iBOT2 USB 2.0 Web Cam for Windows


Last updated: November 12, 2002

Index of Questions:



With the iBOT2 I get video, but it appears way off center and the colors are off. Also the only available frame size is 256 x 240. What can I do to correct this?

The iBOT2 requires a USB 2.0 port. These symptoms are typical of USB 1.1 operation. This is due to connecting the iBOT2 into a USB 1.1 port or failing to properly install the USB 2.0 drivers. If you do not have a USB 2.0 port, a low cost alternative is available here:
http://www.orangemicro.com/LCusb2pci.html

I have a computer with built-in USB 2.0 support and my iBOT2 does not work under Windows XP. What can I do?

Microsoft has confirmed a bug in the initial release of Windows XP that causes the iBOT2 not to function properly. This bug has been fixed by Microsoft. The fix is part of Windows XP Service Pack 1. Please download and install Windows XP Service Pack1.

You can also get Windows XP Service Pack 1 through Windows Update. Then proceed to the Windows Device Manager and update the "USB Enhanced Host Controller" (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/downloads/servicepacks/sp1/default.asp)

 

"USB Enhanced Host Controller" update instructions

- Proceed to the Windows Device Manager

- Double click on the Universal Serial Bus category.

- Double click on the "USB Enhanced Host Controller"

- Click on the Driver tab.

- Click on the Update Driver button.

- Follow the onscreen instructions, using the default choices.

- When the update is finished, restart Windows XP.

 

Verify the USB Enhanced Host Controller was updated

New Driver Date: 6/1/2002

New Driver Version: 5.1.2600.0

My iBOT2 does not work with Yahoo Messenger/Chat

Yahoo currently requires a resolution setting of 160 x 120. If you have the iBOT2 plugged into a standard "USB 1.1" port, the only resolution option available is 256 x 240, which is not compatible with Yahoo Messenger and Yahoo Chat.

You will need to install a "USB 2.0" card in order to be able to set the iBOT2 to the required 160 x 120 format. If you have an iBOT2 bundle that includes a USB 2.0 PCI board (70USB90051), make sure you install it. If you have additional issues with the iBOT2 and Yahoo Messenger, please contact tech support.

Q: How can I improve the video performance of the iBOT2 USB 2.0 web cam?

Set the desktop color to 16 bit. To do this, right click on an open area of your desktop and select properties, select the Settings tab, and change the color depth to 16 bit.

If you are running Windows 98SE/ME/2000, install Direct X 8.1. You can download Direct X 8.1 from http://www.microsoft.com/directx.

Make sure you computer has a minimum of 128 MB of RAM. To find out how much RAM your computer has, find the My Computer icon, then right click on it, and select properties. It will be listed in the General tab.

Make sure you have the latest drivers for your video card. Contact the manufacturer of your video card for driver updates.

Make sure you have plenty of lighting. Have a good overhead light, and a light source to light up the subject.

Make sure you have the latest iBOT2 drivers. Drivers for the iBOT 2.0 are available here: http://www.orangemicro.com/updateibot2win.html. Make sure you have the latest drivers for your USB 2.0 card.

Open AMCAP.exe, go to the Capture menu, and select Set Capture Frame Rate. Make sure that the frame rate is set to desired frame rate.

Q: My iBOT2 web cam isn't working as expected what can I do?

It is always recommended that you have the latest version of Direct X when doing anything video related. The latest version of Direct X is currently 8.1. To download Direct X 8.1 go to the following web site: http://www.microsoft.com/directx

The download options are on the right hand side. To check which version of Direct X you have go to the Start Menu, and select Run type in DXDIAG and press enter. Your screen may flash a couple times in the dialogue box that appears it will have a version number close to the bottom. If you have any version earlier than 8.1, we recommend you update to 8.1 or newer. If you are running Windows XP, Direct X 8.1 comes pre-installed and there is no need to update.

Q: Why is my iBot2 not working on my laptop through my USB 2.0 CardBus card?

If you are using an Orange Micro CardBus card, make sure you are using the power supply that came with the CardBus card. Another option is to download the latest drivers for the USB 2.0 CardBus card:
http://www.orangemicro.com/updateusb2win.html

If you are using another manufacturer's USB 2.0 CardBus card, check their web site for the latest drivers and troubleshooting information.

Q: Where are the iBot2 drivers for the Mac?

The iBot2 USB 2.0 Camera is a Windows only product. There are no drivers for the Macintosh Operating System. We recommend the iBot FireWire web cam for all Macintosh applications. It supports both OS9 and OSX.

Does the iBOT2 camera support Linux?

Orange Micro has no plans to develop and support Linux drivers for the iBOT2 Camera. However, we will publish links to known Linux web sites that have drivers that support the iBOT2 when we become aware of them.

Q: Will the iBOT2 work in Windows XP connected to a USB 2.0 Host Controller card or port using Microsoft's "NEC PCI to USB Enhanced Host Controller B0" driver.

Yes, as long as the drivers are installed and working correctly, the iBOT2 should function fine. The only limitation in XP is on a laptop. We have found a bug in all shipping versions of Microsoft's "NEC PCI to USB Enhanced Host Controller B0" drivers released as of 6/5/02 that causes the iBOT to not work properly. Our OrangeUSB USB 2.0 Host Controller drivers do not have this bug. We recommend using an OrangeUSB 2.0 CardBus Card if you have a laptop.

Q: When I use a program to access my iBOT2, the video is extremely slow and jerky.

The iBOT2 is a USB 2.0 camera and is designed for a USB 2.0 port. If you are connecting the iBOT2 to a USB 1.1 port (USB 1.0 or 1.1) you will experience slow and jerky images. It is recommended that you use an OrangeUSB USB 2.0 PCI card (for desktops) or an OrangeUSB USB 2.0 CardBus card (for laptops), both can be found here: http://www.orangemicro.com/OrangeUSB.html. You may also experience slow and jerky movement when connecting the iBOT2 to a USB 2.0 port that does not have USB 2.0 drivers installed and configured properly. Check with the manufacturer of your USB 2.0 Host Controller card for updated drivers or troubleshooting tips.

Q: In extremely dark or low-light conditions, my iBOT2 displays grainy images or poor image quality

Most web cams will have problems with extreme low-light conditions. The recommendation for a high quality image is to have the subject in well-lit room. The camera will be able to produce high quality images in a low-lit room as long as the subject has adequate lighting.

Q: Why is there a hole in the bottom of my camera.

The hole on the bottom of the iBOT2 is used to mount the camera on a tripod.

© Orange Micro, Inc. 2002. All rights reserved.