VCS NetCam1 User manual

NetCam1

NetCam6

NetCamPlus

Manual

Video Communication Systems GmbH

NetCam1S, NetCam6, NetCamPlus Manual, © VCS GmbH2

scribed, or stored in any information retrieval system, or translated into any human or computer

language in any form or by any means without the express written permission by VCS GmbH. It

is against the law to copy this manual or the software, in part or whole, in any medium, for any

purpose other than to aid the purchaser in the operation on a single computer system.

VCS GmbH does not provide any warranties with respect to the contents of this manual, either

express or arising out of the use of or inability to use this product, implied, including but not lim-

ited to the implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Hardware, firmware and other material delivered with NetCam are subject to the provisions of

the copyrights. Passing on, reproduction or transmission of this document in any form or by any

means, wholly or partially, is only granted with the express written permission of VCS GmbH.

In no event will VCS GmbH be liable for any damages (including but not limited to damages out

of lost profits, interruption of business, loss of company information and data, telecommunication

charges or financial loss), which arise out of the use of or inability to use these products.

Trademarks:

All trademarks are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Nürnberg, July 1998

NetCam1S, NetCam6, NetCamPlus Manual, © VCS GmbH 3

Content

1INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................7

1.1 SUPPLIED CONTENTS .......................................................................................8

1.2 OPERATING REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................8

2SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS ............................................................................10

2.1 APPLICATIONS ................................................................................................10

2.2 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION .............................................................................11

2.3 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION ...............................................................................12

3HARDWARE INSTALLATION .............................................................................17

3.1 UNPACKING ...................................................................................................17

3.2 FOR YOUR SAFETY .........................................................................................17

3.3 CONNECTORS ................................................................................................18

3.3.1 Power Supply ...........................................................................................19

3.3.2 Video Inputs (not for NetCamPlus) ...........................................................20

3.3.3 Video Output .............................................................................................21

3.3.4 Alarm Inputs .............................................................................................21

3.3.5 Relay Outputs ...........................................................................................24

3.3.6 Audio I/O ...................................................................................................25

3.3.7 ISDN-Connector .......................................................................................26

3.3.8 Serial Interfaces ........................................................................................26

3.3.9 AI-Connector (NetCamPlus only) .............................................................33

3.3.10 Wiring .......................................................................................................33

3.3.11 Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) ..........................................................34

