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We are looking into OptiTrack and the the full body ARENA package for our jump into motion capture. We are planning on a 12 camera setup with ARENA full body into MotionBuilder to be used in Maya2008. Our immediate need is essentially capturing 2 people playing Ping pong, though this is an approximation.

having trouble pinning down some answers, id like some basic accessories recommendations and answers.

whats the typical process for mounting this setup with tripods,
Is equipment exclusively specialized for these cameras needed?
Are there mounting requirements we need to be extra careful about in regard to securing the cameras to the tripods?

anything about cable usage in ~15 yard radius we should be aware of before setting up?

what would you suggest for basic calibration, setup in regard to getting some reflective tracking accessories?

i assume we should pick up some decent cases for storage?


any info from those more experienced would be appreciated.
thanks

random thought:

the ping pong table itself will present an interesting occlusion situation that you'll need to take care to shoot around.

Jerkazoid wrote:whats the typical process for mounting this setup with tripods, Is equipment exclusively specialized for these cameras needed?

Standard tripods are good, preferably stable ones. Check the camera setup diagrams here to see different of distributing the cameras on tripods.

Are there mounting requirements we need to be extra careful about in regard to securing the cameras to the tripods?

There is a good FAQ entry on mounting cameras. The cameras cases have standard tripod -20 thread mounts.

anything about cable usage in ~15 yard radius we should be aware of before setting up?

We don't currently support capture volumes with a 15 yard / 45 foot radius, they currently top out around 400 square feet (20 feet x 20 feet). Its possible to increase that a little by experimenting with camera arrangement. For large volumes at least one "active usb extension cable" per usb hub is usually needed Sometimes it is necessary to extend the sync cables a little by joining two together.

what would you suggest for basic calibration, setup in regard to getting some reflective tracking accessories?

For calibration, using the wand we sell or any standard spherical retro-reflective marker on a stick should do. For tracking accessories, a suit and markers are necessary, you can get them from us or from other mocap vendors. Check out our accessories page for details.
http://www.naturalpoint.com/optitrack/s ... mocap.html

i assume we should pick up some decent cases for storage?

Its common to leave the cameras in place once they are set up in a rig since it saves the trouble of having to re-set up and calibrate them as often. If they need to be stored or transported, the re-usable packaging they ship in can be used or you could purchase a special case.