Is it possible to run 2 topside laptops from single FXTI box?

Blue Robotics Products
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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.

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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? )

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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

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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!

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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?

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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!

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ok - I have some time at home twiddling thumbs on Tuesday so will go through your recommended guide then.

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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 :+1: