-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 1
Revised 9/15/ 2 00 6 Observer IV Wireless Internet Cam era System User’s Guide Colorado Video, Inc. Boulder, CO ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 2
ii OBSERVER IV USER’S GUIDE Table of Contents Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1 Camera Capabilities ............................................................................................................ ............ 2 Communica ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 3
1 OBSERVER IV USER’S GUIDE Introduction The Observer IV is a digital still camera that uses the GSM cellular phone network to deliver images from remote locations to any computer on th e Internet. The camera, battery-operated and housed in a weatherproof enclosure, is capable of providing images from areas where standard monitoring techniques are ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 4
2 Camera Capabilities The Observer camera delivers pictures from remote areas to any computer on the Internet. It is designed to operate, unattended, for extended periods of time. The camera operates in one of two configurations. As a remote imaging device, th e camera will deliver images and notification of activity. In the other configuration the ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 5
3 The following table illustrates the available combin ations of image delivery and event notification options. Image Delivery Options FTP Email Notification Options Text Messaging Yes Yes E m a i l Y e s N o Email with image Yes No Operation The Observer camera will always be activated by the external trigger input. When the trigger input is momen ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 6
4 while in the continuous mode the camera can br oadcast many megabytes every hour. The user should be aware of the usage charges from the service provider that can result. Most service providers offer unlimited data plans that are ideal for this type of operation. Power mode options The power switch on the back panel determines in which one of two ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 7
5 Communicating with the Camera To configure the Observer camera, communication mu st first be established with a desktop PC. A pass thru serial cable is used to connect the 9-pin D connector on the cam era to a similar connector associated with a serial COM port on the computer. Once communications is established, any web brow ser (Internet Explor ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 8
6 Browsing the Camera’s Web Pages Once communications with the camera has been estab lished, the user can navigate a seri es of web pages, setting parameters and operational modes. Each page presented by the camera is described in this section. _____________ ____________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _ OBSERVER I ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 9
7 _____________ ____________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _ This page sets characteristics of the image delivered by the camera. Exposure - Automatic exposure levels can be made darker or lighter by selecting the Exposure setting. Medium exposure works best in most situations. Quality - This will determine the amo ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 10
8 ________________________________________________ OBSERVER IV System Settings Enter the current tim e, date and day of week if diffe rent than those shown. Use the same format. Hours are based on a 24-hour clock. Dates are in month-date-year format. Time 1:00 Date 1- 1- 04 Day Mo n Enter the file name for the pictures se nt to the server. If Const ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 11
9 APN – Access Point Name is a name provided by the cellular service that allows the camera to gain access to the Internet via their network. C ontact your cellular service provider for the correct value to enter here. PIN – Some SIM cards require a 4-8 digit ‘persona l identification num ber’. The cellular service provider will supply this ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 12
10 Image Delivery – Select either Email or FTP delivery of images. All images from the camera will be delivered in this manner. Activation – The camera will always deliver a picture wh en the external trigger line is brought to ground. Additionally, the camera can be scheduled to deliver a picture based on the day of the week and the time. Chec ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 13
11 Which Minutes – This selection determines which minutes will be scheduled. Only quarter hour increments are available. _____________ ____________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _ OBSERVER IV Network Settings Information about the FTP and em ail servers is entered here. If either FTP or email functions are not u ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 14
12 Email address – This entry must contain the email address of the recipient of the image. Email server – This entry must contain the Internet address of an accessible Email server. Email username – Enter the email username if authorization is enabled on the account. If n o authorization is required, this may be left blank. Email password - ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 15
13 Modem Configuration/Cellular Service – This test will report the status of the wireless modem and cellular connection. Image Delivery Test – This link will activate the camera a nd deliver an image according to the current configuration. Notification Test – This link will send a notification mes sage in the manner currently configured. Tex ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 16
14 Checking the “Alert when image refreshed” box will cause an audible annunciation to occur each time a new image is retrieved from the server. The image can be displayed at its original size (Actual Size) or can be sized by the user (Fit to Window). Checking the “Archived Path” box will cause each picture to be saved in a folder specific ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 17
