Re: Need help with video system problem

["Roland" <roland@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

"JM" <jm@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:QU85h.27911$Cq3.11981@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Thank you for the reply.  I appreciate your willingness to help.
>
> I think this is our camera:
> http://www.honeywellvideo.com/products/cameras/pt/26044.html#Product%20Literature
>
> Is the RapidEye application intricately tied to the Honeywell hardware?
> In other words, could we supplant the current software system while
> keeping the Ademco/Honeywell cams?

If I was the one in your shoes I'd hope someone would point me here
http://www.genetec.com/english/solutions/omnicast/overview.aspx to Omnicast.
Sounds like you could benefit from a system that is brand agnostic. I don't
rep any vendor but I talk to plenty. Genetec is all about making there stuff
work with eveyone else's hardware (since they don't make any hardware). If
you not an alarm or CCTV guy now you'll never learn to think like one.
You're a computer guy and you shouldn't think like us. Omnicast turns CCTV
thought into Computer thought so you'll get it. Then you can go nuts adding
all sorts of Axis and Sony PoE network cameras and forget Rapid Eye if you
want (other than what you already have). Omnicast works with a lot of stuff
I never heard of, and I've heard of Rapid Eye. If Omnicast doesn't work with
Rapid Eye protocol now (very doubtfull that it doesn't) then I am sure it
would once you base your P.O. on that happening.  I just am unclear as to
what Rapid Eye software product you actually have. There was a computer
based product that was mostly about live viewing and transmitting and
controlling live video via (POTS) telephone line and some limited recording.
It has gone thru about a million changes and upgrades and it seems it kind
of disappeared. There is a Rapid Eye DVR now too that works with old stuff
but everything seems kludgy and vague with Rapid Eye.
The camera literature you point to shows:
a.. Built-in intelligent receiver for up-the-coax (UTC) or RS485 twisted
pair (TP) operation
a.. Built-in code translator provides compatibility with PELCO P or D based
systems
If all you have is up the coax control that is going to be a problem for any
other vendor to use. Hopefully someone ran a data cable to the camera too.
If not maybe Sennetech could help  http://www.sennetech.net/ with a
solution.
Other than reading the manuals and getting factory support I think you're on
your own with Rapid Eye. I am certainly no resource. I'd have to read the
manual again too. Okay I'd cheat and call in a favor from somewhere but
that's not something a can pass on to you.
Let me know if the Omnicast idea helps.



