Difference between revisions of "Multiple XCam2s to PC with ActiveHome Pro and Smart Macros and iWitness"
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==Question== | ==Question== | ||
| − | ''My multiple-wireless-camera kit is supposed to record to my PC, but it's not working. What could be wrong?'' | + | '''My multiple-wireless-camera kit is supposed to record to my PC, but it's not working. What could be wrong?''' |
==Answer== | ==Answer== | ||
| + | |||
===Setup Problems=== | ===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: | 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==== | ====Software will not install and register==== | ||
| + | |||
*No internet connection | *No internet connection | ||
*Did not get download email | *Did not get download email | ||
| Line 14: | Line 18: | ||
*No Administrator access | *No Administrator access | ||
*Computer security software prevents installation | *Computer security software prevents installation | ||
| + | |||
====ActiveHome Pro crashes on opening==== | ====ActiveHome Pro crashes on opening==== | ||
| + | |||
*Update software | *Update software | ||
*Complete reinstall procedure. | *Complete reinstall procedure. | ||
| + | |||
====ActiveHome Pro crashes when opening Preferences==== | ====ActiveHome Pro crashes when opening Preferences==== | ||
| + | |||
*Update software | *Update software | ||
*Complete reinstall procedure. | *Complete reinstall procedure. | ||
| + | |||
====ActiveHome Pro crashes when adding camera==== | ====ActiveHome Pro crashes when adding camera==== | ||
| + | |||
*[[IWitness Crashes When I Add A Camera]] | *[[IWitness Crashes When I Add A Camera]] | ||
*Update software | *Update software | ||
*Complete reinstall procedure. | *Complete reinstall procedure. | ||
| + | |||
====No CM15A error message on opening AHP==== | ====No CM15A error message on opening AHP==== | ||
| + | |||
*CM15A needs power reset | *CM15A needs power reset | ||
*Try different USB ports | *Try different USB ports | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
====USB Bandwidth Exceeded error==== | ====USB Bandwidth Exceeded error==== | ||
| + | |||
====VA11A error message on opening AHP==== | ====VA11A error message on opening AHP==== | ||
| + | |||
*VA11A plugged into non-powered USB port | *VA11A plugged into non-powered USB port | ||
*Driver not installed correctly | *Driver not installed correctly | ||
| + | |||
====No picture on PC==== | ====No picture on PC==== | ||
| + | |||
*Wrong power supply on video receiver; the VR31A takes a PR30A and the VR36A takes a D9300. | *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 receiver not turned on-check power switch near antenna hinge | ||
| Line 44: | Line 62: | ||
*Camera and video receiver on [[Finding the Channel Switch on Wireless Cameras|different A-D transmission channels]]. | *Camera and video receiver on [[Finding the Channel Switch on Wireless Cameras|different A-D transmission channels]]. | ||
*If your PC gives you a "test screen" instead of displaying static, there may just be really, really nasty [[Other 2.4 GHz Device Compatibility|2.4GHz radio interference]] in your location. Try connecting some other device with a video output to the VA11A. | *If your PC gives you a "test screen" instead of displaying static, there may just be really, really nasty [[Other 2.4 GHz Device Compatibility|2.4GHz radio interference]] in your location. Try connecting some other device with a video output to the VA11A. | ||
| + | |||
====Cameras won't switch via PC==== | ====Cameras won't switch via PC==== | ||
| + | |||
*CM15A not plugged in to wall outlet. | *CM15A not plugged in to wall outlet. | ||
*Actual camera codes do not match codes set in AHP. | *Actual camera codes do not match codes set in AHP. | ||
*CM15A or camera in outlet with bad [[X10 Basics|power line communications]]; causes include: | *CM15A or camera in outlet with bad [[X10 Basics|power line communications]]; causes include: | ||
**Surge Strip- all cameras must be plugged directly into the wall | **Surge Strip- all cameras must be plugged directly into the wall | ||
| − | **[[ | + | **[[Noise Filters and Automatic Gain Control|Line Noise]] |
**[[Phase Coupling|Phases Not Bridged]] | **[[Phase Coupling|Phases Not Bridged]] | ||
**If an inverter or generator is used, it must generate pure sine wave AC power. | **If an inverter or generator is used, it must generate pure sine wave AC power. | ||
| + | |||
====Bad Picture==== | ====Bad Picture==== | ||
| + | |||
*Not enough light | *Not enough light | ||
*[[Other 2.4 GHz Device Compatibility|2.4 GHz interference]] | *[[Other 2.4 GHz Device Compatibility|2.4 GHz interference]] | ||
*[[Extending Wireless Camera Range|Camera range issues]] | *[[Extending Wireless Camera Range|Camera range issues]] | ||
*Switching problems (see above). | *Switching problems (see above). | ||
| + | |||
====Cameras switch via PC but not via remote or sensor==== | ====Cameras switch via PC but not via remote or sensor==== | ||
| + | |||
*Remote not set to correct House code | *Remote not set to correct House code | ||
*[[Troubleshooting Remote Controls in ActiveHome Pro]] | *[[Troubleshooting Remote Controls in ActiveHome Pro]] | ||
