Camera Motion Systems

We are probably going to replace our current 3 PivotCam cameras with the new 12G model but I have a few questions:

• Any idea when they will be released to market?
• Will I need to make any changes to my Dashboard custom controls or is it simply a matter of changing the IP address?
• The printed material I saw said that it could pan its entire limit in less a second. Does that mean that hitting presets will be much faster?
• I assume that in regard to establishing a new position using a preset it will still pan, tilt and zoom sequentially as opposed to simultaneously?
• Has the sensitivity of the pan/tilt controls been improved? In other word, can I actually use the joystick to s - l - o - w - l - y position the camera while live?

On a similar yet different note, what is the best way to stop the "tuning fork" effect when mounting to a wall? We have two cameras mounted on on a metal bracket on either side of our stage and, depending on how much movement the camera has to reposition, sometimes that bracket will vibrate like a tuning fork for a while so we need to wait till it "settles down" before taking the shot live. We have one on the back wall but the bracket seems to have some reinforcing gussets at the sides of the 90 degree bend however they still shake anytime someone opens a door or bumps the back wall. Any solutions for this?

Thanks.

------------------------------
Steve Witwicki
Video Technical Director
Light of Christ Church
------------------------------

Hi Steve,

Happy New Year! thanks for reaching out. Let me try to answer all your questions in sequence:

• We expect to have a limited number of units available for shipment in early February. That being said, these days I'm a little hesitant to absolutely guarantee shipping dates until I see them in boxes, ready to go. You just never know what will happen in between now and then. However, we should absolutely be shipping product by March at the latest. 
• If you are currently using the PTZ plugin that is baked into Dashboard, you will need to install the latest version of Dashboard (V9.2.2, or higher) to get the updated plugin, and then add the new camera. The interface is largely the same, but there are some different features in the new camera that required some modifications to the plugin. If you are currently using the custom panel that was developed for controlling the PIVOTCam-20, it will likely still work with the new cameras (just add in the new IP as you suggested), however any features on the new camera that did not exist on the old Pivot will of course not be supported. And truth be told, we did not test this combination, as we intended it to be used with the plugin. Therefore, we would highly recommend you switch to the plugin.
• Yes, the max pan/tilt speed is 300 deg/s, which is more than twice as fast as the old Pivot's 120 deg/s upper limit.
• For presets stored locally on the control system, the axes will move sequentially. However, for presets that are stored on the camera itself, axes will be recalled simultaneously. Synchronization isn't perfect, but pretty close - i.e. all axes will start and end at roughly the same time, although we have found that Zoom can lag a little sometimes. 
• Yes, I would say the joystick sensitivity is significantly better with the new camera. Playing with it in the lab, we were able to generate some pretty nice, slow, smooth pans. Of course, I don't know exactly how slow you want to move it so it's likely you will just need to try one out to see for yourself, but I can tell you it is definitely better! 

With regards to the tuning fork effect, I have a couple questions for you before I offer any suggestions. First, can you please confirm whether you are using the Ross wall mount bracket, which would have been ordered separately (PIVOTCAM-SE-WM)? If I remember correctly, there was a time when we included a wall mount bracket with the camera, but it was not very rigid, and there were complaints of vibrations, so we stopped shipping it. Is this by chance the mount that you have? Which reminds me - do you have the PIVOTCam-SE or the PIVOTCam-20? Also, can you tell me what the brackets are attached to and how? 

Thanks!

Bruce

------------------------------
Bruce Takasaki Product Manager, Camera Motion Systems
Ross Video
Ottawa Canada
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-29-2021 17:29
From: Steve Witwicki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

We are probably going to replace our current 3 PivotCam cameras with the new 12G model but I have a few questions:

• Any idea when they will be released to market?
• Will I need to make any changes to my Dashboard custom controls or is it simply a matter of changing the IP address?
• The printed material I saw said that it could pan its entire limit in less a second. Does that mean that hitting presets will be much faster?
• I assume that in regard to establishing a new position using a preset it will still pan, tilt and zoom sequentially as opposed to simultaneously?
• Has the sensitivity of the pan/tilt controls been improved? In other word, can I actually use the joystick to s - l - o - w - l - y position the camera while live?

On a similar yet different note, what is the best way to stop the "tuning fork" effect when mounting to a wall? We have two cameras mounted on on a metal bracket on either side of our stage and, depending on how much movement the camera has to reposition, sometimes that bracket will vibrate like a tuning fork for a while so we need to wait till it "settles down" before taking the shot live. We have one on the back wall but the bracket seems to have some reinforcing gussets at the sides of the 90 degree bend however they still shake anytime someone opens a door or bumps the back wall. Any solutions for this?

Thanks.

------------------------------
Steve Witwicki
Video Technical Director
Light of Christ Church
------------------------------

Hi Steve,

I should clarify - with regards to using the old Pivot custom panel, it will ONLY work with the new camera if you're using serial control, which I assume you are not, based on your comment that you were hoping all you would need to do is change the IP address. Sorry about that, should have picked up on that earlier.

Thanks!

Bruce

------------------------------
Bruce Takasaki Product Manager, Camera Motion Systems
Ross Video
Ottawa Canada
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2022 11:43
From: Bruce Takasaki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

Hi Steve,

Happy New Year! thanks for reaching out. Let me try to answer all your questions in sequence:

• We expect to have a limited number of units available for shipment in early February. That being said, these days I'm a little hesitant to absolutely guarantee shipping dates until I see them in boxes, ready to go. You just never know what will happen in between now and then. However, we should absolutely be shipping product by March at the latest. 
• If you are currently using the PTZ plugin that is baked into Dashboard, you will need to install the latest version of Dashboard (V9.2.2, or higher) to get the updated plugin, and then add the new camera. The interface is largely the same, but there are some different features in the new camera that required some modifications to the plugin. If you are currently using the custom panel that was developed for controlling the PIVOTCam-20, it will likely still work with the new cameras (just add in the new IP as you suggested), however any features on the new camera that did not exist on the old Pivot will of course not be supported. And truth be told, we did not test this combination, as we intended it to be used with the plugin. Therefore, we would highly recommend you switch to the plugin.
• Yes, the max pan/tilt speed is 300 deg/s, which is more than twice as fast as the old Pivot's 120 deg/s upper limit.
• For presets stored locally on the control system, the axes will move sequentially. However, for presets that are stored on the camera itself, axes will be recalled simultaneously. Synchronization isn't perfect, but pretty close - i.e. all axes will start and end at roughly the same time, although we have found that Zoom can lag a little sometimes. 
• Yes, I would say the joystick sensitivity is significantly better with the new camera. Playing with it in the lab, we were able to generate some pretty nice, slow, smooth pans. Of course, I don't know exactly how slow you want to move it so it's likely you will just need to try one out to see for yourself, but I can tell you it is definitely better! 

With regards to the tuning fork effect, I have a couple questions for you before I offer any suggestions. First, can you please confirm whether you are using the Ross wall mount bracket, which would have been ordered separately (PIVOTCAM-SE-WM)? If I remember correctly, there was a time when we included a wall mount bracket with the camera, but it was not very rigid, and there were complaints of vibrations, so we stopped shipping it. Is this by chance the mount that you have? Which reminds me - do you have the PIVOTCam-SE or the PIVOTCam-20? Also, can you tell me what the brackets are attached to and how? 

Thanks!

Bruce

------------------------------
Bruce Takasaki Product Manager, Camera Motion Systems
Ross Video
Ottawa Canada

Original Message:
Sent: 12-29-2021 17:29
From: Steve Witwicki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

We are probably going to replace our current 3 PivotCam cameras with the new 12G model but I have a few questions:

• Any idea when they will be released to market?
• Will I need to make any changes to my Dashboard custom controls or is it simply a matter of changing the IP address?
• The printed material I saw said that it could pan its entire limit in less a second. Does that mean that hitting presets will be much faster?
• I assume that in regard to establishing a new position using a preset it will still pan, tilt and zoom sequentially as opposed to simultaneously?
• Has the sensitivity of the pan/tilt controls been improved? In other word, can I actually use the joystick to s - l - o - w - l - y position the camera while live?

On a similar yet different note, what is the best way to stop the "tuning fork" effect when mounting to a wall? We have two cameras mounted on on a metal bracket on either side of our stage and, depending on how much movement the camera has to reposition, sometimes that bracket will vibrate like a tuning fork for a while so we need to wait till it "settles down" before taking the shot live. We have one on the back wall but the bracket seems to have some reinforcing gussets at the sides of the 90 degree bend however they still shake anytime someone opens a door or bumps the back wall. Any solutions for this?

Thanks.

------------------------------
Steve Witwicki
Video Technical Director
Light of Christ Church
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 1/4/2022 8:57:00 AM
From: Bruce
Subject: RE: New PTZ-12G Cameras

Hi Steve,

I should clarify - with regards to using the old Pivot custom panel, it will ONLY work with the new camera if you're using serial control, which I assume you are not, based on your comment that you were hoping all you would need to do is change the IP address. Sorry about that, should have picked up on that earlier.

Thanks!

Bruce

------------------------------
Bruce Takasaki Product Manager, Camera Motion Systems
Ross Video
Ottawa Canada
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2022 11:43
From: Bruce Takasaki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

Hi Steve,

Happy New Year! thanks for reaching out. Let me try to answer all your questions in sequence:

• We expect to have a limited number of units available for shipment in early February. That being said, these days I'm a little hesitant to absolutely guarantee shipping dates until I see them in boxes, ready to go. You just never know what will happen in between now and then. However, we should absolutely be shipping product by March at the latest. 
• If you are currently using the PTZ plugin that is baked into Dashboard, you will need to install the latest version of Dashboard (V9.2.2, or higher) to get the updated plugin, and then add the new camera. The interface is largely the same, but there are some different features in the new camera that required some modifications to the plugin. If you are currently using the custom panel that was developed for controlling the PIVOTCam-20, it will likely still work with the new cameras (just add in the new IP as you suggested), however any features on the new camera that did not exist on the old Pivot will of course not be supported. And truth be told, we did not test this combination, as we intended it to be used with the plugin. Therefore, we would highly recommend you switch to the plugin.
• Yes, the max pan/tilt speed is 300 deg/s, which is more than twice as fast as the old Pivot's 120 deg/s upper limit.
• For presets stored locally on the control system, the axes will move sequentially. However, for presets that are stored on the camera itself, axes will be recalled simultaneously. Synchronization isn't perfect, but pretty close - i.e. all axes will start and end at roughly the same time, although we have found that Zoom can lag a little sometimes. 
• Yes, I would say the joystick sensitivity is significantly better with the new camera. Playing with it in the lab, we were able to generate some pretty nice, slow, smooth pans. Of course, I don't know exactly how slow you want to move it so it's likely you will just need to try one out to see for yourself, but I can tell you it is definitely better! 

With regards to the tuning fork effect, I have a couple questions for you before I offer any suggestions. First, can you please confirm whether you are using the Ross wall mount bracket, which would have been ordered separately (PIVOTCAM-SE-WM)? If I remember correctly, there was a time when we included a wall mount bracket with the camera, but it was not very rigid, and there were complaints of vibrations, so we stopped shipping it. Is this by chance the mount that you have? Which reminds me - do you have the PIVOTCam-SE or the PIVOTCam-20? Also, can you tell me what the brackets are attached to and how? 

Thanks!

Bruce

------------------------------
Bruce Takasaki Product Manager, Camera Motion Systems
Ross Video
Ottawa Canada

Original Message:
Sent: 12-29-2021 17:29
From: Steve Witwicki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

We are probably going to replace our current 3 PivotCam cameras with the new 12G model but I have a few questions:

• Any idea when they will be released to market?
• Will I need to make any changes to my Dashboard custom controls or is it simply a matter of changing the IP address?
• The printed material I saw said that it could pan its entire limit in less a second. Does that mean that hitting presets will be much faster?
• I assume that in regard to establishing a new position using a preset it will still pan, tilt and zoom sequentially as opposed to simultaneously?
• Has the sensitivity of the pan/tilt controls been improved? In other word, can I actually use the joystick to s - l - o - w - l - y position the camera while live?

On a similar yet different note, what is the best way to stop the "tuning fork" effect when mounting to a wall? We have two cameras mounted on on a metal bracket on either side of our stage and, depending on how much movement the camera has to reposition, sometimes that bracket will vibrate like a tuning fork for a while so we need to wait till it "settles down" before taking the shot live. We have one on the back wall but the bracket seems to have some reinforcing gussets at the sides of the 90 degree bend however they still shake anytime someone opens a door or bumps the back wall. Any solutions for this?

Thanks.

------------------------------
Steve Witwicki
Video Technical Director
Light of Christ Church
------------------------------

Hi Steve,

Yes, absolutely. The custom panel you created should largely work with the new camera. You will just need to make a few tweaks to adapt to some of the differences between the two cameras. But the main functions will work. 

Thanks!

Bruce

------------------------------
Bruce Takasaki Product Manager, Camera Motion Systems
Ross Video
Ottawa Canada
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-04-2022 10:18
From: Steve Witwicki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

Thanks, Bruce. I can, however, control it with Dashboard though, correct? Even if I need to build a new custom panel, right? I built the one we're currently using with some help from Ben and others in this online community.