3.3.12 Installations in Lightning Endangered Areas ............................................34

3.4 NETCAM CONFIGURATION EXAMPLES .............................................................35

4NETCAMPLUS ................................................................................................38

4.1 LENS .............................................................................................................38

4.2 ADJUSTMENT OF BACK FOCAL DISTANCE ........................................................38

4.2.1 Lenses with Fixed Focal Length ...............................................................39

4.2.2 Zoom-Lenses ............................................................................................39

4.3 ADJUSTMENT OF CCD-PARAMETERS ..............................................................39

5OPERATION ...................................................................................................40

5.1 FRONT PANEL DISPLAY ..................................................................................40

5.2 DEFAULT SETTINGS ........................................................................................41

NetCam1S, NetCam6, NetCamPlus Manual, © VCS GmbH4

6CONFIGURATION USING NCTERM ..................................................................43

6.1 INSTALLATION OF THE NCTERM TERMINAL PROGRAM .....................................43

6.2 OPERATING THE NETCAM TERMINAL PROGRAM ..............................................43

6.2.1 Call Control Using NCTerm ......................................................................44

6.2.2 Status Display ..........................................................................................47

6.2.3 Configuration of NetCam Units Using NCTerm ........................................48

6.3 VIDEO AND AUDIO OPERATION PANEL ............................................................49

6.3.1 Audio Control ...........................................................................................50

6.3.2 Video Control ...........................................................................................51

6.4 ALARM CONFIGURATION ................................................................................53

6.4.1 On-Screen Alarm Messages ....................................................................53

6.4.2 Activation of Alarm Inputs ........................................................................54

6.4.3 Motion Detection ......................................................................................56

6.5 OUTPUT ACTIONS ..........................................................................................57

6.6 OUTPUT CONFIGURATION ..............................................................................58

6.7 CAMERA CONFIGURATION ..............................................................................60

6.7.1 On-Screen Display ...................................................................................60

6.7.2 Camera Name Setting ..............................................................................60

6.7.3 Default Camera (only for NetCam6) .........................................................60

6.7.4 Video Standards .......................................................................................62

6.8 INTERFACE CONFIGURATION ..........................................................................62

6.9 GENERAL SETTINGS ......................................................................................64

6.9.1 Passwords ................................................................................................64

6.9.2 PIN Entry for GSM ...................................................................................66

6.9.3 Access Control .........................................................................................66

6.9.4 Real-Time Clock .......................................................................................67

6.9.5 Unit Name ................................................................................................67

6.9.6 Unit ID ......................................................................................................67

6.9.7 MSN/EAZ .................................................................................................68

6.9.8 Communication Protocol ..........................................................................68

6.9.9 NCP Address ...........................................................................................69

6.9.10 Version Information ..................................................................................69

6.9.11 Modem Initialization .................................................................................69

6.10 TELEPHONE NUMBER DIRECTORY ..................................................................70

6.10.1 Entering Telephone Numbers ..................................................................71

6.10.2 Assigning Numbers to Alarms ..................................................................71

6.10.3 Redial Options ..........................................................................................72

6.11 INPUT ACTIONS (ONLY FOR NETCAM6) ...........................................................73

6.11.1 Connecting Inputs ....................................................................................73

6.11.2 Hold Function ...........................................................................................74

6.11.3 Configuration Example 1 ..........................................................................75

6.11.4 Configuration Example 2 ..........................................................................76

NetCam1S, NetCam6, NetCamPlus Manual, © VCS GmbH 5

6.12 CCD PARAMETER SETTINGS (ONLY FOR NETCAMPLUS) .................................77

6.12.1 Backlight Compensation (BLC) ................................................................77

6.12.2 Automatic Gain Control (AGC) .................................................................78

6.12.3 Automatic White Balance (AWB) ..............................................................78

6.12.4 Shutter Speed ...........................................................................................79

7APPENDIX ......................................................................................................81

7.1 SERVICE AND TROUBLESHOOTING ..................................................................81

7.1.1 General Service Remarks ........................................................................81

7.1.2 Error Symptoms and Troubleshooting ......................................................81

7.2 TECHNICAL DATA ...........................................................................................84

7.3 CABLE PIN ASSIGNMENTS ..............................................................................86

7.3.1 ISDN Cable ...............................................................................................87

7.3.2 Camera Cable (not for NetCamPlus) ........................................................88

7.3.3 Configuration Cable (NetCam1 and NetCam6) ........................................88

7.3.4 Configuration Cable (NetCamPlus) ..........................................................89

7.4 COMPLIANCE WITH STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS .........................................89

7.5 CONFIGURATION EXAMPLES ...........................................................................91

7.5.1 Connection of a Remote Controlled Pan&Tilt Camera Head ..................91

7.5.2 Pin Assignment of Interfaces According to RS232 ...................................92

7.6 GLOSSARY .....................................................................................................93

NetCam1S, NetCam6, NetCamPlus Manual, © VCS GmbH6

Introduction

NetCam1S, NetCam6, NetCamPlus Manual, © VCS GmbH 7

1Introduction

This manual describes the function, installation and operation of the VCS multimedia

modems

NetCam1

NetCam1E

NetCam6

NetCamPlus.

The term ’NetCam’ is used throughout the course of this manual as far as relating to

functions or characteristics, which are commonly shared by all products.

NetCam represents a transmission system for video, audio, data and control signals

between a monitoring terminal and one or more transmission units. The medium used

for transmission of the coded data includes the public ISDN telephone network (via

the built-in terminal adapter), the analog telephone network (using external modems),

and wireless networks such as GSM. Latest compression algorithms for video and au-

dio signals in combination with VLSI technology facilitate a swift transmission of high

quality video and audio from the sender to a receiving unit. Compliance to the world-

wide H.320 standard guarantees communication with any picturephone or videocon-

ferencing unit.

