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🖥️ActiveHome Pro => Plug-ins => Smart Macros => Topic started by: Knockster on December 31, 2009, 05:13:42 AM

Title: Setting up 4 cameras to record video using Macros?
Post by: Knockster on December 31, 2009, 05:13:42 AM
I am new to this and have a very basic understanding of it all. I have set everything up, I have the cameras working (pictures leave more to be desired) and the motion sensors working. I even Have the macros turning on the cameras, but they will not record. Here is what I have and how it is set up. I am not trying to view or record all cameras at once.

4 Wireless B/W cameras (XC22A)
3 Eagle Eye indoor/outdoor motion sensors (MS14A)
1 Flood Light Motion Detector (PR511)
2 Wireless Video Receiver (VR36A)
USB Wireless Transceiver (CM19A)
USB digital video converter (VA12A)
2 RF Transceiver Module (TM751)
Active Home Pro computer interface and software (CM15A)

I have all the cameras set up as A-1, A-2, A-3 and A-4
The motion sensors are set up as A-1 (Flood Light Motion Detector), A-2, A-3 and A-4 2-4 being the Eagle Eyes.
1 Wireless Video Receiver (VR36A) is hooked up to the USB digital video converter (VA12A) and then to my computer. The other receiver is hooked up to a television.
USB digital video converter (VA12A) hooked up to computer
Only 1 RF Transceiver Module (TM751) is plugged in to the wireless video receiver that is plugged in at the television.
Active Home Pro installed with iwatchout, smart macros, myhouse online and on alert. CM15A plugged in and connected to computer.

The macro set up below is for one of the cameras. I have set up a macro for each camera.
The modules in the room are Camera A-3 and motion sensor A-3 as well as the macro.
Macros are set up simply as: Trigger A-3 on
                                       A-3 on
                                       Video recording set as start
                                       Delay set at 15 minutes
                                       Video recording set at stop
                                       A-3 off

When the motion sensors are triggered they will start the proper macros and turn on the proper cameras but they will not record the video. Can anyone help with this?                                     

Title: Re: Setting up 4 cameras to record video using Macros?
Post by: Knockster on December 31, 2009, 04:17:48 PM
Ok after leaving it on all night I see that it has been recording, but only in 1 second intervals and intermittently. Could this be because the way the macro is set up that every time the motion sensor is triggered on or off while recording that the macro restarts itself and causes interference? Should I use conditions or flags (Which I have no unserstanding of how they work) to stop the macro from restarting itself while recording? I thought the delay would stop it from restarting the macro but I guess that could be wrong. Can someone help with a macro setup?
Title: Re: Setting up 4 cameras to record video using Macros?
Post by: hawk1 on January 01, 2010, 12:51:36 PM
Try looking at this link.  The pictures don't seem to be there but i'm sure you could still figure it out.  Very good macro for cameras.  http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=11477.0
Title: Re: Setting up 4 cameras to record video using Macros?
Post by: Knockster on January 01, 2010, 06:55:30 PM
Thanks Hawk, but man do I feel stupid. Without the pics I have no clue what to do with what he posted. Like I said earlier I have a very basic understanding of this all and therefore have no clue what the phantom switch does or how to set up and use them. I really would need someone to walk me through this and explain it to me.
Title: Re: Setting up 4 cameras to record video using Macros?
Post by: hawk1 on January 02, 2010, 12:30:18 PM
Okay.  Let's start from scratch.  Here is an example of how to setup your cameras.  House and unit codes are as follows: camera1=c1, camera2=c2, camera3=c3, camera4=c4.

Make sure all cameras are on the same frequency.  The little rubber plug on the front of the camera comes out and you will see a switch there.  Make sure that switch is in the same position on all cameras.

There is also a frequency switch on the video reciever labled A,B,C,D.  This is not to be confused with the house and unit code.  Make sure that this switch is the same as your cameras.

Motions sensors should be setup on a different house and unit code than your cameras.  If not your cameras will want to turn off after 1 minute or however long you set the time to be on the motion sensor. Plus you have alot more power on how to use them in macros.

Motion sensors as follows:  ms1=b1, ms2=b3, ms3=b5, ms4=b7.  You'll notice that I skipped a unit code, this is because motion sensors actually have 2 codes it fires.  One for motion (b1) and one for dusk and dawn operations (b2)  therefore it is always good practice to skip units, unless you have disabled the dusk sensor.(which you can find on these forums on how to do that).

Flags are just a condition that the program can check to see if it should run something. I like to think of them as a switch myself.  If you set a flag in a macro  (set flag 2) You can use this to tell the macro not to start recording again because it is already recording.  If the flag is set than when your motion sensor fires the program will look to see if flag 2 is set, if it is than it won't do anything.  If it's clear than the program will start to record.

