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Colorado Video Observer IV User Manual

Wireless internet camera system
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Observer IV
Wireless Internet Camera System
User's Guide
Colorado Video, Inc.
Boulder, CO
Revised 9/15/2006

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Summary of Contents for Colorado Video Observer IV

  • Page 1 Observer IV Wireless Internet Camera System User’s Guide Colorado Video, Inc. Boulder, CO Revised 9/15/2006...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    OBSERVER IV USER’S GUIDE Table of Contents Introduction ... 1 Camera Capabilities ... 2 Communicating with the Camera... 5 Browsing the Camera’s Web Pages ... 6 The Camera Case and Controls ... 17 Installation ... 26 Conclusion... 27 Appendix A - Rules, Regulations and Safety Concerns... 28 Appendix B - Specifications...

  • Page 3: Observer Iv User's Guide

    OBSERVER IV USER’S GUIDE 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 the Internet. The camera, battery-operated and housed in a weatherproof enclosure, is capable of providing images from areas where standard monitoring techniques are not applicable.

  • Page 4: Camera Capabilities

    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, the camera will deliver images and notification of activity.
  • Page 5 The following table illustrates the available combinations of image delivery and event notification options. Notification Options Text Messaging Email Email with image Operation The Observer camera will always be activated by the external trigger input. When the trigger input is momentarily switched to the return signal, the camera will be activated and will deliver a picture and notification.
  • Page 6 while in the continuous mode the camera can broadcast 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 power modes the camera will function;...

  • Page 7: Communicating With The Camera

    This utility will properly configure a desktop computer, using either Windows XP or Windows 2000 operating system, to communicate with the Observer IV camera. The use of this utility, “InstallObserver.exe”, is described in Appendix G. Users with Windows 98 SE operating systems will need to manually configure their computer to make the required connection.

  • Page 8: Browsing The Camera's Web Pages

    Diagnostics link provides the ability to test for proper operation of the camera. These five links are described in more detail, below. The Take a Picture link will capture an image and display it on the web browser. OBSERVER IV Camera Settings System Settings...
  • Page 9 ______________________________________________________________________________________ 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 amount of JPEG compression that is applied to the image. The High quality setting will result in the most image detail and will produce a larger file.

  • Page 10: System Settings

    Selecting the Time/Date Stamp will cause the image file to be identified with the Camera Name with the current date and time appended. A Time/Date stamped name will cause a series of uniquely named image files to accumulate on the FTP server. OBSERVER IV System Settings 1-1-04...

  • Page 11: Operating Mode

    PIN – Some SIM cards require a 4-8 digit ‘personal identification number’. The cellular service provider will supply this number if it is required. If a PIN is not required, leave this field blank. OBSERVER IV Operating Mode Image Delivery - The camera can deliver images to the internet via either Email or File Transfer Protocol (FTP).
  • Page 12 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 when 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.

  • Page 13: Network Settings

    FTP username – This entry must contain a valid username for the FTP server. Often servers will allow ‘anonymous’ to be used here. FTP password – This entry must contain the valid password for the username entered above. FTP servers with ‘anonymous’ accounts often require a email address here. OBSERVER IV Network Settings me@colorado-video.com Email address smtp.attw ireless.net...
  • Page 14 If text message notification is not selected on the operating page then the cell phone number may be left blank. ______________________________________________________________________________ OBSERVER IV Test and Troubleshoot Modem Configuration/Cellular Service...
  • Page 15 The FTPJPG application installs on a Windows PC and automatically retrieves Observer images from an FTP server. These images are displayed and stored on the computer. In this manner the images captured by the Observer IV camera are collected, presented to the user, and archived for latter retrieval.
  • Page 16 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 for that camera.
  • Page 17 Note also that proper operation of the camera with the FTPJPG application requires that the camera be configured to produce images with a ‘constant’ 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.
  • Page 18 The Observer IV camera will continue to deliver 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.

  • Page 19: The Camera Case And Controls

    The Camera Case and Controls GSM antenna Front window Bottom plate screws (4) Weatherproof case Do not remove side screws. External power connector Mount...
  • Page 20 Removing the antenna The antenna may be removed when handling or shipping the camera. Grab the thick, middle part of the mast and unscrew. When replacing, screw down finger tight, do not over-tighten.
  • Page 21 Cellular antennas provided with the Observer. Quad band operation utilizes two different antennas, 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 should function satisfactorily.
  • Page 22 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.
  • Page 23 Replacing the batteries Remove the four screws holding the bottom plate. Remove the bottom plate Insert batteries with the correct polarity.
  • Page 24 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.
  • Page 25 The back panel Serial communications port Status LEDs Serial communications port – This port is used to connect the Observer to a desktop PC for configuration and testing. Configuration Switches – These switches are used for configuring and testing the Observer camera.
  • Page 26 When the power switch is in the AUTO (right) position the camera is normally un-powered. It will turn on in response to an external trigger signal or to a previously scheduled time. Subscriber Identity Module slot – This slot accepts the SIM card supplied by the GSM service provider when a GPRS data account is obtained.
  • Page 27 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 switch must be set properly. Do not reverse power supply leads;...