Original Message:
Sent: 1/4/2022 8:57:00 AM
From: Bruce
Subject: RE: New PTZ-12G Cameras

Hi Steve,

I should clarify - with regards to using the old Pivot custom panel, it will ONLY work with the new camera if you're using serial control, which I assume you are not, based on your comment that you were hoping all you would need to do is change the IP address. Sorry about that, should have picked up on that earlier.

Thanks!

Bruce

------------------------------
Bruce Takasaki Product Manager, Camera Motion Systems
Ross Video
Ottawa Canada

Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2022 11:43
From: Bruce Takasaki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

Hi Steve,

Happy New Year! thanks for reaching out. Let me try to answer all your questions in sequence:

• We expect to have a limited number of units available for shipment in early February. That being said, these days I'm a little hesitant to absolutely guarantee shipping dates until I see them in boxes, ready to go. You just never know what will happen in between now and then. However, we should absolutely be shipping product by March at the latest. 
• If you are currently using the PTZ plugin that is baked into Dashboard, you will need to install the latest version of Dashboard (V9.2.2, or higher) to get the updated plugin, and then add the new camera. The interface is largely the same, but there are some different features in the new camera that required some modifications to the plugin. If you are currently using the custom panel that was developed for controlling the PIVOTCam-20, it will likely still work with the new cameras (just add in the new IP as you suggested), however any features on the new camera that did not exist on the old Pivot will of course not be supported. And truth be told, we did not test this combination, as we intended it to be used with the plugin. Therefore, we would highly recommend you switch to the plugin.
• Yes, the max pan/tilt speed is 300 deg/s, which is more than twice as fast as the old Pivot's 120 deg/s upper limit.
• For presets stored locally on the control system, the axes will move sequentially. However, for presets that are stored on the camera itself, axes will be recalled simultaneously. Synchronization isn't perfect, but pretty close - i.e. all axes will start and end at roughly the same time, although we have found that Zoom can lag a little sometimes. 
• Yes, I would say the joystick sensitivity is significantly better with the new camera. Playing with it in the lab, we were able to generate some pretty nice, slow, smooth pans. Of course, I don't know exactly how slow you want to move it so it's likely you will just need to try one out to see for yourself, but I can tell you it is definitely better! 

With regards to the tuning fork effect, I have a couple questions for you before I offer any suggestions. First, can you please confirm whether you are using the Ross wall mount bracket, which would have been ordered separately (PIVOTCAM-SE-WM)? If I remember correctly, there was a time when we included a wall mount bracket with the camera, but it was not very rigid, and there were complaints of vibrations, so we stopped shipping it. Is this by chance the mount that you have? Which reminds me - do you have the PIVOTCam-SE or the PIVOTCam-20? Also, can you tell me what the brackets are attached to and how? 

Thanks!

Bruce

------------------------------
Bruce Takasaki Product Manager, Camera Motion Systems
Ross Video
Ottawa Canada

Original Message:
Sent: 12-29-2021 17:29
From: Steve Witwicki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

We are probably going to replace our current 3 PivotCam cameras with the new 12G model but I have a few questions:

• Any idea when they will be released to market?
• Will I need to make any changes to my Dashboard custom controls or is it simply a matter of changing the IP address?
• The printed material I saw said that it could pan its entire limit in less a second. Does that mean that hitting presets will be much faster?
• I assume that in regard to establishing a new position using a preset it will still pan, tilt and zoom sequentially as opposed to simultaneously?
• Has the sensitivity of the pan/tilt controls been improved? In other word, can I actually use the joystick to s - l - o - w - l - y position the camera while live?

On a similar yet different note, what is the best way to stop the "tuning fork" effect when mounting to a wall? We have two cameras mounted on on a metal bracket on either side of our stage and, depending on how much movement the camera has to reposition, sometimes that bracket will vibrate like a tuning fork for a while so we need to wait till it "settles down" before taking the shot live. We have one on the back wall but the bracket seems to have some reinforcing gussets at the sides of the 90 degree bend however they still shake anytime someone opens a door or bumps the back wall. Any solutions for this?

Thanks.

------------------------------
Steve Witwicki
Video Technical Director
Light of Christ Church
------------------------------

As originally promised, thought I would report back and let you know how well the new 12-G cameras are working as well as the custom Dashboard panel we have for the system. The new cameras are awesome! First and foremost, unlike the previous PivotCams we had, I was able to change some settings in the Remote Control panels for each of the cameras so that the pan/tilt and zoom are slow enough and smooth enough to be able to use them in a live shot (pass this on to Gina Thompson) and I'm ecstatic. We have a single manned camera in addition to the 3 PTZs and it's so nice to be able to add movement in the robotic shots and not just the manned camera.

The exposure range is also phenomenal-we just got done with our Holy Week/Easter worship and for evening services on Thursday and Friday the light levels in the room were intentionally very low. I was able to pump up the gain quite a bit and open the iris without adding any noticeable noise or graniness and that, too, was a plus. The modifications I needed to make to my existing custom panel were minimal and we had the cameras up and running in no time after install.

As for the fidelity of the image, again it's quite an improvement. Even had some comments filter back to us from viewers of our stream. Overall, we're super pleased with the product and are glad we made the switch.

------------------------------
Steve Witwicki
Video Technical Director
Light of Christ Church
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-04-2022 10:58
From: Bruce Takasaki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

Hi Steve,

Yes, absolutely. The custom panel you created should largely work with the new camera. You will just need to make a few tweaks to adapt to some of the differences between the two cameras. But the main functions will work. 

Thanks!

Bruce

------------------------------
Bruce Takasaki Product Manager, Camera Motion Systems
Ross Video
Ottawa Canada

Original Message:
Sent: 01-04-2022 10:18
From: Steve Witwicki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

Thanks, Bruce. I can, however, control it with Dashboard though, correct? Even if I need to build a new custom panel, right? I built the one we're currently using with some help from Ben and others in this online community.

Original Message:
Sent: 1/4/2022 8:57:00 AM
From: Bruce
Subject: RE: New PTZ-12G Cameras

Hi Steve,

I should clarify - with regards to using the old Pivot custom panel, it will ONLY work with the new camera if you're using serial control, which I assume you are not, based on your comment that you were hoping all you would need to do is change the IP address. Sorry about that, should have picked up on that earlier.

Thanks!

