AC power cable (1), Terminal connector (1), RS-232C cable (3 m, 8-pin Mini DIN) (1), Operating instructions (1) RM-BR300 Remote Control Unit Camera control interface RS-232C (VISCA protocol) / RS-422 (VISCA protocol) External control Contact closure Power requirement DC 10.8 to 13.2 V Power consumption 2.4 W Dimensions (WxHxD) 391.3 x 185 x 145.9 mm (15 1/2 x 7 3/8 x 5 3/4 inches) Mass 950 g (2 lb 1 oz) Supplied accessories AC adaptor (1), AC power cable (1), RS-232C cable (3 m, 8-pin Mini Din) (1), Terminal connector(2), Operating instructions (1)

BRC-300 Pan/Tilt Range

PAN RANGE

BRC-300 Dimensions

FRONT SIDE

170 170

152.5 215.6

TILT RANGE

205 9.6

BOTTOM

(Unit: mm)

Distributed by

2004 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Design, features, and specifications are subject to change without notice. All non-metric weights and measurements are approximate. Some images in this catalog are simulated. Sony, Advanced HAD, VISCA, and Remote Commander are trademarks of Sony Corporation.

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