Watec WAT-231S Color CCD Analog (NTSC) Camera [Branded Genwac GW-231S]

Watec WAT-231S [Branded Genwac GW-231S]

  This analog video camera has a lot of useful features.  But let's cover the basics first;

It's an NTSC analog output, the normal 1V p-p signal BUT ALSO a Y/C video out.  That's the original S-Video that was considered hi-def before digital video supplanted analog.  So it's got that, which is nice.

White balance is selectable from the back of the camera.

  It has some preset White Balance settings, Manual White Balance and Auto White Balance.  The cool thing is there's a dial on the back that lets you pick the White Balance setting.  If you choose manual, there are a couple of push buttons that let you shift RED and BLUE.  That's a neat feature that is cool to access from the back of the camera.

Automatic Gain Control, Gamma Correction, and Shutter speed can be set from the side of the camera.

I don't want to bore you with all the details, so here's a list of features in order of how they impress me:

• Switch Automatic Gain Control on and off on the side of the camera.
• Switch Gamma correction on and off from the side.
• Selectable shutter speed 1/250 sec to 1/10000 sec by dialing a switch on the side of the camera.
• The camera can use both C-Mount and CS-Mount lenses.  Usa the 5mm spacer ring for C-Mount lenses.
• Backlight compensation can be switched on an off from the back of the camera.
• Video level can be adjusted with a dial.
• Maximum video level can be set from a switch, 100 or 75 IRE.  This is the separation between black and white.
• Auto Iris output for compatible lenses. 

Test image 12mm lens, target from VitaMall

By the way, sharp eyed viewers may have noticed the make and model in the photos is Genwac GW-231S.  What's up with that, this is clearly a Watec WAT-231S.  For the answer I checked out the Watec FAQ:

   Genwac is a wholly owned division of Watec Co. Ltd. Japan. All Genwac products are designed and manufactured in Japan by Watec Co. Ltd. As of June 1, 2003, Genwac is the only authorized supplier of both Watec “WAT-” and Genwac “GW-” brand products

SPECIFICATIONS

Model	WAT-231S (NTSC) Branded GW-231S
Pick-up element	1/3inch Interline transfer CCD image sensor
Number of total pixels	811 (H) x 508(V) (NTSC)
Number of effective pixels	768(H) x 494(V) (NTSC)
Unit cell size	6.35 µ m(H) x 7.4 µ m(V)(NTSC)
Scanning system	2:1 interlace
Synchronizing system	Internal
Video output	Composite Video 1 Vp-p 75ohm Unbalanced Y/C output(Y:Video Sync C:Croma Burst)
Video Level	100IRE / 75IRE selectable
Resolution(Horizontal)	Composite out : 450TV lines( center) Y/C out : 480TV lines(center)
Minimum illumination	0.1 Ix. F1 .2 (AGC High)
Gamma correction	0.45(ON) / 1.0(OFF)
AGC	ON=8~36dB(High) 8~24dB(Low) / OFF=8dB
S/N Ratio	50dB(AGC OFF)
AE mode	OFF FL 1/250 1/500 1/1000 1/2000 1/4000 1110000sec. El 1 (1/60~ 1/10000sec.NTSC) El 2(1/100~ 1/1 0000sec.)
Back light compensation	ON / OFF selectable
White balance	Auto Preset: 3200K 4300K 5100K 6300K Push lock White Balance Manual White Balance(2500K ~ 9500K)
Lens mount	CS-Mount With CS/C 5mm adapter ring to allow C-Mount lenses
Auto iris	Video / DC drive selectable
Installation screw	1/4-20
Connection terminal	Video out (BNC) Video out (Y/C) Power Auto iris
Power supply	DC +10~15V (recommendation 12V±10%)
Current	max. 180mA (DC +12.0V)
Operating temperature	-10°C ~ +40°C
Storage temperature	-30°C ~ + 70°C
Dimensions	43.5(W) x 44.0(H) x 64.5(D)mm
Weight	160g

Don't forget to check out my eBay sales:  

Ebay
 

Thanks!