Bruce

------------------------------
Bruce Takasaki Product Manager, Camera Motion Systems
Ross Video
Ottawa Canada

Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2022 11:43
From: Bruce Takasaki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

Hi Steve,

Happy New Year! thanks for reaching out. Let me try to answer all your questions in sequence:

• We expect to have a limited number of units available for shipment in early February. That being said, these days I'm a little hesitant to absolutely guarantee shipping dates until I see them in boxes, ready to go. You just never know what will happen in between now and then. However, we should absolutely be shipping product by March at the latest. 
• If you are currently using the PTZ plugin that is baked into Dashboard, you will need to install the latest version of Dashboard (V9.2.2, or higher) to get the updated plugin, and then add the new camera. The interface is largely the same, but there are some different features in the new camera that required some modifications to the plugin. If you are currently using the custom panel that was developed for controlling the PIVOTCam-20, it will likely still work with the new cameras (just add in the new IP as you suggested), however any features on the new camera that did not exist on the old Pivot will of course not be supported. And truth be told, we did not test this combination, as we intended it to be used with the plugin. Therefore, we would highly recommend you switch to the plugin.
• Yes, the max pan/tilt speed is 300 deg/s, which is more than twice as fast as the old Pivot's 120 deg/s upper limit.
• For presets stored locally on the control system, the axes will move sequentially. However, for presets that are stored on the camera itself, axes will be recalled simultaneously. Synchronization isn't perfect, but pretty close - i.e. all axes will start and end at roughly the same time, although we have found that Zoom can lag a little sometimes. 
• Yes, I would say the joystick sensitivity is significantly better with the new camera. Playing with it in the lab, we were able to generate some pretty nice, slow, smooth pans. Of course, I don't know exactly how slow you want to move it so it's likely you will just need to try one out to see for yourself, but I can tell you it is definitely better! 

With regards to the tuning fork effect, I have a couple questions for you before I offer any suggestions. First, can you please confirm whether you are using the Ross wall mount bracket, which would have been ordered separately (PIVOTCAM-SE-WM)? If I remember correctly, there was a time when we included a wall mount bracket with the camera, but it was not very rigid, and there were complaints of vibrations, so we stopped shipping it. Is this by chance the mount that you have? Which reminds me - do you have the PIVOTCam-SE or the PIVOTCam-20? Also, can you tell me what the brackets are attached to and how? 

Thanks!

Bruce

------------------------------
Bruce Takasaki Product Manager, Camera Motion Systems
Ross Video
Ottawa Canada

Original Message:
Sent: 12-29-2021 17:29
From: Steve Witwicki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

We are probably going to replace our current 3 PivotCam cameras with the new 12G model but I have a few questions:

• Any idea when they will be released to market?
• Will I need to make any changes to my Dashboard custom controls or is it simply a matter of changing the IP address?
• The printed material I saw said that it could pan its entire limit in less a second. Does that mean that hitting presets will be much faster?
• I assume that in regard to establishing a new position using a preset it will still pan, tilt and zoom sequentially as opposed to simultaneously?
• Has the sensitivity of the pan/tilt controls been improved? In other word, can I actually use the joystick to s - l - o - w - l - y position the camera while live?

On a similar yet different note, what is the best way to stop the "tuning fork" effect when mounting to a wall? We have two cameras mounted on on a metal bracket on either side of our stage and, depending on how much movement the camera has to reposition, sometimes that bracket will vibrate like a tuning fork for a while so we need to wait till it "settles down" before taking the shot live. We have one on the back wall but the bracket seems to have some reinforcing gussets at the sides of the 90 degree bend however they still shake anytime someone opens a door or bumps the back wall. Any solutions for this?

Thanks.

------------------------------
Steve Witwicki
Video Technical Director
Light of Christ Church
------------------------------

After working with the new PTZ-12 cameras we have for several weeks, there is one thing I would like to able to change, if at all possible. First off, I know that the standard response will be, "We do not recommend attempting to position or zoom the camera for a live shot." Well, after changing out our original PivotCams to the new PTZ-12s, I'm here to tell you that I can definitely do a pan or tilt using the widget on the custom panel I built in Dashboard and I have nearly infinite control to be able to use it while in Program. The zoom, however, is not so well controlled because it is still too fast, even at the slowest setting or nudge of the widget. Any way at all, within the firmware or somewhere else this could be addressed? I've already got the setting for each camera within Dashboard (PTZ Cameras > Remote Control > Config > Operation > Zoom Tele/Wide Button Sensitivity) set to its lowest possible setting, although I believe I was told once that those settings only affect the button sensitivity on the physical remote that the cameras have. 

Thanks, in advance.

------------------------------
Steve Witwicki
Video Technical Director
Light of Christ Church
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-19-2022 21:24
From: Steve Witwicki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

As originally promised, thought I would report back and let you know how well the new 12-G cameras are working as well as the custom Dashboard panel we have for the system. The new cameras are awesome! First and foremost, unlike the previous PivotCams we had, I was able to change some settings in the Remote Control panels for each of the cameras so that the pan/tilt and zoom are slow enough and smooth enough to be able to use them in a live shot (pass this on to Gina Thompson) and I'm ecstatic. We have a single manned camera in addition to the 3 PTZs and it's so nice to be able to add movement in the robotic shots and not just the manned camera.

The exposure range is also phenomenal-we just got done with our Holy Week/Easter worship and for evening services on Thursday and Friday the light levels in the room were intentionally very low. I was able to pump up the gain quite a bit and open the iris without adding any noticeable noise or graniness and that, too, was a plus. The modifications I needed to make to my existing custom panel were minimal and we had the cameras up and running in no time after install.

As for the fidelity of the image, again it's quite an improvement. Even had some comments filter back to us from viewers of our stream. Overall, we're super pleased with the product and are glad we made the switch.

------------------------------
Steve Witwicki
Video Technical Director
Light of Christ Church

Original Message:
Sent: 01-04-2022 10:58
From: Bruce Takasaki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

Hi Steve,

Yes, absolutely. The custom panel you created should largely work with the new camera. You will just need to make a few tweaks to adapt to some of the differences between the two cameras. But the main functions will work. 

Thanks!

Bruce

------------------------------
Bruce Takasaki Product Manager, Camera Motion Systems
Ross Video
Ottawa Canada

Original Message:
Sent: 01-04-2022 10:18
From: Steve Witwicki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

Thanks, Bruce. I can, however, control it with Dashboard though, correct? Even if I need to build a new custom panel, right? I built the one we're currently using with some help from Ben and others in this online community.

Original Message:
Sent: 1/4/2022 8:57:00 AM
From: Bruce
Subject: RE: New PTZ-12G Cameras

Hi Steve,

I should clarify - with regards to using the old Pivot custom panel, it will ONLY work with the new camera if you're using serial control, which I assume you are not, based on your comment that you were hoping all you would need to do is change the IP address. Sorry about that, should have picked up on that earlier.

