USER MANUAL

CHRONOS 1.4 & CHRONOS 2.1-HD

Software Version 0.7.0

RE-PDEV-10009 Rev 1.2

Page | 2

Preface

Thank you for choosing a Chronos high-

speed camera!

This camera was designed to be accessible to everyone, and we

hope that you will experiment, explore, and create.

Please share videos, pictures, publications, and details about

your use-cases with our team at any time. We would love to see

what you’re creating, and perhaps share it with our audience on

social media, monthly newsletter, or even our website if you

would like!

This guide will help you operate, troubleshoot, and get the most

out of your camera and its accessories. We also advise you to

read the separate document, Terms of Sale and Warranty (see

website). If you have any questions about either document,

please contact info@krontech.ca.

Also, to receive important news about software updates, release

of new products, major company announcements, or special

discounts, please sign up for our monthly newsletter by:

• Visiting https://www.krontech.ca/chronos-newsletter/.

• Scanning this QR code:

Page | 3

Support Contacts

DIRECT SUPPORT

If you have questions or concerns regarding the hardware or software

of your Chronos camera or its accessories, please don’t hesitate to

WEB SITE LINKS

FAQ https://krontech.ca/faq

Shipping Policy https://krontech.ca/shipping-policy

Warranty & Return https://krontech.ca/warranty-return

Chronos 1.4

Resources https://krontech.ca/chronos-1-4-resources

Chronos 2.1-HD

Resources https://krontech.ca/chronos-2-1-resources

USER FORUM

The User Forum is a great way to share questions with other Chronos

users, as well as get support directly from Kron Technologies staff;

use the search function on the forum to find answers to your

questions.

User Forum: https://forum.krontech.ca

Page | 4  
 
Table of Contents 
Preface ......................................................................................................................................................... 2 
Support Contacts ........................................................................................................................................ 3 
Unboxing ...................................................................................................................................................... 8 
WHAT’S INCLUDED ..................................................................................................................................................... 8 
First Look ..................................................................................................................................................... 9 
Setup .......................................................................................................................................................... 11 
DISABLING THE SHIPPING MODE .............................................................................................................................. 11 
LENS INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................................................ 12 
POWERING UP THE CAMERA .................................................................................................................................... 12 
POWERING DOWN THE CAMERA .............................................................................................................................. 13 
BATTERY CHARGING ................................................................................................................................................ 13 
Getting Ready ............................................................................................................................................ 14 
SETTING RESOLUTION & FRAME RATE .................................................................................................................... 14 
BLACK CALIBRATION ............................................................................................................................................... 15 
PERFORMING A BLACK CALIBRATION ....................................................................................................................... 15 
WHITE BALANCE ...................................................................................................................................................... 16 
WHITE BALANCE CALIBRATION ................................................................................................................................ 16 
Recording ................................................................................................................................................... 18 
RING BUFFER CONCEPT .......................................................................................................................................... 18 
SIMULTANEOUS RECORDING OF REAL-TIME FOOTAGE ............................................................................................ 19 
CHEAT SHEET TO YOUR FIRST RECORDING ............................................................................................................. 20 
RECORD BUTTON .................................................................................................................................................... 21 
EXTERNAL TRIGGERS ............................................................................................................................................... 21 
SIGNAL CONDITIONING ............................................................................................................................................ 22 
SYNCHRONIZING TO EXTERNAL SOURCES ............................................................................................................... 22 
TRIGGER MODES ..................................................................................................................................................... 22 
TOGGLE TRIGGER ................................................................................................................................................ 22 
RECORD END TRIGGER ........................................................................................................................................ 23 
EXPOSURE TRIGGER ............................................................................................................................................ 23 
SHUTTER GATING ................................................................................................................................................ 24 
SHUTTER GATING TIMING REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................................................... 25 
Playback ..................................................................................................................................................... 26 
Saving ......................................................................................................................................................... 27 

Page | 5  
 
Network Interface ...................................................................................................................................... 29 
STATIC IP ADDRESS CONFIGURATION ..................................................................................................................... 29 
DYNAMIC IP ADDRESS CONFIGURATION VIA DHCP ................................................................................................ 29 
ETHERNET OVER USB ............................................................................................................................................. 29 
SAVING TO NETWORK STORAGE ............................................................................................................................. 29 
Web Control ............................................................................................................................................... 31 
ACCESSING THE CAMERA’S WEBPAGE .................................................................................................................... 31 
NAVIGATING THE CAMERA’S WEBPAGE: MAIN ........................................................................................................ 32 
NAVIGATING THE CAMERA’S WEBPAGE: PLAY & SAVE ........................................................................................... 33 
NAVIGATING THE CAMERA’S WEBPAGE: SETTINGS ................................................................................................. 34 
NAVIGATING THE CAMERA’S WEBPAGE: I/O CONFIG - SIMPLE ................................................................................ 35 
NAVIGATING THE CAMERA’S WEBPAGE: I/O CONFIG - ADVANCED .......................................................................... 36 
Annex A – Hardware .................................................................................................................................. 38 
CAMERA’S BACK ..................................................................................................................................................... 38 
POWER BUTTON .................................................................................................................................................. 38 
RECORD BUTTON ................................................................................................................................................ 38 
RECORD INDICATORS (2) ..................................................................................................................................... 38 
POWER STATUS INDICATOR ................................................................................................................................. 39 
JOG WHEEL ......................................................................................................................................................... 39 
SD CARD SLOT ................................................................................................................................................... 39 
CAMERA’S SIDE ....................................................................................................................................................... 40 
HDMI .................................................................................................................................................................. 40 
AUDIO IO ............................................................................................................................................................. 40 
USB/ESATA ....................................................................................................................................................... 40 
BNC .................................................................................................................................................................... 41 
MICRO USB OTG ............................................................................................................................................... 41 
ETHERNET ............................................................................................................................................................ 41 
AUX IO ................................................................................................................................................................ 41 
POWER INPUT ...................................................................................................................................................... 41 
CAMERA’S BOTTOM ................................................................................................................................................ 42 
SYSTEM SD SLOT & CARD ................................................................................................................................. 42 
MOUNT POINT ..................................................................................................................................................... 42 
BACK-FOCUS LOCK SCREW ................................................................................................................................ 42 
BATTERY COMPARTMENT .................................................................................................................................... 42 
Annex B - Lenses ....................................................................................................................................... 43 

Page | 6  
 
LENS MOUNT & ADAPTER ....................................................................................................................................... 43 
LENS SELECTION ..................................................................................................................................................... 44 
BACK-FOCUS ADJUSTMENT .................................................................................................................................... 44 
PRIME LENSES (NON-ZOOM) ................................................................................................................................... 44 
ZOOM LENSES (PARFOCAL LENSES ONLY) .............................................................................................................. 45 
Annex C – IR Filter ..................................................................................................................................... 46 
IR FILTER ................................................................................................................................................................. 46 
REMOVING THE IR FILTER ........................................................................................................................................ 46 
Annex D – Trigger Inputs/Outputs ........................................................................................................... 47 
TRIGGER INPUTS/OUTPUTS ..................................................................................................................................... 47 
TRIGGER IO 1 AND 2 ................................................................................................................................................ 47 
TRIGGER IN 3 ........................................................................................................................................................... 48 
Annex E – Troubleshooting....................................................................................................................... 49 
Annex F – Specifications ........................................................................................................................... 51 
CHRONOS 1.4 ...................................................................................................................................................... 51 
CHRONOS 2.1-HD ............................................................................................................................................... 54 
Annex G – Maintenance & Care ................................................................................................................ 57 
OPTICS .................................................................................................................................................................... 57 
CAMERA BODY ........................................................................................................................................................ 57 
SCREEN ................................................................................................................................................................... 57 
Annex H – Record Rates & Times ............................................................................................................. 58 
RECORD PRESET VS RECORD DURATION ................................................................................................................. 58 
CHRONOS 1.4 .................................................................................................................................................. 58 
CHRONOS 2.1-HD ........................................................................................................................................... 59 
RECORD FPS VS RECORD DURATION ...................................................................................................................... 60 
CHRONOS 1.4 .................................................................................................................................................. 60 
RECORD RESOLUTION VS RECORD DURATION ......................................................................................................... 61 
CHRONOS 1.4 .................................................................................................................................................. 61 
Annex I – Storage & Shipping ................................................................................................................... 62 
Annex J – Mechanical Drawing ................................................................................................................ 63 
CHRONOS 1.4 / CHRONOS 2.1-HD .............................................................................................................. 63 
Annex K – Spectral Response .................................................................................................................. 64 
CHRONOS 1.4 .................................................................................................................................................. 64 
CHRONOS 2.1-HD ........................................................................................................................................... 65 
Annex L – Software Functions .................................................................................................................. 66 

Page | 7  
 
MAIN WINDOW ........................................................................................................................................................ 66 
RECORD SETTINGS .................................................................................................................................................. 68 
RECORD MODE – NORMAL ...................................................................................................................................... 71 
RECORD MODE - SEGMENTED ................................................................................................................................. 72 
RECORD MODE – LIVE SLOW MOTION .................................................................................................................... 76 
TRIGGER / IO SETTINGS ........................................................................................................................................... 78 
TRIGGER DELAY ....................................................................................................................................................... 80 
BLACK CALIBRATION ............................................................................................................................................... 82 
WHITE BALANCE (COLOR CAMERAS ONLY) ............................................................................................................ 83 
CUSTOM COLOR MATRIX WINDOW ......................................................................................................................... 85 
PLAY ........................................................................................................................................................................ 86 
SAVE SETTINGS ....................................................................................................................................................... 88 
COMPARISON OF SAVE FORMATS ........................................................................................................................... 90 
UTILITIES SCREEN - MAIN ........................................................................................................................................ 91 
STORAGE TAB ......................................................................................................................................................... 94 
SOFTWARE UPDATES............................................................................................................................................... 96 
NETWORK TAB ....................................................................................................................................................... 100 
ABOUT TAB ........................................................................................................................................................... 101 
FACTORY TAB........................................................................................................................................................ 102 
 
 
 
   

Page | 8

Unboxing

IMPORTANT: The camera ships with a dust cap and installed CS-C Adapter Ring (above). Make

sure you don’t accidentally remove the CS-C Adapter Ring when removing the cap.

Unpack the camera and accessories, and check that all ordered accessories are included. If

anything is missing or damaged, please notify us immediately at [email protected].

What’s included

The following items are included as standard with all cameras:

• Chronos Camera

• EN-EL4a Battery

• 19V 40W AC Adapter

• AC Power Cord (plug depends on region)

• 32GB SanDisk SD Card

• CS-C Adapter Ring (installed on camera)

• C Mount Dust Cap (installed on camera)

• 2mm Allen Wrench

• User Manual

If you have ordered lenses and other accessories, please check your package contents

against the invoice to make sure that your order is complete.

AC Power Cord

Chronos Camera

User Manual

EN-EL4a Battery

19V 40W AC Adapter

2mm Allen Wrench

CS-C Adaptor Ring

CS Mount Dust Cap

32GB SD Card

Page | 9

First Look

Record Button

Start or Stop Recording

Immediately

Power Status Indicator

Microphone

Speaker

Video Record Indicator

Power Button

Jog Wheel

Playback Control

UI Navigation

Shutter Adjustment

User SD Card Slot

800x480 LCD Screen

With capacitive touchpad

C-Mount Lens Adaptor

Increases the Focal Distance for a

C-Mount Lens

Back-Focus

Adjustment Ring

Adjust the Focal Distance to

the sensor surface

Back-Focus Ring Adjustment

Screw

Battery Compartment Door

Camera Firmware Micro SD Card Slot

1/4-20 Mounting Point

Page | 10

Power Input

17V to 20V, 40W

2.5mm Barrel Connector

Positive Tip

Aux IO / Analog Input

Trig 2 and Trig 3 supported

IO 2 and IO 3 in Trigger Settings

0-6Volts Adjustable Threshold

30Volts - DC/AC - 50Vpk Max

Ethernet

1Gbits/100Mbits/10bits

Network Connectivity

API Camera Control

Webpage Camera Control

Micro USB

On-The-Go USB Port for Computer

Connectivity

USB / eSATAp

FAT32 and EXT2/3 Storage support

BNC

IO 1

0-6Volts Adjustable Threshold

30Volts - DC/AC - 50Vpk Max

Headphone Output Jack

Microphone Input Jack

HDMI

1080p & 720p Resolutions supported

Page | 11

Setup

DISABLING THE SHIPPING MODE

After the camera is unpacked and ready to be fired up, the first thing to do is to disable

the shipping mode. The shipping mode disables the power on button so the camera

doesn’t accidentally get activated during transit which would drain the battery.

In order to disable that safety feature, connect your AC Power Adapter to a power outlet

and connect the barrel connector to the camera.

If the AC power adapter is correctly installed and you press the power button to power up

the camera, the camera should boot up normally.

Once the camera has booted normally, the shipping mode will automatically be disabled,

so that subsequent power-ups of the camera do not require an external power source.

It is recommended that the AC power supply remains connected until the battery is fully

charged.

IMPORTANT: If Shipping Mode was enabled and needs to be disabled prior to a power cycle, the

checkbox in the Util -> Factory menu can be de-selected.

Page | 12

LENS INSTALLATION

Remove the body cap and install the lens by screwing it onto the mount.

