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RSS >  Mustek Gsmart Mini 3 compatible?
Colmarino #1 19/04/2008 - 21h58

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Registered on : 19/04/2008

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Hello everyone,

As just discovered this fantastic free track idea for my flight simulations, I wanted to jump right at it and start making my own 3 point cap.

But first I wanted to make sure my old web cam Mustek Gsmart mini 3 was capable of handling this (gsmart mini 2 is on the incompatible list by the way), so I installed FreeTrack 2.1 on my Pentium 4 3.0GHz with 2GB RAM, Windows XP SP2 and started testing with one remote control.

Mustek's product info states the following:

Technical Specification
Image Sensor ....................................... 2.1 MPixel CMOS sensor
Image resolution ......... 2,048 x 1,536 (by software enhancement)
............................................................... 1,600 x 1200
................................................................... 640 x 480
Memory ........................................................... 16 MB SDRAM
Video clip ............................... 320 x 240, maximal 120 sec./clip
Lens ................................... F/2.8 (Macro/Normal switch)
Computer Interface ............................................................. USB
Video frame rate ............................................. 15 fps (640 x 480)
...................................................... 30 fps (320 x 240)
Self-timer ....................................................... 10 seconds delay
Shutter Speed ....................................... 1/15 to 1/4,000 second



But why then, why do I only get 13 fps and a 14 jitters all the time whatever I try to do?

Could it be because there simply is no Auto Exposure command?
Posted Image
"Equilibrio dos brancos" means White Balance.
Posted Image


I already opened the web cam and no IR filter was present:
Posted ImagePosted Image

I use a bright flash light or I get the remote control closer to the webcam and it gives a maximum of 20 fps, but very shaky at the same time.
I also tried two different USB doors (both directly from the Motherboard).


So, is there any other way I can discover, enable and cancel the Auto Exposure from this webcam?
Edited by Colmarino on 21/04/2008 at 10h41.
Colmarino #2 21/04/2008 - 10h39

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Bonjour!

I've been wondering, could the IR filter be inside the black round plastic piece in which the lens is mounted, like trapped between the lens and the inside end of the plastic piece?

Posted Image

Sounds a little weird since everywhere I see instructions photos of how to remove the filter on different web cams, the filter is easily reachable.
Edited by Colmarino on 21/04/2008 at 10h40.
Colmarino #3 25/04/2008 - 15h23

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Just made a small video where I shot my remote control being used.
These remote controls both have IR LED and this webcam does capture its light.

Should a webcam with IR Filter see this light?

EDIT: Ok, never mind, this isn't something unusual after all (Check FAQ).
Edited by Colmarino on 25/04/2008 at 15h57.
Kestrel #4 25/04/2008 - 15h47

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It's normal for a webcam with an IR blocking filter to be able to see intense IR light, like that from a LED. Without the filter those LEDs should look like flashlights. As to where the filter is, based on your photos I can only assume it is a lens coating.
Colmarino #5 25/04/2008 - 15h53

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Registered on : 19/04/2008

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Yep, I just read the FAQ and that's right.

I just found my web cam's case hidden somewhere in the basement, and the specifications written there show that video 320x240 only has 15 fps capability, and that live video shooting may vary between 20 and 30 fps.

Better start thinking about getting a second webcam ;)

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