Networking

The PTZOptics SimplTrack3 camera connects to your network over a single Ethernet cable, giving you access to the SimplTrack3 Web UI, video streaming, and remote control. This page covers the most common networking and streaming tasks, followed by protocol decision guidance and reference tables.

important

If you connected the camera to your network via Ethernet and powered it on, the camera will automatically request an IP address from your network's DHCP server. This process typically takes 10-30 seconds.

Find Your Camera on the Network

Before you can configure streaming or control the camera remotely, you need to find it on your network. Choose the method that works best for your situation.

Method 1: Use the Camera's Hostname (Easiest)

The PTZOptics SimplTrack3 camera supports mDNS (multicast DNS), so you can reach it by hostname without knowing the IP address.

1. Open a web browser on any device connected to the same network.
2. Type the following address and press Enter:

http://ptzoptics.local/

3. This will take you to the SimplTrack3 Web UI.

💡First Time Logging In?

You will be prompted to set up a password on your first login.

• Default Username: admin
• Create a strong password.

tip

If you have multiple cameras on the same network, give each camera a unique Device ID from the SimplTrack3 Web UI Device Info tab. Then reach each camera by its ID: http://camera-one.local, http://camera-two.local, etc.

Method 2: Display the IP on Your Video Output

If the hostname method doesn't work, use the IR remote to display the camera's IP address directly on the connected display.

1. Make sure the camera is connected to a display via HDMI, SDI, or USB.
2. Press the following buttons on the IR remote in order:

[*]  →  [#]  →  [4]

3. The camera's IP address will appear as an overlay on the video feed.

Method 3: Find Your Network Range Manually

If you need to scan for the camera's IP, first determine your computer's local network range.

Windows:

1. Open the Start menu, type CMD, and open the Command Prompt.
2. Type ipconfig and press Enter.
3. Locate the IPv4 Address under your active network adapter (e.g., 192.168.15.117).
4. Your network range is 192.168.15.xxx. The camera will have a similar address in that range.

Mac:

1. Open Terminal (Applications → Utilities → Terminal).
2. Type ipconfig getifaddr en0 and press Enter.
3. The result is your computer's local IP address. The camera will have a similar address in the same range.

Access the SimplTrack3 Web UI

Once you have the camera's IP address:

1. Open a web browser and enter: http://<camera-ip-address>
2. Open the SimplTrack3 Web UI and log in with your credentials.

warning

Set a strong password to secure your camera, especially if it's accessible on a shared network.

How to set a Static IP Address

Certain setups, such as permanent installations, require setting a static IP so the camera is always reachable at the same address.

1. Log into the camera's SimplTrack3 Web UI.
2. Navigate to Network Settings (or Device Settings > Network in Horizon).
3. Change the IP Configuration Type from DHCP to Static.
4. Enter the following:
   • IP Address: The static IP you want to assign (e.g., 192.168.1.100)
   • Subnet Mask: Typically 255.255.255.0
   • Gateway: Your router's IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.1)
   • DNS Server: Your network's DNS server (often the same as the gateway)
5. Click Apply to save.

tip

Make sure the static IP you choose is outside your DHCP server's address pool to avoid IP conflicts. Check your router's DHCP settings to see which addresses are being handed out automatically. If you need further assistance, contact your network administrator.

note

The SimplTrack 3 does not support simultaneous UDP/TCP control. The default Protocol is TCP with port 5678.

To configure the SimplTrack 3 control port, visit the SimplTrack3 Web UI and navigate to the System Settings. You'll find the control port protocol options under the Control Settings section.