Minimum computer specification
The absolute minimum requirement for running Swing Catalyst without live streaming cameras.
Windows 7 SP2, Windows 8 and later (32 or 64-bit)*
Windows XP and Vista is no longer supported**
Intel Core 2 Duo @ 2.2 GHz dual processor or equivalent
4 GB system memory
3D-accelerated graphics card:
Intel HD 3000 or HD 4000 (not recommended for playback of multiple camera angles)
NVIDIA GeForce GT 520 or AMD Radeon HD 6470M
Widescreen monitor (16:9 or 16:10 aspect ratio) with a minimum resolution of 1366x768
* It is important to keep your Windows up to date, ensure that you're running the latest software updates and service packs at all times.
** Windows XP only works on versions 4.6.x or older.
** Windows Vista only works on versions 6.2.x or older.
Recommended computer specification
Swing Catalyst runs optimally with these specifications.
Windows 10 64-bit
Intel® Core™ i5/i7 CPU (Skylake or newer architectures are recommended) or:
AMR Ryzen 1700, 1700X & 1800X.
8 GB DDR3 RAM or more
7200RPM 1TB (or larger) hard drive or SSD
3D-accelerated graphics card with minimum 215 MB video memory. Either a dedicated card or onboard can be used, see below:
NVIDIA Geforce GTX 1050, or AMD Radeon R9 280, 380 or 480 better (most mid to high range cards are suitable. Please see here for more information: http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/gpu_list.php)
Onboard graphics: Intel HD (4600, 5000, 6000, + Iris Graphics , performance respectively, please contact support if you have additional questions about Intel graphics).
Monitor capable of 1080p (Full HD) resolution. (Multiple monitors may be preferable depending on the setup.
Further requirements
CCTV/Analog cameras
If CCTV/analog cameras are to be used the following add-in cards are needed:
Winnov Videum 4400 VO Xpress (requires 1x free PCIe slot) (supports 4 cameras)
Winnov Videum 004 VO capture card (requires 1x free PCI slot ) (supports 3 or 4 cameras depending on PC)
Networking requirements for GigE Cameras
If AVT Prosilica highspeed GigE cameras are to be used, one or more network ports/cards are required.
Depending on the required bandwidth by the camera, one or two cameras can be used on each network port (please see your camera manufacturers bandwidth requirements).
We recommend the following network cards (with installed Intel drivers), and are recommended by most camera manufacturers:
Intel Pro/1000 GT (requires a free PCI slot)
Intel Pro/1000 CT (requires a free 1x PCIe slot)
Intel Gigabit Server Adapter (with dual ports) (requires a free 4x PCIe slot)
Most gigabit ethernet network cards with support for jumbo frames will work.
The AVT Manta G-033, G-034, G-046 and Prosilica GC650 cameras can be run with two cameras on a single network port using a gigabit switch with (jumbo frames support). The AVT Prosilica GE680 requires a network port for each camera.
Gige cameras and network cards with known issues:
IDS GigE cameras with Realtek Network cards.
Recommended components for USB 3.0 High-Speed Cameras
We strongly recommend USB 3.0 PCI Express cards for desktop systems. Most built-in USB 3.0 controllers are not adequate for high bandwidth (high speed / high resolution) USB 3.0 cameras, and will result in dropped frames and other instabilities).
Built in USB 3.0 controllers work but the performance is wildly varied depending on the chipset, cameras bandwidth requirements, and how many camera's used.
Actual performance between our recommendations, and camera's can also differ. Meaning, one camera from Point Grey might have better performance with a specific chipset, vs one from Ximea, or the other way around.
Always buy the camera manufacturers recommended addon card or solution if possible.
Recommended chipsets:
Renesas uPD720202
Renesas uPD70200A
Fresco FL1009
Fresco FL1100EX
Intel Z77 (Ivy Bridge)
Intel Z87 (Intel 8 Series / C220) Express Chipset (471 MB/s max)
Intel Q77 Express Chipset
Intel 7 Series/C216 (HM76) (451 MB/s max)
Compatible USB 3.0 Add-on cards:
ORICO PFU3-2P (model is sold both with FL1009 and FL1100, both should work for most setups).
U3-PCIE1XG211 (http://www.ioiusb.com/Host-Adapter/U3-PCIE1XG211.htm)
Recommended Intel chipsets:
Intel Haswell (4th generation)
Intel Broadwell (5th generation)
Intel Skylake (6th generation)
The maximum USB 3 speed is 500MB/s, but in reality the limit is much lower than this. In many cases the actual performance is about half and in some cases worse than that.
This means not all chipseth can handle multiple camera's with max framerate and resolution.
Tip: Using AOI/ROI (region of interest) can help lower the overall bandwidth usage.
For multiple camera setups, e.g two camera setup it's important each camera uses approx half of max bandwidth to able to use two cameras.
Recommended USB 3.0 Cables:
Although the USB 3.0 standard does not specify a maximum cable length, we do not recommend cables longer than 3 meters.
Some 5 meter cables work, whereas others don't depending on the manufacturer and camera. We recommend to use 3 meter cables + an active usb extension or repeater that fits the USB 3 specification.
Recommended cable type:
USB 3.0 (A to Micro B with locking screws) recommended by your camera manufacturer.
For cable lengths longer than 3 meters we recommend:
Active USB 3.0 repeaters (or repeater cables) from Newnex: http://newnex.com/usb3_active_extension.php
Active USB 3.0 extension cables certified for Machine Vision by the camera manufacturer
