Chronos 2.1-HD Resources
New Features and Improvements
- [Chronos 2.1 Only] Update to LUX2100 Image Sensor driver to increase the voltage on an analog input to handle vertical banding in variants of sensor batches.
- Updated software to correctly propagate status of disableRingBuffer API parameter.
Known Issues
- [Chronos 2.1 Only] The driver modification will cause black-levels to become distorted. Please perform a Black Calibration on each resolution that you intend to use to account for this.
- [Chronos 2.1 Only] The white balance may be affected by this update. Please configure your white balance as needed.
There are two methods to update to Version 0.5.1. Please ensure that you have an AC adapter connected to the camera, and your calibration settings are backed up before proceeding with the update procedure.
During this update, the power controller will also be updated, which will cause the power status indicator LED on the top of the camera to blink green and red while the fan runs at 100% momentarily. Do not interrupt or power down the camera while this is taking place..
Method 1 - for cameras on version 0.4.0+
Cameras using Version 0.4.0 may be updated via the internet. Calibration data does not need to be restored using this method.
- Connect your Chronos to the internet via the ethernet port.
- Navigate to Util->Storage, then tap Apply Software Update -> Check for Updates
Approximately 15 packages will be upgraded, and then the camera will reboot automatically. This procedure will take approximately 3 minutes.
Method 2 - for cameras on any software version
Cameras using Versions 0.2.x and 0.3.x require a reflash of the microSD card in the bottom of the camera.
- Download the software update package here: https://debian.krontech.ca/builds/chronos-voyager-20200806.img.xz
- Use Balena Etcher to write the software to a microSD card. This is recommended as it verifies the integrity of the data written to the microSD card.
For additional information on update procedures, please see this forum post: https://forum.krontech.ca/index.php?topic=531.0
New Features and Improvements
- New Graphical User Interface with Dark and Light Modes
- Ability to set preferred exposure units on the main screen
- Double-tap video display area to zoom
- Ability to record live footage to H.264 mp4 @ 60 FPS in parallel with high-speed recordings, including audio from the built-in microphone or line-in jack
- Automatic input detection and switching between the microphone and line-in jack when recording audio in Live Record Mode
- Toggle Trigger Mode to allow BNC trigger to both START and STOP a recording
- Ability to configure most camera settings via the web page
- Ability to configure Triggers and I/O configuration via the web page
- Power Manager firmware update allowing for a longer button press (up to 3 sec.) to boot the camera
- Power Manager firmware update to perform graceful shutdown when the battery is critically low
- General bug fixes and stability improvements
There are two methods to update to Version 0.5.0. Please ensure that you have an AC adapter connected to the camera, and your calibration settings are backed up before proceeding with the update procedure.
During this update, the power controller will also be updated, which will cause the power status indicator LED on the top of the camera to blink green and red while the fan runs at 100% momentarily. Do not interrupt or power down the camera while this is taking place..
Method 1 - for cameras on version 0.4.0+
Cameras using Version 0.4.0 may be updated via the internet. Calibration data does not need to be restored using this method.
- Connect your Chronos to the internet via the ethernet port.
- Navigate to Util->Storage, then tap Apply Software Update -> Check for Updates
Approximately 15 packages will be upgraded, and then the camera will reboot automatically. This procedure will take approximately 3 minutes.
Method 2 - for cameras on any software version
Cameras using Versions 0.2.x and 0.3.x require a reflash of the microSD card in the bottom of the camera.
- Download the software update package here: https://debian.krontech.ca/builds/chronos-voyager-20200617.img.xz
- Use Balena Etcher to write the software to a microSD card. This is recommended as it verifies the integrity of the data written to the microSD card.
For additional information on update procedures, please see this forum post: https://forum.krontech.ca/index.php?topic=531.0
A new software interface is available for the Chronos 2.1-HD! Before starting the update process, please ensure that the camera is connected to the internet via the Ethernet port, and connect the AC adapter.
To try out the new GUI, described in this thread, you can access it by the software update menu as follows:
- Navigate to the Storage tab of the Util Window
- Tap the Apply Software Update button to open the software update tool.
- Change the User Interface from Chronos Legacy to Chronos 2.1
- Tap the Apply button to have the UI selection take effect.
- Tap the Quit button to exit the software update tool and return to the GUI.
PDF instructions: Chronos21-softwareUpdateSteps
For detailed instructions, visit https://forum.krontech.ca/index.php?topic=531.0.
Need help with setting up Samba shares with your Chronos camera?
Our team has created a guide to help you out: Chronos SMB Share Setup Guide.
COMING SOON
Gone are the days the Chronos camera can only be triggered remotely via a signal or BNC switch. Our team is now offering network control for the Chronos camera!
The users will be able to control parameters such as frame rate, resolution, shutter speed, save format, recording modes, triggers and much more through the web interface we have designed. The camera can also be triggered via your own API. The possibility to live stream a video at 60 fps is also available!
For more details on how to set up the camera for network control, refer to these Network Control instructions.
Advanced documentation about the API of the Web Interface provided: WebAPI-Docs
Using a SSD with the Chronos camera can be annoying to carry. Our team has worked on making files available in order for our users to 3D print a SSD cage to facilitate their life.
This accessory is invaluable when shooting DNG on the go; save speed is vastly improved compared to an SD card. The camera can write about 60MB/s to a SATA SSD instead of ~12MB/s to most SD cards. DNG saves at about 12FPS on the 2.1-HD and about 18FPS on the 1.4, at full resolution.
We plan to offer this for sale in our store eventually, but you can 3D print one right now! The attached models have been updated from the pictures shown, the SD card opening was widened so you can easily grab an SD card with your fingers instead of needing pliers to remove it.
We're in the process of ordering custom versions of the eSATAp cables that have a short cable length to avoid the need to coil up the extra cable.
Items you'll need
3D Printer to print the SSD cage (see attached files)
- eSATAp to SATA drive cable The search term to find this is "esatap cable" if you want to find other brands
- M4x12mm screw x1
- M4 washer x1
- M4x8mm countersunk screw x2
- M2x10mm sheet metal screw x2
- Cable tie
3D Print Instructions
This file has been tested on the Makerbot Replicator 2X
Recommended settings:
Print with raft, raft expansion 12mm
Print with supports
Orient the part with the drive opening pointing straight up
We've been using these at Krontech for the last few months and these mounts are incredibly useful, let us know how they work for you! One modification we were thinking about is centering the SSD above the camera. Currently, it overhangs the screen and makes it harder to see if you're looking from an upward angle. Thoughts?
To get access to the .STL and .SLDPRT files please visit https://forum.krontech.ca/index.php?topic=533.msg3068#msg3068
Our team has created some sample codes to assist you for using the Chronos camera with Matlab. Please visit our Github at https://github.com/krontech/chronos-examples/tree/master/matlab.
If you would like to see more examples, please email us at info@krontech.ca with your ideas, we would love to hear from you!
Our team has created some sample codes to assist you for using the Chronos camera with LatbView. Please visit our Github at https://github.com/krontech/chronos-examples/tree/master/labview.
If you would like to see more examples, please email us at info@krontech.ca with your ideas, we would love to hear from you!
This tutorial will show you how to use your external trigger cable to end a recording from a distance. This is useful when the camera is in a hard to reach or dangerous place where it would not be ideal to go near the device.
For more information refer to this link.
The original IR filter of the Chronos 2.1-HD camera has the dimension 24x16x1.1mm.
This text tutorial will show you the easy steps to replace or remove the IR filter. Click here