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Planning
A vista installation comprises cameras
mounted above the feeders or drinkers and connected to a computer. Each
camera comes with a mains adapter and requires a power socket close to
the mounting position. A co-axial cable connects the camera output to
the digitiser board in the computer. Careful planning can simplify the
installation and increase the flexibility.
 Normally
a single camera is used for each pen and if
mounted high enough then several pigs on adjacent
feeding/drinking positions can be monitored. If the feeders/drinkers are
close to those in neighbouring pens and the mains point and cable fixing
is arranged in a central position then it may be possible to move the
camera from pen to pen and enable several pens to be monitored on
alternate days. The example in the drawing shows a single camera shared
by 4 pens, each with a 3 space feeder. The camera mounting should be
made to facilitate easy moving.
The computer should be located as close as possible to the cameras but
must be in a clean environment. The digitiser board has 4 inputs and can
be extended with up to 3 additional 4 channel expansion boards to handle
16 cameras at the same time. If a broadband internet connection is
available the system can be controlled, monitored and supported
remotely.
Installing
and commissioning
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Mount the camera on its mounting bracket above the
monitoring position, either to the ceiling or a suitable frame. The
camera must be as high as possible and pointing vertically down. If
the camera is to be moved then use a screw with a wing nut holding
the camera bracket.
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Install a 13amp power socket within 2 metres of the
camera.
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Run a co-axial cable from the camera position to the
computer and fit RCA type connectors. A rubber sleeve can be used to
protect the connection in the pig house.
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Install the digitiser board in the computer
following the instructions supplied with it.
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Install the software following the instructions
inside the CD cover.
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Plug all cables in and power up the cameras.
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Run the Vista software and use the Help to guide you
through the set-up process.
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Each camera position must be entered as a separate
camera and each monitoring position (frame) must be calibrated.
Calibration is a semi-automatic procedure that entails measuring the
height of the camera and using a cardboard template positioned in
the monitoring position to calibrate the measurement system.
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