IMPORTANT: For the COMPUTAR 12.5-75mm Zoom Lens, the CS-C Adapter needs to be left on.

If you're using another lens, refer to the table below for types and support materials to determine

whether the CS-C Adapter is needed.

Lens Model

Lens Mount

Adapter Required

COMPUTAR 12.5-75mm f/1.2 Zoom

CS - C

COMPUTAR 12mm f/1.4 Prime

CS - C

6-60mm f/1.7 Zoom*

None

2.8-12mm f/1.4 Zoom*

None

COMPUTAR 8mm f/1.4 Prime

CS - C

FUJIAN 35mm f/1.7

CS - C

Microscope Lens

CS - C

SIGMA 24-70mm f/2.8 Zoom

F - C

IMPORTANT: * Zoom lenses have the side effect of not covering the entire sensor, which will create

a black ring around the periphery of the image. This phenomenon is also called “VIGNETTING”.

Please also note that the only lenses that will not cause “VIGNETTING” with the Chronos 2.1-HD

are the FUJIAN and SIGMA models in the list above.

POWERING UP THE CAMERA

To turn on the camera, simply press and release the power-on button. Give about a minute

for the camera to boot and to initialize itself. When the process is complete you will be

greeted by the screen below.

Page | 13

POWERING DOWN THE CAMERA

To turn off the camera, press the power on button for at least 0.5 but less than 4 sec**.

Like a computer, the camera needs to shut down properly to avoid problems with the

operating system. Don't force a “hard power down” unless the camera is unresponsive

and will not power down normally.

IMPORTANT: ** Do not continue to hold the button; holding it for more than 4 seconds will force a

“hard power down”. A “hard power down” will shut down the camera without the OS knowing about

it and possibly create instability in the system.

BATTERY CHARGING

Before you run the camera on battery power, charge the new battery up to at least 80%

(LED flashes green/orange, or is solid green). This should take less than 2 hours.

Battery Capacity and Voltage Level

Indicators

Page | 14

Region of Interests

Interest

List of presets

Custom

Resolution

Entry Field

Record Settings

Getting Ready

SETTING RESOLUTION & FRAME RATE

The Chronos camera allows you to trade image resolution for

frame rate. In many applications, temporal resolution (frame

rate) is far more important than spatial resolution (image

resolution).

The image resolution can be adjusted in two ways. Common

pre-set resolutions are available from the drop-down menu

on the bottom left of the Record Settings page. There are also direct resolution controls

at top right. Resolutions can be adjusted in increments of 2 pixels vertically, and 16 pixels

horizontally on the Chronos 1.4, or 32 pixels horizontally on the Chronos 2.1-HD.

Tap on the text box to enter a resolution using the keyboard, or use the up/down buttons

to adjust in minimum increments. As the resolution is changed, the Region of Interest (ROI)

display shows the resulting image size within the full resolution of the image sensor. The

maximum frame rate and minimum frame period are displayed under the ROI display.

Once the desired resolution is set, the frame rate can be adjusted from 60fps to the

maximum shown under the ROI display. The Max buttons will set the frame rate and

exposure to their respective maximum values for the current resolution.

IMPORTANT: When using resolutions other than those shown in the Common Resolutions drop-

down box, it is important to do a Black Calibration, as only common resolutions are calibrated at

the factory. When an un-calibrated resolution is selected, a basic Black Calibration is automatically

taken with the shutter speed at minimum. This allows a reasonable image display for immediate

use, but a full Black Calibration is recommended for best quality.

Full Frame

Chronos 1.4: 1280x1024

Chronos 2.1-HD: 1920x1080

Page | 15

Black Calibration

BLACK CALIBRATION

For best image quality, the camera automatically subtracts a

black reference image from all captured frames correcting for

pixel variations that occur on the image sensor.

This is unique for each resolution, gain setting, and frame rate;

i.e. a Black Calibration performed at 1280x1024 with 0dB gain

does not apply to 1280x1024 with 6dB gain. Black Calibration

issues manifest as lines across the video, or as a negative image of an object that was in

frame.

PERFORMING A BLACK CALIBRATION

First, let the camera reach normal operating temperature by letting it run for 15-25

minutes. Fully close the iris or put the lens cap on. Once all light is completely blocked

from the image sensor, tap the Black Cal button on the main screen.

This will discard any unsaved video. Once the “Performing Black Calibration…” message

goes away, you can safely open the iris or remove the lens cap. The black calibration has

been saved.

Depending on resolution, a Black Calibration can take up to 15 seconds. It is persistent

across restarts and will be remembered the next time you select the same resolution.

IMPORTANT: Perform a Black Calibration after changing the resolution, frame rate or shutter

speed.

Page | 16

White Balance

Tap

“Set Custom”

To let Camera,

calculate the

necessary color

correction.

Make sure to select “Custom” in the presets

Tap here to select a preset

WHITE BALANCE

White Balance is an adjustment in electronic and film imaging

that corrects for the color characteristics of the lighting - so

that white objects appear white, rather than colored (for

example) yellow when lit by tungsten filament lights, or

excessively blue under sunlight.

Most digital cameras have automatic compensation for

white balance, and the more advanced ones allow for some

manual adjustment - either to fixed settings or balancing on

a particular image (e.g. a grey card). The white balance is

adjusted by applying different weights to the red, green and

blue (RGB) components of the image coming from the

sensor - based on the color temperature.

WHITE BALANCE CALIBRATION

Method:

The easiest and fastest way to adjust the white

balance is by evaluating the environmental light

around the subject. Put a white piece of paper in front

of the camera, go to the “White Balance” option, and

select the preset from the drop-down menu that most

closely matches the type of light used. Ensure that

the white of the paper come out as white as possible

on the camera screen without any blue or orange tint.

Method:

The second way to adjust the color

temperature with a properly lit white

piece of paper in front of the camera is

to visit the “Custom” sub-menu. Simply

tap the “Set Custom” button for the

camera to automatically estimate the

right amount of correction to obtain

the best neutral white possible.

Page | 17

Make sure to select “Custom” in the presets

Method:

Another way to adjust the White Balance

while in custom mode is to select a

standard “illuminant” matrix from the

presets list.

Method:

For more flexibility when it comes

to adjusting the White Balance,

consider using the “Custom Color

Matrix” to fine-tune each element of

the color conversion matrix. Kron

Technologies recommends using

this method only when an

understanding of White Balance

has been mastered by the user.

Page | 18

7 Frames of

video recorded

into an 8 frame

Ring Buffer.

8 Frames of video

recorded into an

8 frame Ring

Buffer.

Recording

RING BUFFER CONCEPT

Before starting to record, it is important to understand the concept of how the images are

stored in the camera. Considering that the camera needs to capture an immense amount

of data in a very short time, the quantity of very fast memory is limited, hence it is

paramount to manage that memory properly to mitigate the loss of frames after the

camera has been set to record.

In order to capture all these images, the Chronos camera records to what is called a Ring

Buffer in the internal high-speed RAM. The ring buffer is a data structure that holds frames

of recorded video. Once it’s full, the oldest frames are overwritten as new frames are

captured. This allows the camera to record for unlimited periods, but only the most recent

frames are kept.

The length of the buffer depends on the Record settings.

Reducing the frame rate below maximum will increase the

record time proportionally.

For example, if the maximum frame rate for your resolution is 3000fps, setting the rate to

1000fps will result in 3x the record time available at maximum frame rate.

9 Frames of video

recorded into an 8

frame Ring

Buffer.

Page | 19

Another way to record for

longer is to record a lower

resolution video.

If 4 frames of 800×600

video fit into a Ring Buffer,

then 8 frames of 800×300

video will fit into the same

Ring Buffer because the

total resolution is halved.

SIMULTANEOUS RECORDING OF REAL-TIME FOOTAGE

While the camera excels at recording high-speed footage, it can also be used to

simultaneously record the 60 FPS version of an event. To enable this feature, navigate to

Util, then select the Live Record @ 60 FPS checkbox.

Once enabled, the camera will save a MPEG-4 video with audio to the specified location

whenever the record light is on. The camera will automatically switch from the built-in

microphone to the Microphone Input Jack if it detects a line input.

IMPORTANT: If this mode is enabled, the camera may take a few seconds longer to allow

interaction with the back-of-camera controls after the recording is stopped. Do not disconnect the

external storage device until it can be Safely Removed via the Storage menu in the Util screen.

8 Frames of

800x300 fit in

the same Ring

Buffer.

4 Frames of

800x600 fit in a

Ring Buffer.

Page | 20

Set the desired resolution.

On the first boot:

Defaults to 1280x1024

Defaults to 1920x1080

Turning the resolution down will get

you a higher frame rate. However,

horizontal resolution below 320 pixels

does not increase speed.

Perform a Black Cal with

the desired Resolution &

Frame Rate to ensure

best image quality

White Balance

Lens & Focus

Black Calibration

Record Settings

For maximum sharpness on the

COMPUTAR 12.5-75mm lens, use

an iris of F/2 or above

Perform a white card test on your

scene and select the proper white

balance illuminant to achieve a neutral

white. (For Color Sensor Only)

To Start or to Stop recording, tap

Record on the LCD, or click the red

button on top of the camera.

Review Footage

Stop Recording

Start Recording

To immediately enjoy the captured

footage, visit the playback menu by

tapping on the “Play” button.

For more details on the playback

mode, see the section dedicated to it.

In normal Record mode, the camera

records continuously until stopped

(either by the Record button, the

Record/Stop button, or an external

trigger).

Please see the next section for

more information about the

different triggering modes.

Use the slider to go through the

captured footage.

CHEAT SHEET TO YOUR FIRST RECORDING

Page | 21

Trigger/IO Settings

Trig 1

(Input / Output 1)

The BNC

Connector

Trig 2

(Input / Output 2)

The Phoenix

connector

(Green or Black)

Trig 3

(Input 3 - Isolated)

The Phoenix

Connector

(Green or Black)

COM

TRIG2 - IO

TRIG3 -

TRIG3 +

Input Voltage

Threshold

Trigger Modes

Input Signal Conditioning

Input / Output

Direction Control

Pullup Settings

Input / Output Status

Trigger Modes

Input Signal Conditioning

Triggering

RECORD BUTTON

The red record button on top of the

camera will toggle between starting

and stopping the Recording.

IMPORTANT: Trigger delays do not apply to the record button; pressing the button while recording

will start/stop the recording immediately, regardless of any pre-set trigger delay.

EXTERNAL TRIGGERS

Triggers can be configured to either stop a recording (with configurable trigger delay),

start a recording (via BNC cable), or control the camera shutter.

The Chronos 1.4 and Chronos 2.1-HD have 3 available external trigger inputs:

Triggers are configured in the “Trigger/IO Settings” menu:

Page | 22

No Conditioning Applied

Changes the Edge Detection

Checked: Falling Edge

Unchecked: Rising Edge

Enable when using a

Physical Switch like

Push-button, Relay, etc.

The Input will be sampled

at 10ms to avoid spurious

triggers.

TRIG1 and TRIG2 can also change direction and output a frame sync signal (a signal

synchronized with the exposure of the sensor).

To trigger the camera with a BNC trigger switch from our

store, go to the IO settings screen and adjust the following

for IO 1 (BNC):

• Enable a pullup (20mA preferably)

• Set Signal Conditioning for Debounce

• Set Trigger Type to Record End Trigger

• Hit Apply to ensure the changes are saved

• Plug the Trigger cable into the BNC Connector

• Make sure IO1 Status shows as Hi when the button is not pressed

• Press on the trigger button to verify that the status goes from Hi to Lo

• You are ready to go

IMPORTANT: For more information on triggering, see our tutorials here:

https://www.krontech.ca/chronos-1-4-resources/

https://www.krontech.ca/chronos-2-1-resources/

SIGNAL CONDITIONING

SYNCHRONIZING TO EXTERNAL SOURCES

TRIGGER MODES

TOGGLE TRIGGER

With Toggle mode, the trigger is configured to start a

recording on one push of the BNC trigger switch, and stop a

recording on the subsequent push in Normal recording

mode

Page | 23

IMPORTANT: When using Toggle mode, you will not be prompted before overwriting footage by

starting a recording. (Using Toggle mode can easily accidentally overwrite your footage)

RECORD END TRIGGER

When selected, the trigger is set up to terminate the

recording. Depending on the state of the Invert flag,

either pushing or releasing the button will stop the

recording.

EXPOSURE TRIGGER

In this mode, an external trigger connected to TRIG1,

TRIG2, or TRIG3 controls the start of exposure for

each frame. The exposure duration, however, is

controlled by the camera. In other words, Exposure

Trigger controls the frame rate but not the shutter.

Steps to follow to configure the camera properly to use the Exposure trigger:

1. In Record Settings, select the desired resolution

and maximum frame. The exposure Time is

limited to 1/[Frame Rate]; if longer exposures are

desired, you must reduce the frame rate.

IMPORTANT: If you select a frame rate lower than the maximum, the sensor may be set to a low

frame rate mode. This will limit the maximum achievable frame rate from the Exposure Trigger.

2. In Triggers/IO Settings, select Exposure

Trigger for the desired input. With Invert

unchecked, exposure will start on the rising edge

of the input.

IMPORTANT: The frequency of the external triggering signal MUST NOT be higher than the frame

rate specified in Record Settings. Frames will be dropped if this requirement is not met.

