Below you will find short description of the camera and information on how to properly use and service it.
Caution: indicates an area where caution or careful handling is required
Note: indicates additional useful information
Under Development: indicates a function that is not yet enabled
The camera is a cuboid with 6 sides. For reference they are defined as:
The front of the camera has openings for 2 studio quality microphones and the lens. The input from the microphones generates a dual-channel audio which is interlaced, synchronized with the digital video output.
The microphone holes work in conjunction with the vents in the rear panel as part of the integrated cooling system.
The microphones are exposed inside the openings. Care should be taken to keep dirt and sharp objects away from the microphones.
The camera is shipped with a lens cover. The cover is slipped over the lens for protection and should remain on when not in use.
The camera is shipped with a general purpose lens which should have a FOV close to what you require for general streaming operation. There should be no reason to remove the lens. There are a few things to be aware of whenever you are working with the lens:
Focus of the image is achieved through very small adjustments in the position of the lens – either tightening or loosening it. This changes the distance of the focal point of the lens to the surface of the image sensor.
In the illustration above B shows the lens is in focus: the light rays are converging on the image sensor. In position A the lens needs to be further away from the image sensor to bring the focus onto the (A) image sensor. In position C the lens needs to be closer to bring the image into focus onto the (C) image sensor.
The best way to focus the lens is to find an area within the picture with a straight edge that has a high level of contrast. Make minor adjustments until the image appears as sharp as possible.
Fine tuning can be accomplished with the help of a standard MTF chart.
The lens is fairly durable, but care should be taken to not touch the surface with fingers as the acid and oils on fingers can affect the image quality.
Never use chemicals or window cleaner to clean a lens. Only use the provided micro fiber cloth or photographic lens cleaning tissue.
Behind the lens there is a small rectangular chip. This is the image sensor. This part of the camera is extremely delicate. Because the lens is removable, occasionally dust can get on the sensor and affect the image.
Do Not touch the image sensor – permanent damage will occur.
Do Not try to clean the sensor with chemicals, cloth or other material
Only use compressed air. Do Not blow air directly down on the chip, always point the nozzle at about 45° angle to the surface of the chip. Use small gentle bursts of air. Compressed air/gas will form condensation and sometimes even ice when used for prolonged periods1). This will damage the chip.
The back panel has 5 ports.
A few things we suggest to avoid:
Of all of the factors that affect the performance, stability, and longevity of an electronic device, heat is critical. 99% of the electrical energy that goes into a device is converted into heat. With highly sensitive on-board microphones and the potential proximity to external microphones the design goal was to avoid the use of active cooling, a fan. The camera is a fully integrated passively cooled system.
The design consists of 2 major components:
The system transfers heat from the components inside the camera to the housing top plate and side extrusions. The housing is then cooled by transferring the heat to the surrounding air.
DO NOT cover the camera or in anyway position it such that air cannot flow freely around the camera.
Most of the active electronic components are located on the top of the processor board. There is a layer of compressible thermal compound that connects the top of the processor board to the bottom of the top plate. Most of the heat in the camera is transferred via the top plate.
It is normal for the top plate to feel hot to the touch when operating.
If the top plate is extremely hot – uncomfortable to touch for more than a few seconds, turn off the camera.
The air vents are located on the back plate as 3 sets of vertical openings and the left and right microphone grills on the front plate. These vents allow some flow of air through the camera and provide a path for any heat not transferred to the housing to escape.
There are 2 common ways of physically attaching the camera:
There are approximately 3-4 full threads in this mount. While there is a bottom out stop, care should be taken not to force the mounting screw into the mount – damage may occur to the camera.
The SUB2r camera comes with a V-Mount designed to securely hold the camera on top of a monitor. The mount is also adaptable and can be used on other surfaces including as a table top stand.