Whiteboard Camera
User’s Guide
Installation and
Camfire PC
TM
for Windows 98SE, 2000, or XP
operating systems
®
Registration Benefits
In the past, we’ve made new features available as free software upgrades.
Register your Camfire PC system to be notified of free upgrades.
Keep the following information available in case you need to contact
Technical Support:
Register online at: www.smarttech.com/registration
Serial Number
Date of Purchase
FCC Warning
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a "Class A" digital device, pursuant to Part 15
of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which
case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
When the Camfire PC system is connected directly to a computer, the interface card used to power and communicate
with the Camfire PC system must be compliant and certified to IEEE 1394a-2000 standards. This applies to cards
installed in a desktop computer as well as PCMCIA cards used in laptop computers.
Camfire, Notebook, all SMART product logo types, the Camfire logo and the SMART logo are trademarks of SMART
Technologies Inc. Phillips is a registered trademark of Phillips Screw Company. Panduit is a registered trademark of
Panduit Corp. All other third-party product and company names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
U.S. Patent No. 5,528,290. Other U.S., Canadian and foreign patents pending.
© 2000–2003 SMART Technologies Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted,
transcribed, stored in a retrieval system or translated into any language in any form by any means without the prior
written consent of SMART. Information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of SMART.
Printed in Canada 09/2003
Connecting the Camfire PC System Directly to a Computer
Trademark Notice
Copyright Notice
Camfire PC Installation and User's Guide i
Important Information
Please read this manual carefully before you set up and use the Camfire
™
PC system. With
proper care, your Camfire PC system should provide years of trouble-free service.
About This Guide
This guide explains how to install and use the Camfire PC system, which consists of a
camera boom that connects directly to a computer. It doesn’t cover the Camfire DCi system,
which is a different product that consists of a camera boom that connects to a control unit. To
install and use the DCi system, refer to the Camfire DCi Installation Guide and the Camfire
DCi User's Guide.
CAUTION
The camera boom for the Camfire PC system contains precisely calibrated
camera units. Handle it with care. Do not open the camera boom casing.
Other Warnings and Safety Precautions
For operating safety and to avoid damage to your Camfire PC system, carefully read and
observe the following instructions:
1. Avoid installing the Camfire PC system near radio transmitting devices. The
electromagnetic radiation created by radio transmitting devices may reduce the
quality of the images you save using the Camfire PC system.
2. Avoid setting up and using the Camfire PC system in an area with excessive levels of
dust, humidity or cigarette smoke.
3. As you install the Camfire PC system, make sure you tighten the security hex screw
on the camera boom base. This screw ensures the equipment can’t be accidentally
knocked free from the wall brackets. It also helps prevent unauthorized individuals
from removing or taking the equipment.
4. Avoid exposing the Camfire PC system to extreme heat or cold. The operating
temperature range for the Camfire PC system is from 30°F to 104°F (-1°C to 40°C)
with up to 90% humidity non-condensing. The shipping and storage range for the
Camfire PC system is from -13°F to 140°F (-25°C to 60°C) with up to 95% humidity
non-condensing.
Cleaning the Camera Boom
Only clean the lens with a cloth designed specifically for that purpose. Lens-cleaning cloths
are available from most photography stores.
ii Camfire PC Installation and User's Guide
Installation Checklist
Step 1: Install the Camera Boom(s)
To install a single camera boom
1. Mount the camera boom on the wall (page 4).
2. Connect an external power supply, if required (page 9).
3. Connect the camera boom to a computer (page 13).
To install multiple camera booms
1. Mount the camera booms on the wall (page 4).
2. Connect the camera booms to each other (page 7).
3. Connect any external power supplies that may be required (page 9).
4. Connect the first camera boom to a computer (page 13).
Step 2: Install Camfire PC Software and Notebook Software
See page 15.
Step 3: Attach a Capture Slide to each Whiteboard
See page 15.
