vmm-t1 User Manual 2.00 - Rev - A
vmm-t1 User Manual 2.00 - Rev - A
vmm-t1 User Manual 2.00 - Rev - A
14-0020
Version 2.00
2013
For information regarding applicable intellectual property, please visit www.uniblitz.com/patents.
Information in this publication supersedes that in all previously published material. Due to our ongoing
development program, Vincent Associates reserves the right to discontinue or change specifications or
designs, at any time, without incurring any obligation.
Version 2.00
2013
Vincent Associates, a Division of VA, Inc., 803 Linden Ave., Rochester, NY 14625
Tel: 585-385-5930 Fax: 585-385-6004
Injury Precautions
Use proper Power Cord – To avoid fire hazard and risk of personal injury use only the power
cord supplied with this product.
Avoid Electric Overload – To avoid electrical shock or fire hazard do not apply a voltage to a
terminal that is outside the range specified for that terminal.
Avoid Electric Shock – To avoid injury or loss of life, do not connect or disconnect line cord
while it is connected to the line voltage.
Ground the Product – This product is grounded through the grounding conductor of the power
cord. To avoid electrical shock, the grounding connector must be connected to earth ground.
Before making connections to the input or output terminals of the product, ensure that the
product is properly grounded. DO NOT DEFEAT THE GROUND CONNECTION ON THE
SUPPLIED LINE CORD.
Access to On/Off Switch – Due to the location of the unit’s On/Off switch on the rear panel, do
not position the unit such that the On/Off switch is difficult to access and operate while installed
and in use.
Do Not Operate Without Covers – To avoid electric shock or fire hazard, do not operate this
product with case or panels removed.
Use Proper Fuse – To avoid fire hazard, use only the fuse type and rating specified for this
product.
Do Not operate in Wet/Damp Conditions – To avoid electric shock, do not operate this product
in wet or damp conditions.
Do Not Operate in an Explosive Atmosphere – To avoid injury or fire hazard, do not operate
this product in an explosive atmosphere.
Use Proper Power Source – Do not operate this product from a power source that applies more
than the voltage specified.
Getting Started contains a brief product description, information needed to power on the driver
and a brief procedure to verify that it functions.
Operator Controls provide an outline of the panel control functions and locations at the front and
rear panels. This also includes the location and function of the input/output signals.
Operating Basics gives further details to the operational features of the controllers.
Specifications are described for all input/output levels as well as timing accuracy of the VMM-
T1 Shutter Driver/Timer including other pertinent details and information required for the RS-
232 interface.
What follows is the complete operator’s manual for the UNIBLITZ VMM-T1 Shutter
Driver/Timer. Please read this manual completely before operating your unit. Due to the
construction of this unit, we recommend that the unit be returned to the manufacturer for
repair, no user-serviceable parts inside.
Features
The VMM-T1 Shutter Driver/Timer replaces the T132 controller. The VMM-T1 contains nearly all
of the features of the T132 plus some new features which enhance the unit’s capability in even more
demanding applications.
These new features include:
An addressable RS-232 input. Eight units can be daisy-chained together via the RS-232 input
connector (DB-9 female) and the user can select an address for each unit at the rear panel
through the use of the ADDRESS switch.
Switching capability on all BNC input jacks to provide either an active-high or active-low logic
trigger level.
An Auxiliary (AUX) output that is the DELAY timer output, on a three-pin terminal located on
the rear panel. This terminal also includes pins for +5VDC and Ground.
A GATE INPUT which allows the user to select a single or multiple trigger signals from a
stream of trigger signals.
An EXPOSURE PRESET (EXP PRESET) control which combines the functions of the
NORM/CONT switch of the previous Model T132 and an exposure counter. The user can pre-
select a number of exposures per trigger signal from 1 to 99. By selecting the EXP PRESET to
00 the unit will re-trigger continuously.
A user-configurable AC input module. This AC input module includes the AC power cord input
receptacle, power switch, dual 3AG, 0.5A time-lag (slo-blo) line fuses (For 115 VAC
operation), line voltage change-over fuse block, and line filter. Dual 3AG, 0.25A time-lag (slo-
blo) line fuses for 230 VAC operation are supplied.
