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[nutty]

Ultimate 4-Cam XCam2 Day Light Low/Light Wireless Camera System with A/V Receiver, 1 XCam2, 1 WideEye and 2 NightWatch Low-Light Cameras plus FREE Bonus: Ninja Pan and Tilt Mount, 4-Sensor VCR Recording Kit, Multi-View/Web-View/PanTilt Pro PC/Internet Kit
 

SKU#: XX17A-ED-4CMNVKPW-0329-SUPER   $289.99

I've just purchase this system online today But i just had the thought that i should of gotten you guys input BEFORE i went ahead and place the order.

Can you give me the pro, cons, tips ans tricks on this system?

[HA Dave]

Don't plan on it setting up in 30 minutes (or less).

Test your setups before mounting.

Read and re-read the directions.

Visit the forum and search if you have problems... post if you can't find the info you need.

Enjoy the camera system! That's a nice setup!

[Saber Dog]

I think that is the same set up I just got. I got a call from them letting me know I needed the usb interface, which I got.

I'm trying to set it up now. So far I don't get an image. I tried a few things and I see it listed in the image devices but not in the universal serial bus (where windows pro 2 is listed). I'm looking forward to being able to check my house when I'm not home.

[HA Dave]

I'm trying to set it up now. So far I don't get an image. I tried a few things .........................

Yeah.... X10 is awesome stuff (I am a very big X10 fan). But it often doesn't set up in 30 minutes or less... (but that COULD happen). You can search the forum and find answers in print... or call the toll free tech support number for help. The price is the same.

[-Bill- (of wgjohns.com)]

I'm trying to set it up now. So far I don't get an image. I tried a few things .........................

Yeah.... X10 is awesome stuff (I am a very big X10 fan). But it often doesn't set up in 30 minutes or less... (but that COULD happen). You can search the forum and find answers in print... or call the toll free tech support number for help. The price is the same.

However, your fellow users here will probably give you more accurate answers!   

[Saber Dog]

Thanks Dave.

I used X-10 outlet controls way back when I saved the data from my Commodore 64 (somewhere between 1974 & 1080). This video stuff is more difficult. I can't seem to get passed "Accessing image" & a test pattern. Tomorrow I'll try it to the TV. That isn't the way I want to run really, but it will narrow the issue for troubleshooting.

Thanks Bill,

Good to know

[HA Dave]

Bill and I will keep an eye out here.... let us know how your doing.

[Saber Dog]

I seem to be having a camera problem.

I hooked up the connection to the TV and cycled through the various feeds. Two video feeds were just black, component gave me the cable channel as did the regular feed. I tried it hooked to the front of the TV and to the DVD input.

The camera's mount moves in response to it's remote. There is light. So I'm thinking it may be a reception problem.

When I try to use Vanguard on the computer I no longer get the error that the fevice isn't attached, so I guess that driver download went OK. But all I get is a test pattern noted "Accessing Image". I did check the device manager and X10 is listed under imaging devices, but not universal serial bus.

Any ideas?

[HA Dave]

Try bringing the camera CLOSER. That will determind if its a range issue. Once you have a good working picture.. then try placement. Another thing to keep in mind.... turning the camera on it's mount (ninja) can move the antenna AWAY from the desired position.

Test it out completely... getting it working close range to the PC/receiver.... first.

[Saber Dog]

They were only about 10 feet apart.

How does the camera number get set. The transformer was set at A1 and since I'm trying to use just one camera as a test, I guess that's fine. Is it possible to hane the Ninja on and the camera off? I plugged the camera into the pigtail at the top of the mount & used the transformer for the Ninja as instructed. How does the camera know how to turn on, or is it always on? I haven't added the motion sensor yet.

On the TV, it may be a connection problem. I'm thinking of disconnecting everything else and using the screw in antenna connection.

Is it important that I don't see X10 listed in the universal serial bus, but there is a windows pro 2 listed? X 10 is listed as an imaging device. I run XP SP2.

It was interesting to read that there is no Vista driver yet.

[HA Dave]

They were only about 10 feet apart.

How does the camera number get set. The transformer was set at A1 and since I'm trying to use just one camera as a test, I guess that's fine.

A1 is your House/unit code number ("A" being the house code). You should have some sort of transciever that sends a signal to the transformer unit (camera) and turn it on. Do you have a X10 remote?

The camera and video receiver also has a code number "A" thru "D". Make sure the camera and video receiver are on the same code.

On the TV, it may be a connection problem. I'm thinking of disconnecting everything else and using the screw in antenna connection.

Don't do that.... that won't work. Plug the video receiver into the front or back YELLOW video input plug. Then use the TV's remote to select the input source.

[Saber Dog]

I haven't got the automation stuff set up at my house. I will be setting it up at the other house, but I didn't feel the need to test it where I usually am. I felt the need to experiment with the cameras. Since the Ninja moves and it and the camera share a transformer, I figure the camera has power. Do I need to turn it on with the automation?

I feel like I'm missing something easy. I'd be more worried if it were behaving strangely. My experience has been it's easier to sort put something that doesn't work at all than something that isn't quite right or intermittent.

I'll try sliding the camera house code one step at a time. The Vanguard software's pull down list only lists A1. It would be interesting to see if it changes. That would mean there is some communication between the two units.

Thanks for the tip on the antenna. There are so many connections back there..... I'd rather not mess with them. I also have a small TV, I'll try it there. I had some prpblems with a PS2 and found that the sequence of turning stuff on made a difference.

[Saber Dog]

Okay...

I now have a camera working. I can save snapshots & watch myself wave at it. But I can't seem to move the camera using the onscreen buttons. It moves with the remote,  I have selected the Ninja style mount (which it is), and the buttons are not grayed out - it just doesn't move. Any ideas?

Also I'm confused on the internet connection stuff. Does it get run through the X-10 website? Do I need software to view it or just user name & password? Since checking on things at the house remotely is the primary purpose this function is critical.

Second question (even though this isn't the right spot) - I'm having trouble setting the code on a socket rocket. I finally made it A1. But that will only work for one of them. I set it up in a lamp plugged into the same outlet as my interface, created a device with the code I wanted on the computer, and turned it on and off - no reaction, it remained off. It works as A1 just fine though. What am I doing wrong?

Third question (even though this isn't the right spot) - I seem to recall back when I ran this stuff off a Commodore 64 that there was a randomize setting with a settable range for timers. Is that option in there somewhere? I like the dusk - dawn settings, but I'd like something that varies a bit more to make it less fixed.

Thanks!

[-Bill- (of wgjohns.com)]

Second question (even though this isn't the right spot) - I'm having trouble setting the code on a socket rocket. I finally made it A1. But that will only work for one of them. I set it up in a lamp plugged into the same outlet as my interface, created a device with the code I wanted on the computer, and turned it on and off - no reaction, it remained off. It works as A1 just fine though. What am I doing wrong?

To set the code on a socket rocket, you must send an ON to the desired house and unit code 3 times within 30 seconds of connecting power to the socket rocket.  Do not alternate between ON and OFF.

Third question (even though this isn't the right spot) - I seem to recall back when I ran this stuff off a Commodore 64 that there was a randomize setting with a settable range for timers. Is that option in there somewhere? I like the dusk - dawn settings, but I'd like something that varies a bit more to make it less fixed.

When creating or editing the timer... select "View Advanced Layout" and check the "Security" check box.  The "Security" option does not appear to be available when using "Dusk / Dawn" type settings however.

[Saber Dog]

Thanks. I was turning it on and off. Too much time with regular switches I guess. Thanks for the security tip too.

That leaves my questions on the camera movement control & internet. Any ideas?