Cameras switch off randomly

[iinmgc00]

Hi,

We bought an Optitrack Foundation Pro Package on October 31, 2008.

System setup:
- 12 FLEX:V100 cameras
- Windows XP SP3 (Intel Core i7 CPU)
- Tracking Tools (2.0.000 beta 3)

We have started to test the system a few days ago (we activated the software on Sep 16, 2009), and we have problems.

When the 12 cameras are connected to the computer, the system is not stable. Sometimes only a random number of cameras show a sync number in the display. Sometimes all of them work fine for 5-10 minutes, and then part of the cameras (not always the same ones) switch off. When cameras switch off their displays, the lines representing their sync connections disappear in Tracking Tools. Restarting the software, computer or USB hubs does not solve the problem.

We thought that the problem could be insufficient power supply (6 cameras plugged to each USB hub). We added 2 more hubs (same model, D-Link DUB H7) to plug 3 cameras to each hub. The system is still unstable. The 4 hubs are connected directly to the computer:

Cameras 1, 2, 3 > Hub A > Computer
Cameras 4, 5, 6 > Hub B > Computer
Cameras 7, 8, 9 > Hub C > Computer
Cameras 10,11,12 > Hub D > Computer

We have tested the system in 3 different computers.

Do you have a test plan to solve the problem?

Best regards,
Manuel

[VincentG]

What version of the software are you using?

Cycling the USB connects on the cameras does not remedy the issue?

Have you tried turn off any kind of power save feature for your USB ports?

In the "Device Manager" you can right click the "USB Root Hub"(s), that show, and then select properties. On the power management tab, uncheck the box that allows the computer to turn off the USB port to save power (i.e. uncheck the box). Sometimes that has an impact on the connectivity of the devices.

[iinmgc00]

Hi,

1) Tracking Tools version 2.0.000 beta 3.

2) What does "cycling" mean exactly? We have exchanged the cables (USB and sync) of some cameras that seem to switch off more frequently with the cables of some cameras that seem more stable, and it did not help. We also have exchanged hub positions and usb ports in the computer. Of course, with 12 cameras there is a large number of combinations and we have not tested all of them.

3) Yes, we used the Device Manager to turn off power save in all hubs (we have seen this recommendation in previous posts).

[VincentG]

"cycling" - unplugging, and plugging them back into the system/hardware.

[iinmgc00]

Yes, I think I have tried cycling now:
- I reboot the computer with all cameras and USB hubs connected.
- I unplugged USB cables in all cameras
- I plugged them back following the sync order
- I start Tracking Tools, and only 9 cameras are shown (and only these cameras show a sync number in their display), and only 6 are in sync (connected by a white line in Tracking Tools).

After closing Tracking Tools, I unplugged and plugged back USB cables from the computer and power supplies to the USB hubs, and started Tracking Tools again. I did this test several times:

Test #1: 9 cameras shown, 6 in sync
Test #2: 9 cameras shown, 5 in sync
Test #3: 11 cameras shown, 10 in sync
Etc.

Interesting: The numbers displayed by the cameras in sync are not always consecutive. For example, in the previous test #3, the 10 cameras in sync displayed 1 to 8 and 10 to 12 (number 9 was missing).

[wing]

[quote=MGonzalez]
Test #1: 9 cameras shown, 6 in sync
Test #2: 9 cameras shown, 5 in sync
Test #3: 11 cameras shown, 10 in sync
Etc.
[/quote]

1. When less than 12 cameras appear in Tracking Tools, how many appear in the Windows Device Manager?

2. On those cameras that are NOT "in sync", but appear in Tracking Tools, what camera number is assigned to them as shown in Tracking Tools (Change View -> Camera View) ?

3. Have you checked the connections for the camera-to-camera sync cables and Y-adapters? e.g. "SYNC IN" to "SYNC OUT", all 12 cameras are daisy-chained in one un-interrupted string, the headphone-jacks are fully inserted into the cameras, etc.

[wing]

4. Also, can you confirm that all cameras are using the NaturalPoint-supplied USB cables?

5. If you're using any USB active-extender cables, pls describe.

6. What is the length of the USB cables you are using?

[iinmgc00]

Wing, you hit de nail on the head!

We had a non-active extender in the chain of USB extension cables between a hub and the computer. After replacing it by an active extender, everything works fine, even with 2 USB hubs only.

Thank you very much for your excellent support.
Manuel

[aforetaste]

Hmmm... I'm having the same problem but with an 8 camera set up.
I don't have a non-active extender in the chain with the cameras... but I think I am using one for my logitech mouse (connected to the same computer).
I'm disconnecting that. Will have to see if that fixes it.

[VincentG]

What OS are you using?

System specifications?

Do you have 1, or 2 enhanced USB controllers on the system?