PCI-1405 inconsistent video aquisition

[c5]

I have a PCI-1405 card.  I have a video signal coming in, and I am simply looking at the signal in Measurement and Automation Explorer in grab mode.  When the video signal comes at very consistent times, i.e. every second, then the grab works fine.  But when I send the video signal at random times, as is required for my application, then not all of the signals appear.  I have confirmed that the video signal is indeed there every time I think it is by looking on a simple video monitor and looking directly at the video signal. 

Note I have similar problems when I operate in Labview, but this seems to be a problem that appears even with a simple setup as in the Measurement and Automation explorer.  I am using a Sony XC-EI30 camera.

[kellam]

If you are removing and replacing the signal, you will not be able to sustain an acquisition.  The 1405 needs to be able to generate timing signals from the embedded sync pulse within the video signal.  When you remove the video signal, the board loses synchronization and generates an error.

If instead, you configure the board to acquire only when you have the video signal applied, your application should work just fine.

Good luck,

Jeff

[c5]

Thank you for your information.  I clearly have things to learn about sync pulses and timing of frame grabbers.  When you say "removing and replacing the signal" what exactly does this infer.  I am certainly not disconnecting the cable or shutting off the video signal to the frame grabber.  But can I be effectively be messing up this syncing by not having the appropriate signal sent out from the triggered camera?  I am operating the Sony camera (XC-EI30 with DC-700 box) in a mode where an external TTL pulse defines the exposure time and duration (reset mode, dip switch 8), and then my goal is for the frame grabber to capture this exposed image.  In Labview code I have written I trigger the frame grabber each time I trigger the camera to expose, but this doesn't seem to change its behavior.

Happy Thanksgiving.

[kellam]

Perhaps I misunderstood.  You said the problem occurred when you sent the video at random times, which I took to mean that you connecting and disconnecting the video cable.  If you could explain your setup a little more, I'll probably be able to give you better guidance.

-Jeff

[c5]

Thanks Jeff.

Here is perhaps a better description.  We are triggering a sony analog camera (XC-E130) at a "random" time, i.e. we manually press a button to acquire some signal by triggering the camera to expose for 1 ms (defined by the trigger pulse width).  The video signal cable always stays connected to the camera and the frame grabber, but the video signal comes at whatever time the camera was triggered to expose, or more specifically slightly after.  I always see the video signal if I am looking on a simple video monitor (though in different parts of the screen), but the PCI-1405 drops frames a fraction of the time.  And this is what we are trying to resolve.

Thanks much.

[kellam]

I'm sorry for the delay on the reply - I've been away on an extended vacation and just got back.

Can you tell me the state of the DIP switches on your camera?  I'm trying to rule things out right now.

-Jeff