 Then at the end of your recording macro you can clear a flag (clear flag2) and everything is back to normal and if a motion sensor should fire then it will start your recording macro again. 

A dummy switch or phantom switch is almost the same thing.  You setup a appliance module in ahp that you don't have (like R1) Now you have a switch that you can use as a condition.  Let's say you setup your recording macros but you don't want them to record when your home.  You can name this phantom switch to Arm Recording and put this in your macro as a condition to be on before your recording can start.  To turn recording off just turn off the switch.

Let me know if your getting any of this and I will continue.   >!
Title: Re: Setting up 4 cameras to record video using Macros?
Post by: Knockster on January 02, 2010, 03:45:58 PM
Thank you Hawk, this is really appreciated.
Getting it so far  -:). Had all the cams on same freq. from the start so no problems there. I understand the deal with the sensors being on a different house code and skipping a unit code due to the sensor. Makes perfect sense when you actually know how the motion sensors work. I guess it is all just logic when you know how things work but makes no sense when you don't know how they work. The only thing about the flags I don't get is..... How do you know what number (set flag 2) to set the flag at? Are you setting it to correspond with the motion sensors or the cameras? Do you set the number (set flag 2) to correspond with the unit code of the camera or motion sensor?
Title: Re: Setting up 4 cameras to record video using Macros?
Post by: hawk1 on January 02, 2010, 04:31:03 PM
You have 16 flags that you can use.  I was just using flag 2 as an example.  You can use any of the 16 flags available, but be careful because if you get too many flags its hard to remember what there for.  Glad I could help.   >!
Title: Re: Setting up 4 cameras to record video using Macros?
Post by: Knockster on January 02, 2010, 05:23:11 PM
Thanks again but are the numbers on the flags corresponding with the unit numbers on the camera or the sensors? Logic would tell me the sensors since that is what you want to speak to to tell it not to trigger the cameras recording. Or do the numbers in the flag not have to correspond to anything and you use them to identify the number of flags you have set? ???
Title: Re: Setting up 4 cameras to record video using Macros?
Post by: hawk1 on January 02, 2010, 06:24:29 PM
Each flag is a single condition.  They are not revelant to the sensor unit number.  In other words you can have a sensor that is assigned b1 but use flag 15 if you wanted to.  You just set the flag in your macro to state a condition.  Like "if flag 15 is set do nothing" or "if flag 15 is clear then record".

Example Macro:

motion sensor fires: b2 on
                            if flag 15 is clear
                            set flag 15
                            start record
                            delay 2 minutes
                            stop record
                            clear flag 15

this way when the trigger (b2 ms) fires the macro looks to see if flag 15 is clear.  If it is clear it will continue to run the record macro.  If it isn't clear it will stop and wait for the next trigger and go through this sequence again.  That way if the recording macro is recording and another trigger fires if won't go through the macro again since it is already recording.

I hope i'm explaining this well enough.    >!                           

Title: Re: Setting up 4 cameras to record video using Macros?
Post by: Knockster on January 03, 2010, 05:06:38 AM
OK got it. Thanks a lot Hawk.  #:)
Title: Re: Setting up 4 cameras to record video using Macros?
Post by: hawk1 on January 03, 2010, 12:40:09 PM
You are very welcome!   >!
Title: Re: Setting up 4 cameras to record video using Macros?
Post by: geeforce on February 03, 2010, 02:43:13 AM
hello i have a question pertaining to the same situation. When you use the flag as a check measure. do you use that same flag in the macros for the other cameras. For instance if motion is detected from the other cameras will the cameras switch and just continue recording and follow the time allotted in the new camera viewed macro.
Title: Re: Setting up 4 cameras to record video using Macros?
Post by: hawk1 on February 03, 2010, 10:56:12 AM
For anybody that wants it; I have found a copy of the macro documentation that I was talking about in my above post. (with pics) 

Geeforce:  Yes you should be able to use the same flag.  Let's say; you could have a recording flag where the flag is "set = on, cleared is off" almost just like a switch.  Actually you can use it as a switch if you want.  Just setup a dummy switch, then make a 2 macros for it. One for set flag(on), another to clear flag (off)

Had to  put it in 3 parts; here is part 1
Title: Re: Setting up 4 cameras to record video using Macros?
Post by: hawk1 on February 03, 2010, 11:23:47 AM
part 2
Title: Re: Setting up 4 cameras to record video using Macros?
Post by: hawk1 on February 03, 2010, 11:24:50 AM
part 3