NetCam1 comes in two variants: transmitter and receiver. The transmitter features

one video channel, e.g. to connect a video camera, and one alarm input and relay out-

put, respectively. The NetCam1E receiver decodes incoming data for display on a

standard monitor.

NetCam6 comprises a combination of sender and receiver. The system features six

video channels, a monitor output and seven alarm inputs and relay outputs.

NetCamPlus comprises a combination of a CCD-camera and a NetCam1 transmitter

in a compact self-contained unit and represents a so-called ISDN-camera.

All NetCam video/ audio/ data transmission systems are compact, stand-alone units

which, in addition to the already mentioned interfaces, contain full-duplex audio inter-

faces, two serial interfaces (a single serial interface for NetCamPlus) and feature an

internal ISDN terminal adapter.

NetCam features full-duplex (transparent) RS232 ports which enable transparent

transmission of user data over the same ISDN line that also carries video and audio

data. This data channel can be used for control of external peripheral devices such

as cross bars, pan/tilt-camera heads, zoom lenses, video recorder, entry control

Introduction

NetCam1S, NetCam6, NetCamPlus Manual, © VCS GmbH

equipment, multiplexer, computers, etc.

The ViewStation decoder software represents a cost-effective receiver solution, pro-

vided a PC is already available. ViewStation will not only decode live video and audio

on a standard PC but also provides full remote control capabilities of the remote Net-

Cam systems, e.g. encoder-setup, alarm configuration, camera names, software

download, password protection, etc.. In addition, ViewStation allows remote control

of supported pan and tilt cameras/heads. For further information, please refer to the

ViewStation manual.

All NetCam units come without configuration switches or jumpers and have been pre-

configured at time of delivery. Instead, the units are fully remote controlled by the re-

ceiving decoder. Product features such as password protection, picture analysis and

picture archiving predestine NetCam to be used in the area of video surveillance.

In addition to ISDN connectivity, NetCam features a serial interface acc. to RS232 (la-

belled ’Modem’), which has been designed to work with external modems. This allows

for communication via conventional analog telephone lines, wireless networks such

as GSM, or any other network supported by the connected modem.

1.1 Supplied Contents

Before you start putting NetCam to work for you, please ensure that the package is

complete. It should contain the following items:

•NetCam unit

•NetCam manual

•Floppy disc ’NCTerm’

•Power supply

•ISDN cord: RJ45 <-> RJ45

•Camera control cable (not for NetCamPlus): 8pol. Mini DIN <-> 8pol. Mini DIN

•Configuration cable: 8pol. Mini DIN <-> 9pol. D-Sub. resp. 9pol. D-Sub <-> 9pol.

D-Sub. (only NetCamPlus)

•CS/C-mount adapter ring (only NetCamPlus)

•75Ω terminator (only NetCamPlus)

•AI-plug (only NetCamPlus)

F Note: Pin assignment of the supplied cables is depicted in the appendix,

section 7.3 on page 86.

1.2 Operating Requirements

In order to put NetCam into operation, check the following requirements:

Introduction

NetCam1S, NetCam6, NetCamPlus Manual, © VCS GmbH 9

•ISDN access: NetCam communicates with corresponding receiver units via ISDN

(Integrated Services Digital Network), the digital telephone network. The basic

rate ISDN access S0 offers two channels with a capacity of 64kbit/s each. Due to

synchronization of information, NetCam is able to utilize both channels at the

same time, while already functioning with one channel only. NetCam can also be

operated over a PBX unit, as long as the PBX system internally supplies S0-ac-

cess ports.

•Modem support: In addition to ISDN NetCam may also communicate over con-

ventional analog telephone lines using an external modem. The modem is to be

connected at the NetCam ’Modem’ port. The required cable is available as acces-

sory from the manufacturer.

•GSM support: NetCam is also able to communicate via wireless networks such

as GSM. Connection is facilitated using a suitable GSM modem, e.g. the Siemens

M1 module.

•Video source: For most applications a camera with a BAS or FBAS output is used

as a video source. NetCam supports PAL as well as NTSC standard video sourc-

es (not required for NetCamPlus).