NOTE: In this mode, Black Calibration can only be performed when a stable and repetitive trigger

is received by the camera. If a stable trigger source isn't available, set the mode to None in

Trigger/IO Settings, perform a Black Calibration, and then set the mode back to Triggered

Exposure.

Page | 24

SHUTTER GATING

Shutter gating allows TRIG1, TRIG2, or TRIG3 to directly

control the shutter. Exposure occurs for as long as the signal

is active. In other words, Shutter Gating controls both the

frame rate and the shutter.

Steps to follow to configure the camera properly to use the Shutter Gating:

1. In Record Settings, select the desired resolution

and maximum frame. The exposure Time is limited

to 1/Frame Rate; if longer exposures are desired,

you must reduce the frame rate.

2. In Triggers/IO Settings, select Shutter Gating for the

desired input. With Invert unchecked, exposure will start on

the rising edge of the input.

NOTE: In this mode, Black Calibration can only be performed when a stable and repetitive trigger is

received by the camera. If a stable trigger source isn't available, set the mode to None in Trigger/IO

Settings, perform a Black Calibration, and then set the mode back to Shutter Gating.

Page | 25

SHUTTER GATING TIMING REQUIREMENTS

Shutter gating fundamentally places some limitations on the input signal; listed below are

the conditions that need to be maintained for perfect integrity of the capture:

1. A minimum exposure of 1us must be maintained; undefined operation may occur

with a pulse width below 1us.

2. To allow time for sensor read-out, Exposure End must occur at least one frame period

(1 / frame rate) after the previous exposure. An example is shown below.

3. Sensor read-out time can be assumed to be the shortest frame period for the

configured resolution and can be determined for your current resolution in the Record

Settings window, under ROI display.

Page | 26

PLAY

Use the Forward/Backward play

buttons, Slider, or Jog Wheel to

review the video.

When held down, the Left/Right

buttons will play video forward or

backward, at the frame rate specified

in the Play Rate box.

The Up/Down buttons will adjust the playback

rate, from 10 up to 1920fps.

This Play Rate is for on-camera playback only;

it does not affect the frame rate of the saved

video.

Quick navigation is achieved with the Vertical

Slider;

the top of the slider is the most forward in time

(newest frames).

Precise and quick playback control is available with the Jog

Wheel. Turning the wheel moves playback by one frame per

detent (rotational click), or 24 frames per turn. Pushing in the

wheel while turning it moves playback by 40 frames per detent, or

960 frames per turn.

Playback

Playback and Save are accessed through the play button

on the main screen.

The Playback screen only plays back the most recently recorded

video segment(s) stored in RAM.

NOTE: If One-touch Playback was enabled on the Util screen, you will see a Play button just to the

left of the Close button. This will activate One-touch Playback mode where, once the button is

tapped on the Play screen, the playback will loop between the marked start and end points.

Page | 27

SAVE

SD Card

USB

eSATA

Media Storage

Choice

File Format Choice

Use Mark Start at the bottom

Use Mark Stop at the top

When the marks are set, press Save, and

wait for saving to complete

Saving

Video can be saved in compressed H.264 (mp4), RAW,

CinemaDNG, and TIFF formats to removable storage such

as SD cards, USB drives, and external hard drives.

Plug an SD card, USB drive, or eSATA drive into the

camera. The device must contain a partition formatted as

FAT32, EXT2 or EXT3. For fastest saving, an eSATA 2.5”

SSD or HDD is recommended.

After connecting a storage device, open the Save Settings menu and select the device

as the save location.

From the Play screen, use the navigation controls

and Mark Start/Mark End buttons to select the

region of video you want to save. The desired save

region is marked by a colored bar. Please refer to

Annex L – Save Settings for more details.

Repeat to save another range of video. Each saved region will be highlighted with a

different color.

NOTE: Saving the entire buffer can take a long time, especially at high frame rates.

Page | 28

If the video is one that you won’t be able to re-create, safely remove the storage device

and plug it into your computer to check that the video has saved properly without dropped

frames before turning off your camera or recording again. This is especially important

when using a new brand of SD card for the first time. (To remove the SD card, press down

until a click occurs. It will pop out.)

IMPORTANT: Always attempt to Safely Remove the storage device prior to disconnecting it from the

camera.

Page | 29

Static IP address configuration

area

DHCP Setting for dynamically

assigned IP Address

Network Interface

IMPORTANT: This networking feature is only available with the software versions 0.4.0 and above.

STATIC IP ADDRESS CONFIGURATION

The camera can be configured with a static IP address. To enter a static IP address, enter

the Util menu and then navigate the Network tab. A box in the upper-right corner of the

display offers fields for the IP, Netmask, and Gateway. To use a static IP address, the

DHCP checkbox must be cleared (disabled).

DYNAMIC IP ADDRESS CONFIGURATION VIA DHCP

The camera can automatically acquire an IP address via DHCP (enabled by default). To

enable DHCP, ensure that the DHCP checkbox is checked (enabled). The acquired IP

address will be shown in the Network Status area once it successfully connects.

ETHERNET OVER USB

The camera supports a virtual ethernet interface over the USB mini or USB micro

connector. In Windows, this is referred to as a Remote Network Driver Interface

Specification (RNDIS). If the camera is connected to the host computer using this method,

the IP address will be a fixed value of 192.168.12.1 .

SAVING TO NETWORK STORAGE

The camera supports the ability to save footage directly to a computer over the network

via SMB v1.0 and NFS network protocols. Credentials to an SMB or NFS share can be

entered by navigating to the Util menu, and then selecting the Network tab.

Page | 30

In order to use the Network Storage functionality, the SMB v1.0 or NFS share must first

be configured on the Host PC. Kron Technologies provides detailed step-by-step

instructions on how to configure a Host PC’s network share on the Chronos 1.4 and

Chronos 2.1-HD resource pages at https://www.krontech.ca.

NOTE: When testing a Network Storage connection on the Network tab in the Util screen, tap Apply

prior to using the Test button to test the configuration.

Page | 31

IP Address from camera

entered into the web browser

of PC on the same network

Web Control

ACCESSING THE CAMERA’S WEBPAGE

The Chronos can be controlled remotely via a webpage that is served by the camera itself.

There are two methods to connect to the camera:

1. Establish a connection to a network via the ethernet port. Then navigate to the

Network tab in the Util screen and find the IP address of the camera listed as

“inet.addr:” (see image below). The camera can either use DHCP to obtain an IP

address dynamically or be configured with a static IP address.

2. Connect the camera directly to a computer via the USB mini or USB micro

connector. When connected directly to a computer in this fashion, the camera will

simulate an ethernet connection using the USB RNDIS Gadget Driver on Windows

and will have the IP address 192.168.12.1.

To access the webpage, enter the IP address from either method 1 or 2 above into the

URL entry area of a browser. Kron Technologies recommends Chrome or Firefox as the

preferred browser for using the web control page.

Page | 32

Display of live sensor output

at 1 frame per second.

Web Application Programming

Interface (API) Documentation

Record Settings

Full Video Save

Shortcut

Dropdown menu for narrow

screens (ie. Smartphones)

NAVIGATING THE CAMERA’S WEBPAGE: MAIN

The Main page of the Chronos control webpage offers similar functionality to the back of

camera interface with an alternative layout of configuration and control settings that will

adapt to the size of a PC, smartphone, or tablet screen size.

The viewfinder window on this page updates at approximately 1 frame per second. For a

real-time view of the camera’s viewfinder over the network, please see instructions on

how to configure an RTSP network stream.

Page | 33

Download Files

Directly to PC

Frame Position Slider

NAVIGATING THE CAMERA’S WEBPAGE: PLAY & SAVE

Navigating to the Play & Save page of the Chronos control webpage offers similar

functionality to the Play screen on the back of camera interface. Additionally, the Storage

Device section of this page offers insight into the remaining storage space on connected

external storage devices.

The Download From Camera dropdown menu provides a list of image and video files on

the connected external storage device. After the desired footage is saved to the external

storage device, selecting a file in Download From Camera dropdown menu will download

the file to the PC.

IMPORTANT: You have to save the footage on the camera before you can download it!

NOTE: The video output on the camera’s LCD display, as well as any connected HDMI displays, will

be switched to the Playback mode if the Play & Save page is accessed from the web control interface.

It will be switched back to the live display of the image sensor’s output upon navigating to the Main

page.

Page | 34

Reset All Settings to Default

NAVIGATING THE CAMERA’S WEBPAGE: SETTINGS

Navigating to the Settings page of the Chronos control webpage allows for the

configuration of commonly used settings from the Util, White Balance, and Record

Settings -> Trigger Delay screens on the back of camera interface.

Additionally, this page allows for the configuration of the webpage’s behavior and

theming.

Page | 35

Real-time level indicator (HIGH/LOW)

Preset Triggering Configurations

NAVIGATING THE CAMERA’S WEBPAGE: I/O CONFIG - SIMPLE

The I/O Config screen is separated into two sections: Simple Configuration and

Advanced Configuration. Simple Configuration corresponds closely to the Trigger I/O

Settings screen on the back of camera interface, while Advanced Configuration allows

for full control over each input, action, and output of the camera’s I/O system.

For parameters that can be configured under the Simple Configuration section, it is

sufficient to follow guidelines as discussed in the Triggering section of this user manual.

Additionally, the Preset Configurations dropdown allows for fast and convenient

configuration of two common cases.

The BNC Trigger Button >> End

Recording preset will configure the

camera’s I/O system to end a recording

once the external trigger button is pushed

on I/O1 (BNC).

Page | 36

The BNC Trigger Button >> Toggle Recording preset will configure the camera’s I/O

system to start a recording on the first push of the external trigger button, and then stop

the recording on the subsequent push of the button.

NAVIGATING THE CAMERA’S WEBPAGE: I/O CONFIG - ADVANCED

Selecting a Preset Configuration will automatically change certain parameters under the

Advanced Configuration section of the webpage, which provides a good set of examples

for users who wish to use the advanced sections to configure the camera.

The Input Status and Output

Status boxes show the status of

each connection in real time. The

arrows will change to signify a

HIGH or LOW signal based on

how the Camera is configured

with parameters on the rest of

the I/O Config page. Note that

some of these indicators might

not update fast enough to display

very rapidly changing signals.

NOTE: If advanced configurations of the I/O settings for the camera result in unintended operation,

the settings can be reverted to defaults by selecting Reset All to Defaults from the Preset

Configurations dropdown list.

Page | 37

The Combinatorial Block section of the Advanced Configuration allows users to

connect the logic of multiple input sources together to produce an output that triggers a

recording. Changing parameters will change the arrows depicted in the logic gate legend

in real-time to reflect the most current configuration.

Under the Advanced Configuration individual preferences for behaviors titled in each

box below can be configured. Each box contains a descriptor, an option to select the

source responsible for the action, the ability to set a Debounce to mitigate against

mechanical contact bounce, and an Invert signal.

Page | 38

Annex A – Hardware

CAMERA’S BACK

POWER BUTTON

• Press to turn on the camera

• To shut down the camera, press the Power button for 1 second, then release.

A press lasting for less than 0.5 seconds will be ignored.

• Holding for 4 seconds forces a hard power down. Do this only if the software

has crashed and the camera is not responding. Like a PC, the camera needs

to shut down properly or file system damage may occur, requiring a re-flash of

the OS SD card.

RECORD BUTTON

• Starts or stops recording. The record button is not affected by trigger settings,

including trigger delay.

RECORD INDICATORS (2)

• Illuminate (red) to indicate that the camera is recording.

Record Button

Start or Stop Recording

Immediately

Power Status Indicator

Video Record Indicator

Power Button

Jog Wheel

Playback control

UI Navigation

User SD Card Slot

800x480 LCD Screen

With capacitive touchpad

Page | 39

POWER STATUS INDICATOR

• Indicates the presence of AC power and the charge status of the battery.

LED

Indication

Un-Lit

No AC Power Connected

Solid Yellow

Charging, less than 80% charged

Alternating

Green/Yellow

Charging, more than 80% charged

Green

Battery fully charged

JOG WHEEL

• Used for playback control, adjusting shutter, and UI navigation and input.

• On the Main screen, rotation adjusts the shutter.

• During playback, rotation moves playback 1 frame per detent (rotation click).

• Press and hold the dial clicked in to move fast (40 frames per detent)

• During UI navigation, rotation cycles through the widgets on the user interface,

and a click will activate the highlighted widget.

SD CARD SLOT

• Videos can be saved to the card in this slot.

• For fastest saving, a Class 10 or faster SD card is recommended, however,

any properly formatted SD card will work. (FAT32, EXT2 and EXT3 file systems

are supported)

Page | 40

CAMERA’S SIDE

HDMI

• When connected to a monitor via HDMI (requires software version 0.3.1 and

above), the camera will automatically output a video signal during live video

feed, recording, and playback, but not during saving. It will output a 1080p

signal over HDMI by default.

• If the monitor supports 720p, but not 1080p, then 720p will be used.

AUDIO IO

• Not supported in current software, but the hardware is present in all cameras.

• Please sign up for the Krontech newsletter here:

https://www.krontech.ca/chronos-newsletter/.

• You will receive emails about software updates, including those for audio

support.

USB/ESATA

• This port accepts both USB type A and eSATA devices. USB mass storage

devices such as flash drives and hard drives can be connected to this port.

