ADC

Tetracam's LCD-Equipped

Agricultural Digital Camera

Note: This unit is no longer in production.

* Overview 

*  PixelWrench2

*  Ground Resolution and Field of View

*  System Controls and Connections

*  Camera Triggering

*  System Contents

*  System Availability

*  Options

*  System Features and Specifications

*  Additional Reference Information

*  Image Examples

Overview

Tetracam's Agricultural Digital Camera (ADC) sets the standard for multi-spectral imaging of crop canopies and vegetation.  The ADC boasts a conventional digital camera's feel while delivering unparalleled multi-spectral imaging capabilities. 

The ADC contains a single precision 3.2 megapixel image sensor (storing 2048 x 1536 pixels) optimized for capturing visible light wavelengths longer than 520nm and near-infrared wavelengths up to 920nm. The image sensor is divided into a mosaic of tiny optical filters. Each filter allows a separate red, green or NIR band of wavelengths  to pass while blocking others.  These are equivalent to TM2, TM3 and TM4 Landsat bands.

PixelWrench2

PixelWrench2, the image processing software included with the camera, enables extraction of standard vegetation indices (such as NDVI, SAVI, canopy segmentation and NIR/Green ratios) from the captured images.   Competing with images available from satellites, the ADC offers lower-cost image capture, freedom from cloud cover and the ability to readily obtain re-occurring images for timely comparisons.  Refer to our Multispectral Crop and Application Database or Selected Readings for descriptions of example applications.

The ADC is GPS compatible and ideal for ground-based or airborne operations.  The unit's liquid crystal display provides the user with the ability to observe the live image, menus for handheld use, and color palletized vegetation indexed images. The same images available on the LCD may be sent to a remote receiver.

ADC (with 8.0 mm Lens)

Ground Resolution & FOV Examples

The ADC's field of view (FOV) is laid out in a 4:3 format.  When carried in a manned or unmanned aircraft, the field of view increases as the above ground level (AGL) altitude increases.   As the AGL increases, the camera's ability to resolve individual details on the ground decreases.   With its standard 8.0 mm lens, when flown at altitude of 400 feet above ground level, this camera creates an image large enough to capture 1.85 acres at a resolution of less than two inches per pixel in a single shot! 

System Controls and Connections

ADC  Connections The ADC obtains its power from a 12 VDC external power supply provided with the unit.  This plugs into the 12V power input on the side of the chassis.   The system is also able to be powered by means of eight AA alkaline batteries inserted into the opposite side of the chassis. The camera contains a Video Out connector that may be used to feed the same images available on the LCD to a remote receiver via a wire or telemetry.

To the right of the Video Out connector, the USB connector provides a link to host computers.  PixelWrench2 can process images accessed via this link or the CF card containing the images may be pulled from the camera and inserted to the computer containing PW2.  The camera contains an RS232 link that may be connected to a GPS receiver for capturing the precise GPS coordinates at the exact instant that an image is captured.  Lastly, the camera contains a external Trigger connector.  An External Trigger Cable (un-terminated on one end) is available with the system for remotely triggering the camera to capture images.  Closing the connection between the RING and the TIP on the provided cable causes the camera to trigger (reference TYPICAL EXTERNAL TRIGGER CIRCUIT for further details).  The ADC may also be triggered in a variety of other ways - see below.  Check out the User Manual below for precise descriptions of the system menus and all other controls and connections in the ADC.

Standard System Contents

Options Commonly 

Purchased with this 

Product: 

Features and Specifications

• High resolution and precise spectral accuracy
  
  
• Simple operation and control
  
  
• Red, Green and NIR bands (approximating TM2, TM3 and TM4) provide the information needed for extraction of NDVI, SAVI, canopy segmentation and NIR / Green ratios
  
  
• Video out in PAL or NTSC format

• GPS-logging of captured images with external receiver

• Daylight-viewable display
  
  

• User interchangeable optics
  
  
• Uses standard Compact Flash Memory cards (standard = 2 GB Optional = up to 256 GB)
  
  
• Powerful PixelWrench2 image editing software with several tools specific to multi-spectral images and Tetracam cameras (see Tetracam Application Software Overview for further details)

• Multiple Camera Triggering Methods

  • Shutter Release:  The button atop the ADC acts as a shutter release for the camera.  Depressing the button triggers the camera to take a picture.

