Tech Note: Configuring the WriteImageFTP

Function for In-Sight Sensors

The WriteImageFTP function writes the current image to an FTP server on the network. This function is
typically used to automatically save images of failed inspections during runtime. Optionally, on the
In-Sight 3400 sensor, the image file may be a complete screen capture, including overlay graphics on top
of the image.

Setting the Parameters

Using the WriteImageFTP property sheet (Figure 1), configure the following parameters as follows, using
the default settings for the rest of the parameters:

Select the name of your PC for Host Name

(see page 5 if your PC name is not listed)

Enter “admin” for user name (this is the

In-Sight Explorer default user name)

Leave password blank

Enter a name for your image file

Figure 1: WriteImageFTP property sheet

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As shown in Figure 2, the default location of the saved images is:
C:\Program Files\Cognex\In-Sight\In-Sight Explorer 3.3.0\Emulator.

Figure 2: Default Folder Location

IMPORTANT: To save images to a folder other than the default, that folder must first be
created on the PC. The new folder’s path can then be specified in the WriteImageFTP
property sheet, as shown in Figure 3. The file name must still be appended to the path.
Note that unlike the path shown in Windows Explorer (see Figure 4), you must use
forward slashes ( / ) instead of back slashes ( \ ) for the File Name parameter.

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 Figure 3: WriteImageFTP property sheet with Modified File Name Path

Figure 4: Modified Folder Location

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Troubleshooting FTP Problems
• The In-Sight sensor must be Online, otherwise the WriteImageFTP function will not execute and
no images will be sent.
• The Internet Connection Firewall must be disabled from Window’s Local Area Connection
Properties dialog (shown in Figure 5). To disable the firewall, open the Network Connection from
the Control Panel dialog and right-click on the Local Area Connection to enter the properties, then
click on the Advanced tab.

Figure 5: Local Area Connection Properties dialog

• Verify that the Windows Internet Information Services is not using Port 21 (see figure 6). To check
the port number, open the Control Panel, then open the Administrative Tools and look for the
Internet Information Services icon. Open it and right-click on the FTP Sites folder and verify that
TCP port is not 21. If it is, change it to an unused port, such as 22.

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 Figure 6: Default FTP Site Properties Dialog

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 • If the name of your Local PC is not listed in the drop-down for the Host Name, then manually
enter the IP address of your Local PC, as shown in Figure 7.

Figure 7: WriteImageFTP property sheet with IP Address for Host Name

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FAQs

Q: Can I have more than one FTP server running on the same network?
A: Yes. You can have multiple PCs running In-Sight Explorer on the same network. Note that you
cannot have more than one FTP server running on the same PC while using any FTP functions.

Q: Can I save my images to another location besides my local PC?

A: Yes. If you have another PC with an FTP server installed, then you can choose that as your storage
location. Note that the In-Sight Explorer software is considered an FTP server. If you are using a third
party FTP server, In-Sight Explorer should be closed. If no other FTP server is running, In-Sight Explorer
must be running. If the Host Name is not listed in In-Sight Explorer, or you are using a third party FTP
server, the PC’s IP Address must be used in the WriteImageFTP dialog, as shown in Figure 7.

Q: Does In-Sight Explorer need to be open when I use the FTP functions?
A: Yes. In-Sight Explorer is actually an FTP server. If In-Sight Explorer is not running, a third party FTP
server must be running.

Q: What port number does In-Sight Explorer use for file transfer?
A: In-Sight Explorer uses port 21 for file transfer (FTP); if another application is using port 21 besides
In-Sight Explorer, the WriteImageFTP function will not execute properly. Please contact your IT
department to disable all firewalls and anti-virus software or make an exception for port 21.

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