FireWire Camera and IMAQ-1394 problem

[Lamas]

I have downloaded the evaluation version of NI Vision Acquisition Software 8.2.1 and I tried to follow the examples but my camera doesn't work with these examples. The following error shows up when I run any example "Error -1074364389 occurred at an unidentified location
Possible reason(s):
NI-IMAQ IEEE-1394:  (Hex 0xBFF6801B) Camera not found

I wonder if I need extra hardware in order to control the camera because the NI Example Finder said: "The following devices can run this example:
PCI-8252
PXI-8252
PCI-8254R
PCIe-8255R
NI CVS-1450 Series"

I don't have any of this devices. I'm using a simple ExpressCard with two FireWire ports to connect the camera. Do I have to buy a NI PCI card to connect my camera in order to control it? or What can I do to control it using just the ExpressCard?

Thank you for your support

[GuenterMueller]

Do you see the 1394 interface in MAX?
If you do, does it show your camera?
If it does, can you specify the NI-IMAQ IEEE-1394 to use as the driver for the camera?

Does the example then run without an error?
Regards, Guenter

[JohannS]

Lamas,

You do not need NI specific FireWire card. As long your ExpressCard can supply sufficient power to the cameras, they should show and be usable. Also note that by default FireWire cameras do not associate with the NI driver. You have to do manual driver switch in MAX.

See attached screenshot for driver switching.


Hope this helps,

JohannS

Message Edited by JohannS on 08-28-2007 09:40 AM

[Lamas]

Thanks all guys... now is working perfect...

[Matt_S.]

Hey Johann, how are things?

Is there any updated list for recommended expresscard firewire boards? We've got a couple here at the office, and they are, as my British co-workers would say, a little dodgy.  They work with some, but not all laptops. Some, but not all cameras.

They are both externally powered, but for some reason they cause some issues here and there and we want to make a solid recommendation for a customer of ours.

Cheers,

-Matt

[ScottSmith]

Hi Matt or others interested in this topic,

If you are looking for an official NI list, I'll defer to Johann or other NI staff.  But you didn't mention if you mean 1394a or 1394b, or if with 1394b you want screw-lock capability (recommended but fewer choices).

Here's a link to a knowledge-base FAQ on the topic,  forExpressCard 34 and 54mm formats, Cardbus (aka PCMCIA), and i.Link, which covers the most common current laptop options for Firewire/1394:  http://goavt.mykb.com/Article_BBED2.aspx

Scott

www.goAVT.com

[Matt_S.]

Thanks for the heads up Scott. FYI, this customer's using an AVT camera. 😄

-Matt