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for crews to use this feature. Crews do not carry is powered by Main A with sync generator B on
any CCTV specific RTCs in any Flight Data File Main B. The bus that powers the VCU also
(FDF) documents. This capability would only applies power to the sync generator tied to that
be used if MCC were unable to uplink bus. When the TV SYNC switch is in REVERSE,
commands or for functions not available from sync generator A is tied to Main B and sync
panel A7U. generator B is tied to Main A. This feature is
provided to allow the crew to switch sync
The RCU includes two independent video sync generators without power cycling the VCU in
generators. The sync generators are tied to the case of a sync generator failure. MCC can see
power on logic and TV SYNC NORMAL/ the status of this switch, but cannot send a
REVERSE switch on panel A7U. When the TV command to switch sync generators without
SYNC switch is in NORMAL, sync generator A switching main bus power sources.
In addition to generating master sync signals, WRIST/ELBOW switch is operational when the
the RCU also generates a full-field test signal, RMS is flown. Only one RMS camera can be
better known as a test pattern. The test pattern activated at a time. Cycling the switch powers
is black and white. The test pattern can be off one camera and powers on the other. MCC
selected as a video source from panel A7U or cannot select between the wrist and elbow
via an uplink command. cameras nor can MCC identify the position of
the switch using downlinked telemetry.
The sync signal is distributed to CCTV cameras
and the VSU for synchronization purposes.
Commands to the cameras are embedded in the
sync signal. Each camera has a unique address.
This address is sent out with the command in
the sync signal. Therefore, only the correctly
addressed camera will respond to the
command. Uplinked commands are sent on a
different sync (horizontal scanning) line than
A7U commands. It is possible for the crew and
MCC to send conflicting commands to a camera
at the same time; coordination between crew
and MCC is very important to prevent potential
conflicts. Usually, the crew configures cameras TV SYNC Switch on Panel A7U
and MCC selects cameras for downlink. Prior to
launch, each crew should talk with the lead
INCO for their flight to work out CCTV
responsibilities during crew activity and sleep
shifts.
The VSU receives GMT from the orbiter timing the VSU. Since almost all payload customers
buffer. The GMT is formatted and inserted in require a GMT timetag in recorded and real-
the vertical retrace interval by the VSU, using time video, crews and flight controllers must
sync timing from the RCU as a reference. This coordinate the use of async mode.
GMT is inserted in all incoming video lines
when the VSU is in the sync mode. Since both The VSU includes the capability to interleave
camcorders and VTRs are asynchronous devices digitized voice in the downlink video. The PL
(i.e., not in sync with the RCU), the VSU fails to BAY OUTLETS ICOM A and B switches will
insert the GMT timetag in the correct location of send either or both ICOM audio loops for
the asynchronous video. Crews and flight con- digitization and interleaving with downlink
trollers will see this as a thin, flashing, seg- video. This feature was provided in an effort to
mented white line that scrolls across the screen create lip sync between the audio and video.
of the color monitors and in the downlink video. An uplinked command is required to enable the
The VSU interpretes the GMT as an elevated delta modulator to digitize these voice loops.
camera temperature. This will produce a false This feature degrades the quality of the
SM S76 COMM CAM TEMP message. An downlink video; the digital voice can been seen
asynchronous (async) mode command is avail- as distorted vertical color bands along the left
able to inhibit GMT timetags and disable the side of the picture. This feature is no longer used.
VSU's temperature sensing circuits. The async
mode affects camera mode sensing in the VSU. CCTV Cameras
The ALC and Gamma pushbuttons on panel
A7U may remain static and not reflect the true There are four types of CCTV cameras flown in
configuration of standard orbiter payload bay the payload bay. The cameras are designated as
cameras. This async mode is usually enabled -506, -508, color television camera (CTVC), and
for VTR playback to downlink and for intensified television camera (ITVC). The first
downlinking camcorder video. Otherwise, a camera flown onboard the orbiter was the -506
white line will be visible in the scene. camera. The -508 is an improved version of the
-506. The CTVC first flew on STS-61. The ITVC
The asynchronous mode does not mean that the is expected to fly first in mid-1995. The -506 and
CCTV system is no longer sync'd together. -508 cameras are expected to be phased out
CCTV cameras are still slaved to the RCU, as is in 1996.