Step 4: Calibrate the System
To calibrate the system
1. If you have multiple camera booms, reorder and name the whiteboards (page 18).
2. Refine the image alignment (page 19).
Camfire PC Installation and User's Guide
Contents
Important Information .............................................................................................................. i
About This Guide ..........................................................................................................i
Other Warnings and Safety Precautions ......................................................................i
Cleaning the Camera Boom .........................................................................................i
Installation Checklist............................................................................................................... ii
Step 1: Install the Camera Boom(s) ............................................................................ ii
Step 2: Install Camfire PC Software and Notebook Software ..................................... ii
Step 3: Attach a Capture Slide to each Whiteboard.................................................... ii
Step 4: Calibrate the System....................................................................................... ii
Camfire PC Whiteboard Camera System .............................................................................. 1
Camera Boom..............................................................................................................1
Camfire PC Software ...................................................................................................1
Notebook Software ......................................................................................................2
Installing the Camfire PC System .......................................................................................... 3
Single Camera Boom...................................................................................................3
Multiple Camera Booms ..............................................................................................3
Unpacking and Checking Components .......................................................................3
Mounting a Camera Boom on the Wall........................................................................4
Connecting Multiple Camera Booms ...........................................................................7
Connecting External Power Supplies (If Required) .....................................................9
Connecting a Camera Boom to a Computer .............................................................13
Installing Camfire PC Software and Notebook Software...........................................15
Attaching the Capture Slide to the Whiteboard .........................................................15
Disabling the Capture Slide .......................................................................................16
Updating the Camera Software .................................................................................17
Calibrating the System..........................................................................................................18
Reordering and Naming Multiple Whiteboards..........................................................18
Refining the Image Alignment ...................................................................................19
Using the Camfire PC System.............................................................................................. 22
Capturing Your Whiteboard Notes.............................................................................23
Creating or Opening a Notebook File ........................................................................24
Reordering and Deleting Images...............................................................................25
Printing Images..........................................................................................................25
Saving a Notebook File..............................................................................................25
Camfire PC Installation and User's Guide
Exporting a Notebook File .........................................................................................26
Copying Images from Notebook Software into Other Applications ...........................27
Copying Images from the Clipboard into Other Applications.....................................27
Customer Support ................................................................................................................. 28
Contacting SMART Technical Support......................................................................28
General Inquiries .......................................................................................................28
Product Warranty.......................................................................................................28
Index ....................................................................................................................................... 29
Camfire PC Installation and User's Guide 1
Camfire PC Whiteboard Camera System
With the Camfire PC system, you can write notes, create schedules and draw diagrams on
your whiteboard, and then save an image of these notes in one step. To do this, simply use
the capture slide on the whiteboard, click the Camfire button in Notebook™ software, or use
the toolbar commands that are available from the Camfire PC icon in your system tray. The
digital cameras in the camera boom then take a high-resolution, color image of everything
you’ve written, drawn or posted on the whiteboard.
The Camfire PC system includes three main components: a fixed camera boom, Camfire PC
software and Notebook software. However, you can install both software applications from a
single installation file.
Computer (Laptop or Desktop)
with Camfire PC Software
and Notebook Software Installed
Whiteboard
Camera Boom
IEEE 1394 Cable
Figure 1: Camfire PC System for Saving Whiteboard Notes
Camera Boom
You can mount the camera boom above any standard whiteboard. This boom includes two
digital cameras, each with fixed focus and auto exposure. Together, the two cameras can
capture the notes on a whiteboard as large as 4 ft. H x 8 ft. W (1.2 m x 2.4 m). Each camera
takes a color photograph of a portion of your whiteboard. Before the Camfire PC system
inserts your whiteboard notes into Notebook software or the clipboard, it stitches together the
photographs taken by the two cameras and enhances the image.
Camfire PC Software
This software provides tools for configuring and using your Camfire PC system. With Camfire
PC software, you can refine the image alignment, name and reorder multiple camera booms,
enable or disable the capture slide, update camera software, and capture your whiteboard
notes.
2 Camfire PC Installation and User's Guide
To access the configuration settings for Camfire PC software, click the Camfire PC icon in
your system tray. A shortcut menu appears. You can also access this menu with a right-click.
NOTE: This manual does not explain how to get diagnostic images for troubleshooting
camera issues. If you’re experiencing camera problems, contact SMART Technical Support
at 1.866.518.6791 (Canada/U.S.) or +1.403.228.5940 (all other countries) for assistance.
To access the capture buttons, double-click the Camfire PC icon in your system tray.
Notebook Software
Although by default your whiteboard notes are captured to Notebook software, you can also
capture them to the clipboard. However, Notebook software is a more convenient tool for
collecting, organizing and presenting your captured notes. Each capture is inserted as an
image on a separate page of the Notebook file. You can then use Notebook software to
reorder, copy, delete, save, print and export your whiteboard notes.
