Sony FCB-EX

[Troy Lewis 0]

I have got a few Sony FCB-EX cameras that someone gave me. I do not know how to hook them up to use them. All I have is the camera itself (no wires). I would love some help on this so I can add them to my carputer to look forward and behind me. I have already let the smoke out of 2 them so now its time to ask for HELP.

 

Thanks

Troy

[survtech 0]

Sony FCB-EX cameras are not made to be standalone. They are made for installation in a PTZ dome drive with other circuitry to interface with and apply power to the camera. Nevertheless, here is a link to a data sheet that may be of some help:

 

http://www.servovision.com/Sony/DataSheetSony/FCB-EX980_480_48_S.pdf

[Troy Lewis 0]

OK thanks. So I guess these are no good to me. I guess I will put them up with the rest of my junk.

[survtech 0]

If they are working, you might put them up for sale. The actual camera make and model numbers installed in PTZ's are not generally published, but you could look here (Time Lapse Supply) to see if you can cross reference them to a dome. Many PTZ dome manufacturers used Sony FCB-EX cameras, including Ademco, Bosch, Burle, Cyberdome, GE, Honeywell, Kalatel, Pelco, Philips, Sony, Ultrak and Vicon.

 

Actually, most PTZ dome cameras were originally designed for various consumer camcorders and adapted by dome manufacturers.

[Troy Lewis 0]

So what you are telling me is that these have to be used in a dome. Also that each camera has to have a different dome because they are all different by model.

 

What about this

http://www.goelectronic.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=FCB-RS&Category_Code=2+INDUSTRIAL+VIDEO

[survtech 0]

So what you are telling me is that these have to be used in a dome. Also that each camera has to have a different dome because they are all different by model.

 

What about this

http://www.goelectronic.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=FCB-RS&Category_Code=2+INDUSTRIAL+VIDEO

I'm not saying that each camera works in a different dome, just that the cameras are designed to work in domes or camcorders that have external circuitry to control zoom, focus, iris and other functions. Pelco domes are a good example. The basic Spectra II dome drive could have used one of several cameras, depending on whether it was day/night, color or b/w, what the zoom ratio was and the production date.

 

In addition the original camera can be replaced with any of a large number of camera heads although some may require different firmware. Again, see Time Lapse Supply for a list of compatible cameras,

 

I suppose you could buy an FCB-RS kit to experiment with the cameras, keeping in mind that according to GO Electronic "(ACTUAL CONNECTORS NOT INCLUDED - JUST BARE WIRE INPUTS/OUTPUTS)." so you will have to add connectors, switches, some piece of equipment to send communication data to the camera (a laptop?) and a power supply.

 

Also keep in mind that even if you set up your zoom, focus, iris, etc. levels, if the power fails or is turned off, you will have to go through the whole setup process again.

 

By the way, we have replaced nearly all of the Sony FCB-EX cameras with Hitachi's in our Spectra II domes because they had a flaw in their "fuzzy logic auto-focus circuitry" (according to Pelco) that would cause the camera to go out of focus if it was aimed at a "busy" background such as the slot machines and signage in our casino.

 

As is typical of Sony, they acknowledged the problem but refused to fix it so Pelco was stuck with it and after our warranties ran out, so were we.

[Daedalus51 0]

What about this

http://www.goelectronic.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=FCB-RS&Category_Code=2+INDUSTRIAL+VIDEO

I have that board and it works fine for me. I'm in the same boat as you. It was made for the Sony's but I use it for a Hitachi VK-S654. It just provides power and gives video though. I haven't yet figured out what it takes to make the zoom work. I guess I need a controller chip or something to translate the RS485 commands into something the camera can understand. Maybe the Sony block cams won't have that problem. For video it's great if you don't mind doing a bit of wiring/soldering for BNC, coax, power or whatever.

 

My big gripe is with the place I bought it from. They told me shipping would be "about $10" then charged me $20. The board and the cables weighed all of about 2 ounces. Sorry, just venting. Can't remember the vendor.