The PCI-1409 has four-channel image acquisition.  Does this mean that
it can capture four images simultaneously from four different cameras?

Hello,
     The four channel are for the accessory unit for the PCI 1409.
     The PCI 1409 only has one true video input and when this accessory is
     used the board one input is multiplexing through four different
     cameras.  The board will not be capturing images simultaneously or all
     four cameras at the same time, because there is only one video input
     on the PCI 1409.  In order to simultaneously sample four cameras you
     will need four 1409 boards.

Regards,

Russell Blake
Applications Engineering
National Instruments

Russel, how fast can PCI 1409 capture images from four different
cameras in sequence?  In other words, how fast can it capture an image
from camera one, then switch to camera two and capture an image, then
switch to camera three and capture an image, then switch to camera
four and capture an image?  Is this rate on the order of milliseconds
or does it take more than a second or two to make the switch?

Sincerely,
Dewey Buescher (bicuspid)

Hello,
      We have an example program in labview 6.1 which describes three
      different methods for using multiple cameras.  The key to a fast rate
      would be synchronizing your cameras together.  If you following the
      second method where your cameras are synchronized then you would get
      7.5 frames/sec for each camera if you had four cameras.

http://zone.ni.com/devzone/explprog.nsf/6c163603265406328625682a006ed...

Regards,

Russell Blake
Applications Engineering
National Instruments

Thank you very much for the information!  I cannot run the example yet
because I don't have the proper software yet, but I think 7.5 fps will
suit my needs fine.

Can you tell me what is involved in syncronizing the cameras?  Is it
accomplished using the software, or is done by adjusting settings on
the cameras themselves?
Dewey