Rigging the Hardware

7min

This section covers how to physically setup the Ncam hardware
For specific details on different lens encoding options and Camera Bar filters, please see the relevant sub-section
With the exception of the Universal Camera Mount (UCM), mounting hardware is not provided with the Ncam system, please always ensure that suitable mounting accessories are present prior to setting up your Ncam system
The camera bar can be placed anywhere on the camera.  It is vital that the following conditions are met though:
The camera bar view is unobstructed - Placing the camera bar in a position where it will be occluded frequently is not recommended
It points towards markers (Marker Mode Only) - When using markers it is beneficial for the camera bar to point directly towards the surface with the markers, this improves the detection of markers by the system
Camera bar is firmly mounted - The camera bar must not have any "flex" or looseness in how it is fixed to the camera, any movement in the mounting will cause issues with the tracking
The Connection box can be placed anywhere on the camera or camera platform.
Make sure that the connection box is within reach of the Camera bar when using the 1m USB C connection cable
The Mk2 server can be setup either directly on the camera, or when used with a connection box, remote from the camera
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On the camera
The Mk2 server can be placed anywhere on the camera
Make sure that it is within reach of the Camera bar when using the 1m USB C connection cable
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Remote from the camera
The Mk2 server can be setup as per a typical PC when remote from the camera, a display, keyboard and mouse should be connected.
Ensure that there is ethernet gigabit connection between the Mk2 server and the camera mounted connection box.  This connection should be made using the ETH0 port of the Mk2 server
Cabling
The cabling requirements of the Ncam system are straightforward, some key points to be aware of are listed below:
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Ncam Cables Only
With the exception of ethernet and HD-SDI cabling, never connect Non-Ncam provided cables into any of the Ncam hardware. Using 3rd party or untested cables can cause permanent hardware damage
When using a connection box as part of your Ncam setup, make sure it is connected to the ETH0 port of the Mk2 server.  Ensure that the network is configured to allow for gigabit ethernet traffic
Avoid additional network traffic on the ETH0 network interface, ideally provide a point to point connection between the Mk2 server and connection box.
Power Requirements
Both the Mk2 server and connection box are able to be powered from compatible camera bodies.  The two devices have slightly different power requirements however
Connection box - 12V, 1.5A (input voltage 8 -34V)
Mk2 Server - 12V, 2.5A (input voltage 8 - 34V)
When using a camera body that does not provide a sufficient power output, the Ncam provided PSU can be utilised.
Alternatively, camera batteries featuring a D-tap output can also be used
The various power cable options available with the Ncam system are shown in the following page
FAQ
The IR emitter can be connected to either the UART or RS232 port of the Mk2 server or Connection box.  Whichever one is not being used by your chosen lens encoder option
The Ncam Reality software displays the port that should be used when selecting the lens encoder in the preferences.  Alternatively, the subsequent lens encoder section provides full details
It's not possible to reliably transmit the data from the connection box wirelessly and we do not recommend configuring the system this way
Ncam provide an optional "Universal Camera Mount", alternatively 3rd party accessories can be used such as "magic arms" or monitor mounts.
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Updated 25 Mar 2024

Setting Up

Power Options

Rigging the Hardware

Camera Bar

Connection Box

Mk2 Server

On the camera

Remote from the camera

Cabling

Ncam Cables Only

Power Requirements

FAQ

Where do I connect the IR Emitter?

Where do I connect my lens encoder cable?

Can I use the connection box wirelessly?

What type of rigging hardware should I use