Thanks!

Bruce

------------------------------
Bruce Takasaki Product Manager, Camera Motion Systems
Ross Video
Ottawa Canada

Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2022 11:43
From: Bruce Takasaki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

Hi Steve,

Happy New Year! thanks for reaching out. Let me try to answer all your questions in sequence:

• We expect to have a limited number of units available for shipment in early February. That being said, these days I'm a little hesitant to absolutely guarantee shipping dates until I see them in boxes, ready to go. You just never know what will happen in between now and then. However, we should absolutely be shipping product by March at the latest. 
• If you are currently using the PTZ plugin that is baked into Dashboard, you will need to install the latest version of Dashboard (V9.2.2, or higher) to get the updated plugin, and then add the new camera. The interface is largely the same, but there are some different features in the new camera that required some modifications to the plugin. If you are currently using the custom panel that was developed for controlling the PIVOTCam-20, it will likely still work with the new cameras (just add in the new IP as you suggested), however any features on the new camera that did not exist on the old Pivot will of course not be supported. And truth be told, we did not test this combination, as we intended it to be used with the plugin. Therefore, we would highly recommend you switch to the plugin.
• Yes, the max pan/tilt speed is 300 deg/s, which is more than twice as fast as the old Pivot's 120 deg/s upper limit.
• For presets stored locally on the control system, the axes will move sequentially. However, for presets that are stored on the camera itself, axes will be recalled simultaneously. Synchronization isn't perfect, but pretty close - i.e. all axes will start and end at roughly the same time, although we have found that Zoom can lag a little sometimes. 
• Yes, I would say the joystick sensitivity is significantly better with the new camera. Playing with it in the lab, we were able to generate some pretty nice, slow, smooth pans. Of course, I don't know exactly how slow you want to move it so it's likely you will just need to try one out to see for yourself, but I can tell you it is definitely better! 

With regards to the tuning fork effect, I have a couple questions for you before I offer any suggestions. First, can you please confirm whether you are using the Ross wall mount bracket, which would have been ordered separately (PIVOTCAM-SE-WM)? If I remember correctly, there was a time when we included a wall mount bracket with the camera, but it was not very rigid, and there were complaints of vibrations, so we stopped shipping it. Is this by chance the mount that you have? Which reminds me - do you have the PIVOTCam-SE or the PIVOTCam-20? Also, can you tell me what the brackets are attached to and how? 

Thanks!

Bruce

------------------------------
Bruce Takasaki Product Manager, Camera Motion Systems
Ross Video
Ottawa Canada

Original Message:
Sent: 12-29-2021 17:29
From: Steve Witwicki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

We are probably going to replace our current 3 PivotCam cameras with the new 12G model but I have a few questions:

• Any idea when they will be released to market?
• Will I need to make any changes to my Dashboard custom controls or is it simply a matter of changing the IP address?
• The printed material I saw said that it could pan its entire limit in less a second. Does that mean that hitting presets will be much faster?
• I assume that in regard to establishing a new position using a preset it will still pan, tilt and zoom sequentially as opposed to simultaneously?
• Has the sensitivity of the pan/tilt controls been improved? In other word, can I actually use the joystick to s - l - o - w - l - y position the camera while live?

On a similar yet different note, what is the best way to stop the "tuning fork" effect when mounting to a wall? We have two cameras mounted on on a metal bracket on either side of our stage and, depending on how much movement the camera has to reposition, sometimes that bracket will vibrate like a tuning fork for a while so we need to wait till it "settles down" before taking the shot live. We have one on the back wall but the bracket seems to have some reinforcing gussets at the sides of the 90 degree bend however they still shake anytime someone opens a door or bumps the back wall. Any solutions for this?

Thanks.

------------------------------
Steve Witwicki
Video Technical Director
Light of Christ Church
------------------------------

Wondering if anyone has any comments or response to my original post?

------------------------------
Steve Witwicki
Video Technical Director
Light of Christ Church
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-11-2022 22:17
From: Steve Witwicki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

After working with the new PTZ-12 cameras we have for several weeks, there is one thing I would like to able to change, if at all possible. First off, I know that the standard response will be, "We do not recommend attempting to position or zoom the camera for a live shot." Well, after changing out our original PivotCams to the new PTZ-12s, I'm here to tell you that I can definitely do a pan or tilt using the widget on the custom panel I built in Dashboard and I have nearly infinite control to be able to use it while in Program. The zoom, however, is not so well controlled because it is still too fast, even at the slowest setting or nudge of the widget. Any way at all, within the firmware or somewhere else this could be addressed? I've already got the setting for each camera within Dashboard (PTZ Cameras > Remote Control > Config > Operation > Zoom Tele/Wide Button Sensitivity) set to its lowest possible setting, although I believe I was told once that those settings only affect the button sensitivity on the physical remote that the cameras have. 

Thanks, in advance.

------------------------------
Steve Witwicki
Video Technical Director
Light of Christ Church

Original Message:
Sent: 04-19-2022 21:24
From: Steve Witwicki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

As originally promised, thought I would report back and let you know how well the new 12-G cameras are working as well as the custom Dashboard panel we have for the system. The new cameras are awesome! First and foremost, unlike the previous PivotCams we had, I was able to change some settings in the Remote Control panels for each of the cameras so that the pan/tilt and zoom are slow enough and smooth enough to be able to use them in a live shot (pass this on to Gina Thompson) and I'm ecstatic. We have a single manned camera in addition to the 3 PTZs and it's so nice to be able to add movement in the robotic shots and not just the manned camera.

The exposure range is also phenomenal-we just got done with our Holy Week/Easter worship and for evening services on Thursday and Friday the light levels in the room were intentionally very low. I was able to pump up the gain quite a bit and open the iris without adding any noticeable noise or graniness and that, too, was a plus. The modifications I needed to make to my existing custom panel were minimal and we had the cameras up and running in no time after install.

As for the fidelity of the image, again it's quite an improvement. Even had some comments filter back to us from viewers of our stream. Overall, we're super pleased with the product and are glad we made the switch.

------------------------------
Steve Witwicki
Video Technical Director
Light of Christ Church

Original Message:
Sent: 01-04-2022 10:58
From: Bruce Takasaki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

Hi Steve,

Yes, absolutely. The custom panel you created should largely work with the new camera. You will just need to make a few tweaks to adapt to some of the differences between the two cameras. But the main functions will work. 

Thanks!

Bruce

------------------------------
Bruce Takasaki Product Manager, Camera Motion Systems
Ross Video
Ottawa Canada

Original Message:
Sent: 01-04-2022 10:18
From: Steve Witwicki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

Thanks, Bruce. I can, however, control it with Dashboard though, correct? Even if I need to build a new custom panel, right? I built the one we're currently using with some help from Ben and others in this online community.