• This port is also able to supply power using an eSATAp cable.

NOTE: Most 2.5” hard drives and SSDs will work with the Chronos, but most 3.5” drives

will not. This is because the eSATAp port only supplies 5v, not 12v.

Power Input

17V to 20V, 40W

2.5mm Barrel Connector

Positive Tip

Aux IO / Analog Input

Trig 2 and Trig 3 supported

IO 2 and IO 3 in Trigger Settings

0-6Volts Adjustable Threshold

30Volts - DC/AC - 50Vpk Max

Ethernet

1Gbits/100Mbits/10bits

Network Connectivity

API Camera Control

Webpage Camera Control

Micro USB

On-The-Go USB Port for Computer

Connectivity

Headphone Output Jack

Microphone Input Jack

USB / eSATAp

FAT32 and EXT2/3 Storage support

BNC

IO 1

0-6Volts Adjustable Threshold

30Volts - DC/AC - 50Vpk Max

HDMI

1080p & 720p Resolutions supported

Pin 1

Page | 41

BNC

• The BNC connector can be used to synchronize multiple cameras, or to

connect the camera to a variety of equipment, including trigger cables.

MICRO USB OTG

• Can be used to connect a camera directly to a computer, and to control it from

the computer using a USB-A to Micro-USB cable.

• A tutorial on setting up a camera for network control can be found here:

https://www.krontech.ca/tutorials/

NOTE: USB mass storage devices, such as flash drives and hard drives, will not work on this port.

ETHERNET

• Can be used to remotely control the camera using the Krontech API or by using

the webserver interface. See the Network Interface (Pg. 29) section of the

manual for more details.

AUX IO

• Trigger and Analog inputs.

• Only trigger inputs are supported in the current software.

• The mating plug is Phoenix Contact part number 1778890

Function

Analog In 1

Common

Analog In 2

Common

Trigger IO 2

Common

Isolate Trigger Input 3 (+)

Isolate Trigger Input 3 (-)

POWER INPUT

• 17-20V DC 40W, 5.5/2.5mm barrel jack, positive tip (center positive).

Pin 1

Pin 8

Page | 42

CAMERA’S BOTTOM

SYSTEM SD SLOT & CARD

• Bootable media for the camera that holds the camera’s operating system.

• During software upgrades, the camera writes new files to this card.

IMPORTANT: A Class 10 or faster SD card is recommended for the fastest video saving. However,

any properly formatted SD card will work. (FAT32, EXT2 and EXT3 file systems only.)

WARNING: Make sure the card is correctly oriented when inserting it into the System SD Card

Slot. The card is very difficult to retrieve if flipped or forced. Make sure you insert the micro SD

card with the pins oriented toward the front of the camera (as shows in image above)

MOUNT POINT

• Standard (1/4”-20) mount point to attach tripods or other equipment.

BACK-FOCUS LOCK SCREW

• Prevents the Back-Focus ring from moving. See Back-Focus Adjustment (see

page 44).

BATTERY COMPARTMENT

• To open, push latch up and pull out.

• Holds an EN-EL4a 11.1V 2500mAh or 3100mAh battery during normal

operation.

Back Focus Ring Tightening

Screw

Battery Compartment Door

Slide Latch and pull to open

Camera Firmware Micro SD Card Slot

Mount Point

Insertion Side

Page | 43

Annex B - Lenses

LENS MOUNT & ADAPTER

The Chronos 1.4 & 2.1-HD are CS mount cameras. C mount lenses can be used with the

included adapter. Other lens types such as F, EF, and PL can be used with appropriate

adapters to convert them to C mount. Common lenses available for the camera are listed

below, along with the adapters required to use them.

Lens Model

Lens Mount

Adapter Required

COMPUTAR 12.5-75mm f/1.2 Zoom**

CS - C

COMPUTAR 12mm f/1.4 Prime**

CS - C

6-60mm f/1.7 Zoom***

None

2.8-12mm f/1.4 Zoom***

None

COMPUTAR 8mm f/1.4 Prime**

CS - C

FUJIAN 35mm f/1.7

CS - C

Microscope Lens**

CS - C

SIGMA 24-70mm f/2.8

F - C

IMPORTANT: * Lens vignettes with the Chronos 1.4

** Lens vignettes with the Chronos 2.1-HD

COMPUTAR

12.5-75mm f/1.2 Zoom

COMPUTAR

12mm f/1.4 Prime

2.8-12mm f/1.4 Zoom

COMPUTAR

8mm f/1.4 Prime

FUJIAN

35mm f/1.7

6-60mm f/1.7 Zoom

SIGMA

24-70mm f/2.8

Microscope Lens

Page | 44

LENS SELECTION

Lenses vary in their image circle, which is the amount of the image sensor they can cover:

• The Chronos 1.4 uses a 2/3" image sensor (actual sensor dimensions are 8.45mm x 6.76mm).

• The Chronos 2.1-HD uses 4/3” image sensor (actual sensor dimensions are 19.2mm x 10.8mm).

Lenses designed for smaller sensors can be used, however the image will not cover the

entire sensor. This results in ‘Vignetting’, which is a black ring around the border of the

video.

While choosing the right lenses for your application, remember that the Chronos 1.4

sensor has a crop factor of 3.9X and the Chronos 2.1-HD a crop factor of 2X.

NOTE: Sample images for each lens offering by Kron Technologies may be found at

https://www.krontech.ca/store/Lenses-c21981409

IMPORTANT: The auto control mode certain lenses offer isn’t directly usable on the Chronos

camera. All lenses will need to be set to Manual mode or be provided an external source of power

and synchronization.

BACK-FOCUS ADJUSTMENT

• Back-Focus is the distance between the lens mounting flange and the image

sensor. It controls how lenses focus and must be set correctly.

• The camera is set from the factory for a COMPUTAR 12.5-75mm zoom lens. This

setting is correct for most other lenses, but if you are experiencing problems with

focus, this is the first thing to check.

To correctly set Back-Focus for your lens, follow these steps:

PRIME LENSES (NON-ZOOM)

1. Use a lens that has graduated focus (markings showing the focal distance). You

cannot properly adjust Back-Focus on non-graduated-focus lenses.

2. Set the lens to focus at infinity.

3. Loosen the Back-Focus lock screw on the bottom of the camera by about 1 turn

using the included 2mm Allen key.

4. Aim the camera at an object very far away, such as a distant tree.

5. Rotate the entire lens, allowing the CS ring to screw in or out. Adjust the rotation

until best focus is obtained on the distant object.

a. Do not adjust the focus ring on the lens.

b. If the CS ring will not rotate far enough, check to see if your lens requires a

CS-C adapter. Please refer to Pg. 43 for additional details.

6. Tighten the Back-Focus lock screw, finger-tight.

Page | 45

ZOOM LENSES (PARFOCAL LENSES ONLY)

A parfocal lens is a lens that stays in focus when magnification/focal length is changed.

1. Zoom the lens into maximum zoom.

2. Adjust for best focus on an object within the normal focus range, perhaps a few

meters away.

3. Zoom the lens all the way out.

4. Loosen the Back-Focus lock screw on the bottom of the camera by about 1 turn

using the included 2mm Allen key.

5. Rotate the entire lens allowing the CS ring to screw in or out. Adjust the rotation

until best focus is obtained on the same object.

• Do not adjust the focus ring on the lens.

• If the CS ring will not rotate far enough, check to see if your lens requires a

CS-C adapter. Please refer to Pg. 43 for additional details.

6. Tighten the Back-Focus lock screw, finger-tight.

7. Repeat steps 1 to 6 until the lens is in focus when zoomed in and when zoomed

out, without adjusting the focus control while zooming.

Page | 46

Annex C – IR Filter

IR FILTER

An IR Filter (Infrared Cut-Off Filter) is standard on all cameras. This filter will cut-off

wavelengths above 650nm.

The Color Chronos 1.4 benefits from the IR Filter because of improved color reproduction.

All color pixels (red, green, and blue) have some parasitic sensitivity to IR light, which

results in washed-out images, especially in daylight or under incandescent lamps. The IR

Filter removes this invisible light.

The Monochrome Chronos 1.4 benefits from the IR filter when recording objects that emit

large amounts of IR light, such as glowing objects or sparks. The IR light will focus

differently than visible light in most lenses, resulting in blur. The IR Filter removes this

light, less total light hits the image sensor, and sensitivity is reduced. The result is sharper

images.

REMOVING THE IR FILTER

• You can remove the IR Filter for cleaning, or for applications that require IR

sensitivity.

• You can also add your own filter, of any desired wavelength.

• The camera accepts 24x16mm rectangular filters, of 1.1mm thickness.

WARNING: When handling, it is important that you do not scratch the filter. Use the necessary tools

and cleaning products to avoid damage.

To remove the filter, follow the steps below, or see the tutorial at:

https://www.krontech.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/IR-Filter-.pdf

1. Loosen the Back-Focus adjustment screw on the bottom of the camera about 1 turn using the

included 2mm Allen key.

2. Unscrew the CS ring from the camera.

3. Using a 1.5mm Allen key (not included), remove the two screws that hold in the IR Filter case.

4. Using tweezers, remove the IR Filter case.

5. Remove the IR Filter. To avoid damaging it, a vacuum pick-up tool is best, but tweezers can be

used, if you are careful. It is important to remember which side of the filter faces out of the

6. camera, as the filter has an optimum direction for light travel.

7. Store the IR filter where it will not be scratched, such as in a paper envelope.

8. Reinstall the filter case using the two screws.

9. Reinstall the CS ring.

10. Tighten the Back-Focus adjustment screw, finger-tight. Be careful not to over-tighten it.

11. Perform a Back-Focus adjustment. Reinstalling the CS ring to its original position will not work, as

12. the Back-Focus is changed by refraction in the IR Filter glass.

Page | 47

Annex D – Trigger

Inputs/Outputs

TRIGGER INPUTS/OUTPUTS

The Chronos 1.4 & Chronos 2.1-HD have two trigger input/outputs, and one isolated

trigger input. Trigger IO is used by the camera to send/receive signals to/from other

equipment such as external triggers, lights, or other cameras. For example, if you have

several cameras set up, you can use a trigger to start or stop all of them at once.

TRIGGER IO 1 AND 2

• These non-isolated triggers are referenced to the camera's power and chassis

ground and can provide either input functionality with adjustable threshold (0-

6.6V), or 5V TTL level output.

• They are protected against damage when connected to voltages of 30V DC/AC

RMS and +/- 50V peak, but voltages outside this range may cause damage.

• The 20mA output is suitable to directly drive terminated coaxial cable, and will

produce 1V into 50Ω, with rise and fall times of (typically) 10ns or faster.

Unterminated operation will result in a much slower fall time.

Page | 48

TRIGGER IN 3

• This input is isolated via an optocoupler.

• A logic low input is a voltage from -30 to 1V, and a high-level input is a voltage

of 3 to 30V.

• Voltages between these ranges (1 to 3V) are undefined.

• This input has built-in resistors to correctly drive the optocoupler and is

protected from differential voltages up to 30V DC/RMS AC and +/- 50V peak.

• Trigger In 3 is rated for SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage) circuits only, up to a

maximum common mode voltage of 60V above ground. Voltages beyond this

range may damage the camera.

DANGER: The isolated input is not rated for safety isolation. Never use any of these inputs to

connect directly to mains-reference circuits. If triggering from AC mains is needed, external safety

isolation (such as a transformer) is required.

Page | 49

Annex E – Troubleshooting

Symptom

Possible Problem

Solution

Camera won’t power on

No Power

Insert battery or connect to mains power

Crash

Remove battery and AC adapter for 10 seconds, then

reconnect and power on.

Wrong AC Adapter

Voltage

Ensure that the AC Adapter is providing between 17V

and 20V DC, positive tip.

Camera won’t power on, and

Power Status indicator

flashes orange when power

button is pressed

Shipping Mode is

enabled

The AC adapter must be plugged in to turn the

camera on while in Shipping Mode, even if a battery is

inserted. It will not be required for subsequent power-

ons.

Battery won’t charge

Battery inserted after AC

connected

Unplug AC adapter from camera, then re-plug.

Wrong AC Adapter

voltage

Ensure that the AC Adapter is providing between 17V

and 20V DC, positive tip.

Battery indicator drops very

fast

low quality or failing

battery

Replace battery.

Power status indicator

flashes red/green

continuously

Power controller in

recovery mode

Turn the camera off, remove the battery and

disconnect the AC adapter for 10 seconds. When

reconnecting power or inserting battery, ensure the

power button is not pressed until after the LED

flashing stops.

Power controller

firmware corrupt

If the above solution doesn’t fix the problem, contact

Kron Technologies at [email protected]

Can’t trigger recording end.

IO screen has extra

pullup on

Confirm that the only pullup enabled is the one for the

trigger that is in use.

Trigger Delay is set to a

long time

On the camera, navigate to Trigger/IO Settings ->

Trigger Delay, press “Reset To Defaults”, and press

“OK”. You can also access this screen from Record

Settings -> Trigger Delay

Horizontal or vertical lines

show up in video.

A Black Calibration was

not done after changing

shutter speed, resolution

or gain

Perform a Black Calibration after every change of

resolution, shutter speed or gain. Please see the

Black Calibration section for more details on how to

calibrate the camera.