*RF signal from remote control not reaching the CM15A | *RF signal from remote control not reaching the CM15A | ||
*Sensor mis[[Motion Sensor Code Change|programmed]] (you must reprogam the sensor after mounting with the screws provided) | *Sensor mis[[Motion Sensor Code Change|programmed]] (you must reprogam the sensor after mounting with the screws provided) | ||
| − | |||
*Sensor set for nighttime operation | *Sensor set for nighttime operation | ||
| + | |||
====PC doesn't record video from one camera and sensor==== | ====PC doesn't record video from one camera and sensor==== | ||
| + | |||
*Macros not set up correctly: [[Sample Motion Triggered Camera Recording]] | *Macros not set up correctly: [[Sample Motion Triggered Camera Recording]] | ||
*Update software | *Update software | ||
*Complete reinstall procedure. | *Complete reinstall procedure. | ||
| + | |||
====PC doesn't record video from multiple cameras and sensors==== | ====PC doesn't record video from multiple cameras and sensors==== | ||
| Line 86: | Line 112: | ||
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. | 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==== | ====CM15A==== | ||
| + | |||
*Broken power converter- will only operate with batteries installed, won't send or receive powerline commands. | *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 receiver- cannot be IDed without some other device sending an X10 powerline signal. | ||
| Line 93: | Line 121: | ||
*Broken RF receiver- remote and sensors produce no change in Activity Monitor even when held right next to CM15A. | *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 [[Setting The CM15A to send RF Commands|via RF]], but control over the powerline works. | *Broken RF sender- will not control other devices [[Setting The CM15A to send RF Commands|via RF]], but control over the powerline works. | ||
| + | |||
====XCam2+Power Supply==== | ====XCam2+Power Supply==== | ||
| + | |||
*Mistuned video sender- if you get a picture with the camera and receiver on [[Finding the Channel Switch on Wireless Cameras|different A-D transmission channels]], either the camera or receiver is mis-tuned. | *Mistuned video sender- if you get a picture with the camera and receiver on [[Finding the Channel Switch on Wireless Cameras|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 [[Alternate Camera Switching Configuration|tested on a powerstrip]] with your CM15A. | *Power supply has bad powerline reciever- the camera will not turn off, even when [[Alternate Camera Switching Configuration|tested on a powerstrip]] with your CM15A. | ||
| + | |||
====Video Receiver==== | ====Video Receiver==== | ||
| + | |||
*Mistuned video receiver- if you get a picture with the camera and receiver on [[Finding the Channel Switch on Wireless Cameras|different A-D transmission channels]], either the camera or receiver is mis-tuned. | *Mistuned video receiver- if you get a picture with the camera and receiver on [[Finding the Channel Switch on Wireless Cameras|different A-D transmission channels]], either the camera or receiver is mis-tuned. | ||
| + | |||
====Motion sensor==== | ====Motion sensor==== | ||
| + | |||
*Broken IR sensor- LED only flashes when you tap the buttons under the battery cover | *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. | *Broken antenna- LED flashes but cameras do not switch; remote control works. | ||
Latest revision as of 19:30, 28 May 2014
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
ActiveHome Pro crashes on opening
- Update software
- Complete reinstall procedure.
ActiveHome Pro crashes when opening Preferences
- Update software
- Complete reinstall procedure.
ActiveHome Pro crashes when adding camera
- IWitness Crashes When I Add A Camera
- Update software
- Complete reinstall procedure.
No CM15A error message on opening AHP
- CM15A needs power reset
- Try different USB ports
USB Bandwidth Exceeded error
VA11A error message on opening AHP
- VA11A plugged into non-powered USB port
- Driver not installed correctly
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.
Cameras won't switch via PC
- CM15A not plugged in to wall outlet.
- Actual camera codes do not match codes set in AHP.
- CM15A 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.
Bad Picture
- Not enough light
- 2.4 GHz interference
- Camera range issues
- Switching problems (see above).
Cameras switch via PC but not via remote or sensor
- Remote not set to correct House code
- Troubleshooting Remote Controls in ActiveHome Pro
- RF signal from remote control not reaching the CM15A
- Sensor misprogrammed (you must reprogam the sensor after mounting with the screws provided)
- Sensor set for nighttime operation
PC doesn't record video from one camera and sensor
- Macros not set up correctly: Sample Motion Triggered Camera Recording
- Update software
- Complete reinstall procedure.
PC doesn't record video from multiple cameras and sensors
- SmartMacros not installed and registered
- Macros not set up correctly: Using Flags
- Update software
- Complete reinstall procedure.
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.