Start Up
After unpacking the unit, inspect for any obvious defects and that all manufacturer supplied materials
are present.
If a problem is found or a part (or parts) is missing, please contact Vincent Associates immediately for
problem resolution. Do not attempt to connect the unit if defects or damage are noted until Vincent
Associates has been contacted and the problem resolved.
After the initial inspection the unit is ready to use. To properly install and power on the VMM-T1,
please follow the procedure below.
1. Check for proper electrical connections. Please note the label covering the AC input module. It
is there as a reminder to re-configure the AC input module if the unit requires operation at
230VAC. The VMM-T1 is shipped with the proper fuses for 115 VAC operation installed (two
3AG, 0.5A time-lag (slo-blo)). See “Voltage Change” instructions elsewhere in this manual.
Remove the label before proceeding.
This label must be removed prior to inserting the power cord into the
CAUTION AC input receptacle regardless of which AC voltage level is used.
Caution statements identify conditions or practices that could result in
damage to this product or other property.
To avoid injury or death, unplug the line cord from the line
WARNING
voltage power source before continuing.
1. A small flat-bladed screwdriver or similar tool is needed to complete this procedure. Please refer
to Figure 1.
2. BE SURE THE LINE CORD IS DISCONNECTED FROM THE LINE VOLTAGE
POWER SOURCE. DO NOT CONTINUE WITH THIS PROCEDURE WITHOUT
REMOVING THE LINE CORD FROM THE VMM-T1.
3. Unplug the line cord from the AC module receptacle of the VMM-T1.
4. Position the VMM-T1 unit so that the rear panel is facing.
5. Please refer to Figure 1. Using the small flat-bladed screwdriver or similar tool, insert the tool
into the cover door slot, gently pry open cover door.
6. Insert the tool into the fuse holder slot and gently pry out the fuse holder block.
7. Remove defective fuse(s); replace with new fuse(s).
8. Replace fuse holder into housing.
9. Close the cover door.
Voltage Change
To avoid injury or death, unplug the line cord from the line
WARNING
voltage power source before continuing.
1. The VMM-T1 is manually selectable to operate from 115 VAC or 230 VAC (50-60Hz).
PLEASE BE SURE THAT THE UNIT IS PROPERLY SET UP FOR THE LINE
VOLTAGE TO BE USED. Refer to the “Voltage Change” section of this manual for further
information and procedures.
2. Once the line cord has been attached to unit and connected to properly grounded wall receptacle,
the unit may be energized. See “Start Up” section.
3. Insert the 7-pin male connector of shutter interconnect cable into 7- pin female receptacle at rear
of unit labeled SHUTTER.
4. Connect the 7-pin female connector of the shutter interconnect cable to 7-pin male connector on
shutter to be driven.
5. Place VMM-T1 POWER switch to the ON “1” position, the POWER LED will illuminate.
6. Place the N.O./N.C. switch into the N.O. position. The shutter will open and remain open until
the switch is returned to the N.C. position. The DRIVER ACTIVE LED will illuminate when
this switch is in the N.O. position.
7. All UNIBLITZ drivers provide the circuitry necessary to support shutters equipped with the
Solid State Synchronization option. Simply plug the shutter interconnect cable into the driver. If
the shutter is equipped with the Solid State Synchronization option, the green LED labeled
SYNC ACTIVE will illuminate when the shutter is in the open position. In addition, the SYNC
Output BNC will change to the active state when the shutter is open. The absence of the solid
state synchronization option will inhibit the operation of the SYNC output and SYNC ACTIVE
LED. The remainder of the VMM-T1 systems will not be affected.
8. See specifications and operator controls for additional operational information concerning other
features of the VMM-T1
9. Should the shutter and/or controller not respond as described previously, be sure line cord is
installed into the receptacle and connections to the shutter are properly made. Note that the
CAUTION Turn off the unit and remove the plug from the AC source before
checking for blown fuses
11. Additionally, please note that particular shutter units respond to different minimum pulse widths.
For example, a standard VS25 shutter has a minimum exposure pulse of 6 msec. If the timing is
set for an exposure pulse width less than 6 msec, the shutter may not open fully.