Original Message:
Sent: 1/4/2022 8:57:00 AM
From: Bruce
Subject: RE: New PTZ-12G Cameras

Hi Steve,

I should clarify - with regards to using the old Pivot custom panel, it will ONLY work with the new camera if you're using serial control, which I assume you are not, based on your comment that you were hoping all you would need to do is change the IP address. Sorry about that, should have picked up on that earlier.

Thanks!

Bruce

------------------------------
Bruce Takasaki Product Manager, Camera Motion Systems
Ross Video
Ottawa Canada

Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2022 11:43
From: Bruce Takasaki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

Hi Steve,

Happy New Year! thanks for reaching out. Let me try to answer all your questions in sequence:

• We expect to have a limited number of units available for shipment in early February. That being said, these days I'm a little hesitant to absolutely guarantee shipping dates until I see them in boxes, ready to go. You just never know what will happen in between now and then. However, we should absolutely be shipping product by March at the latest. 
• If you are currently using the PTZ plugin that is baked into Dashboard, you will need to install the latest version of Dashboard (V9.2.2, or higher) to get the updated plugin, and then add the new camera. The interface is largely the same, but there are some different features in the new camera that required some modifications to the plugin. If you are currently using the custom panel that was developed for controlling the PIVOTCam-20, it will likely still work with the new cameras (just add in the new IP as you suggested), however any features on the new camera that did not exist on the old Pivot will of course not be supported. And truth be told, we did not test this combination, as we intended it to be used with the plugin. Therefore, we would highly recommend you switch to the plugin.
• Yes, the max pan/tilt speed is 300 deg/s, which is more than twice as fast as the old Pivot's 120 deg/s upper limit.
• For presets stored locally on the control system, the axes will move sequentially. However, for presets that are stored on the camera itself, axes will be recalled simultaneously. Synchronization isn't perfect, but pretty close - i.e. all axes will start and end at roughly the same time, although we have found that Zoom can lag a little sometimes. 
• Yes, I would say the joystick sensitivity is significantly better with the new camera. Playing with it in the lab, we were able to generate some pretty nice, slow, smooth pans. Of course, I don't know exactly how slow you want to move it so it's likely you will just need to try one out to see for yourself, but I can tell you it is definitely better! 

With regards to the tuning fork effect, I have a couple questions for you before I offer any suggestions. First, can you please confirm whether you are using the Ross wall mount bracket, which would have been ordered separately (PIVOTCAM-SE-WM)? If I remember correctly, there was a time when we included a wall mount bracket with the camera, but it was not very rigid, and there were complaints of vibrations, so we stopped shipping it. Is this by chance the mount that you have? Which reminds me - do you have the PIVOTCam-SE or the PIVOTCam-20? Also, can you tell me what the brackets are attached to and how? 

Thanks!

Bruce

------------------------------
Bruce Takasaki Product Manager, Camera Motion Systems
Ross Video
Ottawa Canada

Original Message:
Sent: 12-29-2021 17:29
From: Steve Witwicki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

We are probably going to replace our current 3 PivotCam cameras with the new 12G model but I have a few questions:

• Any idea when they will be released to market?
• Will I need to make any changes to my Dashboard custom controls or is it simply a matter of changing the IP address?
• The printed material I saw said that it could pan its entire limit in less a second. Does that mean that hitting presets will be much faster?
• I assume that in regard to establishing a new position using a preset it will still pan, tilt and zoom sequentially as opposed to simultaneously?
• Has the sensitivity of the pan/tilt controls been improved? In other word, can I actually use the joystick to s - l - o - w - l - y position the camera while live?

On a similar yet different note, what is the best way to stop the "tuning fork" effect when mounting to a wall? We have two cameras mounted on on a metal bracket on either side of our stage and, depending on how much movement the camera has to reposition, sometimes that bracket will vibrate like a tuning fork for a while so we need to wait till it "settles down" before taking the shot live. We have one on the back wall but the bracket seems to have some reinforcing gussets at the sides of the 90 degree bend however they still shake anytime someone opens a door or bumps the back wall. Any solutions for this?

Thanks.

------------------------------
Steve Witwicki
Video Technical Director
Light of Christ Church
------------------------------

CLARIFICATION: Wondering if anyone has any comments or response to my LATEST post about slowing down the zoom somehow in Dashboard?

------------------------------
Steve Witwicki
Video Technical Director
Light of Christ Church
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 06-07-2022 10:38
From: Steve Witwicki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

Wondering if anyone has any comments or response to my original post?

------------------------------
Steve Witwicki
Video Technical Director
Light of Christ Church

Original Message:
Sent: 05-11-2022 22:17
From: Steve Witwicki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

After working with the new PTZ-12 cameras we have for several weeks, there is one thing I would like to able to change, if at all possible. First off, I know that the standard response will be, "We do not recommend attempting to position or zoom the camera for a live shot." Well, after changing out our original PivotCams to the new PTZ-12s, I'm here to tell you that I can definitely do a pan or tilt using the widget on the custom panel I built in Dashboard and I have nearly infinite control to be able to use it while in Program. The zoom, however, is not so well controlled because it is still too fast, even at the slowest setting or nudge of the widget. Any way at all, within the firmware or somewhere else this could be addressed? I've already got the setting for each camera within Dashboard (PTZ Cameras > Remote Control > Config > Operation > Zoom Tele/Wide Button Sensitivity) set to its lowest possible setting, although I believe I was told once that those settings only affect the button sensitivity on the physical remote that the cameras have. 

Thanks, in advance.

------------------------------
Steve Witwicki
Video Technical Director
Light of Christ Church

Original Message:
Sent: 04-19-2022 21:24
From: Steve Witwicki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

As originally promised, thought I would report back and let you know how well the new 12-G cameras are working as well as the custom Dashboard panel we have for the system. The new cameras are awesome! First and foremost, unlike the previous PivotCams we had, I was able to change some settings in the Remote Control panels for each of the cameras so that the pan/tilt and zoom are slow enough and smooth enough to be able to use them in a live shot (pass this on to Gina Thompson) and I'm ecstatic. We have a single manned camera in addition to the 3 PTZs and it's so nice to be able to add movement in the robotic shots and not just the manned camera.

The exposure range is also phenomenal-we just got done with our Holy Week/Easter worship and for evening services on Thursday and Friday the light levels in the room were intentionally very low. I was able to pump up the gain quite a bit and open the iris without adding any noticeable noise or graniness and that, too, was a plus. The modifications I needed to make to my existing custom panel were minimal and we had the cameras up and running in no time after install.