Extremely blurry image,

can’t get close to proper

focus.

Incorrect lens adapter

installed.

Check if lens is CS or C mount to determine proper

adapter to use. Please see the “Annex B” for more

details.

Focus slightly wrong, proper

focus out of range.

Back-Focus mis-adjusted

Re-adjust Back-Focus. Please see the “Annex B” for

more details.

Page | 50

Lens limitation

The Computar 12.5-75mm lens, among others, is

slightly soft at fully wide aperture. Close aperture

slightly and retry. Try f/2 or smaller.

Lens doesn’t maintain

consistent focus while

zooming.

Back-Focus mis-adjusted

Re-adjust Back-Focus. Please see the “Annex B” for

more details.

Lens is not parfocal

Some lenses, especially lower-end lenses such as the

6-60mm and 2.8-12mm lenses, do not maintain focus

during zoom, so focus needs to be adjusted after

zooming.

Black ring around

image/Corners of image are

dark. (Vignetting)

Lens is too small for the

sensor

Some lenses, especially lower-end lenses such as the

6-60mm and 2.8-12mm lenses don’t cover the image

sensor. Change to a different lens with a larger image

circle.

Negative ghost image visible

over normal image

Black Calibration was

done without lens cap on,

or with aperture open

Perform Black Calibration again by closing the

aperture fully or covering the lens. Please see the

Black Calibration section for more details on how to

calibrate the camera.

Camera shows a black or

still image

Trigger mode is either

‘Exposure Trigger’ or

‘Shutter Gating’, but

there is no external signal

being received

If you do not wish to use either of these modes, go to

Trigger/IO Settings and switch back to Record End

Trigger for normal operation

If you do wish to use one of these modes, check that

you have the correct input selected, or connect a

signal generator and send a signal of frequency equal

to the desired frame rate.

Dark band when there is a

bright object shown on the

image

Extreme exposure

Reduce exposure, or move the bright object out of

frame.

Page | 51

Annex F – Specifications

CHRONOS 1.4

Camera

Imaging

1280x1024 1069FPS

Memory

8GB, 16GB, or 32GB

Record Time

4 seconds (8GB), 8 seconds (16GB), 16 seconds

(32GB)

Lens Mount

CS/C (CS mount, C mount with included adapter)

Back-Focus

Field adjustable

IR Filter

650nm, user removable, 24mm x 16mm x 1.1mm

Display

5” 800x480 capacitive touchscreen, 1000 nit

daylight visible

Enclosure

Anodized CNC machined aluminum

Cooling

Active cooling, variable-speed fan (fan-off option

supported)

Dimensions

155mm x 96mm x 67.3mm

(6.11” x 3.78” x 2.65”) without lens

Weight

1.06Kg (2.34lbs) without lens

Video Formats

H.264

Industry standard mp4 (MPEG-4) files at bitrates

up to 60Mbps

CinemaDNG Raw

Standard Adobe CinemaDNG raw files

Tiff

Standard TIFF raw files with timestamps

Storage Devices

SD, USB, SSD, or SMB/NFS network drives

Image Sensor

Resolution

1280x1024 @ 1069FPS

Speed

1.4Gpx/s - full throughput down to 320-pixel

image width.

Dimensions

8.45mm x 6.76mm (2/3” format, 1.3Megapixel,

3.9x Crop Factor)

Pixel Pitch

6.6um

Page | 52

Image Sensor

Sensitivity (ISO)

Color: ISO 320 to 5120

(Continued)

Mono: ISO 740 to 11840

Shutter

Electronic global shutter,

1/fps to 1us (1/1,000,000s)

Dynamic Range

56.7 dB

Bit Depth

12-bit

Battery

Type

EN-EL4a

Max. Run Time

1.5 hours recording (typical)

Charge Time

2 hours (0-80%) with in-camera charger

Power Input

17-20V 40W (5.5/2.5mm barrel jack, positive tip)

Network

Gigabit Ethernet

Trigger

Two Trigger inputs/frame strobe outputs

(BNC & Aux)

Adjustable Input Threshold 0 to 6.6Volts

Electrically isolated trigger input (Aux

Connector)

Trigger with sound, laser, and lighting using

accessories

Audio

Microphone/Line input using continuous live

mode @60fps

Video

HDMI output 720p or 1080p (default) @ 60FPS,

video only

USB

USB type A (host) and micro-B (device)

SATA

eSATA 3Gbps to SATA 2.5” III SSD (5V power)

Trigger Modes

End Trigger

Camera records until a defined delay after

trigger

Toggle

Camera starts recording with one button press,

and stops recording with a subsequent button

press

Exposure Trigger

External signal sets the frame rate for

synchronization

Shutter Gating

External signal sets the frame rate and controls

the exposure for synchronization

Page | 53

Frame Sync Output

The camera outputs a signal indicating its frame

rate and exposure

Trigger Ports

BNC

Female BNC connector

Phoenix

Pluggable black phoenix terminal block (8-pins)

Network Control

Through web page or REST API based interface

with USB or CAT ethernet cable

Recording Modes

Normal

Records into the ring buffer. Once a trigger

occurs, video can be reviewed and saved.

Segmented

Video memory is divided into segments, each

recording as in the Normal mode above. Number

of segments is user selectable.

Gated Burst

Frames are captured while trigger is active

Live Slow Motion

Continuously records a short slow-motion video

and immediately plays it back then repeats

Normal Speed

Recording

Continuous

Video is saved continuously at up to 60FPS to

mp4 (MPEG-4) files on removable storage.

Operates like a normal video camera.

Assistive

Focus Aid

Highlights sharp edges to aid focusing

Zebras

Rolling diagonal lines indicate clipped

(overexposed) areas

Viewfinder Zoom

Zooms in to allow easier focusing

Overlay

Displays frame and time information on top of

footage

Environmental

Operating

Temperature

-20°C to +40°C (-4°F to +104°F)

Page | 54

CHRONOS 2.1-HD

Camera

Imaging

1920x1080 1000FPS

Memory

8GB, 16GB, or 32GB

Record Time

2.7 seconds (8GB), 5.5 seconds (16GB), 11

seconds (32GB)

Lens Mount

CS/C mount (provided). Nikon F-C and Canon

EF-C adapters (optional accessories)

Back-Focus

Field adjustable

IR Filter

650nm, user removable, 24mm x 16mm x 1.1mm

Display

5” 800x480 Capacitive touchscreen, 1000nit

daylight visible

Enclosure

Anodized CNC machined aluminum

Cooling

Active cooling, variable-speed fan (fan-off option

supported)

Dimensions

155mm x 96mm x 67.3mm

(6.11” x 3.78” x 2.65”) without lens

Weight

1.06kg (2.34lbs) without lens

Video Formats

H.264

Industry standard mp4 (MPEG-4) files at bitrates

up to 60Mbps

CinemaDNG Raw

Standard Adobe CinemaDNG raw files

Tiff

Standard Tiff raw files with timestamps

Storage Devices

SD, USB, SSD, or SMB/NFS network drives

Image Sensor

Resolution

1920x1080 @ 1000FPS

Speed

2.1Gpx/s

Dimensions

19.2mm x 10.8mm (4/3” format, 2.1 Megapixel,

2x Crop Factor)

Pixel Pitch

10um

Sensitivity (ISO)

Color: ISO 500 to 8000

Mono: ISO 1000 to 16000

Page | 55

Image Sensor

(Continued)

Shutter

Electronic global shutter,

1/fps to 10us (1/100 000s)

Dynamic Range

10.3 stops (62.4 dB)

Bit Depth

12-bit

Battery

Type

EN-EL4a

Max. Run Time

1 hour recording (typical)

Charge Time

2 hours (0-80%) with in-camera charger

Power Input

17-20V 40W (5.5/2.5mm barrel jack, positive tip)

Network

Gigabit Ethernet

Trigger

Two Trigger inputs/frame strobe outputs

(BNC & Aux)

Adjustable Input Threshold 0 to 6.6V

Electrically isolated trigger input (Aux

Connector)

Trigger with sound, laser, and lighting using

accessories

Audio

Microphone/Line input using continuous live

mode @60FPS

Video

HDMI output 720p or 1080p (default) @60FPS,

video only

USB

USB type A (host) and micro-B (device)

SATA

eSATA 3Gbps to SATA 2.5” III SSD (5V power)

Trigger Modes

End Trigger

Camera records until a defined delay after

trigger

Toggle

Camera starts recording with one button press,

and stops recording with a subsequent button

press

Exposure Trigger

External signal sets the frame rate for

synchronization

Shutter Gating

External signal sets the frame rate and controls

the exposure for synchronization

Frame Sync

Output

The camera outputs a signal indicating its frame

rate and exposure

Page | 56

Trigger Ports

BNC

Female BNC connector

Phoenix

Pluggable black phoenix terminal block (8-pins)

Network Control

Through web page or REST API based interface

with USB or CAT ethernet cable

Record Modes

Normal

Records into the ring buffer. Once a trigger

occurs, video can be reviewed and saved.

Segmented

Video memory is divided into segments, each

recording as in the Normal mode above. Number

of segments is user selectable.

Gated Burst

Frames are captured while trigger is active

Live Slow Motion

Continuously records a short slow-motion video

and immediately plays it back then repeats

Normal Speed

Recording

Continuous

Video is saved continuously at up to 60FPS to

mp4 (MPEG-4) files on removable storage.

Operates like a normal video camera.

Assistive

Focus Aid

Highlights sharp edges to aid focusing

Zebras

Rolling diagonal lines indicate clipped

(overexposed) areas.

Viewfinder Zoom

Zooms in to allow easier focusing

Overlay

Display frame and time information on top of

footage

Environmental

Operating

Temperature

-20°C to +40°C (-4°F to +104°F)

Page | 57

Annex G – Maintenance & Care

OPTICS

• Keep the optical area clean when changing lenses by keeping the body and lens

mount caps on when the lens is separated from the camera.

• If the lens or sensor/IR filter is dusty, remove the dust using clean, dry compressed

air, dusting gas, or a dusting squeeze bulb. If dust persists, use a brush or lens pen.

• If there is dust under the IR filter, you can remove the filter for cleaning. See

Removing the IR Filter in Annex C.

CAMERA BODY

• Do not expose the camera to moisture or excessively dusty environments.

• Do not expose the camera to molten metal.

• The camera body can be cleaned with a lint-free cloth, and optionally a small

amount of rubbing alcohol. Do not use excessive liquids as they may enter the

camera body.

SCREEN

• The touchscreen surface is breakable glass. Do not strike it with hard objects or

put excessive pressure on it.

• The screen should be cleaned with a lint-free or microfiber cloth.

• A small amount of glass cleaner or rubbing alcohol may be applied to the cloth if

required. Do not use excessive amounts, and don't spray glass cleaner directly on

the camera.

Page | 58

Annex H – Record Rates &

Times

RECORD PRESET VS RECORD DURATION

Maximum recording time for a sample of common resolutions at max FPS.

CHRONOS 1.4

Resolution

Max FPS

Record Time (Sec)

(8 GB)

Record Time (Sec)

(16 GB)

Record Time (Sec)

(32 GB)

1280 x 1024

1069

4.08

8.16

16.33

1280 x 720

1519

4.08

8.17

16.35

1024 x 768

1770

4.11

8.22

16.45

1024 x 576

2357

4.11

8.23

16.47

800 x 600

2871

4.14

8.29

16.59

800 x 480

3586

4.14

8.29

16.58

640 x 480

4434

4.20

8.40

16.81

640 x 240

8810

4.21

8.42

16.85

320 x 240

16682

4.40

8.82

17.64

320 x 180

22086

4.41

8.82

17.66

320 x 96

40413

4.51

9.02

18.04

• Record duration stays relatively constant as the resolution is lowered because

the maximum frame rate is raised.

• There is some overhead associated with each frame, so the increase in FPS is

not quite linear.

Page | 59

CHRONOS 2.1-HD

Resolution

Max FPS

Record Time (Sec)

(8 GB)

Record Time (Sec)

(16 GB)

Record Time (Sec)

(32 GB)

1920 x 1080

1000

2.76

5.51

11.02

1920 x 720

1495

2.77

5.53

11.06

1920 x 512

2095

2.78

5.55

11.11

1920 x 360

2963

2.79

5.58

11.16

1920 x 240

4403

2.80

5.60

11.21

1920 x 120

8569

2.89

5.78

11.56

1920 x 96

10569

2.94

5.87

11.74

1440 x 1280

1434

2.56

5.12

10.25

1440 x 720

2142

2.57

5.14

10.29

1440 x 512

2997

2.59

5.18

10.36

1440 x 240

6265

2.63

5.26

10.53

1440 x 96

14825

2.77

5.54

11.08

1280 x 1024

1434

2.88

5.77

11.53

1280 x 720

2142

2.90

5.79

11.59

1280 x 512

2996

2.91

5.82

11.65

1280 x 360

4230

2.93

5.86

11.72

1280 x 240

6265

2.97

5.94

11.89

1280 x 120

12075

3.07

6.14

12.28

1280 x 96

14825

3.14

6.28

12.56

1024 x 768

2531

2.88

5.75

11.50

1024 x 576

3358

2.89

5.77

11.55

800 x 600

4352

2.73

5.47

10.94

800 x 480

5406

2.73

5.47

10.94

640 x 480

5406

3.44

6.88

13.76

640 x 360

7135

3.48

6.95

13.90

640 x 240

10488

3.54

7.07

14.14

640 x 120

19783

3.72

7.43

14.86

640 x 96

24046

3.87

7.74

15.49

Page | 60

RECORD FPS VS RECORD DURATION

Recording time for a set of resolutions at max FPS, half FPS and one-quarter

FPS.

