OV64B Configuration
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Hello, I'm seeing in the documentation and in the code that ov64b sensors are supported by SDK 1.4. I've confirmed that the bins exist in chi-cdk.
However, I'm not seeing any information/documentation on camera configs nor any default camera-server configs in the source code for this sensor.
How do I go about using it with voxl-camera-server.conf?
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Hi @jcai,
I can help you with this. Can you please let me know which OV64B camera module you are using and where / how you are connecting to? (voxl2 or voxl2 mini and which camera connector, interposer, etc).
Alex
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I'm using a Hadron 640R with a VOXL2 (for now, but we plan on switching to a VOXL2 mini eventually). I also have a M0173 adapter board.
So far, I've only done some calcs for 35mm focal length:
With f = 4.8mm and D = 8.15mm, I get 35FL = 25.48mm
To make it an int, f = 4.75 and D = 8.2 is an option. -
@jcai , can you please clarify the following:
Do you also have any other connectors for Hadron and cables (micro coax)?
M0159 adapter board is required, which plugs into the back of Hadron and exposes two separate micro coax connections, one for Boson and one for OV64B).
I just need to make sure that you have all the required hardware.
Alex
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@Alex-Kushleyev I don't have the hadron itself on hand at the moment. I'm just doing some preliminary reading and planning for when we do get it.
We have a G-Hadron gimbal and accompanying G-Hadron RB5 adapter, which together will expose the boson through USB and the OV64B through MIPI.
Do you have a link to the M0159? I haven't been able to find it. If possible, I'd rather not connect the boson over USB.
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Thanks for clarifying regarding RB5 adapter. Unfortunately, camera connectors on RB5 and VOXL2 are not compatible, so you will not be able to use the gimbal right now.
I just checked with the team, here are some more details:
- Boson / Hadron support is in beta, not generally available yet but if you want to do beta testing, we can arrange it
- If you have a stock Hadron, you will need custom adapters to interface Hadron to VOXL2 (we support both OV64B and Boson using MIPI)
- So far we have tested the following resolutions / fps using OV64B:
- 1920x1080 (1080p) up to 240fps
- 4K60 (i believed this is a 2x2 binned version of 8K maximum resolution)
- 8000x6000 9fps (this is slightly smaller than absolute max resolution 9248x6944 which we will try to enable).
- we may be able to achieve 8K (7680x4320) at fps closer to 30, but this has not been implemented yet.
- support on voxl2 mini has also been tested (but limited testing so far)
- Boson should be able to do 640x512 60fps (but on some units we had to slow down to 30fps due to mipi timing issues, just FYI)
If you would like to get early access to the hardware adapters, let's make sure that we can support your use case, so please provide some more high-level information, such as:
- desired OV64b resolution / fps
- are you going to need Boson connection via MIPI as well (the boson that is part of Hadron). resolution / fps
Here is the configuration that we are currently testing
- the only difference between the two options is whether on VOXL2 side you have two separate connectors (which will take up two Jx ports on VOXL2) or a single connector for a single Jx camera port.
EDIT: M0159 also has a connector for USB2.0 that connects to Boson (provides the Linux serial and video interface, so you could run Boson over usb competely). Connector is JST SH (not standard USB plug)
In order to install M0159 on the back of Hadron, you may need to remove the adapter that is currently attached to it. M0159 plugs in to Hadron back plate - ready to plug state shown here :
None of these boards (M0159, M0181, M0162) are generally available yet (except for M0155). Let's first make sure that you are willing to experiment with this and then go from there.
Let me know if you have more questions about how the Hadron to VOXL2 connections will work.
Alex
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@Alex-Kushleyev I appreciate the detailed response!
We'd be open to experimenting with some of this hardware. Is a picture of the M0159 (not schematics) something we could get?
As for an initial use case:
- OV64B: 30fps, 720p/1080p
- Boson: 30fps, 640x512, MIPI
- M0161 IMX412: This is what's currently interfaced with the M0173. What would it take to include this in the setup?
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@jcai ,
Yes, i will provide the photos of the boards.
And yes, it should work with M0173 + M0161 but only on voxl2. M0173 takes up two camera connectors J6 and J7, so the Hadron would connect to J8.
Another option is to use M0161 with just M0155 coax adapter, since connecting a single camera to M0173 is an overkill. M0155 + M0161 would only use one camera connector, allowing you to use M0161 and Hadron on voxl2 mini.
I will double check both options.
Alex
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Please see the following images of the Hadron 640R adapters. Please note that the hardware is subject to change, but this is our current version.
M0159 : Plugs into the back of Hadron. it has two micro coax cable coming out and an optional USB plug for connecting to the "Boson" inside Hadron
As I mentioned before, you can access the Boson camera via USB or MIPI.
M0181 is the adapter for connecting M0159 to VOXL2 / VOXL2 mini:
It is also possible to split up the two coaxes and instead of using a single M0181 for dual camera connection, M0155 for OV64B (https://www.modalai.com/products/m0155) and M0162 for Boson (or use USB for Boson).
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@Alex-Kushleyev This looks pretty good, thanks!
If I'm understanding correctly, with one M0159, one M0181, and one M0155, I'd be able to connect all three sensors (OV64, boson, M0161) on a VOXL2/VOXL2 mini?
If that's the case, I'd be interested in experimenting with that setup. What would the process for getting these boards look like?
For the connection between the boards, what's the longest length coax I could get or use reliably?
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@jcai, yes you are correct regarding the connections that will work on Voxl2 and Voxl2 mini.
Please reach out to https://modalai.com/contact and we will create a custom order for you. You should add a link to this thread. I will work with our team to get the right hardware for you.
You will need
- M0159
- M0181
- two specific coax cables between those teo boards (18cm length?).
- M0155 (assuming you already have M0161 with a coax, but is your M0161 connected to M0173 camera front end?
You should also get a tool for removing coax connectors - check at the bottom of this guide: https://docs.modalai.com/micro-coax-user-guide/ . I dont think we sell the tool, but it looks like the tool is out of stock (Mouser) - you will need it to disconnect your M0161 from M0173.. i will check if we can provide it.
Regarding length, it looks like the longest cable we sell is 18cm : https://www.modalai.com/products/mcbl-00084?variant=48956821733680 , and this is what i am using for testing Hadron.
Alex
