Connecting a Miqus system

A Miqus system consists of the following components:

• Miqus cameras
  Miqus cameras of one or several types.

• Camera cables
  The number of camera cables is the same as the number of cameras.

• One or more Power kits
  A power kit consists of a power supply, a power injector and a host (Ethernet) cable. One power kit can power up to 10 Miqus cameras.

• Camera Sync Unit (optional)
  A Camera Sync Unit is required for synchronization with external equipment.

• Gigabit Ethernet switch (optional)
  The use of a switch is required for systems with more than 20 Miqus cameras.

The Miqus system is easy to connect. The backside of the camera contains two Data/Power ports, see chapter Miqus camera: back side. In a basic setup with up to 10 cameras, the cameras are connected to each other by camera cables in a daisy chain configuration. For the maximum number of cameras and the maximum cable length per power supply, see chapter Power and camera cable requirements.

The first camera or Camera Sync Unit is connected via a Power injector to the power supply and the computer as follows:

1. Connect the power supply to the Power port on the power injector.

2. Connect one end of the host cable to the to the Data port on the power injector and the other end to the Ethernet port of the computer.

3. Connect one end of the camera cable to the Camera port on the power injector and the other end to a Power/Data port of the first camera or the Camera Sync Unit.

For larger systems, start a new power chain when the maximum of 10 cameras per power chain is reached. Connect the first camera of the new power chain (camera 11) via a Power injector as follows:

1. Connect the power supply to the Power port on the power injector.

2. Connect one end of the host cable to the to the Data port on the power injector and the other end to a Power/Data connector of the previous camera.

3. Connect one end of the camera cable to the Camera port on the power injector and the other end to a Power/Data connector of the first camera in the next power chain.

For systems with more than 20 cameras, the use of a switch is required. The system can then be subdivided in chains with up to 20 cameras. The chains are connected with their respective host cables to a switch, which in its turn is connected to the computer.

The Camera Sync Unit can be placed anywhere in the chain, but in most cases it will be practical to have it close to the computer.

When the cables have been connected correctly, the indicator LEDs at the Miqus data/power ports will indicate the status of the power and data connection. For more information, see chapter Miqus camera: back side.

The Miqus startup sequence

Before you connect the Miqus camera system, make sure that the QDS (Qualisys DHCP server) is running and that the network interface settings are correct. This is needed for the cameras to receive an IP address from QDS to communicate with other Qualisys cameras and the host computer. For more information, see QDS and Network card setup.

The general Miqus startup sequence is as follows (total duration about 50 s):

1. Connect the power to the cameras.

2. Booting of the cameras. The amber LED ring is lit during booting.

3. The camera receives an IP address.

   If the camera does not receive an IP address the amber LED ring pulses. Possible reasons for this might be that the system is not connected to the computer, or that QDS is not running. For instructions on how search for the error, see chapter Troubleshooting connection.

4. The cameras synchronize to the master camera. The status LED on the front of the camera blinks green during synchronization. When synchronization is completed it lights solid green.

Setting aperture and focus

All Miqus cameras are equipped with a manual lens. You need to extend the strobe mechanics to get access to the focus and aperture rings of the lens. The strobe mechanics can be shifted as follows:

1. Unlock the strobe mechanics with the Lock lever.

   

2. Shift the strobe mechanics outwards to expose the lens for adjustment.

3. Shift the strobe mechanics inwards again when done and lock it with the lock lever. You may have to fine adjust the position of the strobe so that the lock lever locks into the dimples on the strobe rails.

For general recommendations on settings aperture and focus, see chapter Tips on setting aperture and focus.