CHRONOS 1.4

Resolution

Max FPS

Record Time (Sec)

(8 GB)

Record Time (Sec)

(16 GB)

Record Time (Sec)

(32 GB)

1280 x 1024

1069

4.08

8.16

16.33

1280 x 1024

534

8.16

16.33

32.67

1280 x 1024

267

16.31

32.65

65.33

800 x 600

2871

4.14

8.29

16.59

800 x 600

1435

8.29

16.58

33.18

800 x 600

717

16.57

33.17

66.36

640 x 480

4434

4.20

8.40

16.81

640 x 480

2217

8.39

16.80

33.62

640 x 480

1108

16.79

33.60

67.23

• The duration that can be recorded is doubled every time the frame rate is

halved.

• The recording time increase is linear as the frame rate decreases.

Page | 61

RECORD RESOLUTION VS RECORD DURATION

Recording time for a sample of frame rates as resolution decreased.

CHRONOS 1.4

Resolution

Max FPS

Record Time (Sec)

(8 GB)

Record Time (Sec)

(16 GB)

Record Time (Sec)

(32 GB)

1280 x 1024

1069

4.08

8.16

16.33

640 x 480

1069

16.31

32.65

65.33

320 x 256

1069

65.26

130.62

261.33

800 x 600

2871

4.14

8.29

16.59

400 x 300

2871

16.57

33.17

66.36

192 x 150

2871

66.29

132.67

265.44

640 x 480

4434

4.20

8.40

16.81

320 x 240

4434

16.57

33.16

66.35

• As the resolution is halved in both height and width, the duration of the recording

increases by multiples of 4.

• Halving the resolution results in ¼ the number of pixels, so 4 times the number of

frames can be stored – 800 × 600 = 480k pixels, while 400 × 300 = 120k pixels.

Page | 62

Annex I – Storage & Shipping

• Store the camera in a cool, dry, clean location.

• When shipping the camera, it's recommended to put it in a plastic bag with

desiccant to avoid problems with condensation during temperature changes.

• If the camera will be stored for more than a few weeks, charge or discharge the

battery to a 40% charge (approximately), then turn off the camera and remove

the battery. This will minimize battery capacity degradation during storage.

• Before shipping, always enable Shipping Mode, found on the Util menu, under

the Factory Tab, to avoid the possibility of the camera turning on in-transit. This

mode requires the AC adapter to be connected the next time the camera is

turned on.

Page | 63

Annex J – Mechanical Drawing

CHRONOS 1.4 / CHRONOS 2.1-HD

NOTE: The Chronos 1.4 and 2.1-HD have identical enclosure dimensions.

Page | 64

Annex K – Spectral Response

CHRONOS 1.4

NOTE: These spectral response curves are in units of quantum efficiency.

Page | 65

CHRONOS 2.1-HD

NOTE: These spectral response curves are in units of quantum efficiency.

Page | 66

Annex L – Software Functions

This Annex discusses each screen shown on the camera in detail. While the User Interface

on the Chronos is designed to be intuitive and to follow common operating modes found

in many other cameras, this section provides concise descriptions on the action

performed by each button shown on various screens.

MAIN WINDOW

Control

Function

Record

Settings

Shows the Record Settings window, which allows adjustment of resolution,

frame rate, analog gain (ISO), digital gain, exposure, record modes, and trigger

delay.

Trigger I/O

Settings

Shows the Trigger Settings window, which allows for the selection of trigger and

synchronization input/output (I/O) signals.

Black Cal

Performs a Black Calibration. This increases image quality by removing noise

and sensor artifacts due to fluctuations in temperature. Each resolution and gain

must be Black Calibrated separately prior to use. The image sensor should not

be exposed to light during a calibration.

Page | 67

MAIN WINDOW [CONTINUED]

Control

Function

White Bal

(Color

Cameras)

Shows the White Balance dialog box, which allows setting the color temperature

of the recorded footage.

Focus Aid

Enables or disables focus peaking, which highlights sharp edges in a

conspicuous color. This can be used when adjusting focus is challenging. The

color and sensitivity are adjustable from the Util menu.

Record/Stop

Starts and stops recording. Performs the same function as the physical record

button on the top of the camera.

Util

Shows the utility menu, which contains various functions such as storage

management, network connection information, power management, display

behavior, and software updates.

Shutter

Drag and slide to adjust the image sensor’s exposure level. Rotating the jog

wheel will also adjust this slider. Pressing the jog wheel in while rotating will

cause the shutter to adjust at finer intervals.

The exposure readout in the bottom right corner of the display will change

accordingly. Units can be changed between temporal, angular, or fractional in

the Util menu.

Viewfinder

Zoom Mode

Double tap the video output region on the display to zoom by a factor of 2.5x.

This can be used as a focusing aid. Double tap the zoomed view again to return

to the normal video display mode.

Page | 68

RECORD SETTINGS

The Record Settings screen allows for the adjustment of the size and position of the

recorded area on the image sensor and the frame rate at which the recording is taken.

Lower resolutions can be captured at higher frame rates and/or longer record times.

Control

Function

Resolution

(width, height)

Sets the recorded video size.

Chronos 1.4: Adjustable in multiples of 16 pixels horizontally, 2 pixels vertically.

Chronos 2.1-HD: Adjustable in multiples of 32 pixels horizontally, 2 pixels

vertically.

Offset

(horizontal,

vertical)

Adjusts the position of the recorded video relative to the top left corner of the

image sensor, in multiples of 16 pixels horizontally for the Chronos 1.4, 32 pixels

horizontally for the Chronos 2.1-HD, and 2 pixels vertically.

When the Center box is checked, the offset is set automatically and cannot be

adjusted.

Page | 69

RECORD SETTINGS [CONTINUED]

Control

Function

Center

Affects the position of the image when using a resolution below maximum

resolution. When checked, the offset is calculated automatically to center the

image on the sensor.

Frame Rate

Sets the frame rate. Can be set as framerate (FPS) or period (Sec) which is

equivalent to 1/framerate. Setting one will automatically update the other.

Can be set to the maximum for the resolution by pressing Max.

To increase the record time and maximum exposure time, manually enter a

frame rate lower than the maximum.

Exposure

Sets the exposure (shutter speed) in microseconds. Range is 1μs to slightly less

than 1/framerate. Can be set to the maximum for the current frame period by

pressing Max.

Analog Gain

Adjusts the ISO setting. A higher gain results in increased sensitivity (less

lighting required), but increased image noise.

For the best image quality, use the lowest possible gain, and increase light level

or lens aperture if more light is required.

Gain

Chronos 1.4

Chronos 2.1-HD

Color ISO

Mono ISO

Color ISO

Mono ISO

0 dB (x1)

320

740

500

1000

6 dB (x2)

640

1480

1000

2000

12 dB (x4)

1280

2960

2000

4000

18 dB (x8)

2560

5920

4000

8000

24 dB (x16)

5120

11840

5000

10000

Page | 70

RECORD SETTINGS [CONTINUED]

Control

Function

Digital Gain

Increases the brightness in the scene by automatically modifying White Balance

and Color Matrix settings. As starting points, this function uses CIECAM16/D55

and a color temperature of 3200K (Tungsten). A setting of None will not modify

existing settings.

Common

Resolutions

Select a pre-set from common picture sizes and frame rates.

The frame rate will automatically be set to the maximum for the selected pre-set.

Recorded Area

Display

Shows the size and position of the recorded area in relation to the sensor’s full

resolution. The outer box represents the sensor’s maximum resolution, and the

inner box represents the area on the image sensor that will be recorded, given

the currently selected resolution and offset.

Max Rate

Display

Shows the maximum frame rate and minimum period for the current resolution

setting.

Trigger Delay

Button

Opens a screen to configure the amount of record time before and after a

triggered event. Trigger delay only applies to external triggers through the BNC

connector or the Auxiliary I/O connector on the side of the camera, but it does

not apply to the red record button on top of the camera.

Record Mode

Button

Opens a screen to switch between Normal, Segmented, Gated Burst, and Live

Slow-Motion modes.

OK Button

Applies changes and closes window.

Cancel Button

Discards changes and closes window.

Page | 71

RECORD MODE – NORMAL

Control

Function

Record Length

(Seconds)

Set the duration of the triggered recording, in seconds. The timing of this

recording can be changed in the Trigger Delay window.

Record Length

(frames)

Set the duration of the triggered recording, in recorded frames. The timing of

this recording can be changed in the Trigger Delay window.

Max Button

Sets record length to the maximum available. This is dependent on your

camera’s memory capacity and the resolution settings, which can be changed in

Record Settings.

OK Button

Applies changes and closes window. OK must also be selected in the Record

Settings window after the Record Mode window has closed, otherwise the

changes will be discarded.

Cancel Button

Discards changes to the Record Mode.

Page | 72

RECORD MODE - SEGMENTED

In Segmented mode, the record buffer is split into multiple video segments which are kept

in memory. This is different from Normal mode, in which only one continuous video clip

can be kept in memory.

In Segmented mode, when the recording is started, and with each activation of the trigger

(physical trigger switch or input signal only), a new segment is stored in memory. The

segments of video are concatenated during playback and saving. If the desired save

format is either H.264 or TIFF, the Text Overlay feature can be enabled in Playback

Settings to label the frames with which segment they belong to.

Segmented Memory Timing Chart

By default, the Ring Buffer is enabled. In this mode, the earliest segment will be

overwritten with a new one as soon as the record buffer is full. New segments will be

created until the recording is stopped via the red record button on the top or the camera,

or the stop button on the Main screen. This behavior can be changed by checking the

Page | 73

Disable Ring Buffer option. When the Ring Buffer is disabled, the camera will stop

recording when the buffer is full, and segments will not be overwritten.

Control

Function

Record Length

(Seconds)

Set the duration of the total recorded segments, in seconds. The timing of this

recording can be changed in the Trigger Delay window.

Record Length

(frames)

Set the duration of the total recorded segments, in frames. The timing of this

recording can be changed in the Trigger Delay window.

Max Button

Sets record length to the maximum available for your camera model and the

selected number of segments.

Number of

Segments

The maximum number of full-size segments that can be held in memory is

65,536.

Each time a recording is triggered, it is saved into a subsequent region of

memory. If a recording is stopped early, the unused recording time is returned

for future segments to use. For example, two 0.5-second segments can be

recorded instead of one 1-second segment.

Disable Ring

Buffer

When the buffer is full of segments, stop recording instead of overwriting the

oldest segment with new frames. This feature works while triggering with an

input signal or using a BNC trigger switch cable.

OK Button

Applies changes and closes window. OK must also be selected in the Record

Settings window after the Record Mode window has closed, otherwise the

changes will be discarded.

Cancel Button

Discards changes to the Record Mode.

NOTE: In Segmented Mode, new recordings can only be started using either the record button

on top of the camera, or the Record button on the main screen. New segments are only started

when a trigger signal configured as a Record End Trigger is active.

Page | 74

RECORD MODE – GATED BURST

In Gated Burst mode, multiple videos are kept in memory. New video is recorded only

while the trigger input is active. Record mode only affects which frames are stored in

memory; it does not affect exposure time.

Gated Burst Memory Timing Chart

As frames are recorded, they are stored in the Ring Buffer. The oldest frames are

overwritten with new frames as the trigger continues to be active. Recorded frames are

concatenated during playback and saving.

Page | 75

RECORD MODE – GATED BURST [CONTINUED]

Control

Function

Prerecord

(seconds)

Sets the amount of video to save before the trigger becomes active, in seconds.

Prerecord

(frames)

Sets the amount of video to save before the trigger becomes active, in recorded

frames.

OK Button

Applies changes and closes window. OK must also be selected in the Record

Settings window after the Record Mode window has closed, otherwise the

changes will be discarded.

Cancel Button

Discards changes to the Record Mode.

Page | 76

RECORD MODE – LIVE SLOW MOTION

In Live Slow Motion mode, a short segment of video is recorded, and then played back in

a loop. The interface allows you to set the desired loop time, and the choice of playback

rate can be either 15, 30, or 60 FPS. The length of the recorded segment is calculated

based on the loop length and the recording frame rate; it is displayed on the screen.

Control

Function

Playback Loop

Time (seconds)

Sets the desired playback length of the loop, in seconds.

Recording

Time

Displays the recording time, calculated from the loop length and the frame rate

setting, in milliseconds.

Recording

Frames

Displays the number of frames to be recorded, calculated from the loop length

and the frame rate setting, in frames.

Slowdown

Factor

Displays the factor by which the loop playback will be slowed down, using the

current settings, as a ratio.

Page | 77

RECORD MODE – LIVE SLOW MOTION [CONTINUED]

Control

Function

Playback Rate

(FPS)

Set the desired playback frame rate. This setting affects the recording time,

recording frames, and slowdown factory, even when the recording frame rate is

not changed. The options are 15, 30, and 60 frames per second.

Continuous

When this Loop Record Mode is selected, a short segment is recorded and

played back immediately for the duration specified. This method of capture and

playback is repeated continuously.

