HDcam¶
Firmware Update¶
Important
Please update your firmware if you were shipped an exploreHD or HDCam before 11/20/2021
Introduction¶
The HDCam is the bare board of the exploreHD Camera but without the waterproof housing. This camera provides the same excellent image quality as the exploreHD but uses a specialized lens designed to be more suited for above water applications. The camera can output H.264, MPEG, and YUY2 at reduced frame-rates. Due to its low distortion and smooth frame-rate, this camera is ideal for computer vision applications.
Note
This camera runs the same firmware as the exploreHD. The only optical difference between this camera and the exploreHD is the different lens used.
Technical Specifications¶
Camera Specifications
Image Sensor: 1/2.9” Sony Exmor™ CMOS 12-bit
Resolution: 1920x1080
Framerate: 30fps with H.264/MJPEG
Format: H.264, MJPEG, YUY2
Chroma Subsampling: 4:2:2 with YUY2, 4:2:0 with MJPEG/H.264
Color Depth Per Channel: 8 bit per RGB channel / 24 bit per pixel
Bitrate: 10Mb/s with H.264, VBR with MJPEG/YUY2
H.264 Compression Profiles: Baseline Profile
Streaming Latency: 35ms ± 20 More Details
Connection: USB2.0 High Speed
Voltage: 5V
Current: 250mA
Wattage: <1.5W
Footprint: 30 mm diameter (PCB)
Lens Specifications
Type: Low Distortion Lens
Lens Aperture: f/2.8
View Angle: 100 Degrees Diagonal
Minimum Focus Distance: 15 cm
Focal Length: 2.7MM (19MM Equivalent on Full Frame)
Note
We currently don’t recommend this lens for underwater use due to its narrower aperture and vignetting qualities when the camera is underwater. For those looking to replace the standard ELP USB camera from BlueROV, we recommend using their lens for now until our team finds a more suitable lens for underwater.
Operating Notes¶
PCB Size Comparison¶
Size comparison of the PCB between the ELP’s H.264 USB Camera (found in many current ROV systems) and the HDCam.
HDCam features an advanced multilayer PCB and a much more modern image processor which allows our board to be more space efficient than the competition while providing better performance (see below for comparison).
Image Comparison of HDCam vs ELP (Generic H.264 USB Camera)¶
Temperature¶
For long-term operation, the camera may get hot (MAX Temp 70C). This is normal and not a cause for concern. The processor has an auto thermal shut off if it does exceed normal operating temperatures. If you are designing a custom mount, it can not be manufactured with Polylactic acid (PLA) plastic as the heat from the camera will cause the plastic to weaken. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is recommended instead.
Sensor Affected by Incident Light¶
The Sony IMX323 sensor used in this camera is chosen for its smaller footprint while still providing great image quality. Typically, CMOS sensors contain a ceramic plate on the back to prevent incident light from entering through the back of the sensor causing an X-ray effect. The IMX323 sensor does not have a ceramic plate and is therefore susceptible to indent light from the back of the camera affecting image quality. This can easily be avoided by using our included camera holder or using black electrical tape to cover the back of the camera PCB.
Lens Focusing¶
Warning
Pay extra attention to not screw the lens past the sensor element. Doing so will crack the sensor and damage it permanently.
To ensure the sharpest image from your camera, the distance between the sensor and the lens must be set correctly. Before the camera leaves our facility, the focus is set manually and a screw is placed on the side of the lens holder to lock the distance. Sometimes, this screw can get loose over time and the camera loses proper focus. You can adjust this manually by taking the screw off and twisting the lens until the image is clear when viewing a far away distance on a computer.
This will also allow users to use different M12 style lenses with the HDCam.
Note
If you are using a different lens than the one supplied, make sure it’s compatible with the 1/2.9 sensor size. Using a lens designed for a larger sensor (1/2.8 or larger) will usually work but you will expect a lower FOV than advertised. Additionally, the lens will produce a less sharp image and artifacts such as chromatic aberration will be more noticeable.
Conversely, using a lens designed for a smaller sensor (1/3 or smaller) will increase the FOV but you may notice more vignetting in the image. The lens will produce a sharper image and less chromatic aberration will be observed.
Image Samples¶
Streaming¶
Streaming via custom Raspberry Pi
If you want to run your own custom streaming setup on the Raspberry Pi, we have the perfect documentation for you!
This is perfect for MATE ROV teams who want to use the RPi to stream but don’t want to be limited to PixHawk Controller from ArduSub Companion. It’s also a great way to learn and customize your code for your specific setup!
Streaming alongside BlueOS Companion
Important
As of November 20, 2021, all exploreHD shipped will feature a new firmware that allows the cameras to be plug and play with BlueOS Companion without the need for drivers.
If your camera was shipped beforehand or you notice the video stream is sluggish, you may be running an older version.
If you want to stream multiple exploreHDs at once using BlueOS Companion, check out our BlueOS Companion Guide for installing our software alongisde BlueOS.
H.264/Bitrate Control for Streaming
To set custom H.264 parameters when streaming from a Raspberry Pi or similar computer, install our exploreHD Driver UI!
This software supports unlimited camera streams given you have unlimited USB ports, and installs perfectly alongside BlueOS.
Bitrate: Adjust the bitrate of the exploreHD Camera
H.264: Toggle H.264 on or off (Off is similar to MJPEG)
VBR: Variable bitrate, changes bitrate depending on scene
UDP Stream: Starts a UDP H.264 Stream via GStreamer with port 5600.
Streaming Latency¶
Streaming Method: UDP H.264 via Gstreamer
Streaming Device: Raspberry Pi 4 Model B 2GB RAM
Streamed Devices: 3 exploreHDs
Recieving Software: Open Broadcaster Software
Latency: 35ms ± 20
Technical Drawing¶
Download STEP File of HDcam 2.0 Assembly
