Camera Image Dark or Not Displaying During Acquisition – IR Illumination and Camera Setup
Last updated: Oct 29, 2026
Problem
During EthoVision XT acquisition setup, the camera image appears dark or completely black, and the system is unresponsive to detection attempts. This can occur with both standard industrial cameras and IR camera setups (e.g., fear conditioning boxes).
Details
Two common causes:
1. IR illumination insufficient or not enabled: IR cameras require IR illuminators to be powered on and set to sufficient brightness. If illuminators are off or turned down, the image will be dark regardless of camera or software settings.
2. Camera physically mispositioned or exposure/focus not configured: Standard cameras may produce a dark image if the lens aperture is too narrow, exposure settings are incorrect, or the camera is pointed incorrectly. Software-based exposure controls may not function on cameras lacking hardware-level exposure adjustment.
Affects fear conditioning camera setups, maze camera installations, and any acquisition setup involving IR or industrial cameras.
Solution
For IR camera setups (e.g., fear conditioning boxes):
1. Confirm the IR illuminators are powered on.
2. Check that the illuminator brightness/intensity control is turned up to a sufficient level.
3. Verify the illuminators are positioned to illuminate the arena area visible to the camera.
4. Re-check the live image in EthoVision — it should now show a visible (grayscale) image of the arena.
For standard industrial cameras with dark images:
1. Check the physical lens aperture — ensure it is open sufficiently for the ambient light level.
2. If using software-based exposure adjustment, confirm the camera is not in 'auto' exposure mode (which can conflict with manual software controls) and that the camera model supports software exposure control.
3. Reposition the camera if the field of view is incorrect or the image is partially obstructed.
4. If software exposure adjustment does not work and the camera lacks hardware controls, consult the camera manufacturer's documentation for compatible control methods.
5. For on-site setup issues that cannot be resolved remotely, contact Noldus Support to arrange an on-site visit.