NightWatch And Anaconda Cameras Setup

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Introduction

The following instructions cover the installation of a single hardwired X10 Camera (Anaconda or NightWatch) with remote control ability. Common questions can be found at the end.

Setup

Configuring The PalmPad

  • Insert four AAA batteries into the CR12A PalmPad Remote's battery compartment.
  • Set the House code dial on the PalmPad to "A." The dial is located in the bottom left corner of the remote.
  • Set the Unit Selection Switch to "1-8." The switch is located in the bottom right corner of the remote.
  • Press one of the ON or OFF buttons. You should see the LED light at the top of the remote blink. This confirms the PalmPad is operating.

Configuring The Transceiver

  • Set the House dial on the face of the unit to "A."
  • Temporarily plug a lamp with a regular incandescent bulb into the outlet on the bottom of the Transceiver (first make sure the lamp's power switch is ON).
  • Plug the Transceiver into an electrical outlet.
  • Press the ON/OFF button on the face of the unit. You should hear the relay inside click, and the lamp will turn on or off. This verifies that the Transceiver is connected to power and is ready to send and receive commands.
  • Press the ON/OFF button again until the Transceiver (and the lamp) is off.
  • Extend the Transceiver's antenna.

Configuring The Camera

  • Set the House dial on the Addressable Power Supply to "A." Note: The Power Supply may also be labeled as a Remote Controlled Power Supply.
  • Set the Unit dial on the Addressable Power Supply to "2."
  • Connect the Addressable Power Supply's power cord to its camera.
  • Plug the Addressable Power Supply into a nearby outlet.
  • Connect the RCA plug at the end of the camera's cable to the audio and video RCA jacks on your TV.

If you already have other X10 modules (Lamp Modules, Appliance Modules, Wall Switches, etc.) installed, set the House (letter dial) and Unit (number dial) codes on the Addressable Power Supply to an available code in the House group of your existing system. Example: In your home, you are using House code A and Unit codes 1 through 3 are used by a Transceiver and two Lamp Modules. Set the camera to House code A and to a higher Unit number (see Behind The Scenes below for possible conflict). It is also acceptable to set your camera to a different House code. This is highly recommended in multiple camera systems as it keeps your devices organized (i.e. House code A is for automated lights and appliances and House code C is for cameras--assuming you own multiple Transceivers or ActiveHome Professional).

Testing the System

Video Test

  • Turn on the television and set it to the appropriate input mode as described in your television's instruction manual. Usually this involves pressing a button on your television's remote, such as TV/Video or AUX.
  • The Addressable Power Supply is designed to default to the ON position when initially connected to power, so at this point, you should see the camera's image on your television.

Adjusting The Focus

  • Remove the clear plastic lens cap. Its function is to protect the camera when mounted outdoors.
  • Rotate the inner portion of the lens to adjust the focus. It might be a bit tight. Try turning it counterclockwise first. If you turn it clockwise do not force or over-tighten it.

Confirming RF Communication

  • The default Unit code for the Transceiver is 1. Press the ON button in the top row of the PalmPad (row 1 controls Unit 1, row 2 controls Unit 2, etc.). If the Unit Selection Switch is set to "9-16", the top row is unit 9, the second is 10, and so on.
  • You should hear the relay inside the Transceiver click and the lamp that is connected to the Transceiver should turn on. This confirms that the PalmPad is transmitting properly and the Transceiver is receiving and responding to commands. If the light is already on, press the OFF button on the remote instead.

Confirming Camera Control

  • Using the PalmPad, send the ON or OFF command for A2, depending on whether or not the camera is currently transmitting.
  • Alternate between the ON and OFF command to verify that the camera responds consistently. Note: Allow at least one to two seconds between each command you send.

Behind The Scenes

tech_cam_groups.gif
Unit code groups for addressable XCams.

XCam2 cameras are designed to be used in groups of 4. The groups of 4 are 1-4, 5-8, 9-12, or 13-16. The Addressable Power Supplies are designed such that if their code is received they turn on, but if any other code (in their group of 4) is received, they turn off. This ensures that only one camera is ever on at the same time. Any code outside their group of 4 is ignored. So if you turn on camera 1, cameras 2, 3, and 4 turn off. If you turn on camera 2, cameras 1, 3 and 4 turn off, etc. Note: The Transceiver's Unit code is 1, so if you turn it on, it is just like turning camera 1 on; therefore, cameras 2, 3, and 4 will turn off. If you turned on camera 1, 2, 3, or 4 and also had a camera set to 5 it would not turn off, as it is not part of the group of 4. You would need to turn it off separately so that you do not have two cameras on at the same time (which would scramble the signal sent to the Video Receiver).

Frequently Asked Questions

I followed the setup instructions, but the camera does not turn on or off when I send the command. What could be wrong?

Try plugging your Transceiver and the Addressable Power Supply into a surge protector. This creates a short signal path and helps determine whether or not the house wiring has a problem transmitting X10 signals. Press the ON/OFF button on the Transceiver. You should hear the relay click, confirming power to the surge protector. Using your remote, turn the Transceiver on or off to confirm that it is responding properly. Now try to turn the camera on or off. Make sure that the Transceiver, the Addressable Power Supply, and your remote are all set to the same house code.

Can the relay in the Transceiver be disabled so I don't have to hear the loud click every time I send an ON or OFF command for Unit code 1?

No. The Transceiver Module is always set to Unit code 1.

I own other X10 controllers (i.e. the CM11A ActiveHome computer interface, MT10A Mini Timer). When I send an ON command to the TM751 Transceiver through the house wiring, it does not respond. Is the TM751 defective?

No. The TM751 does not have the necessary circuitry to pick up X10 commands on your house wiring. It only responds to radio frequency commands from handheld remotes, motion sensors, etc.


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