> And on that note, I don't think this particular problem resides in the
> s/w. I think it's simply my lack of knowledge on how to program these
> cameras.  I know I can learn it well enough for our purposes, and the hard
> truth is that we're stuck with this, like it or not.  Because of many
> factors, it ain't going nowhere, and the responsibility is now firmly on
> my shoulders.
>
> In all sincerity, while the system isn't perfect and we haven't had great
> luck with the installers, it's worked pretty well for us.  I think once I
> get my hands around the config basics we'll be okay.  I've got eight years
> in IT and telecom, so I'm no stranger to reading manuals and figuring
> things out.  I'm actually kind of a freak that way.  I read Active
> Directory books on the crapper ; )
>
> Seriously, I really just wish I had a resource for this stuff so I didn't
> have to figure it all out on my own.
>
> Thanks again,
>
> jm
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> "Roland" <roland@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
> news:7E25h.5702$rG.5325@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>> The part number you describe VC8E-GC18 is actually an advanced
>> replacement part number for a series of parts like the ones below:
>> AD5GCFC18
>> AD5GCPP18
>> AD8GC18ARCP
>> AD8GC18ARCW
>> AD8GC18NPT
>> AD8GC18P
>> AD8GC18S
>> AD8GC18W
>> I don't think anyone posting here deals with Rapid Eye that much. I hate
>> the stuff too much to mess with it. I only fix it when I am forced to.(I
>> don't blame the guys for not showing up to service it.) Be prepared to
>> find out what version of software you have and read the manuals thru and
>> thru BEFORE you call for tech support. You might try calling
>> 1.800.796.CCTV and talk to someone who actually knows Rapid Eye inside
>> and out to help you with your issues. I know someone paid top dollar for
>> these parts. Stating to obvious, I don't think that you found the right
>> vendor and integrator to do the work especially if it has fallen on you,
>> the poor IT guy, to fix. I don't know what city you're in, but Rapid Eye
>> really doesn't have that much traction as a product anywhere I've been.
>> If you want to find a product to get you past the mess you're in try
>> Genetech, Verint, Broadware or similar vendors. Rapid Eye is an over the
>> counter distribution product and it is unlikely that the technicians sent
>> to work on it have any factory training or maybe not even OJT. One of the
>> down sides to using distribution product. The vendors I mention above
>> should have locally trained and supported techs to help when you call.
>> Additionally if you are a computer guy it will fit in well with your
>> computer network (Not on a single collision domain - it needs switches to
>> work). Hopefully you know the network topology where you work and can
>> leverage it to fix this mess. Set up a VLAN for the cameras and for the
>> most part no more worries. Some vendors even offer MOM so you'll know
>> when the cameras crap out just like and other hunk of gear living on the
>> network.
>> Good luck.
>>
>> "JM" <jm@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
>> news:VG%4h.24645$pq4.19820@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>>>I think you're right.  My challenge is now figuring out how to tell the
>>>camera what to do.
>>>
>>> The cameras in question, as best I can tell, are "RapidDome" cameras
>>> (VC8E-GC18) on the large pedestal (about 3 feet).  They are mounted to
>>> light poles through a large facility.
>>>
>>> I was able to find an installation document, which seems to suggest to
>>> enter programming through the joystick/keyboard controller.  Does that
>>> sound right?  Other than that, I've only got the physical settings on
>>> the camera to work with and the RapidEye software, which does not
>>> address this type of programming.  The RapidEye docs simply state that
>>> "some camera models can be programmed to perform an operation after a
>>> View session is ended."
>>>
>>> And you hit on the only troubleshooting method I didn't try - putting a
>>> working camera from another location into location 8.  It was late and I
>>> was about out of time on my bucket truck.  The only thing I know is that
>>> back at the head end where the cable runs are terminated, I connected
>>> another camera to the #8 port on the multiplexer and it started moving.
>>> So I know the port is sending the message.  Now, I guess it's possible
>>> that there's a problem in the wiring or terminations on the #8 camera
>>> end.
>>>
>>> If someone could point me to the programmable settings (if there are
>>> any) on the camera, then I think I could figure this out.
>>>
>>> By the way, we're in this position because the company that installed
>>> the system will not take care of us.  They take 2-3 weeks to get out
>>> after they're called, then they bill us extraordinary amounts, often
>>> without even fixing the problem.  I'm a contracted computer guy, so I'm
>>> trying to take over the video.  I'm willing to put in the time; I just
>>> need some direction.
>>>
>>> Thank you,
>>>
>>> jm
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> "Michael" <sirflannelS@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
>>> news:ogg7l25a6ci5rrbsce7abruodbk36insj7@xxxxxxxxxx
>>>> I'm not sure what cameras you're using, but with the PTZ cams I use,
>>>> the programed tour is stored in the camera, and the head end only sent
>>>> the signal to start it, or it was programmed to start after a few
>>>> minutes of inactivity. Is it the same with the cameras you're using?
>>>> Which brand, model are you using? Perhaps the original camera with the
>>>> tour was replaced, and a new tour not programmed back in? Did you try
>>>> putting a known good camera in the #8 position? That would be my
>>>> guess. Hope it helps
>>>>
>>>> On Thu, 09 Nov 2006 23:08:38 GMT, "JM" <jm@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>>A client has a Honeywell video surveillance system with RapidEye Admin
>>>>>and
>>>>>View software.  There are 9 cameras, all fully PTZ.  The "preset 1"
>>>>>(local
>>>>>tour) instructs the cameras to be in motion at all times, panning R/L,
>>>>>zooming in, out, then starting over.
>>>>>
>>>>>One camera (camera 8) WILL NOT respond to the preset.  We can move the
>>>>>camera manually via the View software.  All functions appear to be
>>>>>working.
>>>>>I took camera 8 to another location where the installed camera was
>>>>>acting
>>>>>properly, installed it there, and it still would not move.  So the
>>>>>problem
>>>>>definately is in the camera.  I checked all the jumpers and dip
>>>>>switches,
>>>>>and they appear to be set just like those on the working cameras.
>>>>>
>>>>>Any suggestions?  Have I left out critical info?  I'll be glad to fill
>>>>>in
>>>>>the blanks.
>>>>>
>>>>>Thank you,
>>>>>
>>>>>jm
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
>