  • Auto-Timer (Continuous Capture Mode): The ADC may be configured to capture images continuously at intervals specified by the user via the camera's system menus.   Press the Shutter Release or trigger the camera via one of the methods below to begin continuously capturing images.  Press the Shutter Release or trigger the camera again to stop continuous capture of images.  Always stop continuously capturing images by pressing the Shutter Release or via a trigger command prior to powering the camera off.  Interruption of power during continuous capture of images may damage the camera.

  • Computer Triggering:  The camera may be triggered through its USB interface.  Optional GetShot software enables remote triggering under command of a linked computer. Optional SensorLink GPS waypoint triggering application enables camera triggering at pre-defined waypoints - a popular method used in manned aircraft. 

  • Optional Remote Shutter Release: Closing the connection between the RING and the TIP on an optional External Trigger Cable causes the camera to trigger (reference TYPICAL EXTERNAL TRIGGER CIRCUIT for further details). 

  • RS-232 Triggering:  The camera may be commanded to trigger by receiving an <ESC> T command via its RS232 serial interface.  Due to the delays incumbent in a serial link, the RS232 link is more commonly used to transfer GPS position coordinates to the camera at camera trigger time. When the camera is connected to a GPS receiver via its RS232 link, the camera records the coordinates of the location at which each image is captured into its log file upon receiving any camera trigger command.

• Superior Low Noise Image Sensor

• 3.2 megapixel CMOS sensor (2048 x 1536 pixels)

• Image storage to Compact Flash memory cards in Tetracam 10 bit DCM lossless, 8 bit RAW, and 10 bit RAW formats.

• Image Capture Capacity:
  Up to ~3 MB per image (DCM format), limited only by CF card size.
  

• Maximum Image Capture Rate: Approximately 1.0 to 7.5 Seconds between consecutive images depending upon image format and resolution selected -  See Interval Tables
  

• Tough CNC machined aluminum housing.
  

• CS lens mount system compatible with thousands of available lenses.
  

• Camera supplied with a 8.0 mm lens
  Optional 4.5 - 12 mm varifocal lenses may be substituted
  

• Power Source options:
  Battery - (8) AA size batteries.
  External Power Supply +9 VDC to + 12 VDC (300 mA)
  

• Inputs:
  + 9 VDC to +12 VDC (300 mA current rating) Center Positive
  RS-232 dedicated to capture of NMEA GPS sentences.
  External Trigger, USB, Multi-IO connector (built into shutter release).

• Power Consumption
  Two watts nominal

• Outputs:
  Real time NTSC or PAL Video for both viewfinder and menu operations.
  

• Data Interface:
  USB 1.1
  

• Environmental -  Note: the camera will operate outside of the recommended environmental range, however performance may be degraded.

  • Temperature
    0 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit to 104 degrees Fahrenheit) 

  • Humidity
    Less than 85% relative humidity, non-condensing    

• Dimensions:
  4.8 in. x 3.0 in. x 1.6 in. (122 mm x 78 mm x 41 mm) without lens (see link below to drawings)

• Weight
  12 oz. (340 gr.) without internal batteries.
  18 oz. (520 gr.) with alkaline AA batteries.

• Mount:
  Standard 1/4-20 tripod socket, centered under lens.

Additional ADC Reference Information

 

Note:  All data shown in the printed reference materials linked below are subject to obsolescence prior to posting of new printed materials.  If discrepancies exists between data shown in these reference materials or between data shown in these materials and data shown on our web site,  please send email to sales@tetracam.com for clarification.   Download the ADC Brochure ( 2.2MB) Download the ADC FAQ (29kb) Download the ADC Optrex/Aptina Addendum 3/1/12   (Updated image sensor and other technical details different from current manual)     Download the ADC CAD Drawings   ADC - Users Manual (1.04 MB - pdf) Note: Each system in the ADC family shares a common Users Manual.   Tetracam Warranty Card

Example ADC Multispectral Images