Camfire PC Installation and User's Guide 3
Installing the Camfire PC System
If you have one whiteboard in the room, you only need one camera boom. However, if you
have more than one whiteboard, you may want to install a camera boom above each one.
You can do this easily because a single computer can control as many as four camera
booms. The installation procedure varies, depending on whether you plan to use one camera
boom with the computer or several.
Single Camera Boom
To install a Camfire PC system that saves the notes from one whiteboard, you’ll need to:
1. Mount the camera boom on the wall (page 4).
2. Connect an external power supply, if required (page 9).
3. Connect the camera boom to your computer (page 13).
4. Install Camfire PC software and Notebook software (page 15).
5. Attach the capture slide to the whiteboard (page 15).
Multiple Camera Booms
To install a Camfire PC system that saves the notes from multiple whiteboards, you’ll need to:
1. Mount the camera booms on the wall (page 4).
2. Connect the camera booms to each other in a daisy-chain pattern (page 7).
3. Connect any external power supplies that may be required (page 9).
4. Connect the first camera boom in the chain to the computer (page 13).
5. Install Camfire PC software and Notebook software (page 15).
6. Attach a capture slide to each whiteboard (page 15).
Unpacking and Checking Components
Unpack the contents of the shipping container, and check each item you remove against the following
list:
• the Camfire PC Installation and User’s Guide
• a camera boom with an installation template, wall bracket, three toggle bolt anchors
and a security hex screw
• a 15 ft. (4.6 m) IEEE 1394 6-pin to 6-pin cable
• a whiteboard capture slide
• a Camfire PC software installation CD (includes both Camfire PC software and
Notebook software)
• seven image alignment targets
If any items are missing, contact SMART Technical Support at 1.866.518.6791 (Canada/U.S.) or
+1.403.228.5940 (all other countries).
4 Camfire PC Installation and User's Guide
Recommended Tools
Have the following tools on hand when you install the Camfire PC system:
• Phillips® No. 2 screwdriver
• bubble level
• measuring tape
• security hex key (supplied)
Mounting a Camera Boom on the Wall
To install multiple camera booms, repeat these instructions for each one.
Step 1: Mark the drywall anchor locations
1. Measure the width of the whiteboard and use a pencil to mark on the wall the center
location of the whiteboard. Make the pencil mark immediately above the top edge of
the whiteboard.
2. Fold the template along the score line, making sure the fold is straight.
3. Rest the folded template on top of the whiteboard and use the diamond-shaped
window to align the template with the center mark above the whiteboard. Make sure
the corner fold is snug against the wall and the top edge of the whiteboard.
NOTE: An electronic version of this template is available at www.smarttech.com/
products/camfire/specs.asp should you misplace the one that was shipped with your
product.
IMPORTANT
Leave at least 17 in. (43 cm) clearance between the top of the
whiteboard and the ceiling.
4. Mark the center locations for the three toggle bolt anchors.
Center of Whiteboard
STEP
1
2
1
Whiteboard
17 in. (43
cm) Minimum
1
STEP
WINDOW
Toggle Bolt
A
nchor Location
A
lignment Window
Camera Boom
Installation
Ceiling
SMA RT Cam Fir e
Camer a B oom Installation Template
Camfire PC Installation and User's Guide 5
Step 2: Fasten the wall bracket to the wall
1. At each toggle bolt anchor location, drill a 1/4 in. (6 mm) pilot hole and then drill the
final 1/2 in. (13 mm) hole through the drywall.
If the marked location is at a wall stud, don’t use a drywall anchor. Use a No. 8 by
2 in. (38.1 mm) long wood screw for wood studs or a self-drilling metal screw for
metal studs.
2. Insert toggle bolt anchors in the marked locations as follows:
a. Bend the metal end of the toggle bolt anchor flat against the plastic handle and
push the toggle bolt anchor through the hole in the wall.
Plastic Handle
Metal End
b. Slide the plastic cap forward until it’s flush with the drywall. The metal end then
pivots open on the inside of the wall to create an anchor.
Metal
End
Wall
Plastic Cap
c. Bend the plastic handle on the toggle bolt anchor to break it off.
Plastic Handle
3. Align the camera boom wall bracket with the toggle bolt anchors. Insert by hand a
3/16–24 UNC x 1 3/4 in. Phillips pan head bolt into each toggle bolt anchor. When
the threads begin to catch, use a Phillips hand screwdriver to tighten the bolts.