System Characteristics

NetCam1S, NetCam6, NetCamPlus Manual, © VCS GmbH

2System Characteristics

The NetCam multimedia adapter is characterized by the following outstanding fea-

tures:

•stand-alone, compact unit for video, audio and data transmission

•high quality color video, max. 25 frames/s

•bi-directional audio (only over ISDN networks)

•full- duplex data transmission

•H.320 videoconferencing standard compatible

•on board bilingual ISDN interface (DSS1/1TR6)

•communicates also over analog telephone lines and wireless networks (GSM)

•remote control of connected cameras (pan/tilt/zoom) and all internal functions

•sensor (alarm) inputs and switching (relay) outputs

•integrated video motion detection with alarm triggering

•integrated video multiplexer for connection of up to six cameras (NetCam6 only)

•password protection

•autonomous call-back feature in the event of an alarm with local video ring buffer

•hardware receiver operation (not for NetCamPlus)

•remote maintenance and software upgrade via ISDN

•easy to use, ‘plug and play’

•comprehensive set of security application features/configuration possibilities

2.1 Applications

NetCam was primarily designed for surveillance of areas and objects or generally for

transmission of video and audio signals, e.g. for audiovisual information services.

Since data is transmitted via the public telephone network (ISDN, GSM, analog lines),

the distance between camera and receiving monitor is no longer limited to a building

or campus, but extends world wide.

A PC-based monitoring station equipped with ViewStation dials up the various objects

that are to be surveyed. Remote maintenance and supervision of machinery is as

easily accomplished as the surveillance of houses or summer homes, typically pro-

vided by respective service providers (security on demand).

This affordable solution is compatible to the existing infrastructure and in addition

opens up new areas of application: The ‘callable camera’ supplies the desired live vid-

eo information about road conditions, the current weather situation or the utilization of

ski resorts, just naming a few examples. In summary, NetCam literally delivers an ac-

tual ‘insight’ into distant events. It is possible to automate surveillance of unattended

System Characteristics

NetCam1S, NetCam6, NetCamPlus Manual, © VCS GmbH 11

outposts, as well as to record and save video data in the event of an alert and transmit

this information to the main terminal for verification purposes.

2.2 Functional Description

The functionality of the NetCam system is comparable to an answering machine,

while exceeding its capabilities by far: The dialing process originates from the active

ViewStation application on a receiving PC to the remote NetCam unit. When dialed-

up and after verification of caller authorization (password, caller number), the NetCam

unit starts to transmit audio and video data. The video information is displayed in a

window on the screen. All functions of the connected camera, e.g. pan, tilt or zoom

features, as well as all NetCam-internal parameters such as picture quality, activation

of relay outputs or audio on/off are remote controlled.

The remote configuration capabilities of NetCam allow the programming of alarm tele-

phone numbers to be dialed automatically in case of an alert. In order to aid in the

identification of different remote units, each potentially equipped with several camer-

as, a unit and camera name can be configured and stamped into the live video. In ad-

dition, date and time information is inserted into the video signal before coding, thus

providing an unalterable reference to alarm events.

The remote configuration extends to the parameter settings of the serial interfaces

and a user-configurable access password. Firmware upgrades can be downloaded

into the NetCam unit via ISDN / Modem / GSM as soon as they become available.

This convenient feature puts an end to on-site service by a technician.

The ViewStation software decoder automatically adapts to the features offered by the

respective remote site. For example, control of the additional video and alarm inputs

of a NetCam6 unit or the setting of the CCD-sensor for a NetCamPlus remote site are

easily accomplished.

System Characteristics

NetCam1S, NetCam6, NetCamPlus Manual, © VCS GmbH

2.3 System Configuration

The minimum configuration of a NetCam system consists of the following compo-

nents:

The following figures show typical configuration examples for NetCam systems:

Typical NetCam system overview:

1. Sender: NetCam1, NetCam6 or

NetCamPlus

2. Receiver: PC with ViewStation (Software Decoder)

NetCam1E (receiver model)

NetCam1

NetCam6

NetCam1

NetCamPlus

PC with

ViewStation

PC with

ViewStation

Receiver

analog

ISDN/ GSM/

telephone network

System Characteristics

NetCam1S, NetCam6, NetCamPlus Manual, © VCS GmbH 13

Connecting a NetCam1 sending unit to the ISDN:

