Is it possible to run 2 topside laptops from single FXTI box? Maybe putting ethernet switch in surface FXTI box then running ethernet to each laptop, or USB to one and ethernet to other?
I have integrated a Mirrorless DSLR onto my ROV, then topside running a second screen next to my laptop with main laptop screen showing QGC/ROV IP camera and second screen showing DSLR running over Remote Desktop. If I wanted to have 2 people operating - one on camera, one on ROV - with only 1 keyboard/mouse interface it can become a fight for who has what.
Hi @3dMB -
You can definitely do this! You can either connect a second FXTI to the same two tether wires, or install an ethernet switch as well. You’ll want to set your second laptop to have an IP address on the 192.168.2.X subnet, and replace the X with a # that is not used by any other devices, like 100.
I’m curious which DSLR you’re using, and why it takes remote desktop to use it (did you install a windows computer somewhere that requires this? )
Ok, thanks.
So if I read that correctly, I can install a second FXTI board in the topside box with some short jump cables from one with tether terminated in to the second board? Then I can just have 2 USB outs?
I have integrated a Canon EOS R6 mk2 - however the setup should work with pretty much any DSLR that has a USB out and manufacturer desktop software. I have given a long winded run down of the setup that describes the evolution, here Integrating Mirrorless DSLR camera system with BR2
Hi @3dMB Marcus -
The second FXTI would actually provide another ethernet port - honestly an ethernet network switch is likely a simpler solution, connected to the Fathom-X in the FXTI and your computers ethernet ports.
I saw your post on the DSLR integration - very cool! I abhor remote desktop, and would think the USBIP or VirtualHere BlueOS extension mentioned in this guide would let you eliminate your windows computer, and simply pass the USB connection through the Pi to your topside computer!
ooh - thank you! The stick PC with RDC was purely due to not being able to find any other interface options when searching the forum for integrating additional cameras etc. I will certainly spend some time looking through the linked guide. With the USBIP or VirtualHere options you suggest, would that then have me running the Canon software on my topside laptop instead of the underwater stick PC?
Hi @3dMB -
That’s correct, you wouldn’t need that additional computer, and just run the software on your topside laptop. This is how we integrated the BGH1, except that camera was just able to be reached via ethernet of course!
Thanks for the suggestions - I tried both USBIP & VirtualHere on the bench.
I was unable to make the USBIP Work. EOS Utilities could ‘see’ the camera, however it kept throwing an error message preventing me from going any further.
VirtualHere did work (to a fashion). I found that when on the bench, running over RDC the BR IP camera has slight lag but the mirrorless showing over RDC was pretty bang on. When running VirtualHere the BR IP camera lag had gone, however lag had been introduced on the Mirrorless camera.
First video is screen grab is using RDC
Second video is screen grab is using VirtualHere
I will certainly pursue more testing with VirtualHere, though
@tony-white Hi Tony, same question. Trying to connect two laptops to a single FXTI box using an Ethernet switch. We are using a USB Ethernet splitter and POE injector to get power to the FXTI and we have both lights on FXTI lit up, but we can’t connect. Doesn’t seem to be passing data. We have one laptop set to 2.1 and the other to 2.3.
What is a USB Ethernet splitter? This doesn’t sound like an Ethernet switch… You’ll need to connect the Fathom -x Ethernet to a switch that both computers connect to. The FXTI does not support POE so I’m also not sure how you’re powering things… Your issue is likely with the first item if the LEDs are showing connection is ok! A USB Ethernet splitter does not sound equivalent to an Ethernet switch, can you provide a link to that hardware?
@kurty I changed my approach on this, by adding a eternet router and ignoring USB. The Fathom-x board has RJ45 port, and a USB to ethernet adaptor. Unplug the ethernet from the adaptor and run a cable between the Fathom-X board RJ45, and a LAN router (ensure LAN port, not WAN port on router). For power to Fathom-X board, I use USB power bank, and have chosen a USB powered wifi router.
Super simple. Easy to setup. Ensure the router is on the 192.168.2.x subnet. Job done
This is what I was trying to use (with a POE injector). Theoretically it should have worked, but would not pass data through the USB output. https://a.co/d/04bIP7VY
That was never going to work! That is a passive poe injector, and the fathom x does not support POE for power input. That device is used for things like the BlueBoat Mikrotik radio, or situations where you have Ethernet + passive poe on a cable and want to deliver voltage + communications. For your application an Ethernet switch is necessary.
Hi Tony, of course it was connected to an ethernet switch. The POE injector was providing the power and data to the ethernet input on the uSB splitter and the FathomX was getting power, but the data wouldn’t pass through.
This is the only valid way I can think of when it comes to using that port. Laptops->Passive POE switch → injector → data and 5V power to Fathom-X.
The critical aspect is that USB port on the device is only providing 5V power - the data lines aren’t connected to anything because USB data is not equivalent to Ethernet signaling!
Understood. The USB splitter diagram showed both data and power on the USB output, so I thought it should have worked. I was getting both the power an link lights on the Fathom X, but apparently the data channel off the USB output from the splitter was not compatible with the FXTI USB input.
To clear up some confusion - the USB connection on the Fathom-X is ONLY used to supply power, which can also be supplied (from 7-28V) on the black screw terminals. No data ever flows via that USB-Mini connector! The only data output point is the Ethernet jack - in the FXTI, this connects to a USB to Ethernet adapter, which shows up to your computer as an ethernet interface…
I understand your confusion though, this diagram is terrible!