Camera Boom
Wall Bracket
3/16-24 UNC x 1 3/4 in.
Phillips Pan Head Bolt
NOTE: Do not use an electric screwdriver. Overtightening the bolt may cause the
plastic to break and the metal end to fall behind the wall.
6 Camfire PC Installation and User's Guide
Step 3: Mount the camera boom on the wall
1. Lift the camera boom to the top of the wall bracket. Then slide the base of the
camera boom onto the wall bracket, fitting the camera boom mounting slots onto the
wall bracket hooks.
Wall Bracket
Hook x 3
Mounting Slot x 3
Camera Boom
2. Open the door at the bottom of the camera boom base. Using the provided hex key,
tighten the security hex screw at the bottom of the camera boom base.
Door
Security Hex Screw
Camera Boom Base
NOTE: This security hex screw ensures that no one accidentally knocks the camera
boom free from its wall bracket. It also helps prevent unauthorized removal of the
equipment. Store it in a safe place, where it’s unlikely to be stolen or lost. This key is
not commonly found in hardware stores.
Camfire PC Installation and User's Guide 7
3. Close the door on the camera boom base.
4. If you’re only installing one camera boom, skip to Connecting an External Power
Supply, on page 9.
Connecting Multiple Camera Booms
If you’re installing multiple camera booms to work with one computer, you must connect them
together in a daisy-chain pattern. The information that is transmitted between the computer
and a camera boom travels from one camera boom to the next until it reaches its destination.
You may also need to attach additional power supplies. This requirement varies according to
the power capacity of the IEEE 1394 port or PC card on your computer (page 9).
NOTE: We recommend you position the whiteboards with no more than 9 ft. 2 in. (2.8 m)
between the center of one whiteboard and the next. Otherwise, the IEEE 1394 cable, which is
10 ft. (3 m) long, will not reach. If you must position the whiteboards with more than 9 ft. 2 in.
(2.8 m) between them, contact SMART Technical Support at 1.866.518.6791 (Canada/U.S.)
or +1.403.228.5940 (all other countries) for assistance.
Camera Boom Base
Input Port
Wire Management Hook
Next Boom Port
Wire Management Hook
Door
8 Camfire PC Installation and User's Guide
To connect the camera booms
1. Begin with the camera boom farthest from the computer.
2. Open the door at the bottom of the camera boom base and connect the IEEE 1394
cable to the Input port.
Be careful to use the correct port. When you’re facing the camera boom, the Input
port is the one on the left.
3. Run the IEEE 1394 cable through the wire management hook and across the top of
the whiteboard to the next camera boom.
You may want to use a raceway to keep the IEEE 1394 cable and any power cables
out of the way. For example, Panduit® Corporation offers LD surface raceways. For
more information, visit the Panduit Corporation Web site at www.panduitncg.com.
4. Open the door on the next camera boom base, connect the other end of the cable
into the Next Boom port and guide the cable through the wire management hook.
When you’re facing the camera boom, the Next Boom port is on the right.
Computer
Location
Next Boom
Port
Next Boom
Port
Input
Port
Input
Port
First Camera Boom Second Camera Boom Third Camera Boom
Figure 2: Connecting the Camera Booms (Computer on the Left)
Next Boom
Port
Next Boom
Port
Input
Port
Input
Port
Computer
Location
First Camera BoomSecond Camera BoomThird Camera Boom
Figure 3: Connecting the Camera Booms (Computer on the Right)
5. For each camera boom, repeat steps 2–4.
6. Close the door on each camera boom base.
Camfire PC Installation and User's Guide 9
Connecting External Power Supplies (If Required)
Single Camera Boom
If the IEEE 1394 port or PC card on your computer can supply 12W of 12V DC power, skip
this procedure and install Notebook software as explained on page 15.
However, if your IEEE 1394 port or PC card can’t supply this much power, you must order an
external power supply (SMART order No. SCF-XCP). We will also include a country-specific
power cable with your order. Contact the supplier if you’re not sure how much power your
IEEE 1394 port or PC card provides.
NOTE: If your IEEE 1394 port or PC card is a 4-pin connector, you must also obtain an IEEE
1394 4-pin to 6-pin adapter to connect your computer and the camera boom. We do not supply
this adapter, but you can obtain one at most computer supply stores.