  • Page 28: Installation

    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. Exceeding these limits will damage the unit. The external illuminator must provide its own power supply. The minus side of this power supply is connected to the ‘return’...

  • Page 29: 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 security problems, as a monitoring system for remote areas, or as a simple way to promote special events via the Internet.

  • Page 30: Appendix A - Rules, Regulations And Safety Concerns

    Equipment intended or use in a residential environment (not-withstanding use in commercial, industrial or business environments) is designated as Class B. The Enfora Enabler II-G module has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device and can be integrated into equipment or applications intended for use in residential environments.
  • Page 31 Only the two acrylic end caps and the bottom plate 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, contain some inherent unreliability. The successful delivery of images or notifications at all times cannot be guaranteed.

  • Page 32: Appendix B - Specifications

    Enclosure: Weatherproof aluminum case 4.0 x 2.63 x 8.63 inches (WxHxL) ¼ x 20 threaded mount Operating conditions: Temperature -30 to +60 degrees Celsisu (-22-140 F) Humidity up to 95% non-condensing Power requirements: 5 – AA cells internal or 4-15 DC volts external Standby current: 130 ma rms at 5 volts Transmit current:...

  • Page 33: Appendix C - Power Supply Considerations And Power Switch Settings

    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 bottom plate to access this area. When internal batteries are used, the switch on the battery tray must be in the upward (towards the red dot) position.
  • Page 34 Power mode (switch position) Generally powered from Internal power selector Normal powered state Trigger and schedule modes? Notification available? Continuous mode available? Will respond to cell phone commands? Yes Note that the table illustrates the most likely use of the two available power modes. The power modes are actually independent of whether the camera is powered via the internal batteries or the external AC adapter.

  • Page 35: Appendix D - Establishing Communications With Different Operating Systems

    A utility is available which will automatically configure 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 utility is described in Appendix G of this manual.
  • Page 36 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 computer.) 8) The Observer Camera does not need a telephone number.
  • Page 37 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 Next. 17) Select Connect using a dial-up modem and press Next. 18) Select the modem created above (Standard 57600 bps Modem…).
  • Page 38 22) Make sure that Use default gateway on remote network is the only other option 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.

  • Page 39: Appendix E - Test And Troubleshoot

    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 display the available tests. Execute the tests and inspect the displayed results to verify operation or to find and resolve problems.
  • Page 40 FILE TRANSFER TEST PASSED Starting image...image acquired Registering modem...**..modem attached. Establishing GPRS connection...GPRS connection established...FTP server reached. 220 LinusJr FTP server (Version wu-2.6.2-5) ready. USER anonymous 331 Guest login ok, send your complete e-mail address as password. PASS embedded@earthlink.net 230 Guest login ok, access restrictions apply TYPE I 200 Type set to I.
  • Page 41 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@earthlink.net" Subject: Transfering email * SMTP: Wrote *************************...
  • Page 42 SMTP: Wrote MAIL FROM: "mypictures@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: "mypictures@attws.net" To: "embeddedsys@earthlink.net" Subject: Transfering email * SMTP: Wrote SMTP: Message finished...

  • Page 43: Appendix F - Network Services And Cell Phone Access

    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 Internet Service Providers (ISP's) such as AOL, MSN, or Earthlink restrict access to their servers only to account holders associated with the ISP.
  • Page 44 Cell Phone Access The Observer camera can interact with a cell phone via text messaging. Notification of external trigger events will be sent to a cell phone, when enabled. The destination cell phone number for notification is defined on the Network Settings page within the Observer. Selecting text messaging as the notification type on the Operating Mode page will enable this function.

  • Page 45: Appendix G - Using The Installobserver Utility

    Appendix G - Using the InstallObserver Utility This utility will configure a desktop computer to make a connection with its serial port to the Observer Camera. This utility only sets the parameters 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 referred to as a COM port).
  • Page 46 11) This will bring you back to the original “Phone and Modem Options” window. It should now display only the 56000 bps modem 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.

  • Page 47: Appendix H - Gsm, Sim, Pin And The Observer Camera

    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.
  • Page 48 It’s worth noting here that the Modem Configuration/Cellular Service test will also display the phone number associated with the SIM card. Each 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’...

  • Page 49: Appendix I - Observer Accessories

    Appendix I – Observer Accessories The following items, designed to work with the Observer IV camera, are available from the dealer. Additional lenses The Observer camera can support a variety of fixed focus telephoto and wide-angle lenses Solar power supply The Observer camera can be powered indefinitely from a solar panel based power supply.

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