Cameras In a Freezer

[diarmaede]

Hi All,

I know NOTHING about NI Vision funtions, so I thought you might be able to guide me.

I am setting up a fairly standard CompactDAQ system, measuring input voltages from a bunch of pressure transducers, thermocouples and hot-wire anomometers.  The "new" thing for me is that I will also need to use 1-4 cameras to capture video of the test events.  I'd love to be able to process this in my LabVIEW VI.

Oh, and everything is happening in a freezer at -10 degrees F (well, not everything, the control computer will be at normal lab ambient).

Questions:

1.  Does anyone know of cameras (preferably USB, but Firewire or other protocols might work also) that would be appropriate for this cold-temperature application?

2.  If it's possible to control the cameras and store the resultant video files using LabVIEW, does anyone know of a good tutorial to get me started?

Thanks!

[Robert_Eastlund]

There are a number of GigE Vision and Camera Link cameras that will function down to -20 or -40 degrees C.  Is humidity also a concern in your freezer?

[diarmaede]

Hi Robert,

Thanks for the response!  I will look into GigE cameras.

There are no special concerns about humidity in our chamber.  We will not be artificially humidifying the chambers.  They will be operated in Southern California.

[AnalogKid2DigitalMan]

Just a caution- taking the cameras from ambient into the freezer may cause the optics to fog up or even frost up.

O.T.-  You will be able to prove if the light really turns off in the freezer when you close the door!

-AK2DM

[diarmaede]

Looks like I may have to install a (very) small heating pad in the camera enclosure.  That should keep the camera warm enough to operate, and should act as a lens defroster as well.