Today I tested the Spinnaker/PySpin software installations (detailed in ELOG #4) with the FLIR camera connected to chimay. It works!

Example codes

I was able to run several of the PySpin example codes. In particular, there is one which connects to the camera and streams live data to a pop-up Matplotlib window that looks very useful. It is called AcquireAndDisplay.py.

When running these, it is important to keep in mind that PySpin requires Python 3.8, which is not the default system version on chimay. So to run AcquireAndDisplay.py, for example, you must explicitly call the correct version of Python:

$ python3.8 AcquireAndDisplay.py

The standard python and python3 aliases are still linked to the system version (3.9), so calling these will result in a PySpin import error.

Git repository

I have set up a git repo for our FLIR camera control code. I have populated it with an Examples directory which contains the PySpin Reference Manual as well as all the example codes (see the README). There is a local copy of this repo on chimay at /home/controls/FLIR.

Other FLIR streaming software

In addition to the PySpin demos, there are several fully developed applications provided by FLIR. While we do not plan to use these long term, they may be very useful for debugging and cross-validation of our Python interface during development:

• Browser interface: From any web browser on the local lab network, navigate to http://192.168.1.6 and log in (credentials here). This interface supports live data streaming as well as full control of the camera settings.
  
  
• SpinView: A standalone application provided as part of the Spinnaker SDK. It supports streaming live camera data as well as saving images and videos. It can be launched from the terminal on chimay via the command: $ spinview
  
  
• Research Studio: This is FLIR's proprietary software, for which we have a one-year license. It can be launched from the terminal on chimay via the command: $ FLIRResearchStudio

Permanent cabling

Since everything appears to be working, I ran a permanent Cat 6 cable from the lab switch to the camera's power+I/O adapter. The adapter is plugged into a UPS-protected power strip overhanging the optical table, as pictured below. To prevent the adapter from unplugging itself under its own weight, I attached a zip tie around the adapter to hold it securely in place.