15 Note also that proper operation of the camera with the FTPJPG application requires that the camera be configured to produce images with a ‘c onstant’ name type. This selection is found on the System Settings page on the camera and must be selected if the FTPJPG application is to be used. Image display The selected images will be displayed an ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 18
16 once a window is closed, it must be reselect ed on the corresponding server as previously described. The Observer IV camera will continue to de liver images to the FTP server even when the FTPJPG application is not running. However, the most recent image will overwrite the previous one, which will be lost. The only way to save each image deliver ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 19
17 The Camera Case and Controls GSM antenna Front window Do not rem ove side screws. Weatherproof case External power connector Moun t Bottom plate screws (4) ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 20
18 Removing the antenna The antenna may be removed when handling or sh ipping the camera. Grab the thick, middle part of the mast and unscrew. When replacing, screw down finger tight, do not ove r-tighten. ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 21
19 C ellular antennas provided with the Observer . Quad band operation utilizes two different an tennas, shown above. The larger whip, on the left, is tuned for 850/1900 MHz operation. The smaller ¼ wave radiator, on the right, is optimized for 900/1800 MHz operation. In areas where sufficient signal strength is present either antenna sh ould func ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 22
20 Removing the end caps Loosen the bottom screws at the back end one-half turn. Remove the screws holding the clear end cap. Use a small screwdriver or fingernail at the bottom edge to lift out the clear end cap. ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 23
21 Replacing the batteries Remove the four screws holding the bottom plate. Remove the bottom plate Insert batteries with the correct polarity. ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 24
22 The power selection switch Set the internal power selector switch depending on the use of batteries or an external AC adapter. Push the switch up towards the red dot when using internal batteries. Push the switch down away from the red dot when using the external AC adapter. ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 25
23 The back panel Serial communications port – This port is used to connect th e Observer to a desktop PC for configuration and testing. Configuration Switches – These switches are used for configuring and testing the Observer camera. Switch #1 - Forces the camera into conf iguration mode. This switch m ust be DOWN to configure the camera and U ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 26
24 When the power switch is in the AUTO (right) po sition the camera is normally un-powered. It will turn on in response to an external tri gger signal or to a previously scheduled tim e. Subscriber Identity Module slot – This slot accepts the SIM card supplied by the GSM service provider when a GPRS data account is obtained. Insert the card with ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 27
25 Power connections An external DC power supply may be connected to pins 1 and 2 of the external connector. Make sure the power supply meets the requirements outlined in Appendix B. When the external power connections are used, the internal power selector sw itch must be set properly. Do not reverse power supply leads; the camera will be damaged. ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 28
26 The signal provides the return path (- side) for a DC power supply. The signal can sink up to 1.5 amperes at 30 volts DC. Excee ding these limits will damage the unit. The external illuminator must provide its own power supply. The m inus side of this power supply is connected to the ‘return’ signal on the camera. The external illuminator si ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 29
27 Conclusion The Observer IV is a digital still camera that utilizes the GSM/GPRS cellular phone network to deliver images to any computer on the Internet. The Observer IV can be utilized in a variety of applications; as a wireless solution to unique secu rity problems, as a monitoring system for remote areas, or as a simple way to promote special ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 30
28 Appendix A - Rules, Regulations and Safety Concerns FCC rules require that during operation of this t ype of equipment a minimum separation of 20 cm (8 inches) must be maintained between the an tenna and persons. This regulation should be adhered to whenever the camera may be powered on, either in its final installation or during configuration a ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 31
29 Only the two acrylic end caps and the bottom plat e are designed to be removed by the user. Do not attempt to disassemble the camera; there are no user serviceable parts inside All networks, wireless as well as wired, contai n some inherent unreliability. The successful delivery of images or notifications at all times ca nnot be guaranteed. Do n ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 32
30 Appendix B - Specifications Enclosure: Weatherproof alum inum case 4.0 x 2.6 3 x 8.63 inches (WxHxL) ¼ x 20 threaded m ount Operating conditions: Temperature -30 to +60 degrees Celsisu (-22-140 F) Humidity up t o 95% non-condensing Power requirements: 5 – AA cells internal or 4-15 DC volts external Standby current: 130 m a rms at 5 volts Tran ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 33
31 Appendix C - Power Supply Considerations and Power Switch Settings The camera can be powered externally with an AC adapter or internally via 5 AA batteries. Internal batteries Remove the four machine screws holding the botto m plate to access this area. When internal batteries are used, the switch on the battery tray must be in the upward (towar ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 34
32 Power mode (switch position) ON (left) AUTO (right) Generally powered from External connection Internal batteries Internal power selector Away from red dot Towards red dot Normal powered state Always on Mostly off Trigger and schedule modes? Yes Yes Notification available? Yes Yes Continuous mode available? Yes No Will respond to cell phone comm ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 35