12. If the unit still does not operate properly, turn off and disconnect the unit. Please notify Vincent
Associates immediately. There are no user-serviceable parts outside or inside of the unit.
Function Switches
There are 5 sub-miniature slide switches located on the Rear Panel and labeled “FUNCTION”.
1. Switches A – D allow the user to select the active state of the four BNC inputs.
a. When the switch actuators are in the DOWN position the corresponding BNC input will be
TTL active-low. This indicates that a logic “0” (0 volts) will activate the selected input. The
switches must be in the active-low position to activate the inputs from a remote activate
cable such as the 710R (handheld) or the 710R/F (foot activated).
b. In the UP position the selected BNC input will become TTL active-high. This indicates that
logic “1” (+5 volts) will activate the selected input.
2. Switch E selects HIGH/LOW pulse energy.
The HIGH energy setting must be used for only 35 mm and larger
aperture shutters. Use the LOW setting for all other UNIBLITZ shutters.
CAUTION Use of the HIGH position for shutter apertures smaller than 35mm could
cause irreparable damage to the shutter used and will void the shutter’s
warranty.
Gate Input
The GATE INPUT BNC is used in conjunction with the TRIGGER INPUT BNC. This allows the user
to select one or a finite number of trigger pulses to trigger the controller from a continuous stream of
pulses presented at the TRIGGER INPUT. Please see Figure 4. The following description assumes the
GATE INPUT is selected active-high (FUNCTION switch “D” in the UP position) and the TRIGGER
INPUT is selected to the active-low state (FUNCTION switch “A” in the DOWN position).
When a stream of trigger pulses is sent to the TRIGGER INPUT and the GATE INPUT is in the HIGH
state (TTL logic “1”, +5V), the VMM-T1 will operate as described in the “OPERATOR CONTROLS”
section.
Once the GATE INPUT changes to the TTL LOW state (TTL logic “0”, 0V), all trigger signals being
sent to the TRIGGER INPUT are disabled.
TRIGGER
PERIOD
TRIGGER
SIGNAL STREAM
(ACTIVE LOW)
SINGLE PULSE
ALLOWED TO TRIGGER
(A)
TRIGGER UNIT PULSE
TRIGGER
PERIOD
TRIGGER
SIGNAL STREAM
(ACTIVE LOW)
All other pins not used. Be sure to connect the Tx pin, Pin 3, from the IBM 9-Pin D-Sub (or Pin 2 from
the 25-Pin D-Sub) male connector to the Rx pin, Pin 2, of the VMM-T1 9-pin D-SUB female connector,
located on the rear panel, for proper operation. Connect all other functions by type as indicated above.
By sending the proper commands the unit will respond by activating the proper functions.
The RS-232C Test Program listed elsewhere in this manual will allow operation of the VMM-T1 from
the computer keyboard.
Activation of the EXPOSURE and DELAY times with a TRIGGER command through the RS-232C
interface can be de-activated as follows:
a. RESET command from the control unit's front panel
b. Through the RESET INPUT BNC on the rear panel
c. Reset command through the RS-232C
When an open command is sent to the VMM-T1 controller, a RESET command will not close the
shutter. The shutter must be closed with a CLOSE command. The VMM-T1 controller trigger
command from the RS-232C is utilized to trigger the built in timers.
CLS 0
K = -1
WHILE K
OPEN "COM1:9600,N,8,1,CS0,DS0" FOR RANDOM AS #1
J = 64
C$ = "X"
MENU: PRINT
PRINT
PRINT
PRINT "WAITING FOR KEYSTROKE COMMAND "
PRINT "TYPE:"
PRINT " VMM-T1 "
PRINT " --------- "
PRINT " O - OPEN Shutter "
PRINT " C - CLOSE Shutter "
PRINT " T - TRIGGER Control "
PRINT " R - RESET Control "
PRINT " G - OPEN Aux-Out "
PRINT " F - CLOSE Aux-Out "
PRINT
PRINT " S - SET Octal Switch Address "
PRINT " (Current Starting Decimal # ="; J; ")"
PRINT " (Current Octal Address Value = "; C$; ")"
PRINT
PRINT " Q - QUIT Program "
PRINT
PRINT
START: A$ = INKEY$
IF A$ = "O" OR A$ = "o" THEN
PRINT #1, CHR$(J);
PRINT "SHUTTER OPEN COMMAND SENT"
70.0
5 Hz.
60.0 10 Hz.