Multiple Camera Booms
The number of external power supplies required and their position in the camera boom chain
varies depending on the power capacity of the IEEE 1394 port or PC card on your computer:
• If the IEEE 1394 port or PC card on your computer supplies 12W of 12V DC power,
you must connect an external power supply to the second camera boom from the
computer. This power supply will provide sufficient power for a second, third and
fourth camera boom.
• If the IEEE 1394 port or PC card on your computer does not supply 12W of 12V DC
power, you must connect an external power supply to the first camera boom. If you
have four camera booms, you must also connect an external power supply to the
second, third or fourth camera boom (your choice).
NOTE: You must use an external power supply from SMART Technologies Inc.
(SMART order No. SCF-XCP).
Follow the instructions on page 11 to connect the external power supplies that you require.
First Camera Boom Second Camera Boom Third Camera Boom Fourth Camera Boom
Computer
Location
Figure 4: External Power Supply Connections
(Computer on the Left Supplies 12W of 12V DC Power to the First Camera Boom)
10 Camfire PC Installation and User's Guide
Computer
Location
First Camera BoomSecond Camera BoomThird Camera BoomFourth Camera Boom
Figure 5: External Power Supply Connections
(Computer on the Right Supplies 12W of 12V DC Power to the First Camera Boom)
Second Camera Boom Third Camera Boom Fourth Camera Boom
Computer
Location
First Camera Boom
You may also
connect this
p
ower supply
to the second
or third camera
boom
Figure 6: External Power Supply Connections
(Computer on the Left Cannot Supply 12W of 12V DC Power to the First Camera Boom)
Third Camera Boom Second Camera Boom First Camera BoomFourth Camera Boom
You may also
connect this
power supply
to the second
or third camera
boom
Computer
Location
Figure 7: External Power Supply Connections
(Computer on the Right Cannot Supply 12W of 12V DC Power to the First Camera Boom)
Camfire PC Installation and User's Guide 11
To connect an external power supply
1. Open the door at the bottom of the camera boom base. Connect the male end of the
12V DC power adapter/extension cable to the power socket on the camera boom.
Camera Boom Base
Power Socket
Male End of 12V DC Power
Adapter/Extension Cable
12 Camfire PC Installation and User's Guide
2. Connect the female end of the 12V DC power adapter/extension cable to the barrel-
shaped connector on the 12V DC universal power supply. Close the door on the
camera boom base.
Camera Boom Base
Barrel-Shaped
Connector on
12V DC Universal
Power Supply
Female End of
12V DC Power
Adapter/Extension Cable
Camfire PC Installation and User's Guide 13
3. Connect the 12V DC universal power supply to the female end of the country-specific
power cable.
A
ustralia and New Zealand
North America
Country-Specific Power Cables12V Power Supply
12V DC Universal
Power Supply
Female End of Country-Specific
Power Cable
To Power Adapter/
Extension Cable
Central Europe and Germany
Japan
United Kingdom and Ireland
South Africa
4. Plug the power adapter into a power outlet.
Connecting a Camera Boom to a Computer
If you’re installing multiple camera booms, you only need to connect the closest camera
boom to the computer. This is because the information that is transmitted back and forth
between the computer and a camera boom travels from one camera boom to the next until it
reaches its destination.
14 Camfire PC Installation and User's Guide
To connect the camera boom to a computer
1. Open the door at the bottom of the camera boom base and connect the IEEE 1394
cable to the Input port.
Be careful to use the correct port. When you’re facing the camera boom, the Input
port is the one on the left.
Door
Camera Boom Base
Input Port
IEEE 1394 Cable
Wire Management Hook
2. Close the door on the camera boom base.
3. Run the IEEE 1394 cable through the wire management hook, across the top of the
whiteboard and towards the computer.
You may want to use a raceway to keep the IEEE 1394 cable out of the way. For
example, Panduit Corporation offers LD surface raceways. For more information, visit
the Panduit Corporation Web site at www.panduitncg.com.
4. Connect the other end of the supplied IEEE 1394 cable to an IEEE 1394 port on the
computer.
If your computer doesn’t have an IEEE 1394 port, you can order an IEEE 1394 card
from SMART or a third-party supplier. If you order from SMART, ask for SMART
order No. SCF-1394D for a desktop computer, or SMART order No. SCF-1394L for a
laptop computer.
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