Payload Bay CCTV Camera Locations
assemblies and use only black and white or Wide Angle 8.2mm to 25mm 2 ft to f3.5 to f22
3:1
NTSC cameras.
assembly occupying the front half. The imaging In Far 6.6° 29.5°
device within the camera is a silicon intensified
target vidicon (tube). This vidicon provides CCTV Lens Data
excellent low-light performance, especially The -506 and -508 cameras have automatic light
when used in conjunction with a monochrome control (ALC) circuitry to provide control of the
lens assembly (MLA). The combination of MLA camera lens' iris and the camera's silicon target
with the -508 camera is sensitive to 0.01 lux. high voltage supply. There are three ALC set-
The -508 and MLA combination is manifested tings for these cameras: peak, normal, and
for use where low-light capability is required. average. To select an ALC mode, the crew will
use panel A7U ALC and Gamma pushbuttons
The -506 and -508 cameras are monochrome, (PEAK, NORM, AVG). MCC/INCO can also
providing an RS-170 (black and white) video select ALC settings via uplink commands. The
signal. The color lens assembly (CLA) and ALC settings shift the camera's dynamic range
wide-angle lens assembly (WLA) have a from white (peak), to neutral (normal), to black
rotating color wheel composed of primary color (average).
filters (green, blue, red). A green filter passes
green component light into the camera in one
The peak ALC setting is most sensitive to passes through the viewing area of the camera.
incoming light; therefore, the iris will allow less Crews and flight controllers must be aware of
light to enter the lens than with an ALC setting the Sun's position when using these manual
of normal. The average ALC setting will modes. Do not leave a camera unattended in
command the iris to open more and increase the any manual mode!
voltage gain when compared to the ALC setting
of normal. When crews or MCC require direct
control of the iris, the iris switch on panel A7U
just above the ALC AVG PBI or an iris open/
close command by MCC can be used to disable
the ALC. This mode is called semi-manual. The
camera operator has total control of the iris but
does not control the vidicon gain since the auto
gain control (AGC) is still enabled.
A transformer can be used with a camcorder to The camcorders can be powered by the VIU-C
record video from a connector on the rear panel or by two other means. A battery pack can be
of the color monitors. The transformer is used, but battery power only lasts from 20 to 40
required to convert the balanced output video of minutes, depending on how the camcorder is
the monitor to an unbalanced signal usable by used. The camcorder power interface (CCPI)
the camcorder. This transformer is usually device can be connected to a TV camera port on
Velcroed to the side of the VIU-C. The combina- either O19 or MO58F. The CCPI, using a differ-
tion of VIU-C and transformer is referred to as ent cable, can also draw power from a dc utility
the VIU-CM. power outlet, freeing the camera ports. The
CCPI only provides power, it cannot be used to
In addition to providing real-time video like a route video. The CCPI can provide power to
CCTV camera, the camcorders have a built-in one or two camcorders plus a compact portable
Hi-band 8mm video cassette recorder. The light (CPL).
blank video cassettes flown have two-hour
record duration. The camcorders can record or
play back audio in addition to video. However,
the camcorder's audio, like the video, is
unbalanced and the orbiter audio is balanced.
The audio signal level of the camcorder to and
from the audio system creates a volume
imbalance. The ICOM recorder (currently a
Sony cassette recorder) is required to balance
the signal values and to convert audio signals
between balanced and unbalanced formats.
Although the camcorder can record and play
back stereo audio signals, the orbiter audio
system is not capable of transmitting or
receiving stereo (one audio channel only). Video Interface Unit/CM (VIU/CM)
M ultiple C am corder w/Pigm y C able and CC PI
V L R VIU/CM
CC
J2
PWR J3 J1
CC Video/Pwr Cable
V L R
CC VIU/CM
J2 VID/PWR
PWR VIU LCD Cable TV Pwr C ables ORBITER
J3 J1 SYNC/P W R
CC Video/Pwr Cable O19
LCD PWR (M058F)
PIGM Y
CPL I/F
LCD Cam corder Cable
J3 J1
LCD Cab le CCPI
CPL
J4 J2
(not
V L R
used)
CC
PWR
(not V L R
used) CC
Video tape recorders have flown on every space Although the Teac Hi-Band 8mm VTR is a video
shuttle mission to date. More than one video cassette recorder (VCR), the term VTR is applied
camera is flown and because the orbiter is to this piece of equipment as a matter of
unable to downlink video to MCC continuously, convention. This VTR is loose equipment;
the CCTV system must be able to record video therefore, it does not require securing in an aft
to document activities. The SSP has flown an flight deck panel. The 8mm VTR is stowed with
interim VTR that uses U-Matic (3/4-inch) video its cables and accessories in a locker on the flight
cassettes. These tapes could record up to 30 deck or middeck.
