Illumination#
Basler Lights#
The lights are available in various sizes, in different LED wavelengths, and, for selected models, as IP67-rated versions. Basler also offers lights for the short-wave infrared (SWIR) and ultraviolet (UV) light ranges, as well as high-power variants.
Key Features#
- Intelligent Light Control (ILC): Direct light control via Basler camera, eliminating the need for an external light controller.
- Integrated LED driver with two light control modes:
- Trigger Control Mode for hardware-based triggering
- Intelligent Light Control Mode for camera-based configuration and automatic synchronization
- Overdrive option in two light control modes:
Increased light output without requiring additional hardware (see Overdriving Light Devices) - Automatic light detection: Camera automatically identifies the connected Basler Light and applies appropriate operating and protection settings.
- GenICam-compliant control via Basler cameras: Full control of brightness, strobe and continuous-light operation directly from a Basler camera using any GenICam-compatible software, such as the pylon Software Suite
- Integrated protection mechanisms: Over-triggering and thermal overload protection ensure reliable operation and protect the light throughout its service life.
- Support for external controllers: Can also be operated in External Control Mode via any external light controller.
Light Control Modes#
Current Basler Lights feature intelligent light control (ILC) with an integrated controller, eliminating the need for an external light controller. These lights can be operated in the following control modes:
- Trigger Control Mode, where the light responds directly to a hardware trigger signal.
- Intelligent Light Control Mode, where a compatible camera and the pylon Software Suite configure and control the light via the SLP protocol.
Basler Lights with integrated controllers can also be operated with an external controller. For example, they support External Control Mode when used with the Basler SLP Strobe Controller.
For integration and synchronization of cameras and lighting, Basler provides the Light Control feature. This feature enables centralized configuration and control of compatible Basler cameras and Basler Lights through the pylon Software Suite, eliminating the need for an external light controller.
Legacy Basler Lights, i.e., lights without intelligent light control (ILC), require an external light controller to manage lighting functions. For example, they can be operated with the Basler SLP Strobe Controller in External Control Mode or in Trigger Control Mode.
Legacy Lights and New Basler Lights#
Info
Legacy Basler Lights and new Basler Lights:
- Earlier generations of Basler Lights were lights without ILC (without intelligent light control). These lights required a separate controller for light control.
Documentation for legacy Basler lights without ILC and for discontinued Basler Camera Lights is no longer included in the current Basler Product Documentation. If you need information about these products, refer to the offline documentation of an earlier release, that you can download by clicking here. - To determine which type of light is installed, check the revision number marked on the Basler Light (e.g., 2200000841-05). The last two digits following the order number indicate the light's revision. Revision 05 and later identify Basler Lights with Intelligent Light Control (ILC), i.e., with an integrated controller. Revision numbers below 05 identify legacy Basler Lights without ILC and therefore without an integrated controller.
Changes to the Pin Assignment#
Info
The pin assignment has changed from legacy Basler Lights without intelligent light control (ILC) to current Basler Lights with ILC.
When to Adapt the Wiring
- If a legacy Basler Light is replaced with a new Basler Light with ILC (Intelligent Light Control) and an external controller is used (Basler SLP Controller or a third-party controller), the pin assignment must be adjusted accordingly. This is necessary because the pin assignment of Basler Lights with ILC differs from that of legacy Basler Lights.
If the legacy pin assignment is used, the new light will not turn on. - Verify that you are using the correct pin assignment when connecting the light.
For information about the pin assignment for different uses cases, refer to the topics Operating Basler Lights with Internal Controller or Operating Basler Lights with External Controller.
Basler SLP Strobe Controller#
The Basler SLP Strobe Controller is an option if you're using a light device without an integrated controller. It allows you to integrate and control most standard machine vision LED illumination sources. It supports virtually any light device with an operating range of 0 to 40 VDC and a maximum current of 2 A, enabling control via a Basler camera and the pylon software.
In combination with the camera's Light Control feature, the Basler SLP Strobe Controller enables direct control of a connected light without ILC.
Partner Illumination Product Line#
There is a range of lights available from Basler's partners to cater for different application scenarios and requirements.
For Partner ultraviolet (UV) lights, see the following documentation on the Basler website: