FROGBOX PARTS

The FrogBox A100 kit ships in two boxes – the first containing the tripod mast and the second box containing the remainder of the kit. Most items will be packed in the green case in the second box - See the Getting Started Guide for instructions on what you need to do when first receiving your kit.


 

Item

Image

Camera

Cables pre connected and secured with protective cable clamp. Also comes with its own battery that can provide 2 hours of use without power.

 

Video Encoder

Takes output from the camera, encodes it and streams to the video backend via 4G. Can also use an Ethernet connection. Comes with built-in battery that can provide 4 hours of use without power.

Battery

Powers all components and can typically do 20 hours between recharges. 

Video Viewer

Use to view vision from camera from bottom of mast.

Tilt Head

Motorised pan and tilt camera head used to position camera remotely. Runs off 4 x AA batteries (supplied).

Case

Waterproof rugged case to make sure the kit stays secure.

Tripod Mast

The tripod mast can elevate your camera up to 4.6m.

Mast Bag

Carry bag for tripod mast and long cables.

Streaming Antennas

Need to be connected to video encoder before turning on. Different 4G and WIFI antennas.

Viewer Sunshade

In sunny conditions attach to video viewer to avoid sun glare.

Cable Ties

For securing cables when mast is extended and to also tie cables when packing up.

Tilt head remote control cable

5m cable length and can control both pan and tilt of camera.

Long USB Cable

5m USB cable for powering the camera using the battery.

Long HDMI cable

5m HDMI cable for you to connect camera to video encoder or video viewer. Comes with HDMI repeater attached.

12V DC Cable

12V car socket connector for powering video viewer.

Video Encoder Charging Cable (mini USB)

Mini USB cable for powering video encoder. Also included in the bag is a SIM card tray ejecting pin.

Battery Charging plug

AC power adapter for charging battery.

Cable case

Black hard-shell zip case for keeping chargers, smaller cables and documentation.

Mains USB Charging Plug

Universal USB AC adapter for charging batteries on camera or video encoder.

Small HDMI Cable

1m HDMI cable to allow a pass through between Video Viewer (connected to HDMI out) and video encoder. This is not recommended for extended use.

Audio Cable

Video encoder allows for external audio input. Can be used to connect microphone (not supplied) for commentary.

Spare mini HDMI Cable

A spare mini HDMI cable in case main cable connector gets bent.

HDMI Repeater

The HDMI repeater will provide better stability to the HDMI signal and also better protection to your HDMI ports.

 

 

INSTRUCTIONS AND DOCUMENTATION

There are several instructional documents contained in the kit to assist you getting started, setup and operations:

  • Product Manual: This guide
  • Getting Started GuideOne-page guide contained within the green case describing what you need to do when you first receive your kit
  • Quick Setup Guide: Laminated summary page detailing the steps required to setup the kit for streaming
  • Camera instructions: Manufacturer supplied instructions for camera (shipped in cable case)
  • Video encoder instructions: Instructions for video encoder (shipped in cable case)
  • Battery instructions: Manufacturer supplied instructions for battery (shipped in cable case)
  • Video viewer instructions: Manufacturer supplied instructions for video viewer (shipped in cable case).


 

 

SETUP GUIDE
 

For a video tutorial of this setup procedure scan the QR Code below, or visit https://help.frogbox.live


Video tutorial

PRE-SETUP CHECK

Before you get to the ground, always make sure that your Battery and Camera has enough charge and that you have enough data on your 4G SIM card for the match (6 hours of streaming uses around 5GB of data).


SETUP
 

Step

Description

1

Setup tripod and extend legs to maximum width. Tighten screws.


Also see section Mast Setup & Windy Conditions

2

Screw tilt head on top of tripod. Make sure the plug inlet and control switches are facing the play as this will ensure pressing the left and right button on the remote control will pan left or right. See image in Step 6.

3

Plug in tilt head remote control cable (item 3 in Step 4).

4

Switch the tilt head control button to "M" (Manual) (Item 4 in picture below). The green light should come on. If not, then the tilt head will need new batteries.


5

Attach camera to top of tilt head via the black knob below the tilt head top screw (screw anti-clockwise).     Ensure the screw is tight (item 5 in picture below).


6

Ensure camera cables are untangled and fall either side of the tripod mast.


7

Remove video viewer from case and attach the sunshade.


8

Remove battery from case and place on top of foam inserts.

9

Press the “on” button on the battery, blue indicator lights will come on indicating the battery life left. 


10

Unwind the long USB cable and plug into a USB slot of battery and the other end to the camera power cable.     

11

Unwind long HDMI cable and plug it into the HDMI IN port on the video viewer (labels are on the back of the viewer)  


12

Plug the other end of the long HDMI cable into the OUTPUT end of HDMI repeater. Plug the camera HDMI cable into the INPUT end of the HDMI repeater



13

Open LCD display on the camera and plug in mini HDMI cable secured at base of camera to HDMI port of camera (item 13 in the picture below).


14

Turn on the camera (if not already on) and open the camera lens.

15

Adjust the zoom of the camera as required. A setting of between 6-9x zoom gives the best picture depending on distance and angle to pitch.


16

Take the short 12V DC cable and plug into 12V port of battery. Plug the other end into DC input port of video viewer (item(s) 16 in the picture below). Screen should start showing the feed from the camera. If the screen remains off then press the “on” button on the top of the battery.


17

Making sure all cables are not snagged, start raising the tripod mast, one section at a time starting from the top section. Use the green flexible cable ties to secure the cables to the mast where appropriate. Tighten all screws before moving to next section.


Make sure you read the separate “Camera Positioning and Windy Conditions” section below.

18

Once at the required height, use the tilt head remote control to adjust the camera as required using the video viewer to check the feed. Best to have the remote control on the slowest speed, the left most position.

19

Attach the aerials to the video encoder (make sure 4G and Wi-Fi aerials are attached to correct ports).


20

Plug the short USB cable into the mini USB input on the front of video encoder (see image in item 19). Plug the other end into a USB port on the battery. The power light indicator on the video encoder should turn red.

21

Unplug the HDMI cable from the video viewer and plug into the back of the video encoder.


22

Unplug the power cable from the video viewer and pack away. The video viewer is no longer required as its main purpose is to assist in aligning the camera when you have the mast extended.


 


 

 

                  


READY TO START

You are now ready to start streaming and simply need to turn on the video encoder (see START STREAMING below) when ready. Your setup will look similar to that on the right.

 
            

START STREAMING


 

Step

Description

23

Around 45 minutes before the start of the game, turn on the video encoder by holding down the “on/off” for 4 seconds (item 23 in picture below). A short beep will sound and the blue indicator light will come on then the Flow Indicator light will turn solid green.


24

The 4G Indicator should start flickering blue then turn a solid blue when a connection is made.

25

The Flow Indicator light should start flickering green which indicates the stream is being sent to the FrogBox servers.

 

AND THAT’S IT! THE FROGBOX SERVERS AUTOMATE THE PROCESS FROM HERE.


 

PACKING UP         


 

Step

Description

P1

Turn off the video encoder and battery and place items back in the foam inserts in the case. Take care removing the video encoder antennas and make sure small cables are stored securely.

P2

Lower the tripod mast one section at a time and disconnect the long USB and HDMI cables. Coil the long cables using the green cable ties to secure them.  

P3

Close the lens cover on the camera. Remove the camera by unscrewing from the tilt head and leave the short cables connected to the camera via the cable clamp. Remove tilt head from the mast making sure you flick the tilt head switch to “Off” before storing in the foam insert. 


P4

Store the tripod mast and large cables in the mast bag. Other items pack away in the green case. Be careful closing the case to make sure no cables are protruding before closing.


P5

Recharge the battery when back at the club rooms or at home while enjoying the replays!

 

FROGBOX CAMERA POSITION GUIDE - CRICKET

Elevation is a key factor in capturing a great view of any match.  The FrogBox streaming kit comes with a 4.5 metre tripod mast that is designed to provide you with an elevated view of the action. When positioning the FrogBox kit, there are two key factors; camera zoom level and the position of the tripod mast.

 

Camera zoom level: Zoom level on the camera of around 6-9x zoom is usually a setting that gives the best results. 

Camera positioning: Our recommended position is an elevated shot looking down the wicket or as straight on as possible. However, your ground may have other positions that are conducive to good capture such as grandstands or club houses so try them out and see what works best for you. Below are three recommended positions to try.

Position 1 (recommended): Position directly behind the wicket, then shift about 1-2m to the right so your line of sight is between non-striker (for right arm over the wicket bowler) and the umpire. If you have extra elevation to get the view over the umpire’s head, then directly down the wicket is preferable.

Position 2: Also a very good position. Angled between the non-striker (for right arm over the wicket bowler) and mid-on. The advantage here is that you are likely to get more of the slips and gully in view

Position 3: Position the camera either side of mid-off but enough to capture 1st/2nd slip if possible.



FROGBOX MAST SETUP & WINDY CONDITIONS

We do not recommend fully extending the tripod mast in windy conditions (i.e. >30km/hr). Keep in mind also that sudden gusts of wind may result in excessive swaying and potentially topple the mast if not secured correctly. When using the mast at lower heights, it is best to lower the topmost sections and use the lower sections as they will be the most stable.


SECURING THE MAST

Mast positioning & wind direction

When setting up the mast it is best to orientate the legs so the one of the legs is opposed to the prevailing wind direction. 

For example, in the diagram on the left, the wind is coming from the direction as indicated by the arrow marked (1). The leg marked as item (2) is then placed opposing the prevailing wind. Extending the centre pole so it touches the ground, item (4) can also improve stability.

We highly recommend anchoring the mast legs via either metal pegs or sandbags.

Anchoring mast legs - Pegs

If anchoring the mast legs with pegs, its best to select a heavy-duty stainless steel or galvanised peg or J Pin that is between 30-40cm in length. It’s a good idea to secure all three struts as shown in the picture on the left. These can be purchased from local hardware or camping stores.

Anchoring mast legs - Sandbags

Sandbags can also be used to secure the mast legs by placing over the leg (as shown in the picture on the left) or on the inside strut. 10kg saddle bags work best and aim to secure at least two of the legs depending on the direction of the wind. These can be purchased from local hardware, camping or photography stores.

 

 

FROGBOX IN WET CONDITIONS

It is not recommended that you setup FrogBox in rainy conditions. However, there is a wet weather option pack available or you can provide your own wet weather protection as need be. 


ADDING WET WEATHER PROTECTION

Camera Cover

Ensure the rain cover covers both the camera and the tilt head. Make sure the drawstring is tight around the camera body as shown. Also make sure the cable connectors are secured by a cable tie high on the mast so that they are within the protective cover.

There are many commercially available camera covers such as from Movo Photo:

https://www.movophoto.com/search?q=cover*

Smaller camera covers usually suffice.

Case Cover

We suggest that in good weather or bad that all components are kept in the case (on top or in the foam inserts). The FrogBox case is watertight when closed but when operating, you will need to have the lid open.

In wet weather you can semi-close the case lid by having the video encoder aerials sticking straight out of the case as shown. Cables can still come into the side of the case.

You can then use a 45L backpack rain cover (with elastic cuff) to fit over the case to prevent rain getting inside the case. 

Cable protection

It is important to keep all cable connectors dry as water can affect the video or USB power connections.

In addition to securing the cable connectors from the camera under the camera cover in step one, you can also protect these connectors using re-usable silicon tape (as shown) or masking/PVC tape.

 


 

COMMON TROUBLESHOOTING


Checking status of the video encoder

Aside from viewing the vision from your streaming endpoint (usually YouTube) you can check the status of what is being transmitted via reading the indicator lights (on top, see diagram in Step 25 of the setup procedure) or the OLED display on the video encoder.



The OLED display on the side of the video encoder will display several indicators showing the status of the connection and current stream. Importantly:

IP: This should show a valid Internet IP address when connected and a (G) indicator showing connection via 4G.

RATE: When streaming successfully this will show in the range of 800-2,500 kbps.


 

 

There is no vision appearing on the stream

If no vision is appearing on your streaming endpoint, then it is likely that a connection to your 4G (or other) network has failed. Check indicator lights and if not connected usually turning off and then turning on the video encoder will force a reconnect and/or a stream restart if required. If using a 4G network check that you have enough data left on your data plan.

 

A bright blue stream is appearing on the stream

This indicates the video encoder is connected to the streaming endpoint but that the vision from the video camera is not coming through.  

  • Make sure the long HDMI cable is plugged into the video encoder
  • Check the other end of the long HDMI cable is connected to the HDMI cable coming from the camera
  • Make sure the mini HDMI connector is plugged into the camera
  • Make sure the camera is turned on and has power.

NOTE:  The in-built camera battery will not charge while turned on or when connected to the long USB cable. Instead, it will be powered directly by the main battery. Therefore, if the in-built battery level of the camera is very low the camera may turn itself off if not connected to the main battery. If this happens, simple turn the camera back on when it is connected to the main battery. You should also make sure the in-built camera battery is charged before use to avoid this happening.

 

A black screen appearing on the stream, but audio is coming through

This indicates that you have the lens cover closed on the camera.

 

Video encoder cannot connect to the 4G network (blue 4G indicator light just keeps flashing)

This can occur if:

  • You turned on the video encoder before attaching the antennas
  • The antennas are not connected to the correct ports (i.e. 4G antenna connected to 4G)
  • You turned on the video encoder before the streaming endpoint was active (streaming endpoints start around 20minutes before each game or earlier by prior arrangement)

Making sure the antennas are correctly connected and then turning the video encoder off and then on again may fix the problem.

When using 4G networks, also check connectively with your 4G provider.