10pin for cx700

Description: This document outlines an update from 2011 to the 2008 LANC circuit project, referred to as Phase 2. The update enables the use of a CX700V camera within the same underwater video housing, known as a generic housing. Such housings have a long lifespan, allowing for continuous reuse with newer cameras. This design saves costs for users, as they do not need to purchase a new housing for each camera upgrade. Digital video cameras have improved significantly over the years, with upgrades occurring approximately every four years. Phase 1 of this project is documented from 1998, starting with the CCD-TR930, which was the first camera used in the housing. Initial experiences involved minimal knowledge of camera handling, resulting in poor low-light performance and video noise. The subsequent camera, the TRV17 Mini-DV in 2001, provided fully digital images and better low-light capabilities, along with the addition of dive lights for night dives. However, access to certain camera features was limited by the housing design. The HDR-HC9 in 2008 marked Phase 1's progression, improving daylight clarity and low-light performance, with modifications to the housing for still picture capture and the addition of a small LCD monitor. In 2010, the same housing was adapted for external flash and upgraded video lights, enhancing image quality. The CX700V introduced in 2012, as part of Phase 2, offered significant improvements in low-light performance and stabilization, along with modifications for IR and LANC control via a 10-pin connection. This streamlined the internal wiring and addressed design challenges posed by the evolution of Sony's 10-pin A/V jack. The project emphasizes the importance of careful assembly and inspection of the housing before dives, particularly regarding the O-ring, to ensure proper sealing and functionality.

The electronic schematic for the updated LANC circuit project incorporates several key components and modifications to facilitate the integration of the CX700V camera into the existing underwater housing. The circuit design includes a 10-pin connector that serves as the central interface for audio/video output and control signals. This connector simplifies the wiring within the housing, minimizing clutter and potential tangling.

Key components of the schematic include the LANC control interface, which allows for camera operation through existing buttons on the housing. This interface is designed to maintain easy accessibility for divers, ensuring that critical camera functions such as power on/off and record start/stop can be activated swiftly. The integration of infrared (IR) control further enhances usability by allowing remote operation of the camera without direct physical access.

Power management is a critical aspect of the design, with provisions made to control the camera’s power state to extend battery life. The circuit schematic includes a power relay that engages the camera only when the housing buttons are pressed, thus preventing unnecessary battery drain during idle periods.

The video output path is carefully routed to ensure that the housing monitor receives a clean analog video signal while accommodating the LANC control signals. This dual functionality is achieved through a multiplexing arrangement that allows switching between video output and LANC control based on operational needs. The design also incorporates decoupling capacitors to filter out noise and ensure stable operation of the video signal under varying electrical conditions.

Finally, the housing assembly process is highlighted within the schematic documentation, emphasizing the importance of O-ring inspection and cleaning to prevent leaks. Proper sealing is paramount for underwater operations, and the schematic outlines the necessary steps to ensure that the housing is adequately prepared before each dive. This comprehensive approach to the electronic schematic not only enhances the functionality of the underwater video system but also ensures reliability and ease of use for divers.This is a write-up for a 2011 update to the 2008 lanc circuit project, lets call call phase 2. This update allows the use of a cx700v camera to be used in the same underwater video housing. Such a housing is called a generic  housing. A generic housing enjoys a long life (as it is supposed to) as they can be reused for newer cameras continuously . A generic housing saves money for the owner as he does not have to repurchase the housing for every camera. These digital video cameras have been getting better every year, allowed by my wallet about every 4 years.

Phase1 of this project is written up here 1998 ccd-tr930 My first camera, HI8 tape, just threw it in the housing and jumped in, didn`t know anything about holding camera steady or finding good shots. No lights. Lots of video noise at any amount of low light, Attached wide angle lens to camera. Viewfinder was large enough to see most of the image through the rear door window. 2001 trv17 Mini-dv, fully digital picture. Better low light. Attached two Shockwave dive lights (150 lumens each) to the housing arms. This allowed night dives. But lights were not proper floods. Camera had a provision for taking digital pictures and white balance but housing did not offer access to these features.

Attached wide angle lens to camera. 2008 hdr-hc9 (PHASE1) Mini-dv HiDef HDV format. (meg2) Much better daylight clarity, better low light, . Attached a heavy wide angle lens to camera. Housing circuit boards were modified by me to assign a button to take still pictures. See phase1. Added small LCD monitor to rear of tray to be visible from rear of housing. 2010 same Housing and camera modified to accept external flash, S2000 was attached, Video lights changed to PROV8LED (400lumens each). Much more light available now. Now we are taking still pictures you can actually look at. Videos look better too. 2012 cx700v (PHASE2) AVCHD, flash memory, Much much! better low light, much better steady shot. No need for wide angle lens Modified housing to control camera with IR and Lanc using 10pin connection.

New button assignments to access white balance  White balance and low light ability changes the quality level one full notch. Smaller and lighter then prior camera. Flash can drive slave strobe like prior camera. Phase 2 was completed dec2011, it was a little rushed, but was finished in time for the December trip.

This page is the writeup of this project. Remember this project is based on a prior project which is on another page. Redirect all connections to the camera via the 10pin sony a/v plug. This reduces wires inside the housing and tangle. New sony cameras force this update anyway as separate jacks have been removed. These goals appear simple on the surface, but underneath its more complicated. Sony evolution of the 10pin a/v jack has introduced an obstacle, Analog video out, is disabled when the lanc feature is enabled in enabled in the 10pin. This becomes an design obstacle as the housing needs video out to feed the housing monitor while at the same time lanc control to the camera.

Control of the camera is via existing housing buttons, such buttons are placed with easy reach for the diver to operate the camera without struggle. Easy reach provides quicker access for camera activation so as to not miss the critter. (although if you keep the camera on and recording all the time it would negate this goal) Housing control of the camera must provide power-on and power-off.

This is important for camera battery life. On boat housing assembly must not be rushed and must occur well before suiting up for the dive. o-ring inspection during door closing cannot be rushed. Any dirt (fiber/hairs) on the o-ring observed requires additional time for cleaning even maybe o-ring removal and cleaning. This unknown variable requires door closure well before the dive. After housing door closure the camera is turned off. Housing video monitor is the o