multiple PTZ on dvr?

[Chuck]

I picked up a Speco DVR-4TL and 4 PTZ cams. Looking over the documentation
reveals on a single set of RS485 signals that is accessed thru a DA-15 D-sub
connector on the back of the unit. Looks like some type of multiplexer
would be required but I don't find any Speco product offerings that fill the
role.

Ideally, the best candidate for the function would have PTZ controls
(joystick?) and camera selector buttons in a console with four-plus RS-485
output pairs. Can you recommend any gear like this?

Thanks.

 

[Bob La Londe]

I picked up a Speco DVR-4TL and 4 PTZ cams. Looking over the documentation
reveals on a single set of RS485 signals that is accessed thru a DA-15 D-sub
connector on the back of the unit. Looks like some type of multiplexer
would be required but I don't find any Speco product offerings that fill the
role.

Ideally, the best candidate for the function would have PTZ controls
(joystick?) and camera selector buttons in a console with four-plus RS-485
output pairs. Can you recommend any gear like this?

Thanks.

I think you just assign an address to each camera. Look over your docs.
I do Pelco PTZ over RS422 on Dedicated Micros DVRs that way regularly.
Each one has a unique address. Alternatively, if they support control
over coax (coaxitron) then whatever camera is selected receives the
control signals.

Contact Pelco if you are stuck on their equipment and ask them.

 

[Chuck]

I think you just assign an address to each camera. Look over your docs.
I do Pelco PTZ over RS422 on Dedicated Micros DVRs that way regularly.
Each one has a unique address. Alternatively, if they support control
over coax (coaxitron) then whatever camera is selected receives the
control signals.

Contact Pelco if you are stuck on their equipment and ask them.

The manual shows a single connection to a single PTZ camera. The protocols
do talk about addressing as you mentioned so I can understand the
communication scheme.

Unfortunately, there is only the single set of pins D+ and D- to address all
cameras. In all fairness, Speco included a DA-15, D-sub solder-type
connector to mate with the rear connector on the DVR. Unfortunately, they
did not include a breakout box or cable. It's a bit primitive. I'll call
them to clarify later.

Overall, I think I would be better served to find a ptz controller that was
a little more refined and just use the dvr for display and record. If you
could recommend any gear, I'd sure appreciate it. I sure wish I could have
seen this coming -- it's a real good argument for using a pro......

 

[Hakma]

One cable daisy chain to all the cameras.

The manual shows a single connection to a single PTZ camera. The
protocols
do talk about addressing as you mentioned so I can understand the
communication scheme.

Unfortunately, there is only the single set of pins D+ and D- to address
all
cameras. In all fairness, Speco included a DA-15, D-sub solder-type
connector to mate with the rear connector on the DVR. Unfortunately, they
did not include a breakout box or cable. It's a bit primitive. I'll call
them to clarify later.

Overall, I think I would be better served to find a ptz controller that
was
a little more refined and just use the dvr for display and record. If you
could recommend any gear, I'd sure appreciate it. I sure wish I could
have
seen this coming -- it's a real good argument for using a pro......

 

[Bob La Londe]

The manual shows a single connection to a single PTZ camera. The protocols
do talk about addressing as you mentioned so I can understand the
communication scheme.

Unfortunately, there is only the single set of pins D+ and D- to address all
cameras. In all fairness, Speco included a DA-15, D-sub solder-type
connector to mate with the rear connector on the DVR. Unfortunately, they
did not include a breakout box or cable. It's a bit primitive. I'll call
them to clarify later.

Overall, I think I would be better served to find a ptz controller that was
a little more refined and just use the dvr for display and record. If you
could recommend any gear, I'd sure appreciate it. I sure wish I could have
seen this coming -- it's a real good argument for using a pro......

Look through everything. Its probably just a 2 wire daisy chained (in
parallel) configuration. There may or may not be a termination setting
for the last camera on the chain.

It may seem simpler to use a separate standalone controller, but I
assure most times in the long run its better to use the integrated
solution. Often that allows for network access AND control.

I know on the DM DVRs and Pelco PTZs I use mostly I can both view and
control the cameras across the Internet. There are only a very few
instances when its better to have a separate non integrated control. In
cases where somebody may need to have access to live viewing and control
of a single camera or group of cameras, but not have access to the DVR.
I have one facility that fits that bill, and it was mostly done that
way due to the paranoia of the customer.