Connecting a NetCam1 sending unit to the analog telephone network:

Connecting a NetCam1 sending unit to the GSM-network:

Simultaneous ISDN and modem/GSM connection for fault tolerance:

In addition to a plain transmission over analog and wireless networks these capabili-

ties of the NetCam system can be used in combination with ISDN towards fault toler-

ance. If connection over ISDN fails or an ISDN alarm occurs, signalling loss of ISDN

availability, a backup connection over analog lines or wireless networks can be estab-

lished to transmit the alarm and/or loss of ISDN connectivity. Conversely, loss of GSM

or modem connection can be signalled over ISDN.

NetCam1

color camera

data

ISDN S0-connector

1 alarm input

and

1 relay output

color camera

data

Modem

analog

telephone

1 alarm input

and

1 relay output connection

NetCam1

NetCam1 M1 - modul

(GSM-modem)

color camera

data

1 alarm input

and

1 relay output

System Characteristics

NetCam1S, NetCam6, NetCamPlus Manual, © VCS GmbH

Connecting a NetCam6 sender:

ISDN hardware receiver using NetCam1E:

All depicted configurations for NetCam6 and NetCam1E can be extended for addition-

al or exclusive communication over analog lines or wireless networks as shown for

NetCam1 above.

color camera

ISDN S0-connector

FBAS-monitor

data

7 alarm inputs

und

7 relay outputs

NetCam6

push-button

or PC

ISDN S0-connector

data

FBAS-monitor

audio

NetCam1E

System Characteristics

NetCam1S, NetCam6, NetCamPlus Manual, © VCS GmbH 15

ViewStation software receiver:

Stand-alone operation:

Often there is a need to control a hardware receiver without using a PC. Typical ap-

plication examples include alarm centers, where the video output of one or several

NetCam receivers are to be displayed on a standard monitor. Connection control is

accomplished using a connect/disconnect button. A typical configuration is depicted

below:

In addition to the regular usage of the ’Modem’-port for connection of an external mo-

dem or for system configuration, as explained in subsequent sections, a button can

be directly connected to this interface. The presence of the button is determined by

modem

data

audio

ISDN S0-connector

Windows95

and

ViewStation

soundboard and

ISDN card inside PC

analog

telephone

connection

camera connect/disconnect

button monitor

NetCam1

transmitter

NetCam1E

receiver

transmission

network

System Characteristics

bridging pins 3 and 6. The button itself is connected between pins 3 and 2, or pins 3

and 8 for NetCamPlus.

Connecting a button to the ’Modem’ - port

Pressing the button once causes a connection to be established, using the telephone

number associated with alarm channel 0. Pushing the button during an active connec-

tion will disconnect the call again.

The signal connected to pin 1 or pin 7 for NetCamPlus reflects the status of the con-

nection according to the following table. Using this line allows to trigger external sig-

nals or to switch on the display monitor, for example. The output is rated at 40mA.

‘Modem’-port for NetCam1 and

NetCam6

viewed from soldering side of plug

‘Modem’-port f

or NetCamPlus

viewed from soldering side of plug

connection status signal level

idle app. -8.5 V

active connection app. +8.5 V

status

123 4 5

678 9

status

Hardware Installation

3Hardware Installation

3.1 Unpacking

After unpacking, carefully check the NetCam unit for recognizable damage. If signs of

damage are clearly visible on the outside, do not attempt to operate the NetCam sys-

tem!

Also check the package for completeness of the supplied content. See the list in sec-

tion 1.1 on page 8.

NetCam is enclosed in a table top housing. All cables and cords are connected to the

rear side of the unit. In order to prevent the cables from pulling out, self adhesive cable

fasteners should be used.

The bottom plate of NetCamPlus features a 1/4 inch thread for use with tripods, wall

or ceiling brackets or pan & tilt heads.

As for any electronic device the following suggestions should be followed in order to

guarantee long term reliability:

•Install NetCam in a way that avoids exposure to heat radiated from other equip-

ment.

•Provide for sufficient air circulation around the NetCam unit.

•Do not subject the units to large vibrations and shocks. Avoid exposure to high hu-

midity and dust or use protective housing.