minutes of video. The Office of Aerospace
Technology (OAST) has supplied a similar VTR The 8mm VTR has connectors on the front and
when more than one VTR was required for a rear of the VTR chassis. The rear panel of the
mission. The VTRs were placed in a VTR VTR has three connectors. The POWER &
bucket, which not only secured the VTR but also VIDEO OUT receptacle is used to accept 28 V dc
provided input/output configuration and and output a video signal. The VIDEO IN
power. The VTR buckets were placed in an aft connector receives a video signal from the J3
flight deck panel (usually R11 or L10). Each connector on the rear of a color television
VTR bucket would occupy half a panel. The monitor. This allows the VTR to record video
OAST VTR was last flown on STS-51. Since routed from the VSU to the color monitor. The
STS-53, every mission has manifested at least AUDIO ATU/HIU connector provides an
one modified Teac Hi-Band 8mm video cassette interface to an ATU via the ADS/VTR (audio
recorder. The payload video console will distribution system) cable or a headset interface
replace loose video taping equipment used unit (HIU) in order to record or playback audio.
onboard.
secure a door that prevents contaminants from
entering the VTR during operations. When the
door is opened, the tape counter on the LCD
monitor is zeroed. Finally, a mode select knob
allows the user to select operating modes for the
the VTR. The knob must be in the UNTHRD
(unthread) position to remove a tape. All
modes except unthread are indicated on the
LCD monitor.
CCU L C D c a b le
AD S /VT R cab le** LCD V ID E O P L A Y B A C K (D N LK ) - W ITH A U D IO
M o n it o r V TR ✓ T a p e I n s t a l le d ADS /V TR Ca ble
R e w in d t a p e p o s it io n (a s re q d ) O RB - C O M M CC U
* H a n d h e ld M IC (H H M ) a n d v e ry li g h t w e ig h t h e a d s e t (V L H S )/ H I U c a n
als o be c o n ne c t e d to 8m m V T R a ud i o A T U /H IU p o rt O 19 ✓ P IG M Y - V i d /p w r if re q d (if M H A; CC U pwr - O N )
** A D S /V T R c a b l e R C D / P L B K s w l e ft in P L B K a t a ll k t im e s A7 V I D O U T - M O N 1 (2 ) VT R - AT U/HIU
* * * /M C C P R IO R T O P W R O N F O R S Y N C / A S Y N C C O N F I G * * * V I D IN - F L T D E C K Cab le sw - P LB K
A C TIV A T IO N
[ TV D NL K - E NA ] ATU AU D PW R - AU D
VT R PW R - ON [V I D O U T - D N L K ] Des ire d loop s - T/R
A7 G o to A C T I V A T I O N , O P E R A T IO N (C u e C a rd , T V ) [V I D IN - F L T D E C K ] O ther loo ps - N ot T/R
LC D P W R - O N (a s req d) V TR C o n tr o l s w - P L A Y AUD X M IT /IC O M M O DE - VO X /V O X
✓ P L A Y - LE D AUD VO X S EN S - M AX
O P E R A T IO N
A C TIV A T IO N
R E C O R D V ID E O - W I TH A U D IO
V TR ✓ T a p e I ns t a l led A D S /V T R C a b l e VTR C o n t ro l s w - U N T H R D
A7 VID O UT - M O N 2 O R B - CO M M C CU R e m o v e , m a r k , s t o w ta pe at r e q d
V ID I N - a s re q d V T R - A T U /H IU PW R - OFF
V TR C o n tr ol s w - S T D B Y C a b le s w - P L B K LC D P W R - O FF (as req d)
C o n tr o l s w - R E C (a s req d ) A TU AU D PW R - A UD A7 G o to D E A C T IV A T I O N ( C u e C a r d , T V ) a s r e q d
✓REC LED D e s ir e d lo o p s - T / R o r R E C , tw - 0 ATU R e c o n fi g a s re q d
O th er lo o p s - O F F
120.cvs
be controlled by the crew using a portable analog, channel 3) and bypass the orbiter CCTV
computing device. Most recording and system. The VAS is used to route video and
playback features can be commanded by MCC. activate cameras in the module. Video
This will allow for video recording and recording equipment is installed in experiment
playback during crew sleep periods. The PVC is racks for experiment video recording. Instead
expected to first fly in 1996. of using switches and pushbuttons for camera
configuration and routing, the crew uses a
Special Purpose Video payload and general support computer (PGSC)
to input commands to the Spacelab experiment
On many missions, additional video sources are computer. Commands are then sent via a
used above and beyond the payload bay, RMS, remote access unit (RAU) to the Spacelab video
and cabin cameras (camcorders) in order to equipment.