One Shot

When this Loop Record Mode is selected, the camera records a short segment

only once, and then plays back the same segment continuously without

acquiring new footage.

OK Button

Applies changes and closes window. OK must also be selected in the Record

Settings window after the Record Mode window has closed, otherwise the

changes will be discarded.

Cancel Button

Discards changes to the Record Mode.

Page | 78

CAUTION: The Toggle option will not offer a warning when starting a new recording

from a trigger. This can result in overwriting the record buffer and losing footage.

TRIGGER / IO SETTINGS

The Trigger I/O screen allows for the configuration of external inputs, and control over

how external inputs affect the recording process. This section describes the function of

each selection on the Trigger I/O screen. For a detailed description of each triggering

mode, please refer to the Triggering section in the main manual.

Multiple triggers of the same effect are combined with a logical OR. Edge detection, which

is used as a record-end trigger, is applied after this operation.

Control

Function

Threshold

Sets the input voltage threshold for the associated IO interface. This is the

voltage where the input will transition between high and low.

Acceptable voltage thresholds are from 0 V to 6.6 V.

Toggle

(Switch/Button)

Only to be used with a button or switch in Normal or Segmented Record Mode.

Starts a recording when the button is first pressed and stops the recording when

the button is pressed again.

Record End

Trigger

Sets function of the IO to trigger the end of a recording or to be used with the

Segmented or Gated Burst record modes.

Exposure

Trigger

Sets function of IO to control the start of exposure for each frame.

Normal recording is prevented if this mode is selected without a valid signal.

Page | 79

TRIGGER / IO SETTINGS [CONTINUED]

Control

Function

Shutter Gating

Sets function of IO to control the start and length of exposure for each frame.

Normal recording is prevented if this mode is selected without a valid signal.

Frame Sync

Output

Sets function of IO to frame sync output. Output will be active when the shutter

is open. Can be inverted with by selecting the Invert checkbox.

Pullup

Enables 1mA or 20mA pullup on trigger input. Enabling both will result in a

21mA pullup. There is a 5k-ohm pulldown resistor on the input, which defaults to

a low-level.

When pullups are enabled, current is driven into the trigger and the logic level

rises. The input can be pulled low externally by shorting the BNC connector to

ground. Pullups will bring the voltage level to 4-5V, with no load.

A tutorial on this subject can be found at https://www.krontech.ca/tutorials/.

None

Disables the associated IO.

Invert

When checked, the trigger input will be sensitive to a low logic level, as opposed

to a high logic level.

Example: The recording would end when the external trigger cable button is

pressed, rather than when it is released.

Debounce

Use a 10 millisecond debounce filter on the input. This is recommended when

using a physical button or switch as the trigger source to avoid glitches due to

mechanical contact bounce.

Input Status

Shows the real-time level of 3 inputs, after optional inversions are applied.

Apply Button

Applies IO settings without closing the window.

Trigger Delay

Button

Opens a screen to configure the amount of record time before and after a

triggered event.

OK Button

Applies IO settings and closes the window.

Cancel Button

Discards changes and closes the window.

Page | 80

TRIGGER DELAY

The Trigger Delay page lets the user configure when video is captured relative to an

external trigger. The delays configured in this screen do not apply to recordings started

by the record button on the top or the camera and the record button on the display.

NOTE: If delays are used in conjunction with Segmented Recording Mode, the trigger delay

affects the time between the trigger and the beginning/end of each segment.

Control

Function

0%, 50%, 100%

Move the slider to the start, middle, or end of the red Recording This region. This

sets the pre-record delay, pre-trigger, and post trigger values.

A value of 0% means that all video saved will be saved after the trigger (post-

trigger mode). A value of 100% means that all video saved will be saved before

the trigger (pre-trigger mode).

Slider

Drag to set when the saved video starts and stops relative to a trigger. The time

and frames in each text box below will automatically change as the slider is

adjusted.

Page | 81

TRIGGER DELAY [CONTINUED]

Control

Function

Pre-Record

Delay

Sets the amount of time to wait after a trigger occurs, but before filling the

record buffer. When the waiting period ends, the record buffer will fill and then

finish.

This delay can be specified in seconds or frames.

Example: If a 0.5 second recording is being made, and the pre-record delay has

been set to 0.2 seconds, the camera will wait for 0.2 seconds after being

triggered, then fill the record buffer (0.5 seconds), and then stop a total of 0.7

seconds after the trigger was initially activated.

Pre-Trigger

Sets the amount of time kept in the record buffer from before a trigger occurs.

Example: If a 5000 frame recording is being made, and the pre-trigger is set to

2000 frames, when the trigger occurs the camera will keep 2000 frames from

before the trigger, and then the rest of the record buffer (3000 frames) after the

trigger.

Post-Trigger

Sets the amount of time between a trigger and its actual effect. If both pre-

record delay and pre-trigger are 0, post-trigger is the total length of the recorded

video.

Example: If a 0.5 second recording is being made, and the post-trigger delay is

set to 0.3 seconds, then the pre-trigger delay will be 0.2 seconds.

Example: No matter the length of a recording, if the post-trigger delay is set to

2.0 seconds, and I’m using a Record End Trigger, the camera will keep

recording for 2.0 seconds after I activate the input trigger (I flip a switch) and

then stop.

More Pre-

Record Time

Add or increase margin to the left of the record region, represented in red, to set

a delay between the trigger and the beginning of the recording.

Reset to

Default

Set pre-record delay to 0, post-trigger to 0, and pre-trigger to either the

maximum record time for the given Chronos model, or the maximum record

length as set in Record Modes.

OK Button

Applies the trigger delay changes and closes the window. Changes will still be

applied even if OK is not selected in the Record Settings window.

Cancel Button

Discards the trigger delay changes and closes the window.

Page | 82

BLACK CALIBRATION

Image sensors often exhibit small non-uniformities across pixels due to variances in

temperature and electrical signal characteristics. To compensate for these non-

uniformities, commonly referred to as Fixed Pattern Noise, a Black Calibration is

performed.

During a Black Calibration, the camera automatically collects a black reference image,

and then subtracts that reference image from all frames captured subsequently,

correcting for pixel variations that occur on the image sensor. Pressing the Black

Calibration button updates the black reference image.

Black Calibration is unique to both resolution and gain. The Chronos will attempt to

perform an automatic “quick” black calibration when changing to a resolution that

contains no prior black calibration reference frame. For the best image quality when

recording, perform a Black Calibration as close to the start of filming as possible.

IMPORTANT: The image sensor must not be exposed to light when a Black Calibration is in

progress. Many lens apertures do not close the iris completely, so installing the lens cover prior to a

Black Calibration is recommended.

Page | 83

WHITE BALANCE (COLOR CAMERAS ONLY)

Use White Balance to correct for lighting temperature or tint. White Balance is only applied

directly when saving in the H.264 and TIFF formats. It is also applied to the live display.

To use a pre-set White Balance, open the drop-down list in the top right of the screen and

select the pre-set closest to your current lighting conditions. The numerical component

(5600K pictured above) is the color temperature in which a white object will appear white

(not too blue or too orange). A description follows the number (“Avg Daylight” as pictured

above) of when light of this color is usually encountered.

To auto-set a custom White Balance based on a reference white (ideally an 80% gray

card), close the Custom Color Matrix window, aim the camera so the crosshair is over the

reference, and tap the Set Custom button. To manually enter a custom White Balance,

use the Custom Color Matrix window (press the << Matrix Button).

Page | 84

WHITE BALANCE [CONTINUED]

Control

Function

White Balance

Choose from pre-set and custom White Balances.

Set Custom

White Balance

Sets custom White Balance based on white reference.

If the Custom Color Matrix window is open, the White Balance will be set

according to manually entered values.

White Balance values derived from either of the above methods will be stored as

Custom in the drop-down menu.

Reset Custom

White Balance

Resets the custom White Balance to the value to the value it had when the White

Balance dialog box was opened.

Color Matrix

Displays the color matrix that is being applied. This can either be

CIECAM16/D55, CIECAM02/D55, or Custom on the 1.4, and it can be many

other options (including Custom) on the 2.1-HD.

The White Balance pre-sets will produce the most correct colors under a D55

illuminant.

For more information regarding standard illuminants, visit:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_illuminant

Matrix

Opens and closes the Custom Color Matrix Window.

Close Button

Closes the White Balance dialog box.

Page | 85

CUSTOM COLOR MATRIX WINDOW

This window allows manual editing of the values used to process colors. These values are

applied directly only when saving in the H.264 and TIFF formats. They will also be applied

to the live display.

Control

Function

Custom Color

Matrix

These 9 values are used in the process of converting between color spaces.

Edits to them will be visible on the image immediately but will be reset unless the

Apply button is pressed before closing the window.

Default

Resets color matrix values back to default (CIECAM16/D55 on the 1.4 and

ACESWPP/D55 on the 2.1-HD).

Apply

Stores either the Color Matrix or Custom White Balance values so they will be

applied after a reboot, and on subsequent uses of the Custom setting for the

Color Matrix or White Balance.

Custom White

Balance

These 3 values are used to counteract slight variations in color temperature and

tint. Stores the Custom White Balance values so they will be applied each time

the Custom pre-set is selected as the White Balance, and on reboots.

Page | 86

PLAY

The Playback Window allows reviewing, trimming, and saving of recorded frames. The

preview on the left displays the frames that have been recorded.

The colored bar to the right of the slider indicates the region to be saved. When saving

more than one region, the colored bars will change colors to denote the regions that have

previously been saved.

IMPORTANT: After saving the desired footage, always unmount the storage device properly by

going into Settings, then tapping Safely Remove. Similar to a PC, this tells the camera’s operating

system to flush any remaining data from internal memory to external storage.

Page | 87

PLAY [CONTINUED]

Control

Function

Playback

Slider

The scroll bar controls the playback position over the entire recording. The

bottom is the beginning of the buffer, while the top is the end.

Jog Wheel

(Physical Dial)

Rotate to control current frame position. Turning the wheel clockwise will

advance playback by one frame per detent. Pushing the wheel in while turning

will advance playback by 40 frames per detent.

Forward/Back

Arrows

Advances the frame position forwards of backwards.

Play Rate

Forward/Back

Arrows

Increases or decreases playback rate when play button or forward/back arrows

are pressed. Range: 10 to 1920 fps.

This setting only affects the preview. To set the playback rate for saving, use the

Settings button in the Play screen.

Frame/Mark

Indicators

Show the current frame, number of frames recorded, and the current Mark Set

and Mark End frame positions.

Mark Start/End

Buttons

Set the Save Start or Save End position to the currently displayed frame. Only

the marked region will be saved.

Settings

Button

Opens the Save Settings pop-up. This is where the frame rate, save format and

text overlay are set.

Play Button

If One-touch Playback is enabled in the Util menu, the Play button automatically

advances frames without the need to hold down the forward arrow.

Save Button

Starts saving the marked region of video.

Close Button

Returns to live video mode. This does not erase the recording; it will remain in

memory until a new recording is started, a Black Calibration is performed, the

resolution is changed, or the video is otherwise cleared.

Page | 88

SAVE SETTINGS

The Save Settings pop-up allows for the configuration of the file before it is written to an

external storage device. By default, frames are encoded as H.264 MPEG-4 files and saved

to the last storage device that was attached to the camera. Bits per pixel, Saved File

Framerate and Max Bitrate are only used when saving as H.264.

Control

Function

Bits Per Pixel

Primary quality control for H.264 (MPEG-4) encoded saved video.

Defaults to 0.70 Bits per pixel.

Max Bitrate

Sets a limit to the playback data rate in megabits per second. [H.264 only]

Defaults to 40 Mbps.

__.__ Mbps @

_x_ _fps

Shows the bitrate and framerate calculated from the Bits per pixel setting and

frame resolution.

Saved File

Frame Rate

Sets the playback framerate for saved video files.

Defaults to 60 frames per second.

Page | 89

SAVE SETTINGS [CONTINUED]

Control

Function

Text Overlay

(H.264/TIFF)

When enabled, the timestamp overlay will be shown on top of the image in

Playback mode, videos saved as H.264 MPEG-4, and images saved as TIFF.

Information about each frame’s position within the recording will be overlaid

across the bottom left corner of each frame of encoded video or TIFF image.

Save Location

Selects the storage device for saved video. The list automatically refreshes and

switches to the most recently attached device. Please note that it may take

several seconds for a newly connected storage device to appear in the list.

Folder Path

Specifying a Folder Path will make the camera save the video into that folder

once Save is pressed. If saving in DNG, TIFF, or TIFF RAW, an image for each

frame will be saved into a sub-folder within the folder specified.

Filename

Sets the filename for saved video on the device selected in Save Location. If this

field is left blank, the files will be named vid_YYYY-MM-DD_HH-MM-SS.mp4

according to the current date and time.

Safely Remove

Finish any outstanding writes to selected storage device. When this has

completed, the storage device can be unplugged from the camera without the

risk of lost data, like the Eject or Safely Remove action on a PC.

Pick Folder

Opens a file browser window to allow for easy selection of a save destination.

Close Button

Closes the Save Settings dialog. Settings are applied automatically upon being

set.