Hope all these come out, i used open office.
Title: Re: Setting up 4 cameras to record video using Macros?
Post by: geeforce on February 04, 2010, 11:39:03 PM
Thank you hawk for the info. I'm going to try this tonight. I't shouldn't be a problem with step by step instructions with pics no less. The other post were right. If you guys aren't on the payroll you should be. I found this link in the data base that may help others to understand fags. http://kbase.x10.com/wiki/What_Are_Flags%3F. i tried the program at the bottom for my camera, but couldn't get it just right. It would continue to record after the last activation even with a delay, but the software didn't crash. And the video would have no file size. Perhaps this will sovle those problems. Maybe others will get a understanding of flags when they work with these instructions. Thanks again Hawk i'll let you know how i turn out.
Title: Re: Setting up 4 cameras to record video using Macros?
Post by: hawk1 on February 05, 2010, 09:22:16 AM
Your Welcome!   ;D   after you get it setup you might have to tweak it a little but hopefully get the idea.  Good Luck!   >!
Title: Re: Setting up 4 cameras to record video using Macros?
Post by: geeforce on February 06, 2010, 11:50:31 PM
Hello Hawk i tried to follow it but still could not get it to work.  B:(  I think my problem is in the actual setup. I came close to having it work. It would switch from camera to camera and record without crashing and it would stop right on time. It would work perfectly. The only problem was it said it was recording, but i had no video in files (empty files). I'll give you and example of how i've been setting it up. Maybe you can point out my flaws. I have 2 cameras and 2 motion detectors. In my bedroom: camera B2 and motion detector B2. On my porch: camera B1 along with motion detector B1. Camera is in my bedroom because all my equipment is in here. I work at night and no one is home.

Phantom on:                                                    Phantom off:
condition: If flag 1 or 2 on                                  condition: If flag 1 and 2 off
start recording                                                  stop recording.
delay: 1 min.

Bedroom cam B2 on:                                          Bedroom cam B2 off:
set flag 2  (not a condition)                                 Turn off phantom
Turn off porch cam B1                                         Clear flag 2               
Turn on phantom


Porch cam B1 on                                   Bedroom cam B1 off
set flag 1 (not a condition)                     Turn off phantom
Turn bedroom cam off                            Clear flag 1
Turn on phantom

Thanks to you and the forum i think i'm almost there.
Title: Re: Setting up 4 cameras to record video using Macros?
Post by: geeforce on February 07, 2010, 12:08:07 AM
1 more thing. I added a delay of 1 min before the turn off phantom to both the porch cam off and bedroom cam off, because recording just turned on and off. The 1 beside porch cam B1 on is a typo. Should say porch cam off. Thanks again.
Title: Re: Setting up 4 cameras to record video using Macros?
Post by: hawk1 on February 07, 2010, 12:48:16 AM
What unit and house code are you using for your phantom switches?  I also think you only need one flag.  Did you download the 3 files in my above post?  If you did does your macros match the ones in the attachment?  I don't have much time tonight, but if you post the answers to my questions I will try to get back to you tomorrow.
Title: Re: Setting up 4 cameras to record video using Macros?
Post by: geeforce on February 07, 2010, 06:12:24 AM
Thanks Hawk. I'm using P1 for the Phantom. I also located it in the kitchen so i won't have to many macros in 1 room. Easier to keep them separate
Title: Re: Setting up 4 cameras to record video using Macros?
Post by: hawk1 on February 07, 2010, 11:13:12 AM
Presuming that you want to record when the motion sensor triggers, this is what I came up with.  I don't know if your trying to use two flags one for each camera and you want one camera on all the time or what.  But try this and see if you can get it to record at least.  Then we will go from there.  Okay.   ;D

Okay, this is what you should have If your going by my attachments.

Switch: P1-Recording On
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Recording On Macro:

Trigger is P1 ON and
Flag Status Off-2
End Trigger Conditions
Start Recording Video


Recording Control Macro:
Trigger is P1 On
Flag Status Off-2
End Trigger Conditions
Set Flag 2
Delay 2:00
Clear Flag 2
Recording On P1 Off
All Units Off B


Recording Off Macro:

Trigger is P1 Off
Video Recording Stop
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Sensor On Macros:

