GSS FAQs

We have existing Pelco cameras that are being used along with your GSS-U class DVR along with a GV1480 card. I've been asked to look into being able to control the PTZ cameras via software/over IP. I've read that this can be done but I'm not finding much documentation. I can monitor and review saved files over IP. I tried the remote control option but that only takes me to the DVR system and meanwhile logs the DVR computer out which leads the video being lost by the software. Any help is appreciated!

PTZ Local and Remote Software Setup v8.12
(*For a complete list of compatible PTZ cameras, please contact sales)

After PTZ camera(s) are connected to the DVR…

A. Enable PTZ device

1. Open MultiCam Surveillance System.


2. Click on Configure, then in the menu list, select System Configure.



3. Under PTZ Control, place a checkmark on PTZ Device Setup to enable PTZ control.
4. Select your PTZ Device from the drop-down menu.


5. Click on the white PTZ Connection button to bring up PTZ setup window.
6. In the PTZ setup window, select Com Port that connects to your PTZ device.
Adjust the Baud Rate* to match your PTZ camera (if available).
Adjust the PTZ movement speed in PT Speed (if available).
Select the Protocol* of your PTZ camera (if available).
7. Place a checkmark by Activate to active your PTZ camera.
8. Click OK to save the PTZ settings and OK again to leave System Configure.

*For Baud Rate and Protocol information regarding your PTZ camera, please refer to your PTZ camera manual.



9. Click on Configure, then in the menu list, select Camera Mapping PTZ Dome.

10. Select the Camera tab in which your PTZ camera is connected.
11. Select your PTZ device from the drop-down list.
12. Select the Address* of your PTZ camera for this channel (if available).
13. You may activate PTZ Idle Protection by placing a check by PTZ Inactivity.
14. Click OK to save the PTZ mapping configuration.

*Address of the PTZ device is the ID that can be configured on the PTZ camera.
B. Enable PTZ device in Webcam
*To setup Webcam server for remote viewing, please refer to Webam setup documents.

15. Click on Network, then in the menu list, select WebCam Server to bring up Server Setup window.



16. In the Server Setup window, click on Video Tab.
17. In the PTZ box, click on Allowed PTZ camera.


18. Select the PTZ cameras to be enabled for remote control.
19. Click OK to go back to Server Setup and OK again to go back to Multicam System.






C. PTZ Control Panel

1. After software setup, a PTZ camera button should appear in the panel on the right.
2. Click on the PTZ camera button to bring up the PTZ control panel.
D. PTZ Control Panel in Webcam

1. After PTZ cameras have been enabled, a PTZ camera button should appear in the panel on the right when the PTZ camera channel is selected.
2. Click on the PTZ camera button to bring up the PTZ control panel.

I have followed your suggestions and hooked up the control cable from the camera to both the joystick and the RS-485 screw terminal in the back of the GSS DVR. I believe this card is a GV-NET/IO card with 4 relay outputs and ground on the first block, 4 sensor inputs and ground on the second block, and the +/- 485 terminals on the third block. I have nothing on the first two blocks--only the 485 pins have the single camera input. I'm now able to control through the DVR keyboard, ie I don't need the keyboard/joystick although it's still connected.

To recap my application, I'm looking into setting up a data and video network in my area and have inherited some of your products to use. I have the following systems:

Pelco ES3012-2U (PTZ camera)

Pelco KBD300A (Keyboard/joystick)

Pelco CM9760-DMR (Data Manager)

Pelco WCS Series C654M-B (Power Supply)

GSS U-Class PC DVR w/GeoVision GV1480 video card

3Com switch

Networked computer

My goal is to have up to 16 PTZ cameras individually software-controlled by the DVR terminal but with the ability to view and individually control those cameras by software over the network. I am able to control the camera with the Pelco KBD300A but software control is more paramount. As I mentioned, I have software control from the DVR but have not attempted over the network anymore. I have looked through Pelco manuals and yours but am having trouble making sense of the options available due in part to using different vendors hardware. Your card allows me to control the camera through software uses RS-485 but this protocol isn't really discussed in Pelco's literature so I was hoping maybe you could answer a few questions for me.

I know what baud rate (2400), protocol (D), and parity (none) the camera is set at but how are these parameters chosen? Are they defined/limited by a specific hardware or is it completely up to the user?

Apparently the Data Manager in my application is for managing the control signals, ie it keeps track of signals coming from either the keyboard/joystick or the software. I don't believe I clearly understand why I need this because I don't really want to use the joystick anyway.

In Pelco's manuals they talk about the CM9700-CC1, which I understand to be the PC where video is being viewed from, so in my case it would be the GSS DVR w/GV1480 card. The issue I'm having is that the manuals have a connection from the DMR to the CC1 via RJ-45 reversed cables and this doesn't appear to be the setup of my DVR. My DVR has an RS-485 screw terminal from which it is receiving/transmitting control signals via software-control. I suppose I'm wondering if I'm properly using the DMR or if I even need it at all, and again, what determines the baud rates/parity/other switch settings (user vs hw/sw factor)?

I've gotten some answers from Pelco but not a whole lot. At this point I think a lot of questions about my set-up hinge on the first question above, ie where do I get the baud rate, protocol, address, parity parameters from? I'm will try to give you me a call tomorrow around 1:00 pm to discuss the proper set-up. If could write to me before then with something to get started I would appreciate it.

I hope this is clear !

I have read your email, and I would like to just confirm a few things



1. The PTZ camera is now working with the GSS DVR

2. The remote PTZ control has not been setup

3. Do you need to be able to control PTZ from the KBD300A keyboard?

4. Can you sent me the manual for CM9760-DMR and the PTZ camera?