Serial Communications - FLIR Nexus Configuration Manual

1 Nexus IP Camera Configuration
For a camera installed in an IP network, the camera will commonly be controlled over Ethernet by a
PC or laptop running FLIR Sensors Manager (FSM) or a third-party Video Management System
(VMS) software. FSM is an integral part of the Nexus architecture—it is a client program that
communicates with the Nexus Server on the camera. It allows control of the camera and video
streaming and many other sophisticated functions.
In many cases, a camera will be installed with both serial and Ethernet communications. As such, the
camera can be controlled by means of a serial device or through software. When someone tries to
control the camera with a serial device at the same time as someone does through the software IP
interface, the serial device takes priority.
If serial control is used, the installer must first decide if the serial communications settings will be
configured via software or hardware (DIP switch settings, if available).
Note
On cameras with serial communication DIP switches, a single DIP switch (SW102-9, Software
Override) determines whether the serial communications configuration comes from the hardware
DIP switches or the software settings. By default the configuration comes from software settings.
If the camera does not have an Ethernet connection, the DIP switches must be used to set the serial
communication options. In the future, configuration changes may require accessing the camera on a
tower or pole, dismounting it, and removing the back and so on. Refer to the camera installation
manual for information about setting the switches.
For a camera installed in an IP network, configuration changes (including settings related to serial
communications) are made using a web browser. If the camera has an Ethernet connection, generally
it will be easier (and more convenient in the long run) to make configuration settings via software.
Then configuration changes can be made over the network without physically accessing the camera.
Also the settings can be saved to a file and backed up or restored as needed.
Refer to Chapter 3 "Web Configuration Tool" on page 3-1 for general information about the web
interface and about saving configuration changes. For specific configuration information, refer to
Chapter 4 "Nexus Camera Configuration" on page 4-1.
Not all parameter settings are described in these sections. If you need help during the configuration
process, contact your local FLIR representative or, call 877-773-3547 inside the US.
1.3.2
Cameras that have a serial interface support a limited set of pan/tilt/zoom and focus commands over
RS-422 or RS-232 serial communications using common protocols (Pelco D or Bosch). By default,
the camera is configured for RS-422 standard, 9600 Baud, 8 bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, using the Pelco
D protocol, and address 1, and configuration changes are made with a web browser, rather than DIP
switches.
If a web browser is used to configure the serial communication settings for the camera, refer to section
4.6 "Serial Remote" on page 4-6 for information about those settings.
Note
On Nexus IP cameras with DIP switches, the switches are only used to control serial
communications parameters. Other settings, related to IP camera functions etc., must be modified
via software (using a web browser).
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Serial Communications

Jun 2013 1-3