PTZ Camera setup not working

Using the Church Webcasting System, YouTube, etc. Including cameras and mixers.
Churchmember56
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PTZ Camera setup not working

Post by Churchmember56 »

First off, I would like to thank anyone who can offer me some assistance.


We would like to setup some cameras at our church. We acquire some HC-JOY-G3 PTZ joystick controller along with 5 Sony evi-d70c cameras. Images of equipment: https://imgur.com/a/Qn6CKq7

From all I read, this combo should work fine.


I plugged in the huddlecam hd controller to one camera using the visca rs232 serial to 8 pin mini adapter included with the controller. I can control one camera no issues. However, there is an option to use a cascade cable to daisy chain the other cameras using the rs232 connection as all cameras have and in and out port.

I have tried all I know and I cannot control the second camera using the daisy chain method.

I have tested all cameras plugin in the huddlecam joystick to ensure they work and they do work when I plug them individually directly to the controller.

All I have found online is that you have to assign ID to each camera. All the videos show accessing the OSD menu on cameras either have the option to set it there or the cameras they show have a small dial outside where the ID can be set but there cameras do not have either of those options...

I cannot see anything on the manual for these Sony evi-70c model cameras where I can set an ID for each. There are 4 switches on the bottom to set things like baud rate, IR output, etc but nothing to set camera ID. I have tried changing these switches to no avail.

Anyone have any experience with these camera models? Does the ID have to be set with software through the computer with a program like this? https://www.serialporttool.com/GK/ptz-controller/

Any help would be appreciated!
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Mikerowaved
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Re: PTZ Camera setup not working

Post by Mikerowaved »

If memory serves, the camera numbering is assigned automatically by their position in the daisy-chain cabling. The PC (or controller) is "0" with the first camera in the chain being "1", the second one "2", etc. Are you using RS-232 with the round mini-DIN connector or RS-422 with the flat connector?
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russellhltn
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Re: PTZ Camera setup not working

Post by russellhltn »

Perusing the manual, the connection has to make a loop from the last device back to the controller. That may be critical to get addressing worked out.
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Churchmember56
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Re: PTZ Camera setup not working

Post by Churchmember56 »

Mikerowaved wrote: Thu Dec 16, 2021 1:50 pm If memory serves, the camera numbering is assigned automatically by their position in the daisy-chain cabling. The PC (or controller) is "0" with the first camera in the chain being "1", the second one "2", etc. Are you using RS-232 with the round mini-DIN connector or RS-422 with the flat connector?
This is what I thought but it is not working regardless of what camera I use as 1 and daisy chain only a second one. I tried using all as the first just in case I was missing something but still canner control the second camera.

I am using the RS-232 with the mini-Din connector. I have not tested them with a RS-422.
russellhltn wrote: Thu Dec 16, 2021 1:55 pm Perusing the manual, the connection has to make a loop from the last device back to the controller. That may be critical to get addressing worked out.
hmm... our controller only has this in the back:
https://imgur.com/co8PHSj

It has an RS-232 and an RS-422 outputs in the back. Any idea as to how I can loop it back?

Thanks,
russellhltn
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Re: PTZ Camera setup not working

Post by russellhltn »

Looking more carefully at the manuals, it appears you need a cross-over cable when going from one camera to the next. That might be your issue. That's regardless of which mode you're using. I'm taking a wild guess that addressing is based on "If the ID isn't zero, subtract one and pass it along". In other words, addressing is automatic based on the first camera connected to the controller is zero and they count up from there.
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Churchmember56
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Re: PTZ Camera setup not working

Post by Churchmember56 »

I am using the so called cascade cable that the company recommends to go from one camera to the next. it is a cross over cable. I have actually tried a couple just in case one might be bad but still no luck.

I was under the impression that this would be plug and play system with the cameras but I just cannot control camera 2. The manual is a little confusing as it references what seems to be features not found on the cameras or like that loop someone reference before but it doesn't say how to loop it.

The only thing I have not done is use that software. I thought that maybe you would have to send some type of command to the cameras to set the Id on each or something along those line.

I
russellhltn
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Re: PTZ Camera setup not working

Post by russellhltn »

The camera's manual does reference a command that is needed. I'm not sure as the controller is sending it. You might check the controller for a network reset button.

As for the loop, it appears the cable should do that, but you may need to use the RS-422 connection.
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Mikerowaved
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Re: PTZ Camera setup not working

Post by Mikerowaved »

Churchmember56 wrote: Fri Dec 17, 2021 7:17 am I am using the so called cascade cable that the company recommends to go from one camera to the next. it is a cross over cable. I have actually tried a couple just in case one might be bad but still no luck.
If you're going from the controller to camera 1 IN, then from camera 1 OUT to camera 2 IN, you only need cheap MINI DIN-6 M/M cables that are straight through. Any type of crossover won't work.
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