Trigger is B2 On(Bedroom Cam)      Trigger is B1 On(Porch Cam)
P1 On               P1 on
Title: Re: Setting up 4 cameras to record video using Macros?
Post by: geeforce on February 07, 2010, 08:45:58 PM
Thank you Hawk for your time and patients. I'm at work right now and will try again in the morning. You are correct i only wanted to record when motion was detected. I do have 2 flags 1 for each camera. I was thinking it would give me more control, but if 1 flag will work better i'll try that. 1 question though in the P1 macros setup is that 3 macros. 2 being used for the on condition and 1 for the off condition. The on condition having 1 to start the recording and another to control the recording? Since the P1 macros are under a condition i can now save it in the interface and save the others in PC. It's making sense now. Can't wait to get home to start working on it. Thanks again.
Title: Re: Setting up 4 cameras to record video using Macros?
Post by: hawk1 on February 07, 2010, 09:18:03 PM
You are correct.  Your getting it.  I will check back tomorrow.  Have to go out of town for most of the day though.  This is just a starting point to see if we can get the recording working.  After we get the recording working, then we can play around with more flags if you want.  And your welcome.  Glad I could help.
Title: Re: Setting up 4 cameras to record video using Macros?
Post by: hawk1 on February 09, 2010, 09:55:20 AM
GeeForce, did you get this to work yet?    :'
Title: Re: Setting up 4 cameras to record video using Macros?
Post by: geeforce on February 09, 2010, 11:24:40 PM
sorry Hawk for the delay. When i got home from work that day the madam had other plans for me. I'm trying it out tonight. Will let you know soon maybe tonight.
Title: Re: Setting up 4 cameras to record video using Macros?
Post by: geeforce on February 10, 2010, 03:20:39 AM
Hello Hawk. I tried the software you provided, but on my version i can't do it. I'm using version 3.236 and it will not let me turn off a trigger in the same macros that has been turned on. So i used what i learned from you and the forum. In my on macros i simply used the on phantom command for my phantom on both cameras triggers with no flags (phantom only has 1 thing to look for). In my phantom macros i used the trigger on for my phantom (using flag #1) to start the recording and 30 sec. later turn it off. Trying it step by step and it worked nearly perfectly turning on by the motion detector. The only thing was the camera on the porch stays on longer than the bedroom so i upped my time to 1 min. It did not work again after that even when i changed it back. I get " a problem has occurred with AHP and needs to shut down". I only get the error after i have shut it down to view the video. Is the problem with my programming our with the software?
Title: Re: Setting up 4 cameras to record video using Macros?
Post by: hawk1 on February 10, 2010, 11:13:53 AM
I really couldn't tell you.  I do know from this forum that version of AHP has its problems, I myself used an older version.  And now I don't use AHP at all.  Your programming of the macro should be fine if you used the example.  I myself have used that example for a long time to record video from my 8 cameras.  By chance are you shutting down AHP before the recording stops? Also you might want to clear the interface memory and make sure your AHP recycle bin is cleared.  Then redownload the timers and macros and give that a shot.

Can you manually open up a camera and record video for 30 seconds, and then view it?  If not you might want to change your codec for the cameras.

You might want to roll back your AHP to an earlier version, but do this on your own risk.  Here is how.
Go to http://software.x10.com/pub/applications/activehome/ and look for ahp_updt_204.exe.  Save that and install it over what you have now, it will not affect any timers or macros you may have.  Once 3.204 is installed, use the update link under Tools to update AHP to version 3.228.

Let us know how it comes out.  We might have to have someone else to jump in as I don't use AHP anymore.  I'm an Ihouse fan now.  If you want to give Ihouse a shot you can find it here;  http://www.ihousehomeautomation.com   don't worry it's free.
Title: Re: Setting up 4 cameras to record video using Macros?
Post by: geeforce on February 11, 2010, 08:59:16 PM
Thanks Hawk again for your help. I do purge my macros and delete unused modules before programming. I found out from earlier tries not to shut AHP down while it is recording or working, it will give you the error. Right now i can't manually record. It shows it is recording but it is not. I think what i will do is start from scratch 1 more time using the same program. If that does not work I'm going to use the stills option in programming. In the past it would record stills with no problem. I would get a lot of recorded static from when the camera shuts off, but i would have something. That is what i use now when i go to work. I have noticed this when i return home since trying these different programs. The stills are recording actual photos and not static. I have photos for every shot. I do have a different question. I have a flood cam from x10, would i still be able to use stills with it? i haven't installed it yet because i am going to have to run cable to install it. No back area lights its and old house. Will keep you informed of how it goes. Thanks again >!
Title: Re: Setting up 4 cameras to record video using Macros?
Post by: hawk1 on February 11, 2010, 09:08:17 PM
I couldn't help you with the floodlight, as I don't own one YET.   rofl  If manual recording isn't working you might want to look at your preferences and see what codec and settings you are using.  Also play around with the resolution.  Good Luck!!!  Sorry we couldn't get it going.

Maybe someone else can jump in and give you some info on the floodlight.  I think DaveX10 has one if I remember right.