How to install AVT Manta/Prosilica GigE cameras

This support article describes how to connect a AVT GigE cameras to a computer, how to configure the system and as also the hardware requirements for using a GigE camera.

Hardware Requirements

To setup and install GigE cameras you will require one or more free network ports in your computer.

We recommend using one of the following network cards since they have been tested and verified to work by the manufacturer:

Intel Pro 1000 GT (PCI, 1 port)
Intel Pro 1000 PT (PCIe x1, 1 port)
Intel CT (PCIe x1, 1 port)
Intel Pro 1000 PT Dual Port (PCIe x4, 2 ports)
Intel Pro 1000 PT Quad Port Low Profile (PCIe x4, 4 ports)

It is also possible to use most other gigabit network cards, but it is important to note that the card must support "jumbo frames".

If you wish to use more than one camera it may in some cases also be necessary to use a gigabit network switch.
Most gigabit switches will work, but it is important to ensure that the switch also has support for jumbo frames.

Netgear GS105 gigabit switch 5-port

Hardware Installation and Drivers

For Allied Vision Tech (AVT) cameras please see the manufacturer documentation (pages 19-26), at the bottom of this page.

The most important steps are:

Download the drivers from https://www.swingcatalyst.com/drivers
Install the drivers and make sure to accept installation of the "filter".
Configure the network card to accept "Jumbo Frames (9K)"
Disable all network modules on the network card except the AVT filter and IPV4

If you are unsure on how to do any of these steps please see the manufacturer guide linked above, it contains a comprehensive guide explaining all the steps in detail.

Connecting the GigE camera(s)

To connect a single GigE cameras just use a normal CAT5e/6 RJ45 network cable to connect the camera directly to the gigabit network card/port.

If you wish to connect more than one camera you may use multiple network cards or in some cases a network switch to connect multiple cameras to a single card.

Using a network switch is only possible in some cases (where the total bandwidth of all the cameras does not exceed that of a gigabit port), please contact us if you are unsure if this is possible in your case.

Connecting 2 cameras to a single network card/port

In some cases it is possible to connect 2 cameras to a single network card/port.

This is currently supported for the following cameras:

AVT Manta G-033/G-034/G-046
AVT Prosilica GC650

The following example show how you can connect 4 cameras to 2 gigabit network cards/ports using 2 gigabit network switches:

IP Setup

Each camera and ethernet card should be configured with static IP's on different subnets (and a subnet mask)

Example:

Cameras on nic1:
nic ip: 10.0.1.1
cam ip: 10.0.1.10 ... 10.0.1.20
subnet mask:255.255.255.0

Cameras on nic2:
nic ip: 10.0.2.1 (different subnet from nic1)
cam ip: 10.0.2.10 ... 10.0.2.20 (different subnet from nic1)
subnet mask: 255.255.255.0

Resources: