Multiple high-resolution, standalone document cameras "Hovercams" are available in the Carol K. Pforzheimer Reading Room. 

Hovercams attach to your Mac. Don't have a laptop? We have three PC laptops to lend. First come, first served. 

Please note: Hovercams can create multi-page PDF documents made of up to 300 images. Exceeding this 300 image limit may cause the software to crash.

1. Download the appropriate software for your operating system.

If you have a Mac with OS Monterey, download the Flex Mac software from the HoverCam website.

Follow on-screen installation instructions after software downloads, and continue with instructions below.

All other Mac users, download the Chromebook App.

Follow on-screen installation instructions after software downloads.

View instructions for the HoverCam Chromebook App.

NOTE: The HoverCam Flex software for Mac and the Chromebook App do not allow users to save PDF files. If you would like to use a HoverCam to create a PDF file, please ask us about borrowing a PC laptop while in the Reading Room.

2. Connect & Configure Hovercam 

Connect the Hovercam to your laptop via USB-a cable. If your Mac laptop only includes USB-c ports, ask for a USB adapter at the Reading Room desk. A limited number of adapters are loaned on a first come, first served basis.

Open HoverCam Flex software. You will see a screen displaying what the camera is aimed at with application menus in the periphery

Click Settings   on the bottom right corner of the menu.

A smaller menu will open in the software.

Click the Snapshot tab to view camera settings.

• Save Location: Select the folder where you want your files saved
• Main Camera: Choose the camera you would like to use for imaging. This should be set to HoverCam Solo8 when a Solo8 device is connected.
• Resolution: Choose your resolution setting
• Zoom Meeting: Must be toggled on to use the Zoom widget
• NOTE: The only file format options available in the HoverCam Flex app for Mac are .png image files and .webm video files

3. Take images 

The menu at the bottom of the screen allows you to control the camera.

• Snapshot: Take an image.

• Adjust: Manipulate the image before you take it.

• View Option: Rotate image.

Choose Open in Finder  to view the images on your hard drive.

"Unidentified Developers": A pop-up about an unidentified developer is an indication that one's computer settings only allow downloads from the Apple store, but never fear!

• Open Finder and search for the Hovercam Flex10 installer and/or program icon.
• Ctrl + click (the equivalent of right clicking) and choose open.
• When the dialog box pops up, allow the software to open and install. 
• If this doesn't work, you will need to update the security preferences. View instructions on updating your security preferences.