As for the fidelity of the image, again it's quite an improvement. Even had some comments filter back to us from viewers of our stream. Overall, we're super pleased with the product and are glad we made the switch.

------------------------------
Steve Witwicki
Video Technical Director
Light of Christ Church

Original Message:
Sent: 01-04-2022 10:58
From: Bruce Takasaki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

Hi Steve,

Yes, absolutely. The custom panel you created should largely work with the new camera. You will just need to make a few tweaks to adapt to some of the differences between the two cameras. But the main functions will work. 

Thanks!

Bruce

------------------------------
Bruce Takasaki Product Manager, Camera Motion Systems
Ross Video
Ottawa Canada

Original Message:
Sent: 01-04-2022 10:18
From: Steve Witwicki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

Thanks, Bruce. I can, however, control it with Dashboard though, correct? Even if I need to build a new custom panel, right? I built the one we're currently using with some help from Ben and others in this online community.

Original Message:
Sent: 1/4/2022 8:57:00 AM
From: Bruce
Subject: RE: New PTZ-12G Cameras

Hi Steve,

I should clarify - with regards to using the old Pivot custom panel, it will ONLY work with the new camera if you're using serial control, which I assume you are not, based on your comment that you were hoping all you would need to do is change the IP address. Sorry about that, should have picked up on that earlier.

Thanks!

Bruce

------------------------------
Bruce Takasaki Product Manager, Camera Motion Systems
Ross Video
Ottawa Canada

Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2022 11:43
From: Bruce Takasaki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

Hi Steve,

Happy New Year! thanks for reaching out. Let me try to answer all your questions in sequence:

• We expect to have a limited number of units available for shipment in early February. That being said, these days I'm a little hesitant to absolutely guarantee shipping dates until I see them in boxes, ready to go. You just never know what will happen in between now and then. However, we should absolutely be shipping product by March at the latest. 
• If you are currently using the PTZ plugin that is baked into Dashboard, you will need to install the latest version of Dashboard (V9.2.2, or higher) to get the updated plugin, and then add the new camera. The interface is largely the same, but there are some different features in the new camera that required some modifications to the plugin. If you are currently using the custom panel that was developed for controlling the PIVOTCam-20, it will likely still work with the new cameras (just add in the new IP as you suggested), however any features on the new camera that did not exist on the old Pivot will of course not be supported. And truth be told, we did not test this combination, as we intended it to be used with the plugin. Therefore, we would highly recommend you switch to the plugin.
• Yes, the max pan/tilt speed is 300 deg/s, which is more than twice as fast as the old Pivot's 120 deg/s upper limit.
• For presets stored locally on the control system, the axes will move sequentially. However, for presets that are stored on the camera itself, axes will be recalled simultaneously. Synchronization isn't perfect, but pretty close - i.e. all axes will start and end at roughly the same time, although we have found that Zoom can lag a little sometimes. 
• Yes, I would say the joystick sensitivity is significantly better with the new camera. Playing with it in the lab, we were able to generate some pretty nice, slow, smooth pans. Of course, I don't know exactly how slow you want to move it so it's likely you will just need to try one out to see for yourself, but I can tell you it is definitely better! 

With regards to the tuning fork effect, I have a couple questions for you before I offer any suggestions. First, can you please confirm whether you are using the Ross wall mount bracket, which would have been ordered separately (PIVOTCAM-SE-WM)? If I remember correctly, there was a time when we included a wall mount bracket with the camera, but it was not very rigid, and there were complaints of vibrations, so we stopped shipping it. Is this by chance the mount that you have? Which reminds me - do you have the PIVOTCam-SE or the PIVOTCam-20? Also, can you tell me what the brackets are attached to and how? 

Thanks!

Bruce

------------------------------
Bruce Takasaki Product Manager, Camera Motion Systems
Ross Video
Ottawa Canada

Original Message:
Sent: 12-29-2021 17:29
From: Steve Witwicki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

We are probably going to replace our current 3 PivotCam cameras with the new 12G model but I have a few questions:

• Any idea when they will be released to market?
• Will I need to make any changes to my Dashboard custom controls or is it simply a matter of changing the IP address?
• The printed material I saw said that it could pan its entire limit in less a second. Does that mean that hitting presets will be much faster?
• I assume that in regard to establishing a new position using a preset it will still pan, tilt and zoom sequentially as opposed to simultaneously?
• Has the sensitivity of the pan/tilt controls been improved? In other word, can I actually use the joystick to s - l - o - w - l - y position the camera while live?

On a similar yet different note, what is the best way to stop the "tuning fork" effect when mounting to a wall? We have two cameras mounted on on a metal bracket on either side of our stage and, depending on how much movement the camera has to reposition, sometimes that bracket will vibrate like a tuning fork for a while so we need to wait till it "settles down" before taking the shot live. We have one on the back wall but the bracket seems to have some reinforcing gussets at the sides of the 90 degree bend however they still shake anytime someone opens a door or bumps the back wall. Any solutions for this?

Thanks.

------------------------------
Steve Witwicki
Video Technical Director
Light of Christ Church
------------------------------

Hi Steve,

Apologies for the late reply. I checked with the development team and unfortunately there is no way for us to provide any slower movement on the zoom axis via joystick control. There are just 7 speed settings for that axis, so once you hit 1, that's as slow as it's going to get. These settings would apply equally to a physical joystick or the on-screen control, so no difference there. 

Thanks for the great feedback on the new camera. We're happy to hear that you see a substantial improvement over the PIVOTCam-SE! 

Thanks, and best regards,

Bruce

------------------------------
Bruce Takasaki Product Manager, Camera Motion Systems
Ross Video
Ottawa Canada
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 06-07-2022 10:40
From: Steve Witwicki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

CLARIFICATION: Wondering if anyone has any comments or response to my LATEST post about slowing down the zoom somehow in Dashboard?

------------------------------
Steve Witwicki
Video Technical Director
Light of Christ Church

Original Message:
Sent: 06-07-2022 10:38
From: Steve Witwicki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

Wondering if anyone has any comments or response to my original post?

------------------------------
Steve Witwicki
Video Technical Director
Light of Christ Church

Original Message:
Sent: 05-11-2022 22:17
From: Steve Witwicki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

After working with the new PTZ-12 cameras we have for several weeks, there is one thing I would like to able to change, if at all possible. First off, I know that the standard response will be, "We do not recommend attempting to position or zoom the camera for a live shot." Well, after changing out our original PivotCams to the new PTZ-12s, I'm here to tell you that I can definitely do a pan or tilt using the widget on the custom panel I built in Dashboard and I have nearly infinite control to be able to use it while in Program. The zoom, however, is not so well controlled because it is still too fast, even at the slowest setting or nudge of the widget. Any way at all, within the firmware or somewhere else this could be addressed? I've already got the setting for each camera within Dashboard (PTZ Cameras > Remote Control > Config > Operation > Zoom Tele/Wide Button Sensitivity) set to its lowest possible setting, although I believe I was told once that those settings only affect the button sensitivity on the physical remote that the cameras have. 

