PTZ Camera FAQs
What is a ptz camera? A ptz camera is a type of cctv camera/security camera that has a super advanced chip-set, optical lens, and digital signal processor which enables you to manually
zoom, focus, pan, tilt the camera. The goal of a ptz camera is to survey areas of a location with a micro-capability at any time. There are a variety of applications that utilizes technology
of ptz cameras. We sell ptz cameras that will inter-phase with residential, small business/retail, commercial, industrial, municipal and government environments. You can find ptz cameras that
have a variety of mount options. We sell brackets that will enable you application to mount for specific demands. There are flush-mount brackets, wall brackets, cable managed brackets, pole
mounting brackets, ceiling mounting brackets, corner mounting brackets, and much more. Virtually any application need can be solved you just need the right equipment. Throughout this website
we try and target menu navigation that will lead you by application, camera type and price point.
How do I operate a ptz camera? Mostly an operator, user/client operates the zooming, panning, and tilting of a ptz camera from a remote location, at the cctv dvr or from a joy-stick controller. There are
software capabilities that also enable an operator/client to pan, tilt, and zoom a ptz camera. CCTV digital video recorders, both standalone and pc based dvrs, have built in ptz software
control; so you can use a mouse to control your camera. Also standalone dvr units have mechanical ptz control buttons located on the front of the dvr to enable you quick access and control in
the event a situation arises. PTZ cameras have special wiring setups. Aside from a bnc video connection and power, ptz cameras need a data feed. CAT5 twisted pair (positive and negative) runs
are required in order for the dvr to instruct the ptz camera. You can run these inputs into the RS485 ports on the back of your dvr and ptz camera. Once this connection is setup, you are ready
to begin configuring ptz camera preset positions and focal adjustments.
Common First Asked Questions About PTZ Cameras
How Do PTZ Cameras Work?
PTZ cameras work in their mechanical ability to zoom at very far distances to gain vital data to make a decision. Visual data is the strongest type of data you can archive and ptz cameras work hard to deliver the highest quality video shot. PTZ cameras have special optical lenses, which refract light to zoom out 18x - 46X than normal naked eye perspective. This is a very powerful lens and in most cases you can see high quality video up to 350 feet plus! Standard 10X to 18X zoom ptz cameras enable you to zoom out to 150 feet. PTZ cameras can also mechanically rotate left to right and up and down to hone in on targets. The panning ability allow you to follow a target until it is out of your field of view. Panning up or down acts in the same fashion! There are auto-tracking cameras that can manage these options by themselves with no human operator at the console. This is a very powerful option and auto-trackers really explotiate the power of ptz cameras and instant video data.
How Do I Decide Which PTZ Camera Is Right For My Application?
Deciding what is good for your application really depends on one question! What are you trying to accomplish, what are your trying to do? This question will answer or at least help you map-out the specific objectives, demands and technical data you need to pick the right ptz camera. Start with figuring out what angle of view you need. Although ptz cameras have virtually no limitation of width of view, it will help you select the ptz camera with the right optical zoom. Sometimes have a ptz camera with the power of 18X, 22x, 27x, 32X, and so on will have a different picture at certain viewing distances. This would greatly affect the resolution quality and width of view you could capture. Going with a very wide home position with a 90 degree field-of-view is also a cheaper solution than a ptz camera with unnecessary 18X optical lens. Asking the right questions about your surveillance environment will help you a great deal. Another popular question is viewing distance! How far do you need to see out? This will help you decide between an 10, 18x, 22X, 27X, 32X, 35X, 37X, and 47x optical zoom lens. Each of these camera modules have a more expensive price tag for the added mechanical ability. The maximum distance we've test with a ptz camera is out to 450 feet! This a few futball pitches; that is raw power. However, remember that selecting a ptz camera is a lot easier when you know your surveillance demands, needs, and surrounding environment. If you have any additional questions, you can speak with one of our CCTV consultants and get a free consultant today.
How Do I Set The Speed On My PTZ Camera?
Setting the speed of ptz cameras today (2010 - 2012) has two options. In the past, most ptz cameras had or still have dip switches that serve as a code to rates of speed, called a baud rate. The baud rates are a series of addresses you can set to achieve certain speeds, protocols and special camera capabilities for unique cctv applications. These switches can be found in the head of a ptz camera. You can with a small tool or your finger nail move the switches to the correct position (guided by your manual). Taking the head off the camera is quite simple, most have a locking switch that has to be removed before you take down the camera. The second option now is a graphical user menu, that enable you to select baud rates, addresses and protocols to enable your camera to perform at the needed demand. This ptz cameras are new to the market in 2010-2011 and makes life a lot easier on setup and ongoing changes. We sell ptz cameras now that do not require the setting of dip switches. Call us for more information and model number of ptz cameras without dip switches!
How Do I Setup Power & Video To PTZ Camera?
Setting up power to a ptz camera is quite simple. You will need to purchase rg59 cable with 18x2 power connection that have both the video and power in the same jacket. A ptz camera takes the same video and power input as other cctv cameras. RS485 data cable is another issue all together. In order to attach your power cable to your ptz camera, you will have to line up the positive and negative cables to the block terminal marked with tag that indicates the power connection. You will need to use some electrical tape to protect the connection from future debris. For video, you will need a bnc connector to make the connection to the male end of the ptz camera's video output. To finish the connection you will need to repeat the same connection to the digital video recorder side. The dvr will have a male end input for the female bnc connector coming from the RG59 cable end. These are the two connections you need to fabricate to make a power and video connection. If you are still unclear, call our 800 line and speak to a CCTV consultant today.
What Is A RS485 Connection?
RS485 is a connection port that takes a twisted pair of cable positive or negative to a cctv digital video recorder, ptz keyboard, and or ptz security camera. Ptz cameras sometimes come in the form of IP camera and thus has RS485 inputs for alarm settings, keyboard controller, and cctv digital video recorder.
What Is A DIP Switch?
A DIP switch is a range of switches that represent settings of zeros and ones. The setting of tiny white switches are either in a "off" or "on" position and are used to set addresses or in the case of a ptz security camera a protocol and baud rate. Every ptz cctv camera has a manual, which covers a complete section of marked positions for pelco protocols, baud rates and addresses. You need to pay close attention to manual settings needed to ensure that camera can communicate with your dvr and ptz keyboard controller.
