How to Check Compatibility of VA-MVEC Enclosures with Third-Party Cameras and Lenses
The VA-MVEC Machine Vision Enclosure series is designed to support a wide range of industrial cameras, including Daheng Imaging cameras and third-party models. The enclosures can accommodate cameras from manufacturers such as Allied Vision, JAI, FLIR, Basler, IDS, and others, depending on the enclosure model, camera dimensions, mounting arrangement, lens dimensions, and cabling.
If you are using a camera or lens setup from another supplier, follow the steps below to verify compatibility before ordering.
Step 1: Verify Camera and Lens Dimensions
The first step is to confirm that both the camera and the lens will physically fit inside the enclosure.
Locate the camera body dimensions and the lens diameter and length on the manufacturer’s product page or datasheet. Compare these measurements with the enclosure specifications below. Also consider connector orientation and cable spacing when checking the complete assembly.
| Enclosure | Max. Camera Size | Max. Lens Diameter | Max. Lens Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| VA-MVEC-167-IP | 29 × 29 mm | 40 mm | 105 mm (with extension rings) |
| VA-MVEC-167-ALU | 29 × 29 mm | 40 mm | 105 mm (with extension rings) |
| VA-MVEC-267-IP | 44 × 44 mm | 74 mm | 108 mm (with extension rings) |
| VA-MVEC-367-ALU | 29 × 29 mm | 40 mm | 40 mm |
The VA-MVEC-267-IP accommodates significantly larger camera bodies and lenses than the VA-MVEC-167-IP, VA-MVEC-167-ALU, and VA-MVEC-367-ALU, making it the preferred choice for larger camera systems.
Step 2: Check if the Lens Length Requires Extension Rings
For the VA-MVEC-167-xx and VA-MVEC-267-IP, if your lens diameter is within specification but the lens is longer than the standard enclosure length, you can simply install extension rings. The front cap section can be adjusted by adding or removing extension rings to accommodate different lens lengths. Use the “lens length and extension ring” table in the VA-MVEC datasheet to select the correct configuration for your lens.
The VA-MVEC-167-xx is supplied with two 15 mm extension rings, while the VA-MVEC-267-IP is supplied with four 15 mm extension rings. Additional extension rings are available as optional accessories. Refer to the datasheet for the maximum supported lens length for each extension ring configuration.
* The supported lens length depends partly on the length of the camera’s C-mount thread. Cameras with a shorter C-mount thread can accommodate a slightly longer lens. Some cameras have a C-mount thread that is 5 mm shorter than usual. In such cases, with the standard 2 × 15 mm extension rings, the maximum supported lens length is up to 51 mm.
Note: The VA-MVEC-367-ALU has a fixed housing design. Extension rings are not supported, and the maximum lens length is 40 mm.
Using extension rings is advantageous when the need is to:
- - Eliminate the need to modify the enclosure.
- - Support longer C-mount lenses.
- - Maintain the enclosure’s IP67 protection.
