Multiple XCam2s to PC with MultiView or PTP or XRV

Question

My multiple-wireless-camera kit is supposed to record to my PC, but it's not working. What could be wrong?

Answer

Setup Problems

Most likely, some part of the system is not configured correctly. Here is a master list of symptoms with all possible causes listed:

Software will not install and register

• No internet connection
• Did not get download email
• Ports blocked for registration
• No Administrator access
• Computer security software prevents installation

Software crashes on opening

• Complete reinstall procedure.

VA11A / "could not capture" /"could not put in graph" error message on opening software

• VA11A plugged into non-powered USB port
• Driver not installed correctly
• Incorrect Video Capture Device selected

No picture on PC

• Wrong power supply on video receiver; the VR31A takes a PR30A and the VR36A takes a D9300.
• Video receiver not turned on-check power switch near antenna hinge
• Video reciever not connected to VA11A
• Camera and video receiver on different A-D transmission channels.
• If your PC gives you a "test screen" instead of displaying static, there may just be really, really nasty 2.4GHz radio interference in your location. Try connecting some other device with a video output to the VA11A.
• Pan Tilt Pro: NetMeeting not set up correctly

Cameras won't switch via remote

• TM751 not plugged in to wall outlet.
• TM751 and cams not set to matching House and sequential Unit codes
• TM751 or camera in outlet with bad power line communications; causes include:
  • Surge Strip- all cameras must be plugged directly into the wall
  • Line Noise
  • Phases Not Bridged
  • If an inverter or generator is used, it must generate pure sine wave AC power.
• Remote not set to correct House code
• RF signal from remote control not reaching the TM751

Cameras won't switch via PC

• CM19A not plugged in to USB.
• Actual camera codes do not match codes set in software.
• CM19A signals not reaching TM751

Bad Picture

• Not enough light
• 2.4 GHz interference
• Camera range issues
• Switching problems (see above).

Hardware Problems

Here is a list of devices in a common wireless camera kit and all possible issues they may have short of complete failure. Devices that have completely failed should be fairly easy to identify.

CM15A

• Broken power converter- will only operate with batteries installed, won't send or receive powerline commands.
• Broken powerline receiver- cannot be IDed without some other device sending an X10 powerline signal.
• Broken powerline sender- will not control other devices over the powerline, but will via RF.
• Broken RF receiver- remote and sensors produce no change in Activity Monitor even when held right next to CM15A.
• Broken RF sender- will not control other devices via RF, but control over the powerline works.

XCam2+Power Supply

• Mistuned video sender- if you get a picture with the camera and receiver on different A-D transmission channels, either the camera or receiver is mis-tuned.
• Power supply has bad powerline reciever- the camera will not turn off, even when tested on a powerstrip with your CM15A.

Video Receiver

• Mistuned video receiver- if you get a picture with the camera and receiver on different A-D transmission channels, either the camera or receiver is mis-tuned.

Motion sensor

• Broken IR sensor- LED only flashes when you tap the buttons under the battery cover
• Broken antenna- LED flashes but cameras do not switch; remote control works.