Thanks, in advance.

------------------------------
Steve Witwicki
Video Technical Director
Light of Christ Church

Original Message:
Sent: 04-19-2022 21:24
From: Steve Witwicki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

As originally promised, thought I would report back and let you know how well the new 12-G cameras are working as well as the custom Dashboard panel we have for the system. The new cameras are awesome! First and foremost, unlike the previous PivotCams we had, I was able to change some settings in the Remote Control panels for each of the cameras so that the pan/tilt and zoom are slow enough and smooth enough to be able to use them in a live shot (pass this on to Gina Thompson) and I'm ecstatic. We have a single manned camera in addition to the 3 PTZs and it's so nice to be able to add movement in the robotic shots and not just the manned camera.

The exposure range is also phenomenal-we just got done with our Holy Week/Easter worship and for evening services on Thursday and Friday the light levels in the room were intentionally very low. I was able to pump up the gain quite a bit and open the iris without adding any noticeable noise or graniness and that, too, was a plus. The modifications I needed to make to my existing custom panel were minimal and we had the cameras up and running in no time after install.

As for the fidelity of the image, again it's quite an improvement. Even had some comments filter back to us from viewers of our stream. Overall, we're super pleased with the product and are glad we made the switch.

------------------------------
Steve Witwicki
Video Technical Director
Light of Christ Church

Original Message:
Sent: 01-04-2022 10:58
From: Bruce Takasaki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

Hi Steve,

Yes, absolutely. The custom panel you created should largely work with the new camera. You will just need to make a few tweaks to adapt to some of the differences between the two cameras. But the main functions will work. 

Thanks!

Bruce

------------------------------
Bruce Takasaki Product Manager, Camera Motion Systems
Ross Video
Ottawa Canada

Original Message:
Sent: 01-04-2022 10:18
From: Steve Witwicki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

Thanks, Bruce. I can, however, control it with Dashboard though, correct? Even if I need to build a new custom panel, right? I built the one we're currently using with some help from Ben and others in this online community.

Original Message:
Sent: 1/4/2022 8:57:00 AM
From: Bruce
Subject: RE: New PTZ-12G Cameras

Hi Steve,

I should clarify - with regards to using the old Pivot custom panel, it will ONLY work with the new camera if you're using serial control, which I assume you are not, based on your comment that you were hoping all you would need to do is change the IP address. Sorry about that, should have picked up on that earlier.

Thanks!

Bruce

------------------------------
Bruce Takasaki Product Manager, Camera Motion Systems
Ross Video
Ottawa Canada

Original Message:
Sent: 01-03-2022 11:43
From: Bruce Takasaki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

Hi Steve,

Happy New Year! thanks for reaching out. Let me try to answer all your questions in sequence:

• We expect to have a limited number of units available for shipment in early February. That being said, these days I'm a little hesitant to absolutely guarantee shipping dates until I see them in boxes, ready to go. You just never know what will happen in between now and then. However, we should absolutely be shipping product by March at the latest. 
• If you are currently using the PTZ plugin that is baked into Dashboard, you will need to install the latest version of Dashboard (V9.2.2, or higher) to get the updated plugin, and then add the new camera. The interface is largely the same, but there are some different features in the new camera that required some modifications to the plugin. If you are currently using the custom panel that was developed for controlling the PIVOTCam-20, it will likely still work with the new cameras (just add in the new IP as you suggested), however any features on the new camera that did not exist on the old Pivot will of course not be supported. And truth be told, we did not test this combination, as we intended it to be used with the plugin. Therefore, we would highly recommend you switch to the plugin.
• Yes, the max pan/tilt speed is 300 deg/s, which is more than twice as fast as the old Pivot's 120 deg/s upper limit.
• For presets stored locally on the control system, the axes will move sequentially. However, for presets that are stored on the camera itself, axes will be recalled simultaneously. Synchronization isn't perfect, but pretty close - i.e. all axes will start and end at roughly the same time, although we have found that Zoom can lag a little sometimes. 
• Yes, I would say the joystick sensitivity is significantly better with the new camera. Playing with it in the lab, we were able to generate some pretty nice, slow, smooth pans. Of course, I don't know exactly how slow you want to move it so it's likely you will just need to try one out to see for yourself, but I can tell you it is definitely better! 

With regards to the tuning fork effect, I have a couple questions for you before I offer any suggestions. First, can you please confirm whether you are using the Ross wall mount bracket, which would have been ordered separately (PIVOTCAM-SE-WM)? If I remember correctly, there was a time when we included a wall mount bracket with the camera, but it was not very rigid, and there were complaints of vibrations, so we stopped shipping it. Is this by chance the mount that you have? Which reminds me - do you have the PIVOTCam-SE or the PIVOTCam-20? Also, can you tell me what the brackets are attached to and how? 

Thanks!

Bruce

------------------------------
Bruce Takasaki Product Manager, Camera Motion Systems
Ross Video
Ottawa Canada

Original Message:
Sent: 12-29-2021 17:29
From: Steve Witwicki
Subject: New PTZ-12G Cameras

We are probably going to replace our current 3 PivotCam cameras with the new 12G model but I have a few questions:

• Any idea when they will be released to market?
• Will I need to make any changes to my Dashboard custom controls or is it simply a matter of changing the IP address?
• The printed material I saw said that it could pan its entire limit in less a second. Does that mean that hitting presets will be much faster?
• I assume that in regard to establishing a new position using a preset it will still pan, tilt and zoom sequentially as opposed to simultaneously?
• Has the sensitivity of the pan/tilt controls been improved? In other word, can I actually use the joystick to s - l - o - w - l - y position the camera while live?

On a similar yet different note, what is the best way to stop the "tuning fork" effect when mounting to a wall? We have two cameras mounted on on a metal bracket on either side of our stage and, depending on how much movement the camera has to reposition, sometimes that bracket will vibrate like a tuning fork for a while so we need to wait till it "settles down" before taking the shot live. We have one on the back wall but the bracket seems to have some reinforcing gussets at the sides of the 90 degree bend however they still shake anytime someone opens a door or bumps the back wall. Any solutions for this?

Thanks.

------------------------------
Steve Witwicki
Video Technical Director
Light of Christ Church
------------------------------