meet mission success. Keel (berthing and/or
prox ops) cameras will be installed on The Spacelab module TV connectors include
rendezvous missions. These cameras are extra pins that are used to specify camera
usually stationary CCTV cameras (no PTU) addresses not available in the orbiter. This
although mission-unique video cameras have provides for remote commanding of these
been flown in the payload bay. Pressurized cameras from MCC or from panel A7U.
modules (Spacelab and Spacehab) include Therefore, cables designed for the orbiter cannot
camera ports that can provide cabin or be used in Spacelab for use with standard
experiment video from the module to the orbiter orbiter CCTV cameras. Orbiter cables can be
CCTV system. Video can also be received via used with camcorders (with a VIU-C).
RF carrier (S-band FM) from an EVA
crewmember or a deployed satellite, such as Additional information on the Spacelab CCTV
SPAS. system can be found in the S COMM 2102
training workbook.
Spacelab
EMU/Payload TV
The Spacelab module, in addition to providing
camera ports for sending video, includes a video The EVA crew can transmit television signals
analog switch (VAS) that can be configured by from an EMU suit if special equipment is
MCC or the crew to route video to and from the attached to the helmet. The EMU camera is a
orbiter CCTV. The VAS can also downlink CCD imaging device that sends its signal to an
video directly to the Ku-band system (PL RF (S-band) transmitter. A receiver demodu-
lates the TV signal from the carrier. This
receiver uses one of the two orbiter S-band FM
antennas to receive the EMU TV signal. The
receiver will be located in the middeck. The
output of the receiver will be routed to panel
MO58F to be distributed as middeck video.
EMU TV was last attempted on STS-49. The S-
band FM system was used with good results to
receive video from the SPAS on STS-51.
The SYNC function of the monitor displays the Portable LCD Monitor
source of sync used to display video and
Portable LCD monitors are flown to display
graphics (menu and green data). When no
video at a VTR or a camcorder. Sony XV-M30
video is detected by the monitor, the field under
and FDM-330 LCD monitors have been used by
SYNC will indicate EXT for external source.
the SSP for those purposes. Some modifications
This means that the sync line from the RCU to
have been made to these monitors, which makes
the monitor is providing the sync pulses necessary
disconnecting cables from the LCD monitor
to display the menu and data. This field can be
more difficult in an effort to reduce accidental
useful for quick troubleshooting for loss of video
cable disconnections.
(camera power fail vs. iris stuck closed).
EE
OPERATION (MLA)
CTVC MLA/CLA/WLA CC
A7 TV CAMRs PWR - ON A7 TV CAMRs PWR - ON 019, TV PWR - ON
MON 1(2) - A (B, C, D, ...) MON 1(2) - A (B, C, D, ...) MO58F CC - ON
BAL - SUN (OR AS REQD) ALC - AVG
ALC - AVG GAMMA - NORM
(REPEAT FOR OTHER TVs AS (REPEAT FOR OTHER TVs
REQD) AS REQD) Keel ELB
(WLA)
(MLA)
CAUTION
DO NOT LEAVE CAMRs UNATTENDED IN MAUAL MODE
DIRECT SUNLIGHT WILL DAMAGE CAMERAS
Crews use panel A7U to control the CCTV Two 10-inch color monitors display video
system. onboard. The monitors are located on panel
A3 and provide connectors for VTRs to use
The video control unit is the heart of the for recording. The monitors are configured
CCTV system and is the central processor. via a display menu system.
The VCU is composed of the remote control
unit and the video switching unit. CCTV accessories, such as window and light
shades, portable lights, mounting arms,
The -506 and -508 cameras use one of three ICOM recorders, and a wide variety of cables
lens assemblies: monochrome, color, and are used to improve the quality of CCTV
wide-angle color. video.