| Product | Included | Optional Accessories | Max. Lens Diameter | Extension Rings | Max. Lens Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VA-MVEC-167-xx |
Front cap: 20 mm Extension rings: 2 × 15 mm |
VA-ACC-MVEC-167-xx-TUBEx1 (1 × 15 mm) VA-ACC-MVEC-167-xx-TUBEx2 (2 × 15 mm) VA-ACC-MVEC-167-xx-TUBEx3 (3 × 15 mm) VA-ACC-MVEC-167-xx-TUBEx4 (4 × 15 mm) VA-ACC-MVEC-167-xx-FRONTCAP (20 mm) VA-ACC-LENS-FLATSCREWSET |
40 mm | None | 15 mm |
| 1 × 15 mm | 30 mm | ||||
| 2 × 15 mm | 45 mm or 51 mm* | ||||
| 3 × 15 mm | 60 mm | ||||
| 4 × 15 mm | 75 mm | ||||
| 5 × 15 mm | 90 mm | ||||
| 6 × 15 mm | 105 mm | ||||
| VA-MVEC-267-IP |
Front cap: 20 mm Extension rings: 4 × 15 mm |
VA-ACC-MVEC-267-IP-TUBEx2 (2 × 15 mm) VA-ACC-MVEC-267-IP-FRONTCAP (20 mm) |
74 mm | None | 18.5 mm |
| 1 × 15 mm | 33.5 mm | ||||
| 2 × 15 mm | 48.5 mm | ||||
| 3 × 15 mm | 63.5 mm | ||||
| 4 × 15 mm | 78.5 mm | ||||
| 6 × 15 mm | 108 mm | ||||
| VA-MVEC-367-ALU | N/A | N/A | 40 mm | N/A | 40 mm |
Step 3: Verify Camera and Lens Compatibility
Before checking enclosure compatibility, confirm that the camera and lens are mechanically compatible with each other, including the lens mount type (for example, C-Mount or M12/S-Mount). Then verify that the assembled camera and lens combination fits the selected VA-MVEC enclosure.
Before selecting an enclosure, ensure that:
- The camera and lens use compatible mount types.
- The lens diameter and length are within the enclosure specifications.
- The lens focal length is suitable for the application.
- The lens supports the camera's sensor size and image circle, where applicable.
For Daheng Imaging cameras and VA lenses, the VA-MVEC datasheet includes a detailed compatibility matrix. For third-party cameras, also verify the camera dimensions, mounting arrangement, connector orientation, and lens dimensions against the selected enclosure.
Step 4: Select the Correct Mounting Plate
The VA-MVEC-167-xx and VA-MVEC-267-IP use mounting plates designed for different camera families. The VA-MVEC-367-ALU instead uses integrated internal mounting points for direct installation of compatible camera and lens assemblies.
The VA-MVEC datasheet lists compatible camera families from manufacturers including Allied Vision, JAI, FLIR, Basler, and IDS, depending on the enclosure model. Use the listed mounting plate or integrated mounting arrangement as the starting point for compatibility verification.
As camera designs and model variants can change over time, always verify the camera dimensions directly from the manufacturer's datasheet or product page before ordering.
Step 5: Check Cable Specifications
Before finalizing your enclosure selection, ensure that the camera cables are compatible with the enclosure cable entry ports.
All VA-MVEC enclosures feature two cable entry ports: One supports cable diameters up to 6.5 mm and the second one supports cable diameters up to 5.0 mm. The minimum supported cable diameter is 4.3 mm.
A minimum of 100 mm (10 cm) of cable must remain between the enclosure and the mounting surface. The cable must not be subjected to mechanical tension or excessive bending at the cable entry, otherwise, the IP67 protection rating cannot be guaranteed.
Before installation, verify that your camera cable falls within the supported diameter range. If the cable diameter is outside these specifications, an alternative cable may be required.
Our USB3 and GigE cables have been tested for use with MVEC enclosures, eliminating the need for more expensive IP67-rated cables in many applications. If your existing cable is not compatible with the enclosure, our standard USB3 or GigE cables can be used as a suitable replacement.
Note: High-flex cables must not be used with any VA-MVEC enclosure. Due to their physical properties, they cannot be securely clamped by the cable glands and may prevent the enclosure from closing properly, compromising the IP67 seal. Use only approved standard USB3 or GigE cables to ensure correct installation and reliable enclosure performance.
Before You Order
Before placing your order, confirm the following:
- The camera body fits within the enclosure dimensions.
- The lens diameter is within the specified limit.
- The lens length fits the enclosure or can be accommodated using extension rings (where applicable).
- The camera and lens mounts are compatible.
The selected enclosure supports the camera's mounting arrangement (correct mounting plate or integrated mounting points). If all the above requirements are met, the camera and lens assembly can be installed in an MVEC Machine Vision Enclosure quickly and with minimal effort, while maintaining the enclosure's performance and IP67 protection.