NOTE: In the rare event that a save operation is unsuccessful and it is critical to recover high-

speed footage that was captured, an internal tool can be used to attempt the recovery and saving

of frames in the CinemaDNG format. DO NOT power off the camera if a recovery attempt is to be

made, as rebooting the camera will clear the acquisition memory in which the last capture of high-

speed footage resides. Please contact s[email protected] for more information.

Page | 90

COMPARISON OF SAVE FORMATS

Save

Format

Usage Notes

Details

H.264

H.264 is the fastest and easiest way to

save videos that can then be watched on

a wide variety of devices.

This format results in MPEG-4 (.mp4)

video, which will sacrifice small amounts

of quality for compression. Parameters

related to compression can be changed

in the Encoder section of Play Settings.

• Text overlays are possible

• Bitrates up to 60 Mbps

• Video saved as single file

Raw 12 bit

Raw 16 bit

Raw12 is the fastest way to get raw

video off the camera since it produces

files 75% the size of Raw 16 bit.

Raw16 has been kept for legacy support

purposes.

• DNG images can be extracted

from the raw file using an external

tool, such as our pyraw2dng

python script found here:

https://github.com/krontech/chronos-

utils/

CinemaDNG

CinemaDNG has the best image quality

and compatibility with video editing

software.

• Individual frames saved in one

folder

TIFF

TIFF is compatible with a wide variety of

software and can be opened on PCs

without the need for extra software.

On monochrome cameras, TIFF is

generally preferred over CinemaDNG.

On color cameras, image quality is

slightly lower than CinemaDNG because

built-in demosaic and color corrections

are performed as oppose to advanced

corrections that can be made on modern

editing software.

• Text overlays are possible

• Individual frames saved in one

folder

TIFF Raw

TIFF Raw is primarily for scientific use,

since brightness is linear-encoded,

instead of gamma-encoded.

• No on-camera demosaic

• Individual frames saved in one

folder

Page | 91

UTILITIES SCREEN - MAIN

The Utilities page, referred to in short as Util, contains general settings and information

about the camera.

Control

Function

Focus Peaking

Enable

Enables Focus Peaking, which highlights objects that are in-focus with the color

shown in the dropdown box to the right. This feature can also be enabled or

disabled via the Focus Aid checkbox on the main screen.

Focus Peaking

Color

Selects the color used to highlight edges that are in focus when Focus Peaking

is enabled.

Focus Peaking

Sensitivity

Select either Low, Med, or High to configure the sensitivity of the Focus Peaking

feature. Increased sensitivity will lead to more noise in the detection result but is

ideal for dark edges. Reduced sensitivity will allow for more accurate focusing on

bright edges.

Exposure Unit

Display

Sets the units in which Exposure is displayed on the main screen. This can either

be Fractional Time (μs), Shutter Angle (°), or Percentage (%).

Page | 92

UTILITIES SCREEN – MAIN [CONTINUED]

Control

Function

Ask Before

Discarding

Unsaved Video

in RAM

Select for warnings about overwriting video stored in memory. When the Record

button is pressed, the warning manifests as a pop-up titled ‘Unsaved Video in

RAM’. Selecting OK continues while Cancel prevents new video from being

recorded so that the previous recording can be saved via the Play screen.

One of three options can be set:

Always: Prompts before starting a recording.

If Not Reviewed: Prompts when a new recording is started, but only when the

previous recording was not opened in the Play screen.

Never: Disables the prompt entirely.

Auto Power

Mode

Useful in cases where the camera’s power button is in a location that is not

easily accessible during filming, this feature can configure the power

management system in the camera to power on when AC power is applied,

power off when AC power is removed, or both.

Please note: If the power button is pressed to turn the camera off while the Turn

on if AC inserted option is enabled, the camera will reboot instead of shutting

down.

Auto Save

When a recording ends, the camera automatically saves the entire recording to

an external storage device. If Auto Record is selected as well, the camera will

record and save in a continuous loop, which can be interrupted by tapping any

of the Main screen buttons (except for Focus Aid or Record) and then choosing

to stop the recording.

Prior to enabling Auto Save, set a save location manually in Save Settings. It is

not necessary to set a filename, as videos will be named automatically with the

date and time upon saving.

One-touch

Playback

Enables a Play button in the bottom-right corner of the Play screen which will

play through the marked region without the need to press and hold the frame

forward or frame backward button.

Auto Record

Automatically starts a recording after the camera has booted and again

whenever it finishes saving video to an external storage device.

Page | 93

UTILITIES SCREEN – MAIN [CONTINUED]

Control

Function

Enable Zebras

Enables the over-exposure indicator, which shows a rolling pattern of black lines

(referred to as “Zebra stripes”) over over-exposed areas of the image.

Live Record

@60fps

Records the footage as seen on the viewfinder to an external storage device as

specified by Live Record Location in parallel with the current high-speed

recording. In this mode, an external storage device must be connected prior to

recording, or else a warning message will be displayed, and only high-speed

footage will be recorded.

Audio is also recorded in this mode. The Chronos will automatically switch

between the built-in microphone and the line input jack if a line input is detected.

The resulting file is an MPEG-4 video with bitrates up to 6 Mbps and audio

sampled at 48 kHz. The maximum file size per clip is 4 GB. Please note that

some audio drift may occur with recordings that exceed 15 seconds.

Live Record

Location

Selects the storage device for saved video at 60 FPS. The list automatically

refreshes and switches to the most recently attached device. Please note that it

may take several seconds for a newly connected storage device to appear in the

list.

Videos saved using the Live Record mode will be named live_YYYY-MM-

DD_HH-MM-SS.mp4.

Close Button

Returns to the Main window. Settings are applied automatically as they are

changed.

Page | 94

STORAGE TAB

The Storage page allows for interactions with storage devices that are attached to the

camera. This page is also used to backup and restore camera settings and calibration

files, as well as to search for software updates over the internet.

Control

Function

Backup

Settings

Backs up the user’s configuration preferences, such as resolution, focus

peaking, and triggering settings to a USB flash drive.

It is recommended that a backup of your camera’s configuration be taken prior

to each software update, or prior to replacing the system’s microSD card.

Restore

Backup

Settings

Restore saved settings from a USB flash drive.

Revert to

Defaults

Set the camera’s settings back to the factory default.

Backup

Calibration

Data

Saves the camera’s factory calibration data to a USB flash drive. It is

recommended that the user keep a copy if the system’s microSD card must be

replaced. This excludes black calibration data that was generated by the user,

which can be restored by performing a black calibration prior to recording at the

desired resolution and analog gain. The file is named cal_<serial number>.tar.

Page | 95

STORAGE TAB [CONTINUED]

Control

Function

Restore

Calibration

Data

Restore saved settings from a USB flash drive.

Eject Disk/

SD Card

Finish any outstanding writes to the selected storage device and unmount the

filesystem from the camera’s control. This is equivalent to the “Safely Remove”

option on PCs and protects against the loss of unwritten data.

Format Disk/

SD Card

Formats the selected storage device with a FAT32 filesystem, which can be used

for saving video.

Apply Software

Update

Starts the software update utility, which will use the internet to search for any

applicable updates.

List Files

Opens a file browser window to display files and folders on each connected

storage device that has been recognized by the camera.

Page | 96

SOFTWARE UPDATES

Selecting the Apply Software Update button from the Storage tab in the Util screen will

start an update utility that provides a way to search for and install software updates. This

screen also allows the User Interface of the camera to be switched between normal use

and headless mode.

Control

Function

Update From

Local Media

If update files exist on an external storage device, this option allows for the

installation of the updates.

Update From

Package

Repository

This dropdown list contains a list of the package repositories that the camera

can search for updates. Voyager is a codename by Kron Technologies that

specifies software packages that are tested and stable.

Check for

Updates

Attempts to connect to the package repository via an internet connection to

search for new updates. The update procedure is discussed in the subsequent

pages of this section.

User Interface

This dropdown list allows for the selection of the Graphical User Interface (GUI)

that will be displayed on the back of the camera.

Selecting headless mode will disable the Graphical User Interface on the

subsequent boot, and a blank screen will be shown, but the camera will remain

fully functional. This is to accommodate cases where the camera is to be

installed in an area where remote control is configured, and user interaction is

not desired.

Page | 97

SOFTWARE UPDATES [CONTINUED]

Control

Function

User Interface

(Continued)

A recovery mode is built-in to the camera in the case that a software update has

failed, or the user wishes to exit headless mode and restore the factory user

interface.

To enter recovery mode:

1. Shut the camera down.

2. Press-in and hold both the record button and the rotary encoder wheel.

3. Boot the camera by pressing the power button.

4. Release the record button and rotary encoder wheel once the Chronos

logo is shown.

5. The Software Updates screen will be shown after a few seconds.

Apply

Applies the selected User Interface.

List Packages

Opens a list of Debian Linux software packages that are currently installed on

the camera, along with a description of the function of each package.

Reboot

Causes a soft reboot of the camera.

Quit

Exits the Software Update tool and reloads the camera’s user interface and

video system.

NOTE: Kron Technologies provides source code for many of the camera’s software components,

which can be found at https://github.com/krontech.

Page | 98

SOFTWARE UPDATES [CONTINUED]

The following section provides a step-by-step demonstration of the camera’s online

software update procedure. Prior to starting this procedure, please ensure that the

camera is connected to the internet via the ethernet port. Network status can be found by

navigating to the Network tab in the Util screen.

WARNING: Always back up configuration and calibration data prior to a software update.

Ensure the camera is either connected to AC power or ensure that the battery is charged over

25%. DO NOT power off the camera while an update is in progress.

In the case that an update is also applied to the camera’s power manager, the fan will run at full

speed and the status LED will blink green and red until this is complete.

Step 1. Tap the Check for Updates button.

Step 2. The camera will attempt to search package lists for applicable updates.

Page | 99

SOFTWARE UPDATES [CONTINUED]

Step 3. If packages are eligible for upgrade, select Yes to continue.

Step 4. The camera will begin to install new packages.

Step 5. If the update is successful, the camera will automatically reboot.

Page | 100

NETWORK TAB

The network interface on the Chronos camera can serve as a powerful and flexible way

to use the camera. Over the network, the camera can be controlled via its webpage,

footage can be saved via Server Message Block (SMB) and Network File System (NFS)

mounts, and a Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) feed of the live output can be viewed.

Please refer to the Networking and Web Control sections of the main manual for detailed

guidelines on how to operate these features.

In advanced use cases where the user wishes to adapt the camera to a specific process,

it is possible to log into the command line interface on the camera via SSH. SSH Port 22

is exposed on the USB network interface by default and can be accessed by connecting

to the IP Address 192.168.12.1 with username: root and password: chronos.

Page | 101

ABOUT TAB

This tab contains information about the camera hardware, software, and current operating

conditions. In the event that support from Kron Technologies is required, it is useful to

provide a photo of this screen along with the rest of the inquiry if possible.

The lower left-hand side of the display shows live information pertaining to the camera’s

internal systems. The table below describes these parameters in more detail.

Label

Description

Sensor

Temperature

The surface temperature of the image sensor inside the camera. Typical values

at room temperature are between 40 and 55 degrees Celsius.

System

Temperature

The internal temperature at a more central point inside the camera. This value

typically equalizes close to that of the Sensor Temperature.

Battery

Voltage

The current battery voltage. This value depends on the condition of the battery

and the charge and can be helpful in determining whether a battery can no

longer function properly.

Last Shutdown

Reason

The reason for the last shutdown that had occurred. Each tag separated by a

comma signifies a stage in the shutdown sequence that was acknowledged.

Page | 102

FACTORY TAB

This tab contains functionality related to the manufacturing and factory calibration of the

camera, as well as user settings that are less likely to be changed during normal operation.

Control

Function

Service

Password

Enters service mode.

If used without the direction of Kron Technologies, the warranty is void.

Remove User

Calibration

Data (Revert to

Factory)

Removes the saved Black Calibration data. Each time the Black Cal button on

the Main screen is pressed, a calibration file is added to the system for the

current combination of resolution and analog gain. This file is loaded the next

time the prior combination of resolution and analog gain is used.

Black Calibrate

All Resolutions

Performs Black Calibration at each level of analog gain for all the standard

resolutions at their maximum frame rates. Standard resolutions can be found

under the Common Resolutions dropdown box in the Record Settings screen.

Please note that this may take up to 10 minutes.

Clock

Allows for the camera’s date and time to be set. Press the Save button to assure

that the settings persist on the next reboot of the camera.

Page | 103

FACTORY TAB [CONTINUED]

Control

Function

GUI Mode

Provides an option to change the theme of the Graphical User Interface (GUI)

between dark and light modes.

UI on Left Side

Moves the vertical bar of controls on the Main screen to the left-hand side of the

screen.

Upside-down

Display

Rotates all contents of the display 180 degrees.

Column Gain

Calibration

Performs a calibration for all resolutions and analog gain levels.

This is performed at the factory but can be performed again if the camera is

being used in climates below 15°C or above 40°C, or if there is a perceived

degradation in image quality.

If the camera does not detect calibration files on boot, it will automatically

prompt the user and recommend that a calibration take place.

Please note that Column Gain Calibration only applies to Chronos 2.1.

Shipping Mode

Disables the power button from starting the camera until an AC adapter is

plugged in. This is to simplify transport of the camera when the battery is

installed. Once the camera has been powered on with the AC adapter plugged

in, the camera will automatically disable Shipping Mode for subsequent power

cycles.