ADC Lite

Quick Overview

Ideal for Unmanned Aircraft

More details

The ADC Lite is a lightweight (7 ounce) version of our ADC Air Camera. This model's light weight qualifies it as an ideal solution for applications in which weight is a critical factor (such as on board small-payload-carrying unmanned aerial vehicles). The ADC Lite contains a single 3.2 megapixel sensor optimized for capture of visible light wavelengths longer than 520 nm and near-infrared wavelengths up to 920 nm. The camera and its accompanying software, PixelWrench2, are ideally suited for capturing and processing multi-spectral images of crops and forests and studying a variety of eco-systems.

 

PixelWrench2 provides color processing of Tetracam RAW and DCM files, complex batch processing tools, the ability to extract a variety of vegetation indices and a comprehensive suite of image editing tools. Refer to our Multispectral Crop and Application Database or Selected Readings for descriptions of example applications.

 

Both the ADC Lite and ADC Micro systems are specifically designed to be carried by unmanned aerial vehicles. For a detailed comparison between the ADC Lite and ADC Micro systems, please click here.

 



The ADC Lite'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 altitude 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!

 

ADC Lite (with 8.0 mm Lens)
Ground Resolution & FOV Examples

 


Sensor & Lens Parameters 
Object Distance
(Altitude Above Ground Level in meters)
Ground Resolution
in mm per pixel
FOV
(width x height)
in meters
The values shown at right were derived from the FOV (Field of View) Optical Calculator contained in Tetracam's PixelWrench2 software (included with this camera) using the current values for this camera shown below:

 

 

 

System Controls and Connections

 

ADC Lite Control
The ADC Lite is designed to maximize the endurance of small unmanned aircraft systems. Consequently, the system omits the rear liquid crystal display and in-camera batteries of the ADC. User control of the ADC Lite is accomplished through hierarchical system menus such as the one shown at left. These are accessible via the system software (PixelWrench2) running on a Windows computer connected to the camera through its USB interface. The system menus present users with a series of configuration choices. Scrolling through and selecting these configures the camera. The indented button atop the ADC Lite acts as a shutter release for the camera.

 

ADC Lite (with 8.0 mm Lens)
Ground Resolution & FOV Examples

 


Sensor & Lens Parameters 
Object Distance
(Altitude Above Ground Level in meters)
Ground Resolution
in mm per pixel
FOV
(width x height)
in meters
The values shown at right were derived from the FOV (Field of View) Optical Calculator contained in Tetracam's PixelWrench2 software (included with this camera) using the current values for this camera shown below:

 


ADC Lite Connections

 

The ADC Lite's USB connector is located on the side of the unit. To its left, the camera contains a Video Out connector. This may be used to output system menus, the camera's current view and status or captured images to a remote receiver via a wire or telemetry. The camera contains an RS232 link that may be connected ot 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 provided 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 Lite may also be triggered in a variety of other ways - see below. The ADC Lite obtains all of its power from an external 12VDC power supply supplied with the unit. An unterminated external power cable is also supplied if power is to supplied from an unmanned aerial vehicle. Check out the User Manual below for precise descriptions of all ADC Lite controls and connections.

 

Standard System Contents

 


System Contents Includes:

 


ADC Lite Camera
2GB CF memory card
8.0 mm "C" mount lens
Rugged Pelican Carrying Case
12 VDC external power supply
External power cable (un-terminated on one end)
External Trigger Cable (un-terminated on one end)
USB Cable
White Teflon Calibration Plate (AKA Calibration tag or Software Calibration Tile)
System CD with PixelWrench2 software (PW2)
(See additional CD contents at right)

 

Typical Availability:

 

2 to 3 weeks (although faster turnaround times are often possible). Please contact us for more information regarding configuration options, pricing and availability.

 

Options Commonly Purchased with this Product:

 

FirePoint™ GPS Navigation System 
Tetracam Camera Calibration Service ($250.00 USD)

 


Features and Specifications

 


Features 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
Ultra lightweight (7oz) composite housing ideal for UAV or weight-critical applications
Remote power and display features for optimized
placement on the remote vehicles
Video out in PAL or NTSC format
GPS-logging of captured images with external receiver
User interchangeable optics
The optional SensorLink GPS waypoint triggering application enables camera triggering at pre-defined waypoints
Uses standard Compact Flash Memory cards (standard = 2 GB Optional = up to 256 GB)
Powerful PixelWrench2 image editing software with tools specific to multi-spectral images and Tetracam cameras (see Tetracam Application Software Overview for further details)
Multiple Camera Triggering Methods

 

Shutter Release: A small button atop the ADC Lite may be depressed with a ball-point pen or similar device. The button acts as a shutter release for the camera.

 

Auto-Timer: The ADC Lite 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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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)

 


Green, Red and NIR sensitivity with bands approximately equal to TM2, TM3 and TM4.

 


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

 


Camera body CS lens mount system with C mount adapter is compatible with thousands of available lenses.

 


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

 


Only member of the ADC family lacking Multi-I/O connector

 


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

 

Inputs:
+ 9 VDC to + 12 VDC (300 mA) Center Positive
RS-232 dedicated to capture of NMEA GPS sentences.
External Trigger

 

Power Consumption
Two watts nominal

 


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

 


Data Interface:
USB 1.1

 

Dimensions: 
4.5 in. x 3.0 in. x 0.87 in. (114 mm x 77 mm x 22 mm) without the 8.0 mm lens.
4.5 in. x 3.0 in. x 2.38 in. (114 mm x 77 mm x 60.5 mm) with 8.0 mm lens. (See link to drawings below)

 

Weight
200 g. (7.0 oz.)

 

Mount:
4 Shoc


Download the ADC-Lite Brochure (2.47 MB - pdf) 

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 Lite CAD Drawings (pdf format)

 

Download the ADC Lite CAD Drawings (IGES format)

 

Download the ADC Lite CAD Drawings (Solidworks format)


ADC - Users Manual (1.04 MB - pdf) 

Note: Each system in the ADC family shares a common Users Manual.

 

Tetracam Warranty Card

Related Products