Camera (CAT Camera)
The module shows, in a separate window, the picture from a video device connected to the computer: the radio screen from the HDMI / DVI output (through an HDMI-USB capture device), a webcam in the shack, a view of the antenna or the rotator.
The module sees the video devices installed in Windows - most USB cameras and HDMI capture devices.
How to start it
- From RigAndLog: Rig window → Menu → Run camera module now.
- Together with the program: Rig window → Menu → Open/close the camera module on program start/exit. The camera opens when RigAndLog starts and closes when it exits.
- By hand: the
CAT_CAMERA.exefile in the RigAndLog program folder.
First setup
- Connect the camera or capture device before you open the configuration window (or click Refresh list later).
- Right-click inside the camera window → Configure video source.
- Video device - choose your device. When several have the same name (common with HDMI capture devices), the program adds numbers to them.
- Video size - resolution and format. The largest one is usually the best. If no picture appears, choose Device default format.
- OK. The picture appears in the window. The window remembers its position and size.
The right-click menu
| Item | What it does |
|---|---|
| Configure video source | The configuration window: device, video size, renderer. |
| Window size → User choice | You set the window size yourself (by dragging the edge). |
| Window size → 1/1, 1/2, 1/4 | The window at the picture size, at half or at a quarter of it. |
| Aspect ratio → Fit to window | The picture is stretched over the whole window (it may be distorted). |
| Aspect ratio → Maintain video aspect ratio | No distortion - there may be black bars at the sides. |
| Aspect ratio → 16:9, 16:10, 4:3, 5:3 | A forced aspect ratio. Useful when the capture device reports a wrong format and the radio screen looks squashed or stretched. |
Advanced: video renderer
In the configuration window, in the Advanced part, there is the Video renderer: Default (recommended) or VMR-9. Change it only when the picture is black, flickers or stutters. The Active: label shows which renderer really works. If VMR-9 does not work, the program goes back to the default one by itself and tells you so.
Messages in the camera window
| Message | What to do |
|---|---|
| No video devices. | Windows does not see any camera or capture device. Connect the device, check the driver, then Refresh list. |
| Video device not found: … | The remembered device is disconnected or has changed its name. Connect it or choose it again in the configuration. |
| There are several video devices named: … | Several devices have the same name - choose the right one in the configuration (they have numbers). |
| Video device disconnected. | The USB cable fell out or the device restarted. Connect it and open the configuration. |
| Video stopped because of an error. | Often the device is used by another program (e.g. a video chat program). Close it and set the source again. |
Good to know
- The module works only on Windows - under Linux (Wine) it closes with a message.
- One program folder runs one camera window. A second picture at the same time needs a second copy of the module in another folder.
- The Help button in the configuration window or F1 in a camera window opens this page.