What is a TablePi?
The TablePi is an automated stand alone system for use in photogrammetric scanning of objects or 360 product photos. There are two TablePis, the TablePi which was made and sold between 2018-2021, and the TablePi2 which is on sale now; they are functionally equivalent but the later is more advanced. It is essentially an electronic turntable that is capable of piloting a wide range of DSLR cameras, it will turn by a user defined amount in-between photographs and when done it will download the photos of the object on the turntable to a USB stick. If you would like to discuss any aspect of the TablePi2 we are more than happy to help you.
What camera makes will work?
Our turntable works really well with most modern Nikon and Canon DSLRs, but we have also produced experimental builds of the software for customers to work with Sony DSLRs and other makes of camera. The full list of cameras supported by the camera tethering libraries used by our software is listed here: http://gphoto.org/proj/libgphoto2/support.php and we highly recommend that you contact us about this before buying a TablePi2.
Does the TablePi2 support the use of multiple cameras?
Yes. The TablePi2 currently supports either one, two, or three cameras simultaneously. Future software updates aim to expand the ranges of camera models that we support. We can produce experimental builds of the software to improve support for a particular brand of camera.
What is included with the TablePi2?
The TablePi2 kit includes a computational module with touch screen, a plug-in and play turntable with a detachable magnetised scanning surface, a 5v power supply, a 12v power supply, a USB mass storage device, a micro USB cable, and a carry case, and one year manufacturers warranty.
How can buying a TablePi2 save you time and money in the long run?
Traditionally for turntable photogrammetry a person would have to move the turntable by themselves or trigger the camera whilst an electronic “dolly” moved an object. The TablePi2 can automatically capture the hundreds of photos needed for photogrammetric processing of 3D models and free you up to work on other things whilst it is scanning an object.
It is also portable meaning that you can take it with you on sampling trips to museums or archives, and because it can capture 108 – 24 megapixel RAW photos from three DSLRS in less than 5 minutes it means you can sample more data with fewer people in less time.
With consistent configurable steps between your overlapping photos you will get much better photo alignment during post processing in your selected Structure from Motion (SfM) software.
There is also the option to re-label and download your photos in a standardised way using whatever identifiers you wish, if you are willing to allow capture to take slightly longer, meaning your photos will be better curated at the end of a capture.
All of the above translates to making huge monetary savings on your project costs, and allows you to get on with whatever else you need to concentrate on.
How heavy can an object to be scanned be?
The TablePi2 is rated for weights of up to four kilograms with it’s standard magnetised scanning surface. However, customers can opt to buy a machine that comes with a set of out rigger legs and a bolt secured scanning surface that can take loads of up to ten kilograms.
Do you have larger scanning surfaces available?
The default scanning surface that comes with the TablePi2 is 20 cm in diameter. However, upon request we can make this larger, up to 30 cm in diameter magnetised, and 50 cm with a special bolted spindle and legs for stability.
Does the TablePi2 create 3D models?
No. The TablePi2 simply helps a person capture a sequence of images of an object for use in photogrammetric SfM software at a later time.
Does the TablePi2 need a separate computer to operate?
No. The TablePi2 comes with its own computer with a 17.78 cm (7 inch) touchscreen.
My machine isn’t working like expected, what can I do?
There are a few options available, all depending on what is wrong with your machine. In the first instance you can either check out the documentation that came with your machine, or contact us here.
I have lost or broken some of the components of machine, what can I do?
All of our machines are modular and designed to be repaired for as long as manufacturers are producing the parts for them (if they aren’t parts made by us). If at some point a part is no longer available, we shall endeavour to find suitable replacements. We aim to provide long term support for our products and respect customers right to repair. If you think you need a repair, contact us here.
I no longer want my machine, what do I do with it?
We offer a retro fitting service if you would like to upgrade to the latest model at a reduced cost. However, thanks to the TablePi2 there is another option, the turntable module from the TablePi2 can be bought and used with the older TablePi computer module. We are also happy to take back all of our old machines when customers no longer wish to use them, we are able to use them for spares or we will donate the Raspberry Pi inside to a local maker or coding group who has need of them.