Multiple XCam2s to PC with ActiveHome Pro and Smart Macros and iWitness
From X10Wiki
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Question
My multiple-wireless-camera kit is supposed to record to my PC, but it's not working. What could be wrong?
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Answer
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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:
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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
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ActiveHome Pro crashes on opening
- Update software
- Complete reinstall procedure.
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ActiveHome Pro crashes when opening Preferences
- Update software
- Complete reinstall procedure.
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ActiveHome Pro crashes when adding camera
- IWitness Crashes When I Add A Camera
- Update software
- Complete reinstall procedure.
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No CM15A error message on opening AHP
- CM15A needs power reset
- Try different USB ports
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USB Bandwidth Exceeded error
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VA11A error message on opening AHP
- VA11A plugged into non-powered USB port
- Driver not installed correctly
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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.
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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.
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Bad Picture
- Not enough light
- 2.4 GHz interference
- Camera range issues
- Switching problems (see above).
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
