Hardware Setup
This guide covers the physical setup of the RingShot system, camera mounting, cable connections, and TriggerPod sensor placement.
What's in the Box
The standard RingShot package includes the following components:
| Component | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RingShot Computer System | 1 | Pre-configured with framegrabber card and software |
| High-Speed Cameras | 4 | USB3 Vision cameras with CS-mount lenses and tripod mounting plate |
| USB 3.0 Cables | 4 | High-quality shielded cables, length depending on order |
| TriggerPod Sensor | 1 | Weather-resistant LoRa impact sensor with ultra long battery life |
| LoRa USB Receiver | 1 | USB receiver dongle for TriggerPod communication |
| Ball Heads | 4 | For mounting cameras on tripods |
| Power Cables | 1 | System power supply |
Camera Setup
Mounting the Cameras
Position the cameras to capture the areas of interest during your shot sequence. Common setups include:
- Front view — facing the archer from the target side, capturing the release and arrow flight
- Side view — perpendicular to the archer, showing draw length and body alignment
- Rear view — from behind, showing string alignment and back tension
- Detail view — close-up of the bow hand, tab, or arrow rest
- Top view — from above, showing the archer's body pose
High-speed recording requires significantly more light than normal video. Use bright, non flickering lighting to achieve the best image quality. Avoid backlighting and mixed light sources. RingShot's filter settings can compensate for moderate lighting issues.
Connecting Cameras
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Identify the Framegrabber Ports
The framegrabber card has 4 USB 3.0 ports, typically marked as Port 1–4 on the rear panel. Each port has its own dedicated USB controller for maximum bandwidth.
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Connect One Camera per Port
Plug each camera into a separate framegrabber port using the provided USB 3.0 cables. Do not use USB hubs — each camera requires a dedicated controller.
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Verify the Connection
The camera's indicator LED should light up when connected. In RingShot, each detected camera will appear in the viewport grid automatically.
The most common hardware issue is a faulty or loose USB cable. Always use the provided high-quality shielded cables. Ensure each connector is fully seated. If a camera drops out or shows artifacts, try replacing the cable first. See Troubleshooting for more details.
TriggerPod Setup
Mounting the Sensor
The TriggerPod is a wireless impact sensor that attaches to your archery target. When an arrow hits the target, the TriggerPod detects the vibration and sends a signal to the RingShot system via LoRa radio.
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Attach to the Target Frame
Mount the TriggerPod on a rigid part of the target frame (not the target face itself). Use the provided mounting hardware or strong adhesive tape. The sensor must be in firm contact with the frame to detect vibrations reliably.
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Power On
The TriggerPod is always on and in a low-power listening mode. The built-in battery lasts approximately 10 years or 100,000 impacts — no charging required.
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Connect the LoRa Receiver
Plug the LoRa USB receiver dongle into any available USB port on the RingShot system (not a framegrabber port). The receiver and TriggerPod pair automatically.
Operating Range
The TriggerPod communicates via LoRa with a range of up to 70 meters in open-air conditions. Walls and obstacles may reduce the effective range. Ensure a clear line of sight between the TriggerPod and the LoRa receiver for best results.
The TriggerPod is designed for outdoor use and is fully weather-resistant. It can be left on the target in rain or direct sunlight without issue.