Installation Troubleshooting Guide

Light Ring & Camera Mount System

If something doesn’t look or feel right during installation or setup, most issues can be resolved with a few simple checks. Use the sections below to identify and resolve common problems.

One or More Cameras Not Detected

1. Check all USB cables and extension cables are fully connected.
2. Try the camera in a different USB port.
3. If using a USB hub, temporarily connect the camera directly to the computer.
4. Disconnect other unnecessary USB devices and try again.
5. Restart AutoDarts and, if necessary, restart the computer.
6. If the camera works in another USB port, check the original port using another camera or USB device.
7. If the camera is still not recognised, carefully remove the camera mount from the camera head and check that the camera module cable is fully connected, as this may have become loose during installation.

Tip: Long USB cable runs, unsuitable hubs or insufficient USB power can cause intermittent camera detection. We recommend keeping the total USB cable length to 5 metres or less wherever possible.

Camera Detected but No Image

If AutoDarts can see the camera but the image is blank, frozen or not displaying correctly:

1. Disconnect and reconnect the affected camera.
2. Try another USB port.
3. If using a hub, connect the camera directly to the computer for testing.
4. Close any other applications that may be accessing the camera.
5. Restart AutoDarts.
6. Restart the computer if the problem continues.

Poor Detection or Calibration

Before changing camera settings, check the basics:

1. Switch the light ring ON before calibration.
2. Calibrate with the lighting in the same state you will use while playing.
3. Remove all darts from the board before calibration.
4. Make sure all dartboard numbers and scoring areas are clearly visible.
5. Check for excessive shadows, glare or reflections.
6. Make sure nothing is obstructing any of the three camera views.

Camera Position & Focus

The dartboard surface, wires and numbers should appear sharp rather than blurry.

If a camera is out of focus, carefully rotate the camera lens slightly until the board image becomes clear.

The cameras don't need to point perfectly at the bullseye. Slight differences between views are normal, but each camera should have a clear view of the dartboard and should not be excessively angled.

If the system previously worked correctly, check that a camera or mount hasn't been knocked or moved before recalibrating.

Camera Views or Positions Are Incorrect

If AutoDarts is displaying the wrong camera in a particular position, check the camera assignments within AutoDarts and make sure each camera is assigned to the correct view.

Don't physically reposition a correctly installed camera simply because the software has assigned the cameras in a different order.

Lighting & Image Quality

If the board appears too bright or washed out, reduce exposure or brightness slightly.

If it appears too dark or grainy, check that the light ring is switched on before increasing exposure.

Also check that:

1. Camera lenses are clean.
2. The complete scoring area is adequately illuminated.
3. Strong external lights aren't producing glare or heavy shadows.
4. Nothing reflective near the board is interfering with the image.

Camera Settings

Start with the default/automatic camera settings. These will normally be the best starting point.

If adjustment is required, make small changes rather than changing several settings at once. Exposure is generally the first setting to check when an image is unusually bright or dark.

After making significant changes, repeat the AutoDarts calibration.

Darts & Detection

Some dart and lighting combinations can be more difficult for a camera system to detect than others.

Very dark points, poor contrast, heavy shadows or one dart obscuring another can affect detection. Before changing the physical camera position, check the lighting, focus and calibration first.

USB Hubs & Extension Cables

If cameras disconnect, freeze or work intermittently:

1. Test each camera directly from the computer where possible.
2. Check extension cable connections.
3. Try a different USB port.
4. Temporarily remove the USB hub to determine whether it is causing the problem.
5. Avoid unnecessarily long USB cable runs.
6. If several cameras work individually but not simultaneously through a hub, the hub or USB connection may be the cause.

It Was Working Before but Has Stopped

If your setup was previously working correctly, don't immediately change the camera positions.

First check:

1. Has a camera or mount been knocked?
2. Has the light ring moved?
3. Are all USB connections secure?
4. Has the computer assigned a camera differently?
5. Has anything changed around the dartboard that could create new shadows or glare?
6. Restart AutoDarts and reconnect the cameras.
7. Recalibrate only after checking the physical setup.

Still Having Problems?

If you've completed the checks above and are still having trouble, contact NineDartR and include:

1. Which NineDartR kit/mounts you're using
2. Camera type
3. PC/laptop details
4. How the cameras are connected (direct USB or hub)
5. A screenshot of all three camera views in AutoDarts
6. A brief description of the problem

Including screenshots of the camera views will usually make it much easier for us to identify the problem.