Hitachi KP-M1AN 1/3" High-Resolution CCD Camera (Used / Tested)

Hitachi · KP-M1 / KP-M1AN · Monochrome CCD · C-Mount · 1PC

The Hitachi KP-M1AN is a compact 1/3-inch interline-transfer monochrome CCD industrial camera delivering approximately 570 TV lines of horizontal resolution. Originally released by Hitachi (now Hitachi Kokusai Denki) as part of the long-running KP-M1 family, the KP-M1AN is a workhorse analog composite camera still widely deployed in legacy factory automation, machine vision, microscopy, security and scientific imaging lines. The unit offered here is a used, individually tested module with EIA / CCIR analog output, C-mount lens interface and 12V DC supply.

1. Key Technical Specifications & Overview

The KP-M1AN is a long-running analog CCD camera. It is no longer in active production and is now considered a legacy / obsolete part at the OEM, but remains one of the most widely serviced industrial cameras in the MRO market thanks to its stable sensor and broad frame-grabber compatibility.

2. Application Scenarios — Where It Fits

Because it ships with a global-shutter-capable interline CCD, a C-mount lens interface and standard analog composite output, the KP-M1AN drops directly into hundreds of legacy vision stations built around frame grabbers, DVRs and broadcast monitors. Typical installations include:

• Factory machine vision and AOI — PCB inspection, SMT line alignment and automated optical inspection cells, especially as a drop-in replacement on Allen-Bradley- and Siemens-controlled lines.
• OCR and 1D / 2D code reading on packaging, bottling and pharmaceutical lines driven by Mitsubishi MELSEC or Omron SYSMAC PLCs.
• CNC tool-monitoring and on-machine inspection retrofits on Fanuc 0i / 30i and Yaskawa-controlled machining centers.
• Process-control and SCADA visualization on Schneider Modicon / AVEVA lines where composite video still feeds legacy HMIs and recorders.
• Robotics workcell observation on Fanuc Robotics and Yaskawa Motoman cells that require a small, rugged observer camera.
• Microscopy, laboratory and scientific imaging — biologists and materials labs frequently repurpose KP-M1AN units for low-light monochrome capture.
• Security, traffic and broadcast — long-life installations in ITS, tolling and broadcast studios that still rely on Panasonic-class analog workflows.
• Spare-parts inventory for vision integrators — keeping a tested KP-M1AN on the shelf avoids line stoppages when an integrator's KEYENCE CV-5000 / XG-8000 aux camera fails.

3. Integration & Wiring Notes

The KP-M1AN is a pin-style DC-in / BNC-out industrial camera, and most wiring is straightforward — but a few integration points deserve attention before you mount it:

• Power: 12V DC regulated, center-positive on the original Hitachi plug. Anything above 13V will shorten CCD lifetime — do not substitute an unregulated 24V supply.
• Video: 75-ohm BNC composite, 1.0 Vp-p into a frame grabber or DVR. For runs over 10 m, use a proper 75-ohm coaxial cable (e.g. RG-59 / RG-6) to keep edges sharp.
• Lens: C-mount. Confirm back-focus on the C-mount ring after each lens swap; Hitachi's C-mount clamp is knurled and locks with two set screws.
• Shutter / sync: Switches on the rear panel select AES (auto), OFF (1/60 EIA / 1/50 CCIR) and fixed manual shutter positions. Match the camera's sync to your frame grabber's expected field rate to avoid rolling or tearing.
• Grounding: Tie the camera chassis to plant ground at one point only — daisy-chained grounds create 50/60 Hz hum bars on the composite output.
• Frame grabber compatibility: Works with any analog composite acquisition card (Matrox, Euresys, National Instruments, Epix, etc.). Modern GigE Vision and USB3 Vision hosts will not accept the KP-M1AN directly — you need an encoder or to keep the existing analog chain.
• Field replacement: Mechanically interchangeable with the KP-M1, KP-M2 and most later KP-F / KP-M10 family Hitachi cameras. Check pinout — KP-M2 has a slightly different iris connector.

4. Installation & Commissioning Tips

Because this is a used, individually tested unit, we recommend a short commissioning sequence before locking it into a production line:

• Burn-in test: Power the camera for 4–8 hours on the bench and check for hot pixels, image retention or vertical streaks. The CCD is at end-of-life in some units; a clean composite output at room temperature is the green light.
• White / grey-field check: Aim at a uniform white target and verify the histogram has no dead columns or column-wise shading darker than ~10%.
• Back-focus calibration: Loosen the C-mount lock, focus a high- contrast target at the working distance, then re-tighten. Hitachi's knurled ring drifts if you skip the lock screws.
• Lighting match: The KP-M1AN is a 0.5-lux camera — if you are aiming it at a fast conveyor, plan for 10,000–30,000 lux of structured LED illumination rather than relying on AGC.
• Mounting: Use M3 or 1/4-20 tripod-style mounts on the top and bottom plates. The body is light but vibration-prone on long machine-tool booms; add a vibration isolator if the cell is high-shock.
• Thermal management: Even though it is rated to 50 degrees C, the CCD dark current doubles every ~7 degrees C. Mount away from servo amplifiers and Schneider Altivar drives.
• Documentation: Print a baseline composite image, store the file with the camera's serial number, and keep a copy of this spec sheet with the panel drawings for the line — it makes future MRO much faster.
• Cross-reference notes: When migrating a station to a modern KEYENCE CV-5000 or a USB3 Vision replacement, keep the KP-M1AN as the cold spare for 6–12 months until the new line proves out.

5. Procurement, Warranty & Lead Time

KOEED is an independent multi-brand sourcing house for industrial automation spares, not an official Hitachi subsidiary. The KP-M1AN is supplied as a used, individually tested module pulled from decommissioned lines, with the following commercial terms:

• Condition: Used / tested. Each unit is bench-checked for clean composite output, focus integrity and DC supply current before shipping. Cosmetic grade may include light surface marks from prior installation.
• Quantity: 1 piece (1PC) is listed. Bulk pricing for MRO stock and full machine rebuilds is available on request.
• Warranty: Standard 30-day DOA / functional warranty on used items. Extended 6- or 12-month warranty is available as an optional add-on for production lines — request a quote with your BOM.
• Lead time: Tested units ship within 2–5 business days from receipt of payment. Worldwide shipping via DHL / FedEx / UPS; allow 3–7 business days transit for most regions.
• Documentation: Basic DC-power and BNC composite connection guidance is included. Full original Hitachi datasheet PDFs are available on request — send the part number to Moritta@KOEED.COM.
• Cross-brand MRO support: If you are also sourcing Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi, Omron, Fanuc, Schneider, Yaskawa, Panasonic or KEYENCE spares for the same line, send the full BOM in one email for a consolidated quote.
• Tooling help: For PLC error-code lookups on Siemens SIMATIC, Mitsubishi MELSEC or Omron SYSMAC, use the KOEED PLC Error Code Database while you draft your BOM.

Looking for more automation spares? Browse Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi, Omron, Fanuc, Schneider, Yaskawa, Panasonic and KEYENCE catalogs, or send a full BOM to Moritta@KOEED.COM for a same-day consolidated quote.