Installing EthoVision XT 18

System Requirements

EthoVision XT 18 runs on Windows 11 Pro. It is not designed for use with the Touch features of Windows. While it is expected to work on Windows 10, this configuration has not been fully tested.

Installing EthoVision XT 18 will not remove previous versions, though you may choose to uninstall them to avoid confusion. Uninstalling previous versions will not delete your experiments. Experiments created in older versions can be opened in XT 18, but once saved, they cannot be reopened in previous versions.

If you are using EthoVision XT 17 or older, this is not a free upgrade. If you have a hardware license key (dongle), you will need an upgrade key. If you have an active NoldusCare contract, the registered user should have received the upgrade key. Otherwise, contact your sales representative to purchase one. Software-based licenses will update automatically if NoldusCare is active; otherwise, a new license must be purchased.

Before You Install EthoVision XT

New users: You will have received a software activation key. Keep this key ready when launching EthoVision XT.

Upgrading users (hardware dongle): You should have received a license upgrade key via email. Have it ready when launching the software.

User Rights: Administrator privileges are required to install EthoVision XT.

Regional Settings: Avoid using a comma as the decimal separator. To adjust this setting:

• Go to Apps > Windows System > Control Panel
• Click Clock, Language, and Region
• Select Change date, time, or number formats
• Click Additional settings

MediaRecorder: If you are installing MediaRecorder on the same PC, install it before installing EthoVision XT.

To Install EthoVision XT 18

Before installing, close all other applications.

If you don’t already have the installation files (e.g., from a USB stick), they can be downloaded online. You will need an account associated with your license. If you don’t have access, contact support@noldus.com and provide your license number or registered user name.

To download the installation files:

• Click Downloads at the top of the page
• Under the EthoVision heading, click Versions
• Select EthoVision XT - Installation Package - 18.0.1832 and click Download

The ZIP file is approximately 5 GB. Installation will fail if run directly from the compressed folder. You must extract the files first:

• Right-click the ZIP file and select Extract All
• Check the option Show extracted files when complete

Then proceed with installation:

• Double-click EthoVision XT - Setup - 18.0.1832.exe
• Select Standard installation
• Select the required drivers:
  • Basler USB camera driver – for Basler USB 3.0 cameras (USB connection)
  • Basler GigE camera driver or Daheng Galaxy – for GigE Vision cameras (Ethernet)
  • Euresys Multicam – for analog cameras via BNC (Picolo Alert only)

If the installation fails, a log file will be generated. Send it to support@noldus.com for assistance.

Opening EthoVision for the First Time

On first launch, EthoVision will check for a license.

Hardware license key (dongle):

• This applies primarily to users upgrading from previous versions
• Use the purple USB dongle labeled “EthoVision” with the license number
• If compatible with XT 18, it will be detected automatically
• If not, you’ll be prompted for an upgrade key. Enter it once; it will be remembered by the dongle

Software-based activation:

• Most new users will have a software activation key instead of a dongle
• Choose Activate software license key
• Select either:
  • Floating license – use on multiple PCs (one at a time), requires internet
  • Fixed license – use offline; activation via internet or QR code

For data acquisition on a single system, a Fixed license is typically recommended.

You may install EthoVision on additional systems without an activation key. Use unlicensed analysis mode to access full analysis features (tracking and acquisition will be disabled).