Need Help Installing Imaging Source Cameras

[jasonreg]

I have finally received my Imaging Source DFK 33UX273 cameras with the A3Z2812CS-MPWIR lenses. USB 3.0 cables and I have the required mounts to attach the cameras to the wall. The lenses should work for my set up as they were selected based on the distance provided to the rep during my order. I understand how to plug the cabling into the cameras and into the computer. I downloaded and installed the drivers from Imaging Source (Device Driver for USB 33U, 37U, 38U Cameras and DFG/HDMI Converter). I downloaded and installed the IC Capture camera software (IC Capture - image acquisition). I do not know what to do next.

When I try and focus the cameras, I get a very blurry rather dark image. There appears to be a zoom lever on the camera lens and there appears to be a focus ring. But I am lost - what am I missing? FSX2020 recognizes the cameras but does not seem to be recording anything ....let's leave solving that until we get an image.

I should also mention that the cameras do not show up in the Windows 10 "Camera" app. Not sure if this is normal or not.

Appreciate any and all inputs.

[COgolfengineer]

It sounds like you need a lot more light in your room to get a clear image. High fps cameras need a ton of light to look good and also capture at a high fps. In the IC Capture software, see if there's a low light compensation type setting, turn that on and see if the image is better. If it gets better, you need more light in your room but you don't want to keep that setting on because it could reduce your fps. That software might also allow you to increase the camera gain and exposure time, so you could increase both to get a better image if the amount of light isn't enough.

This is a machine vision camera, so Windows won't recognize it in the Camera app because it's not a webcam.

I imagine you've seen this on Foresight's website, but thought I'd let you know just in case.

https://www.foresightsports.com/swing-camera-installation-and-setup-guide

[jasonreg]

Thanks - yes I have seen that indeed. I have quite a bit of light including two 600 bulb photography LED units but I will look for a low-light setting. I will also try and beef up the light for a test. I had seen the foresight publication - not much help there frankly.

[COgolfengineer]

I bought these lights, 480 LED bulb, to use for my Spinel cams and it's still not enough light.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MQ8CQ23/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glc_fabc_Y97X3XQDYV5ME4RMM1F9?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I have to still turn on Low Light Compensation in the Amcap software to get a clear picture. I'm probably losing fps but it's OK enough to see all the flaws in my swing.

[jasonreg]

Hmm - same ones I bought other than upping the LED count .... Amazon.com : Neewer 2 Pieces Bi-color 660 LED Video Light and Stand Kit Includes2)3200-5600K CRI 96+ Dimmable Light with U Bracket and Barndoor and (2)75 inches Light Stand for Studio Photography, Video Shooting : Camera & Photo

[COgolfengineer]

Oh interesting. I don't have any light from tee to screen so while these studio lights light me up pretty well, the DTL camera sees dark beyond the golfer so that could play into it. I need to add temporary lighting to see if it improves. If so, I'll add some more overhead lighting.

[jasonreg]

Still not perfect but much better after removing a spacer of some sort. Here is the response I received from Imaging Source:

For the camera and lens combination, please make sure that you do not have the 5mm spacer ring attached. The rings will look like the following:



The A3Z2812CS-MPWIR lens is a CS lens, so it is not needed.

So, I am on the right track. I have another work meeting but very encouraged now (and I think I will still need more lighting.....)

[COgolfengineer]

Oh cool, good to know!

[Baller]

Even without proper lighting, you'll still have an image, so that isn't it.

No, it does not matter that the windows cam app doesn't show them. It will only show cams that are set to be a "webcam".

Looking at your lens online, you should have THREE ADJUSTMENTS: Zoom, Iris, Focus. Make sure the Iris is all the way open (that allows light in) and then mess with the Zoom and Focus. And yes, I would try with both the spacer in and out regardless of what anyone says.

Here is the spec sheet for that lens to show you where the iris ring is:

https://www.surveillance-video.com/media/lanot/attachments/customimport/A3Z2812CS-MPWIR.pdf

Hope that helps!

[jasonreg]

Baller - Bingo! At the risk of showing my camera ignorance, I did not realize that the silver knobs tightened down to prevent the focus ring from turning. I was changing zoom and Iris only. That focus thing helps - you know - focus things! Up and running at 120 fps @1440 x 1080 resolution. Excellent picture. Now to mount everything! My lighting is sufficient I think - I will try and mount the lights on the ceiling just for a more finished look.

Now i need to figure out why FSX cannot see both cameras at the same time, but I suspect it is because I have them both plugged into the back of the PC - may need an adapter card, not sure. They both show up in the IC Capture software. Seems someone mentioned that they need to be on a different bus?

[Baller]

Different hub, even if not needed is better. There are programs that show you, but using the Device Manager is simple. Open it, click on one camera, then go to View - > Devices By Connection, and make sure they are not on the same USB Hub. It would still work if they are I believe, but not as well.

You problem also might be how you're selecting it in FSX. Make sure you change the dropdown to "Camera 2" before adding the next camera and also make sure no other camera program is open because if the camera is being used, it will not exist in FSX. (can only be used in one place at a time).

[jasonreg]

So as far as a quick update, cameras are installed (and focused thanks to Baller!). Both cameras are up and running in FSX by moving one of the USB cameras to the front USB ports (must be a separate HUB). I had purchased an add-on card which arrived yesterday only to find out that there are no free PCI-E slots in my shiny Lenovo T730 Legion computer. The thing is a monster otherwise but there you go. Anyway - solved by moving the second cameras from the back ports to the front.

While I can get pretty high frame rates (as high at 180 fps) in IC, FSX2020 seems to max out at 119fps. Does anyone know if this is a limitation with FSX2020 or perhaps there is a setting to tweak somewhere?

[vader14]

I got the same camera as you and sounds like I have a similar lens. It did take some playing around to get the lens to work properly for me as well. You are correct with the fps, FSX 2020 seems to max out at 120fps, I think I even read about this limitation some where else as well.

[vader14]

Although according to this doc from their website if you have really bright room you might be able to increase your fps, take a look at this doc and go to the bottom and they have a table that shows how much more light you need to achieve certain frame rates: https://www.foresightsports.com/swin...nd-setup-guide

[ruxpin23]

Disappointed that fsx2020 maxes out at 120fps. That’s confirmed? Wonder if fsx play will allow 240fps

[iacas]

You're talking about cameras recording video here, not video playback, right?

[preludesam]

I would bet it’s capturing whatever is set in the manufacturers SDK. Most programs (FSX, Kinovea, Swing Catalyst) compress the file down to a lower frame rate to save on processing power and file size during the playback. Everyone associates FPS to the freeze effect of what’s considered to be a high quality recording but that’s just not the case. What users should be focusing on is the providing enough light and getting the exposure time as low as possible. 240 FPS at a high exposure time is going to look terrible vs a 30 FPS capture with a very low exposure time. I need to document this and post video evidence of the differences so we can help users get the best results.

[ruxpin23]

Recording video and playing it back. Looks like even if the cameras are capable of 240, that fsx only goes to 120fps playback