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Version: 2.0 (Legacy)

Using an IP or USB Camera as Second Camera

Configure secondary cameras for dual-camera OpenHD setups.

Overview​

Secondary camera setups enable:

  • Picture-in-Picture: Display both cameras simultaneously
  • Camera Switching: Switch between cameras during flight
  • Different Views: Wide angle and zoom cameras
  • Specialized Imaging: Thermal and visible light combination

Dual Camera Benefits​

Multiple Perspectives​

  • Forward and Down: Navigation and inspection views
  • Wide and Telephoto: Different field of view options
  • Visible and Thermal: Combined thermal/visible imaging
  • Pilot and Passenger: Multiple viewing angles

Operational Flexibility​

  • In-flight Switching: Change cameras without landing
  • Recording Options: Record from multiple cameras
  • Redundancy: Backup camera if primary fails
  • Specialized Tasks: Different cameras for different missions

Configuration​

Primary Camera Setup​

  1. Configure main camera (typically CSI)
  2. Set primary video parameters
  3. Test primary camera functionality
  4. Optimize settings for primary use

Secondary Camera Configuration​

  1. Connect USB or IP camera as secondary
  2. Configure secondary camera parameters
  3. Set switching controls
  4. Test dual camera operation

Hardware Considerations​

Power Requirements​

  • Additional Power: Secondary camera increases power draw
  • Power Distribution: Ensure adequate power for both cameras
  • Power Management: Monitor total power consumption
  • Battery Planning: Account for reduced flight time

Processing Load​

  • CPU Usage: Dual cameras increase processing requirements
  • Bandwidth: Monitor total video bandwidth
  • Memory Usage: Additional camera streams use more RAM
  • Heat Generation: Increased processing generates more heat

Camera Switching​

Manual Switching​

  • OSD Controls: Switch cameras via on-screen display
  • RC Channel: Assign camera switching to RC channel
  • Ground Control: Switch cameras from ground station
  • Physical Switch: Hardware switch for camera selection

Automatic Switching​

  • Flight Mode: Switch based on flight mode
  • Altitude: Change cameras based on altitude
  • GPS Position: Location-based camera switching
  • Timer: Automatic switching at intervals

Display Options​

Picture-in-Picture (PiP)​

  • Main + Inset: Large main view with small secondary
  • Side-by-Side: Equal size displays
  • Overlay: Secondary camera as overlay
  • Custom Layout: User-defined display arrangement

Full Screen Switching​

  • Seamless Transition: Quick switching between cameras
  • Fade Effect: Smooth transitions
  • No Interruption: Maintain video stream during switch
  • Status Indication: Show active camera

Use Cases​

Search and Rescue​

  • Thermal + Visible: Combine thermal and visible cameras
  • Wide + Zoom: Overview and detail cameras
  • Down + Forward: Navigation and search cameras
  • Recording: Record both streams for analysis

Inspection Tasks​

  • Detail + Overview: Close-up and wide shots
  • Different Angles: Multiple viewing perspectives
  • Documentation: Comprehensive visual documentation
  • Comparison: Before/after comparisons

Cinematic Applications​

  • Multiple Angles: Different camera angles for editing
  • Backup Recording: Redundant recording capability
  • Creative Shots: Artistic camera combinations
  • Live Switching: Real-time camera direction

Technical Limitations​

Bandwidth Constraints​

  • Total Bandwidth: Limited by radio link capacity
  • Quality Trade-offs: May need reduced quality for dual streams
  • Compression: Increased compression may be necessary
  • Prioritization: Primary camera may get priority

Processing Limitations​

  • CPU Capacity: Dual cameras stress processing capability
  • Frame Rate: May need reduced frame rates
  • Resolution: Possible resolution limitations
  • Latency: Additional processing may increase latency

Configuration Examples​

Thermal + Visible Setup​

Primary Camera: CSI (Visible Light)
- Resolution: 1920x1080
- Frame Rate: 30fps
- Bitrate: 8000 kbps

Secondary Camera: USB Thermal
- Resolution: 640x480  
- Frame Rate: 15fps
- Bitrate: 2000 kbps

Wide + Zoom Configuration​

Primary Camera: CSI Wide Angle
- Resolution: 1280x720
- Frame Rate: 60fps
- Bitrate: 6000 kbps

Secondary Camera: IP Zoom Camera
- Resolution: 1920x1080
- Frame Rate: 30fps
- Bitrate: 4000 kbps

Troubleshooting​

Performance Issues​

  • Slow Switching: Reduce camera resolution/bitrate
  • High Latency: Optimize processing settings
  • Dropped Frames: Check total bandwidth usage
  • System Overload: Monitor CPU and memory usage

Configuration Problems​

  • Camera Not Detected: Verify connections and compatibility
  • Poor Image Quality: Adjust compression settings
  • Switching Failures: Check control channel configuration
  • Sync Issues: Verify timestamp synchronization
Resource Usage

Dual cameras significantly increase system resource usage. Monitor performance carefully and adjust settings as needed.

Testing Required

Always test dual camera configurations thoroughly before important flights. Performance may vary with different camera combinations.

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