Protee : How to setup machine vision cameras

[ZMax]

See Protee support site.

[bubba22]

Awesome ZMax! The new ball detection method will help with setup for sure. It's close from what I know!

[psace]

I am looking forward to any and all improvements. Also, your insight Zmax, will be greatly appreciated by all Protee users!
I see there is a new Flycapture update 2.3.

[ZMax]

Thanks psace. I do see the 2.3 update and will try that when I get a chance. I don't see it having any negative effects on the operations of the cameras.

From what I've seen of the Protee user manual and talking to people such as yourself, it appears the manual is outdated. So, my procedure and recommendations will probably be a little different from what you might get from Protee support.

[wbealsd]

I'm pretty sure for most of us at this site, you ARE ProTee support ZMax =|;0-)

[jackyl]

Hey zmax, as you already know, those are the same cameras used for the CX3. imanidiot is having some occasional issues with his cams appropriately catching launches. Do you think those lenses would make a difference there too?

[ZMax]

jackyl,

While the Protee cameras are also from Ptgrey, they are not the same model as those used by GGS. The lenses are totally different. M12 vs CS mounts. Your issues are setup related.

[jackyl]

That's good to know - I thought it was the same camera based on an apparent misread the other thread. Thanks!

[ZMax]

H-cam setup added. V-cam to follow.

[bubba22]

Awesome work ZMax!!!!

[ZMax]

Thanks Bubba22. I just added some notes in my H-cam picture to point out the ball streak and other things. You can also see the flying tee in the one of the captures, which didn't affect the measurement. Will try to add the V-cam tonight.

[ZMax]

V-cam setup added. Questions and comments welcome. Enjoy!!!!

[bubba22]

Awesome Z!

[psace]

Yes, great work Zmax. A picture is worth a thousand words and knowledge is a great asset. All newcomers to the ProTee camera setups will welcome this information. Stay tuned to the next camera addition.

[janton79]

I know that proper setup requires the ball to be inside the box, but that requirees pointing my V-cam back towards to tee. Should the cam be perfectly perpendicular to the tee? Meaning I would either need to get a lense with a wider view area or move the V-cam closer to the sensor mat?

Similar question for the H-cam: should it be pointed directly down, or towards the tee or towards the screen? Thanks.

[ZMax]

V-cam needs to point perfectly perpendicular to the tee. H-cam needs to point straight down to the floor at 180* give or take 1 or 2*.

Are you using the lenses that came with the cameras? I suggest you get the ones I posted above.

[janton79]

I ordered the ones you posted above but haven't had a chance to install them. Are there any insructions from swapping the lenses?

[ZMax]

Can you turn lenses now? If you can, just unscrew them and screw in the new lenses. If you can't(don't force it), you'll have to remove the tiny set screw. Easiest way is to remove the camera shell first by removing the 4 screws at the corners. Then remove the set screw from the lens holder. Install the camera shell back on and screw in the new lens, hand tighten. Don't put the set screw back in. Just keep in a safe place in case you need it in the future.

Adjust the two knobs for focus and you're done.

I'll add this to my procedure.

[ZMax]

Just updated the procedure with more info on the overhead lights.

[syhlif32]

Nice work ZMax, I will be back home in a weeks time so plan to join you guys in a online game from time to time.

Why does the H-Cam need to be perpendicular to the floor?

What is this with the 6 degree LA!
With that LA I am not even sure Bubba Watson can get distance.

[ZMax]

Thanks syhlif32. The online play is running pretty good now but hoping to get an update any day now to make it closer to perfect.

The H-cam needs to be perpendicular to the floor to avoid any distortion. Being a little off won't make much of a difference. I just don't want people pointing it 30* towards the screen.

I'm normally a low ball hitter but 6* LA was definitely too low. My normal driver launch is around 12*.

[syhlif32]

Got you. I put the 'old' hcam at 15 degrees to get it perpendicular to the average launch angle for the long clubs! But I get your point.
I too are struggling with too low LA for my swing speed.
Cut 1 1/2" of my driver shaft so now it is 44 1/2" and got a little more distance due to higher ball flight as an added bonus it also lands more often in the fairway

[ZMax]

I've been thinking about cutting 1" off my driver myself. Might experiment with a backup driver first.

[goatbarn]

Standard length played by pro's is about 44.75". If they can't hit a longer driver on the sweet spot 100% of the time, we have no chance. Mine is at 44.5" and has been for 7+ years.

[bubba22]

I have been playing with 44 1/2 for a few yrs now and love it. More control for me for sure.

[ZMax]

Should I try gripping down 1.5" first? Or will it be different once the shaft is shortened by 1.5"?

[bubba22]

Well what I recommend is getting a cheap driver from Walmart for $30 or an older driver, cutting it down to 44 or 44 1/2 and just test it with that first. You can choke down, but I always psychologically want to hold the club near the end so cutting it was better for me. Plus when I choke down I never liked the but end of the driver sticking out with my swing. Probably just a personal thing but do try choking down first.

[ZMax]

I will try it on an old driver first. Thanks.

[goatbarn]

Yeah same with me, it seems im super aware that I'm choking down and can't stop thinking about it, plus the grip is smaller down lower. Nowadays it's easy enough to butt trim the shaft grip it, try it out, if you don't like it, ungrip it, add an extension, and regrip it. No harm done for cutting down < 1"

[bubba22]

Yeah same with me, it seems im super aware that I'm choking down and can't stop thinking about it, plus the grip is smaller down lower. Nowadays it's easy enough to butt trim the shaft grip it, try it out, if you don't like it, ungrip it, add an extension, and regrip it. No harm done for cutting down < 1"

I am exactly as you are Goatbarn!