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Record Multi-Device Synchronized Data with Femto Mega Recorder
Orbbec Femto Mega Documentation

Record Multi-Device Synchronized Data with Femto Mega Recorder

Update on 2025-09-15 10:09:42

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This document covers how to record data from multiple primary-secondary synchronized devices.

1. Prerequisites

2. External Sync Constraints

First, connect the master and subordinate devices according to the product multi-device sync documentation.

  • All master and subordinate devices must use the same camera configuration (fps and resolution).
  • All master and subordinate devices must run the same device firmware (Update Device Firmware).
  • It is recommended to start all subordinate devices first, then the master device.
  • The same exposure values should be set on all devices.
  • The “Subordinate Delay Off Master” is set per subordinate device relative to the master.

3. Recording with Each Device on Separate Host PC

In the following example, each device has its own dedicated host PC. We recommend dedicating devices to PCs to avoid USB bandwidth and CPU/GPU usage issues.

3.1 Subordinate-1

  1. Set up recorder on first unit  
    k4arecorder.exe --external-sync sub -e -8 -r 5 -l 10 sub1.mkv
  2. Device starts waiting

Console: 

Device serial number: 000011590212
Device version: Rel; C: 1.5.78; D: 1.5.60[6109.6109]; A: 1.5.13
Device started
[subordinate mode] Waiting for signal from master

3.2 Subordinate-2

  1. Set up recorder on second unit  
    k4arecorder.exe --external-sync sub -e -8 -r 5 -l 10 sub2.mkv
  2. Device starts waiting

Console: 

Device serial number: 000011590212
Device version: Rel; C: 1.5.78; D: 1.5.60[6109.6109]; A: 1.5.13
Device started
[subordinate mode] Waiting for signal from master

3.3 Master

  1. Start recording on master device  
    >k4arecorder.exe --external-sync master -e -8 -r 5 -l 10 master.mkv
  2. Wait for recording to complete

4. Recording with Multiple Devices Connected to Single Host PC

Multiple Femto Megas can be connected to a single host PC. However, this may require high USB bandwidth and host compute requirements. To reduce demands:

  • Connect each device to its own USB host controller
  • Use a powerful GPU that can handle the depth engine for each device
  • Only record required sensors and use lower frame rates
  • Always start subordinate devices first, master device last

4.1 Subordinate-1

  1. Start recorder on subordinate device
>k4arecorder.exe –device 1 –external-sync subordinate –imu OFF -e -8 -r 5 -l 5 output-2.mkv
  1. Device enters waiting state

4.2 Master

  1. Start master device  
    >k4arecorder.exe --device 0 --external-sync master --imu OFF -e -8 -r 5 -l 5 output-1.mkv
  2. Wait for recording to complete

5. Playing Back Recordings

Use 《K4A Viewer for Femto Mega》 to play back recordings.

6. Tips

  • Record with manual exposure on synchronized cameras. RGB camera auto exposure can affect timing sync.
  • Restarting a subordinate device will lose sync.
  • Some 《Hardware Specifications》have max 15 fps support. We recommend not mixing modes/frame rates between devices.
  • Connecting multiple units to a single PC can easily saturate USB bandwidth, consider dedicating host PCs per device. Also be mindful of CPU/GPU compute.
  • Disable IMU if not needed to improve reliability.

See 《Known Issues and Troubleshooting for Femto Mega》for any issues.

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