Basler racer 2 Review: Specs and Uses of the 240 kHz Line Scan Cameras
Updated: 7 days ago
The Basler racer 2 is a series of line scan cameras for inspecting continuous material and fast-moving objects. Prices depend on model. This review covers the series, its specifications and uses.
Quick Verdict
A line scan camera captures one row of pixels at a time while the material moves past, building an image of unlimited length. The racer 2 does this at up to 16,000 pixels per line and up to 240,000 lines per second. The series splits in two. The racer 2 S is unusually small, 29 by 29 mm and under 105 g, with line rates to 172 kHz. The racer 2 L uses CoaXPress for the highest data rates and offers cooling options and an HDR mode of about 100 dB with Basler's frame grabber. Per-model resolutions and rates are on the model pages.
Basler racer 2 at a Glance
Resolution: 2k to 16k
Line rate: up to 240 kHz
Sensors: Gpixel CMOS
Interfaces: GigE, 5GigE, CXP-12
Families: racer 2 S and racer 2 L
Price: by model
Basler racer 2 Families and Specifications
The table below compares the two families.
Aspect | racer 2 S | racer 2 L |
Line rate | Up to 172 kHz | Up to 240 kHz in the series |
Interfaces | GigE, 5GigE, CXP-12 | CoaXPress 2.0, up to 25 Gbps |
Housing | 29 x 29 mm footprint | Larger, with cooling options |
Weight | Under 105 g | Not stated |
Lens mount | C-mount compatible | Not stated |
Cooling | Not stated | Passive fins or compressed-air cooler |
HDR | Not stated | About 100 dB with ImaFlex frame grabber |
Exact pixel counts and line rates per model are not on the series page.
Design and Build Quality
The racer 2 S brings line scan into the size of a small area camera and takes C-mount lenses, which lowers lens cost. The racer 2 L can be fitted with passive cooling fins or an active compressed-air cooler to keep sensor temperature stable, which Basler names as useful in battery inspection.
Software and Integration
Corrections
Shading correction and pixel correction are built in on the racer 2 S.
Frame Grabber
The racer 2 L pairs with Basler's ImaFlex frame grabber, which adds the HDR function.
Basler racer 2 Uses
Web Inspection
Foil, paper, metal strip and textiles.
Battery Production
Basler names battery inspection for the cooled racer 2 L.
Printing and Sorting
Fast-moving printed material and bulk goods.
Basler racer 2 Price and Value
Prices vary by model and are available from Basler.
For the company behind the product, read the Basler Company Profile: Business, Products and Leadership.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Up to 16k resolution
Up to 240 kHz
Very small racer 2 S
Three interface options
Cooling and HDR on the racer 2 L
Cons
Line scan needs controlled motion and strong lighting
Per-model data not on the series page
HDR requires Basler's frame grabber
Who Should Buy the Basler racer 2?
The series fits builders of inspection systems for continuous material and high-speed production.
Basler racer 2 FAQ
How much does the Basler racer 2 cost?
Prices vary by model and are available from Basler.
What resolutions does the Basler racer 2 offer?
2k, 4k, 8k and 16k.
How fast is the Basler racer 2?
Line rates up to 240 kHz in the series, and up to 172 kHz on the racer 2 S.
What interfaces does the Basler racer 2 have?
GigE, 5GigE or CXP-12.
How big is the Basler racer 2 S?
A 29 x 29 mm footprint and under 105 g.
What is the difference between racer 2 S and racer 2 L?
The S is compact; the L uses CoaXPress with up to 25 Gbps and has cooling and HDR options.
Which sensors does the Basler racer 2 use?
CMOS line scan sensors from Gpixel.
What is a line scan camera used for?
Inspecting continuous or fast-moving material such as foil, paper and battery electrodes.
Specifications are based on manufacturer information and may change.
