The simple setup: phone or tablet
You do not need specialist camera hardware to start playing online darts. A phone or tablet on a stable tripod or wall mount can provide the camera, microphone and DartCounter interface in one device. Position it so the whole board is visible, the image is not strongly backlit and you can still approach the board safely to retrieve darts.
Laptop or desktop with webcam
A computer can be useful if you want a larger DartCounter display. Mount a webcam with a clear view of the board and keep the computer where you can enter or confirm scores without obstructing the oche. If the webcam is several metres away, test whether the board remains sharp enough for an opponent to distinguish trebles and doubles.
Two-device setup
Some players prefer one device dedicated to the board camera and another for score entry or communication. This can make the scoring screen easier to use and lets you choose the best camera angle independently. Make sure only one device is producing room audio unless you have configured them to avoid echo.
Dedicated DartCounter camera hardware
Target's Virt camera system is designed specifically for DartCounter and provides views of the dartboard and player. It can be a tidy option for somebody who plays online regularly, but dedicated hardware is not a requirement for Zombie Darts. Target's current setup guidance uses the DartCounter mobile or tablet app for initial Virt configuration; desktop can then be used as part of the setup.
Automatic scoring
Automatic scoring systems such as Target OMNI can identify darts around the board and feed scoring information into DartCounter. This is an optional convenience rather than a league requirement. Players should still understand how to check a score and correct an error if technology identifies a dart incorrectly.
Camera positioning checklist
- Show the entire board, including doubles and the number ring.
- Keep the image stable throughout the match.
- Avoid glare, deep shadows and bright windows behind the board.
- Keep the camera outside the throwing and retrieval path.
- Test the view at match time, especially if room lighting changes at night.
- Make sure the opponent can see enough detail to follow the game comfortably.
Lighting
Good lighting often improves an inexpensive camera more than buying a more expensive webcam. A dartboard surround light or evenly positioned room lighting can reduce shadows. The goal is a bright, readable board without reflections or overexposed white segments.
Recommended starting point
For a new Zombie Darts player, start with the equipment you already have: board, phone or tablet, stable mount, adequate lighting and DartCounter. Upgrade to a dedicated webcam, Virt camera or automatic scoring only if online darts becomes a regular part of your game.
Before match day
Charge devices, disable aggressive battery-saving settings that may interrupt video, confirm the camera permissions required by your chosen setup and run a short test. A two-minute equipment check is far better than troubleshooting after your opponent is ready to throw.
DartCounter, Virt and OMNI are third-party products from Target Darts. Product availability and app features can change, so use Target's current instructions for device-specific setup.