Upgrading from Kinect to a single Femto Mega camera

Step-by-step guide to upgrading from Kinect to Orbbec Femto Mega camera for Velogic Studio Essentials users

Upgrading from Kinect to a single Femto Mega camera

If you're a Velogic Studio Essentials user who started with a Kinect camera, but you want to upgrade to an Orbbec Femto Mega camera - this page is for you.

Comparison showing transition from Microsoft Kinect camera to Orbbec Femto Mega camera for system upgrade

Stage 1: Gather hardware

PC meeting minimum specs

You should already have a computer meeting the system requirements for Velogic Studio Essentials.

Orbbec Femto Mega camera

1. Purchase the camera from Digikey

2. If you're buying more than one camera, then you'll also need one sync adaptor cable per camera, and one sync hub pro to link them all together into a sync group.

3. Note that the sync hub requires power via a USB-C connector (not supplied). If you have an spare USB-C phone charger, you can use that; just make sure it's not marked "PD" because the sync hub seems to have problems with those. We recommend an older USB-A charger (because USB-A definitely won't be PD) and a USB-a-to-c cable.

Specialist equipment (purchase through Velogic)

Joint Markers

You can use the same joint markers that you used with the Kinect camera.

If you need more, joint marker tape is available from BikeFitterSupply if you're in North America, and Velogic's web shop (shipping from New Zealand or China) in the rest of the world.

Measurement wand

The Femto Mega camera requires a different wand to the Kinect. It's available from BikeFitterSupply if you're in the North America, and Velogic's web shop (shipping from New Zealand) in the rest of the world.

Saddle jig

You can use your existing green saddle jig with the new blue measurement wand. If you don't already have one, or you want to upgrade to the newer blue saddle jig, it's available from BikeFitterSupply if you're in the North America, and Velogic's web shop (shipping from New Zealand) in the rest of the world.

Non-specialist equipment (e.g. from Amazon)

Spare network port

The Orbbec Femto Mega camera needs to plug into your computer via a network port (RJ45). If your computer doesn't have a spare network port, you can purchase a USB-to-ethernet adaptor; these are inexpensive and work well. Here's an example from Amazon.

Network cables

You will need a network cable to run from your computer to the camera.

The network cable needs to be cat6 or better. Network cables are inexpensive, so if you aren't exactly sure about the length, you can order cables that are too long initially, and then re-order cables at the ideal length once you've got the system setup.

If you are mounting a camera very close to the wall (or even recessed into the wall), be aware that network cables don't like tight bends, so you should purchase network cables with a 90degree connector, or use a 90 degree adaptor.

Stage 2: Install

Once you've gathered all the materials required from Stage 1, contact us to arrange an install.

We have a separate page which describes how to prepare for, book, and attend the installation session.

We'll schedule an hour where our technicians can remote-access into your computer.

FAQ

Can I use my Kinect AND the new Orbbec Femto Mega camera?

No. Velogic Studio Essentials is limited to only one time-of-flight camera at a time.

If you want to use multiple cameras (e.g. for simultaneous dual-sided capture) you can upgrade to Velogic Studio Pro

What if I want to add more cameras in future?

If you're already using an Orbbec Femto Mega camera with Velogic Studio Essentials, and you want to add in a second camera (for simultaneous dual sided capture), here's what you would need to do:

1. Make sure your computer meets the minimum specs for Velogic Studio Pro (note that they're higher than for Essentials; you need a more powerful computer to deal with 2 cameras simultaneously)

2. Buy a second Orbbec Femto Mega camera

3. Buy an Orbbec Sync Hub Pro, and one sync adaptor cable for each camera

4. Buy a PoE network switch

5. Buy some more network cables (you need 2 network cables for each camera: one for data and power, and one for the sync system)

6. Upgrade your license from Velogic Studio Essentials to Velogic Studio Pro

Please get in touch with us if you need help with any of the above