---
title: "Add supported FLIR cameras to a Vicon Valkyrie system"
canonical: "https://help.vicon.com/space/Valkyrie/1753957/Add%20supported%20FLIR%20cameras%20to%20a%20Vicon%20Valkyrie%20system"
format: markdown
---
The following topics describe how to set up the hardware for a Valkyrie system that includes Teledyne FLIR BLackfly S cameras.

For more detailed instructions and hardware recommendations, see the *FLIR Cameras Setup Guide* for your Vicon application software.

For information about the necessary software setup, see the FLIR camera setup steps in the documentation for your Vicon application software.

> Macro (scroll-pagebreak)

## Attach cables to the FLIR camera

Attach two   cables   to each camera:

- Attach a USB3 cable that will connect to the PC for power, control and data.
- Attach a sync cable that will connect to a Vicon Lock for synchronization.

We recommend initially setting the camera up close to the PC and Lock to verify correct functioning, using the 5 m cables, before introducing any extension cables. Extension cables can cause issues with bandwidth and power, so add these after the camera is set up and functioning satisfactorily.

This diagram shows a setup for a single FLIR camera:

![image](media://da816a12-159b-45d6-8e5b-7eabd30be3d1)

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## Install USB 3.0 expansion card

The latest Vicon PCs come equipped with a FLIR USB3 card. For other PCs, an expansion card is required if:

- The onboard ports on the PC are not sufficiently fast.
- The PC doesn't have enough onboard ports.
- The system includes more than two USB 3.0 cameras.

Install the card in a spare PCIe slot, remembering to connect its external power to either a SATA or Molex drive power connector.

> ℹ️ **Latest drivers**   
> ℹ️ Before you proceed, download and install the latest drivers for the expansion card from the manufacturer's website.

## Attach the mounting plate to the camera

Carefully attach the mounting plate to the underneath of the camera with the four small bolts included, taking care not to lose them or overtighten them.

## Attach the lens to the camera

Attach a suitable C-mount lens for the camera.

## Connect the camera to the PC

1. Connect the USB3 cable from the camera to the PC.
2. Ensure that the screws are tightened up on the camera side to lock the cable in place and that the connector is not subject to excessive force, eg, from the weight of cables or because it is in a position where it could be knocked.

To avoid the whole weight being borne by the camera's connector, we recommend that you attach the cables to the tripod or rig with cable ties. 

> Macro (scroll-pagebreak)

## Connect the camera to the Lock

Connect the sync cable from the camera to the Vicon Lock unit. To do this:

1. Rotate the camera end of the cable, which is keyed, until the correct alignment is found.   
The cable end clicks into place.
2. Attach the other end to the Lock unit.   
It uses an RCA phono connection, which plugs into the Lock's GPO port.
3. Make a note of the GPO port that the cable is connected to. You will need this during software setup as it is not detected automatically.

> ⚠️ **Note**   
> ⚠️ No video is displayed in your Vicon application software until the sync cable is correctly connected to a Vicon Lock unit and the Lock is configured in the software.

## Position and aim the camera

1. Attach the mounting plate to the tripod head or clamp on the rig.
2. Aim the camera in approximately the desired direction. You can change the exact direction later, when software setup is complete and video is being streamed to your Vicon application software. Ensure you finalize the aim before calibrating.