•Do not install NetCam at places subject to extreme temperatures or use protective

housing.

3.2 For your Safety

Before you start installing and operating your NetCam system please read the follow-

ing suggestions for your safety and trouble-free operation of your new NetCam sys-

tem:

•For safety reasons, only the supplied power adapter is to be used. Make sure to

use the correct primary adapter that connects to the main outlet. For different

countries, corresponding primary adapters are available.

•Do not open your NetCam unit. Any warranty claims would be void if the system

has been tampered with.

•Avoid any direct contact with NetCam connector pins. Even minor soiling or static

discharge could lead to technical malfunction or, in the worst case, destruction.

Hardware Installation

3.3 Connectors

The following figures show the back planes with the connectors for the different Net-

Cam models:

Rear view of NetCam1 (Transmitter):

Rear view of NetCam1E (Receiver):

Rear view of NetCam6:

5V DC

Hardware Installation

Rear view of NetCamPlus:

The following section describes the connectors and connector pin assignment in de-

tail. Please check whether the information given applies to your particular model. For

example, NetCamPlus does feature a built-in camera. Therefore the section on video

inputs does not regard NetCamPlus.

At the end of the chapter, typical connection diagrams for different NetCam models

as well as different applications are shown.

3.3.1 Power Supply

NetCam is connected to the main current by the enclosed AC adapter. The low volt-

age plug is inserted into the ‘Power’ receptacle at the NetCam back plane. For Net-

CamPlus, power is supplied at the two far right screw terminals. The detachable

terminal block is already connected to the power supply cord at the time of delivery.

Once power is established, the red LED on the front panel of the unit is lit up. The unit

does not have a switch, but is operational immediately after connection to a power

source. Therefore, power should be supplied only after all other cables are connected

and checked.

NetCam should not be connected to a power source shared with other equipment

which are known to cause power disturbances. These include for example air condi-

tioners, refrigerators or copy machines.

Some power installations are especially vulnerable to voltage fluctuations, e.g. power

surges or spikes. In this case, NetCam should be connected to the mains outlet using

ISDN

RS232 Video Out

Alarm I/O Audio Power

6-12VDC

+-YZMic Spk +GND

Hardware Installation

power line filters or stabilizers and/or operated through a non-interruptible power sup-

ply (UPS).

3.3.2 Video Inputs (not for NetCamPlus)

Video sources, mostly cameras, are connected to the RCA sockets labelled ‘Video’ or

‘Camera 1-6’. Suitable video sources should provide a (F)BAS video signal with an

amplitude supporting 1 VPP at an input termination of 75 Ω. NetCam works with video

sources which provide signals according to the PAL/CCIR or NTSC/RS170 stan-

dards. Color or monochrome cameras can be used in various order.

The video input of the sender is generally connected to the video output of a camera.

Up to six video sources can be connected to the RCA receptacles when using a

NetCam6 unit. All video inputs are identical in terms of technical data. In order to fa-

cilitate connection of BNC plugs to the RCA sockets, an adapter kit is available which

contains BNC to RCA adapters.

The NetCam1E receiver or NetCamPlus does not have a video input. Instead the

RCA socket is configured as a monitor output. External synchronization of the con-

nected cameras or the system is not required.

F Note: Internally synchronized color cameras generally offer a higher picture

quality than cameras with mains-driven synchronization. In the event

that these cameras are to be used in combination with NetCam, tests

are recommended to ensure sufficient picture quality before attempt-

ing system installation. This does not apply to monochrome cameras.

Video Signal Requirements

A prerequisite for high picture quality is stable synchronization. Therefore, the video

signal has to meet the following requirements:

•The amplitude of the synchronization impulse measured at the video input has to

be between 0.2 and 0.4 V.

•Peak amplitude of the video signal for all video inputs has to be between 0.5 and

1 V in reference to the black level (without synchronization signal).

•For color cameras, the burst level for video input has to be at least 120 mV.

If the video level is too low or the synchronization impulse is not clear, a cable equal-

izer or video amplifier should be used. This device is to be adjusted in a way that the

video level is raised to the rated values stated above.

VCS NetCam1, NetCam6, NetCamPlus User manual

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