33 Appendix D - Establishing Communicati ons with Different Operating Systems A utility is available which will automatically c onfigure a desktop computer to communicate with the Observer IV camera. This “InstallObserver” utility operates on computers using the Windows 2000 or Windows XP operating system. This utilit y is described in Appendix ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 36
34 5) Select I want to set up my Internet connection manually or I want to connect through a local area network (LAN) and press Next . 6) Select I connect through a phone line and a modem and press Next . 7) Select the Standard 57600 modem just installed. (This step will be skipped, if this is the only modem currently installed on this c omputer.) ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 37
35 14) From Control Panel, click Network Connections , then click Create a new connection . Press Next . 15) Select Connect to the Internet and press Next . 16) Select Set up my connection manually and press Ne xt . 17) Select Connect using a dial-up modem and press Next . 18) Select the modem created above (S tandard 57600 bps Modem…). Click Nex ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 38
36 22) Make sure that Use default gateway on remote network is the only other o ption selected and press OK . 23) You have now successfully created the connection for the Observer Camera. 24) Right click the newly created icon on the Dial-Up Networking page and select Create Shortcut. Answer Yes to the question Do you want the shortcut placed on th ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 39
37 Appendix E - Test and Troubleshoot A series of tests are available to insure proper camera operation. First establish communications with the camera via a desktop PC and a web browser. Configure the camera as desired. Next select the Test and Troubleshoot link on the home page to displa y the available tests. Execute the tests and inspect the di ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 40
38 FILE TRANSFER TEST PASSED BACK Starting image...image acquired Registering modem...**..modem attached. Establishing GPRS connection.....GPRS connection establish ed.....FTP server reached. 220 LinusJr FTP server (V ersion wu-2.6.2-5) ready. USER anonymous 331 Guest login ok, send your complete e-mail address as password. PASS embedded@earthlink. ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 41
39 SMTP: Read: 250 sender "mypictures@attws.net" OK SMTP: Wrote RCPT TO: "embeddedsys@earthlink.net" SMTP: Read: 250 recipient "embeddedsys@earthlink.net" OK SMTP: Wrote DATA SMTP: Read: 354 Enter mail, end with "." on a line by itself SMTP: Wrote From: "mypictures@attws.net" To: "embeddedsys@e ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 42
40 SMTP: Wrote MAIL FROM: "m ypictures@attws.net" SMTP: Read: 250 sender "mypictures@attws.net" OK SMTP: Wrote RCPT TO: "embeddedsys@earthlink.net" SMTP: Read: 250 recipient "embeddedsys@earthlink.net" OK SMTP: Wrote DATA SMTP: Read: 354 Enter mail, end with "." on a line by itself SMTP: Wrote From: ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 43
41 Appendix F - Network Services and Cell Phone Access Email servers Computers on the Internet that handle email are called SMTP servers (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol). To send email, the Observer camera needs access to an SMTP server. Usually SMTP servers provided to the customers of common Inte rnet Service Providers (ISP's) such as AOL, MS ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 44
42 Cell Phone Access The Observer camera can interact with a cell phone via text me ssaging. Notification of external trigger events will be sent to a cell phone, when en abled. The destination cell phone num ber for notification is defined on the Network Settings page within the Observer. Selecting text messaging as the notification type on the Op ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 45
43 Appendix G - Using the InstallObserver Utility This utility will configure a desktop computer to make a connection with its serial port to th e Observer Camera. This utility only sets the para meters for the connection, it does not actually establish the link with the camera. First, select an unused serial port on the back of the computer (also ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 46
44 11) This will bring you back to the original “Phone and M odem Options” window. It should now display only the 56000 bps m odem installed on the selected COM port. If not, return to step 2 and remove all modem drivers installed on the selected COM port, and continue from that step. If only the 56000 bps m odem is shown on the selected port, ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 47
45 Appendix H - GSM, SIM, PIN and the Observer Camera The GSM cellular network (Global System for Mobile communications) is the most prevalent cellular network in the world. In order to access this network with the Observer camera a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card is required. This small plastic card is the same as used in cellular phones. It ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 48
46 It’s worth noting here that the Modem Configura tion/Cellular Service test will also display the phone number associated with the SIM card. E ach SIM account has an associated phone number, even if it is a ‘data only’ SIM. This number is the one to use to send text messages to the camera if the ‘continuous mode’ of operation is to be u ...
-
Colorado Video Observer IV - page 49
47 Appendix I – Observer Accessories The following items, designed to work with the Ob server IV camera, are av ailable from the dealer. Additional lenses The Observer camera can support a variety of fixe d focus telephot o an d w i de-a ngle lenses Solar power supply The Observer cam era can be powe red indefini tely from a s olar panel bas ed p ...
Do you have a question concerning Colorado Video Observer IV?
Use the form below
If you did not solve your problem by using a manual Colorado Video Observer IV, ask a question using the form below. If a user had a similar problem with Colorado Video Observer IV it is likely that he will want to share the way to solve it.