How to mount and position your XBotGo Falcon camera

These features are currently being tested by programs that are a part of our Innovation Group. They will be available to all programs on TeamSnap ONE soon.

How to mount and position your XbotGo Falcon camera

Where you put your XbotGo Falcon makes a real difference in how well it films. Because the camera tracks the action on its own, it needs a clear, steady view of the whole playing area to follow the game and keep everyone in frame. This article covers the physical setup — attaching the camera to a tripod or mount and choosing the right spot and height — so it's ready before you connect it and go live.

A good rule for the whole process: get the camera mounted, and ensure your lens is aimed at the middle of the playing area before you start streaming. Once it's filming, moving it can throw off its tracking, so if you do need to move it, you should monitor your stream to make sure your camera is tracking correctly. The payoff is worth it — set it up well, and the Falcon handles the filming while you coach, cheer, or just watch the game.

Before you start:

• Have your XbotGo NT4 tripod (or another sturdy tripod with a standard 1/4-inch mount) and the quick-release plate that came with your camera.
• Charge the camera ahead of time. See Getting started with your XbotGo Falcon camera.
• Unlock the power safety lock and turn on your camera

Attach the camera to your tripod

1. Attach the quick-release plate to your tripod using the 1/4-inch screw mount on the bottom of the plate.
2. Line up the alignment pin on the plate with the locating hole on the bottom of the camera.
3. Turn the locking knob clockwise until the camera is firmly secured.

Important: Make sure the camera is locked down tight, and the tripod is stable before you let go. A secure mount protects the camera from falls. Also, give it room to turn freely — the Falcon rotates to follow play, so keep bags, railings, and people clear of it.

Choose where to place it

Set the camera up along the sideline, near the center line of the field or court. The middle of the sideline gives the Falcon the best angle to see end-to-end and capture the full action.

Before you start streaming, confirm the camera is positioned with an unobstructed view. If part of the field is blocked, shift the mount until the whole playing area can be seen as the camera rotates.

Note: A tripod isn't your only option. The mount that comes with your Falcon uses a universal 1/4-inch fitting, so it works with any standard tripod or mount. For some sports, a sideline tripod isn't practical — for example, you might use a fence mount behind home plate for baseball or softball, or a rail mount at a rink. Any sturdy mount that keeps the camera steady and provides a clear view of the play area will work.

Set the height

Raise the tripod tall enough that spectators won't walk into the shot. A higher camera near the sideline keeps the view clear over the heads of players, coaches, and fans on the touchline.

Important: Set your height before you go live. Raising or moving the camera while it's streaming can cause it to lose tracking. If you need to adjust the angle after that, move the tripod rather than pushing or tilting the camera body by hand.

Tip: Once you're streaming, keep your phone within about 20 yards of the camera. Beyond that, the stream can start to cut out.

Frame your shot

How far up or down you tilt the camera matters as much as where you place it. If the lens points too far down, the Falcon has trouble tracking the action. You want the field, plus some space above it, visible.

A good rule of thumb is a 40/60 split between sky and field — roughly 40% of the frame above the field's far boundary line, and 60% below it. Use that far boundary as your reference: it should sit about 40% of the way down from the top of the frame, not up near the top edge.

In this example, the camera is tilted too far down — the field's far boundary (red line) sits near the top, leaving very little space above it. Tilt the camera up until that boundary sits about 40% down from the top.

What's next

With the camera mounted and aimed, you're ready to connect it to TeamSnap ONE.