50.0
Pulse Voltage
40.0
15 Hz.
20 Hz.
30.0
25 Hz.
40 Hz. 30 Hz.
35 Hz.
20.0
10.0
0.0
0 5.0 8.0 10.0 13.0 15.0 18.0 20.0 23.0 25.0 28.0 30.0 35.0 40.0 45.0 50.0 55.0 60.0 65.0
Exposure Time (msec.)
70.0
1 msec.
60.0
50.0 5 msec.
Pulse Voltage
40.0
30.0 30
20
msec.
40 msec.
msce. 35 25
msec. msce. 15
20.0 msec. 10
msec.
10.0
0.0
0 5.0 8.0 10.0 13.3 15.0 17.2 20.0 22.0 25.0 30.0 35.0 40.0 45.0 50.0 55.0 60.0 65.0 70.0
Frequency
Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance of the unit should be taken as with any electronic instrument.
With the exception of line and shutter fuse replacement, there are no user-serviceable parts outside or
inside of the VMM-T1.
There is no service to be performed by the user other than exterior inspection for visible damage of the
case and line cord and exterior cleaning.
The only user service that can be performed is Fuse Replacement or Line Voltage Change procedures.
Although the stability of the drive voltage is checked and calibrated prior to shipment, it may become
necessary to make some minor adjustments to the operating systems of the VMM-T1 over time.
It is highly recommended that if a problem is suspected that the unit be returned to the factory for
checkout, adjustment and calibration. Failure to do this may damage the unit’s circuitry and/or
functionality.
Inspection – Exterior
Inspect the outside of the VMM-T1 for damage, wear, and missing parts. A device that appears to have
been dropped or shows other signs of exterior damage should be checked thoroughly to verify correct
operation and performance. If damage is suspected, please return the unit to the factory for repair –
there are no user-serviceable parts.
CAUTION
1. Remove loose dust on the outside of the VMM-T1 with a lint free cloth.
2. Remove remaining dirt with a lint free cloth dampened in a general purpose detergent-and-water
solution. Do not use abrasive cleaners.
Inspection – Interior
Do not attempt to open the case of the VMM-T1 under any circumstances. There are no user-
serviceable parts inside the case.
System Characteristics
Name Description
0.1 msec (100 µS) to 9999 sec (2.8 hrs) in
five decade ranges
Exposure Interval
Variable within each decade with 4-digit
pushwheel switches.
Active-low only
Source impedance: 1K ohms
Maximum source current: 6.8 mA
Maximum sink current: 25.0 mA
SYNC. OUTPUT (BNC)
Rear Panel Maximum (low-level) output voltage 0.5 VDC
Minimum High Level: +4.5 VDC
This output provided for shutters equipped
with the Electronic Synchronization (SYNC)
option.
Active-high only
Source impedance: 1K ohms
Maximum source current: 5.0 mA
Maximum sink current: 100 mA
Delay Out (AUX Pin 1) Maximum (high-level) output voltage: +5.0
Rear Panel VDC.
Duration time determined by Delay Time
setting. (Delay interval can be set before
exposure or after with PRE/POST toggle
switch.)
+5V (AUX Pin 3) +5.0 volt DC regulated output provided for use
Rear Panel in remote switching and/or control circuits.
General Characteristics
Name Description
DRIVER ACTIVE Indicator Red 3mm LED indicates when the shutter
Front Panel driver circuit is active.
LED will illuminate with or without the load of a
shutter's actuator coil.
Pollution Degree 2
Overvoltage Category II