Camera Motion Systems

 View Only
  • 1.  PTZ Cameras losing focus and movement is too fast

    Posted 02-15-2024 22:32

    We have had a couple of PivotCams for about 4 years and three of the newer PTZ-12G cameras for about 2 years now. Just recently, for some reason, two things are occurring. First, we are intermittently losing focus-there have been times when we save presets on Dashboard and then, when we recall that preset, the focus is out of whack. As part of our SOP, before saving any preset, we always also hit the one touch focus button and wait until the shot is completely in focus and then perform the save. This just stated happening in the past few weeks and we cannot figure out what changed.

    The second issue that we're encountering is that it seems that the camera movement, specifically the pan and tilt, have suddenly sped up to the point that it has become difficult to save a preset in the exact position we desire. In other words, the camera moves so fast that by the time we release the virtual joystick on Dashboard that the camera has gone beyond the point where we wanted it to stop. This has caused us to use a workaround by using Dashboard to position "near" where want the camera to be and then opening up the camera's web controls and fine tuning the location there. Is there a way to slow down the movement in the on-screen camera menu or some other method?

    Since this issue never occurred before, there must be some remedy for this and we're wondering if someone can help? Thanks in advance.



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


  • 2.  RE: PTZ Cameras losing focus and movement is too fast

    Posted 02-16-2024 10:29

    Hi Steve,

    I have two potential solutions for you to try to fix these issues.

    Focus Recall:

    • When storing a preset ensure that the 'Recall Focus' option is selected.
      • You might also want to check the default Store Options and ensure it is selected there.
        • DashBoard-> Presets Page -> Select 'Store' -> Store options will be at the top right area.
    • You can also enable PTZ Assist, which must be done in the Web UI of the camera.  This will initiate an Auto Focus operation when the camera finishes movement when focus is set to manual. So when you manually adjust the camera, it will focus
      • Web UI -> Settings -> Camera -> Focus -> PTZ Assist
      • You may also want to set your AF Frame to 'Center' which is just above the PTZ Assist option.

    Pan Tilt Speed:

    • When zoomed in every movement is magnified which can make it quite difficult to frame a shot.
    • Turning on 'Variable Zoom' should solve this issue.  This option slows the pan and tilt speed when the camera is zoomed in, allowing for easier shot framing.
      • DashBoard -> Config Tab -> Camera Tab -> Camera Options -> Variable Zoom

    I hope this helps solve your issues.

    Thanks,

    Zane



    ------------------------------
    Zane Burtnyk
    PV Specialist - Camera Motion Systems
    Ross Video
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: PTZ Cameras losing focus and movement is too fast

    Posted 02-23-2024 18:59

    SOLVED: Hey Zane-thanks for reaching out. Seems I have resolved both issues and, unfortunately, because in my haste, I didn't follow good troubleshooting steps, I'm not sure exactly what resolved the issues. Instead of doing one step and testing at a time, I applied a number of changes and since it worked after doing that, i can't tell exactly which one(s) resolved the problem. Important thing (for me) though is that both issues have been resolved! 



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