Probing Cameras - Common
The topics in this section include information common a number of probing camera models.
Overview
Specifications
Setup
Install Lens
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A protective cap covers the internal lens threads during shipping to protect the camera sensor. Make sure this cover is removed when installing a lens. Screw the lens onto the camera (see Figure 1). Tighten the lens (hand tight) to prevent inadvertent loosening when adjusting lens focus, zoom, or aperture.
USB Cable Connection
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Connect the USB3 cable to the back of the camera and tighten the thumbscrews.
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Insert the opposite end of the USB3 cable in an available USB3 port in the back of the computer to prevent intermittent camera connection problems.
Figure 1: Installing the lens on the probing camera
Figure 2: Connecting the Probing Camera USB3 cable
Operation
Troubleshoot
Intermittent Camera Connection
Symptoms
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Camera connection is lost while capturing image
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when the List Connected Cameras button list is clicked, the following message is displayed: "An error occurred while listing the video cameras connected to the computer"
Details
USB ports on the back of a computer are directly connected to the motherboard in most cases and this on-board connection to the USB controller is designed to resist (EM) interference.
On the other hand, USB ports on the front of the computer are connected to a pin header on the motherboard via a cable inside the computer case. The cable adds resistance, reducing maximum voltage and power and in some cases, the may even be unshielded. The cable and pin header connection increases susceptibility to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and power and signal quality issues.
Solution 1
Connect the camera USB3 cable to a USB3 port on the back of the computer
Video Camera Communication Error
Symptoms
USB3 Vision camera is not recognized.
Solution 1
Disable and then re-enable Matrox USB3 Vision drivers:
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Open Device Manager (type “Device Manager” in the Windows search field).
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Disable Matrox driver for USB3 Vision.
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Disable Matrox managed USB3 Vision camera.
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Enable Matrox managed USB3 Vision camera.
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Enable Matrox driver for USB3 Vision.
If the problem continues, proceed to the next solution.
Solution 2
Turn off power management for USB3 Vision devices. To save power, Windows switches USB controllers off when not in use, and switches them back on again when they are needed. At times, Windows may fail to switch USB controllers on again.
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Open Device Manager (type “Device Manager” in the Windows search field).
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Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers branch.
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Double-click the first USB Root Hub device in the list (if you see only one USB Root Hub device, that is fine).
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Click the Power Management tab.
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Uncheck the Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power checkbox and click OK.
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Repeat steps 3-5 for each USB Root Hub device in your list of Universal Serial Bus controllers.
Maintenance
Lens Cleaning
The Lens Care Kit is provided with your system and includes the following components.
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Air bulb blower
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Lens cleaning solution
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Wiping cloth
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Cotton swabs
Precautions
To protect the lens from damage, follow these guidelines.
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Never touch the lens with hard or abrasive objects.
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Do not use solvents to clean the lens. Solvents may remove the lens coating.
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Do not use lens cleaning papers or tissues to wipe the lens. These products are abrasive and will scratch the lens.
Lens Cleaning Procedure
Excessive dust or debris on the camera lens can reduce measurement accuracy. To clean the lens, follow these steps.
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Use the air bulb blower and brush to remove any dust or loose grit from the lens.
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Put a few drops of the cleaning solution on the cloth and gently wipe across the lens (not round and round). Use only enough pressure to remove the smudges (do not rub hard).
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Use the cotton swabs for tougher lens grime but avoid rubbing the same spot over and over.