The LOCKE-ON video viewfinder/camera control system is a flexible, cost-effective solution to aerial camera control.

LOCKE-ON superimposes a traveling grid and centerline on a video signal, and uses the video sync signals as a timing reference. It produces a trip signal (and optionally other signals) for a great variety of aerial cameras.

LOCKE-ON users appreciate the advantages: a bright, clear head-up display instead of dim ground glasses or eye-knocking telescopes; light weight, small size, and the ability to select overlap percentages as desired. With some camera systems (all Carl Zeiss Jena LMK's, for example ) the video camera can be mounted in the lens cone with all the advantages that arrangement provides.

The lack of moving mechanical parts makes maintenance almost nonexistent, and applicability to many camera systems (including small or medium format) means that a multi-camera operation can use LOCKE-ONs to ensure that all cameras operate in much the same way, which simplifies training as well as flight operations.

Specifications

The LOCKE-ON can trip any camera or sensor which is fitted with a remote trip or "pickle switch" input, including Leica/Wild RC-series, Zeiss RMK/RMKA/RMK-TOP, LMK/LMK1000/LMK2000, and older (U.S. style) reconnaissance cameras.

Video Input: NTSC or PAL composite video, 1V p-p 75 ohms

Video Output: Same as input.

Camera Control Outs: As required by the camera being controlled.

Size & Weight:
Size: 6.7 x 2.7 x 9.2" (17 x 6.9 x 23.4 cm)
Weight: 2.4 lb (1. 1 kg)

Power requirement: 10 - 30 VDC, 800mA (Note: LMK, RMKA-ICC, and RMK-TOP versions of the LOCKE-ON draw operating power from the camera system)

Operating:
-10 - +30 degrees C (non-condensing)
Sea Level to 24,000 ft. AGL
Shock 5G any axis
Vibration 5G @60Hz

Limited Warranty: The LOCKE-ON is warranted for 90 days after receipt by the customer. It will be repaired or replaced, at ECE's option, during this period, if it fails for any reason other than misuse or mishandling.

Contact Ric at E. Coyote Enterprises, Inc. with a description of your camera system and viewfinder/controller requirements, and let us suggest a system that will help.

Use a LOCKE-ON system with..

LMK and LMK1000
The LOCKE-ON VCU connects to the control unit, providing an auxiliary control system. A video camera can be installed within the lens cone shroud for parallax-free viewing, providing always-correct crab indications. No extra videocamera hole is needed, and the viewing optics of the control unit may be removed for additional weight and space saving. Several LOCKE-ON systems are in use with LMK and LMK 1000 cameras with the optional SM2000 gyrostabilized mount.

LMK2000
The LOCKE-ON VCU2000 serves as a control unit, and replaces the CU2000 viewfinder or NCU2000 telescope. Video camera installation within the lens cone shroud is especially effective with the SM2000 stabilized mount. With the video stabilized along with the camera, motion from turbulence and aircraft instability is reduced, making it especially easy to track ground speed and crab angle. One user remarked, "... it looks like the lines are painted on the ground!"

ZEISS RMKA Cameras with ICC
The LOCKE-ON NV2 completely replaces the NSx viewfinder or NTx navigation telescope. The NV2 provides full control of the RMKA system except for shutter speed and stop. In addition, ECE can install a video camera in the lens cone shroud, giving parallax-free crab and aiming. Weight is reduced, convenience increased, and the usual LOCKE-ON features are all present.

ZEISS RMK-TOP
The LOCKE-ON NV2 completely replaces the NSx viewfinder or NTx navigation telescope. The NV2 provides FMC, crab, start/stop, and overlap control for the RMK-TOP system, in conjunction with the T-TL camera controller. Embedded video is also available, and is especially useful with the T-AS gyrostabilized mount. The LOCKE-ON NV2 is fully approved by Zeiss as compatible with the RMK-TOP.

Leica RC-20 and RC-30
The standard LOCKE-ON for RC-20 and RC-30 connects to the "Option" connector as an auxiliary camera controller. Embedded video cameras are available. If the "Distributor Box" (an accessory available from Leica) is used, the LOCKE-ON can be used together with a navigation telescope or other controller. In this case, the LOCKE-ON's grid will follow the speed specified by the other controller, giving the pilot or observer an opportunity to monitor this important factor. Crab control and telescope replacement are available as options -- contact E. Coyote Enterprises for details.

Wild RC-10 Cameras (with or without RC10A Lens Cones)
LOCKE-ON for RC-1Os controls overlap only.
ECE's Wild Viewfinder Camera is a miniature color video camera in a tube that fits the hole where the telescope used to go. This means no extra floor holes for video cameras, and no drag-linking; the video camera turns and tilts with the RC-10. Remote control of the PAV series of motorized mounts is available as an accessory.

ZEISS RMK and RMKA
LOCKE-ON for these older cameras ("5-pin Zeiss") controls overlap, and includes operability with the magazine and lens-cover interlocks. Zeiss operators especially like the bright, erect, right-reading image instead of the ground glass, and the ability to have the full cross-track field of view on screen (with the proper video lens) is a big advantage.

For Small-Format Cameras
the LOCKE-ON is just as effective and convenient as for mapping cameras. AgiFlite, Pentax, Hasselblad, and other generally-used 70mm and digital cameras can be controlled for overlap and crab as well as the "big guys". ECE's small-format and video camera mounts allow neat and workable installations in all kinds of aircraft.

OR - another sensor.
If the sensor you employ requires a downward-looking viewfinder, contact us for a proposal. Custom LOCKE-ONs can provide DC or frequency outputs, checkpoint signals, and other controls necessary for sensor operation.