Control Options

This guide covers setting up the SimplTrack3 camera with external control systems via Network or RS232 connections.

Network Joystick Controller Setup

PTZOptics joysticks can control the SimplTrack3 over the network using VISCA over IP, giving you physical joystick control without serial cables.

📋What you need

• A PTZOptics joystick (PT-SUPERJOY-G1 or PT-JOY-G4)
• Camera and joystick on the same network
• Camera's IP address

Steps

1. Connect the joystick to your network via Ethernet.
2. Power on the joystick and wait for it to boot.
3. Configure the joystick with the camera's connection details:
   • Enter the camera's IP address.
   • Set the port to 5678 (TCP) or 1259 (UDP).
   • Set the protocol to VISCA over IP.
4. Test control: Use the joystick to pan, tilt, and zoom the camera.

tip

For multi-camera setups, assign each camera a unique address and configure the joystick to switch between them. The SuperJoy supports managing multiple cameras from a single interface.

important

Control connections can be made while the camera is powered on, but we recommend making all connections before powering on for proper detection.

RS232 Joystick Controller Setup

RS232 provides a direct, point-to-point wired connection between your controller and the camera. No network configuration is needed.

📋What you need

• RS232 cable with 8-pin Mini DIN connectors
• A controller or joystick that supports VISCA, Pelco-D, or Pelco-P
• 12V DC power supply (included) or PoE++ (802.3bt) (RS232 does not provide power)

Step 1: Connect the RS232 Cable

1. Connect an RS232 cable (8-pin Mini DIN) from your controller's RS232 output to the camera's RS232 Input port.
2. For daisy-chaining multiple cameras: connect the camera's RS232 Output to the next camera's RS232 Input.

warning

RS232 pinouts vary between manufacturers. If your controller's pinout differs from the camera's, you may need a null modem adapter or a custom cable. See the RS232 Pin-Out Reference below for the SimplTrack3's pin assignments.

Step 2: Power the Camera

Power the camera using one of the following methods:

• 12V DC: Connect the included 12V DC adapter to the camera's DC input.
• PoE (802.3af): Connect the camera's LAN port to a PoE (802.3af).

Step 3: Configure Your Controller

1. Set your controller to match the camera's protocol: VISCA (default), Pelco-D, or Pelco-P.
2. Set the baud rate to match the camera (default: 9600).
3. Assign each camera a unique address (default: 1).

tip

To change the camera's protocol from the IR remote, press [Menu], navigate to Communication Setup, and select your protocol.

Step 4: Test Control

Use your controller to pan, tilt, and zoom the camera. If the camera doesn't respond:

• Verify the RS232 cable is connected to the correct port (Input, not Output).
• Verify the protocol and baud rate match between controller and camera.
• Verify each camera in a daisy chain has a unique address.