Panasonic Camera

[aLf]

One of the posters on this site had a useful script that would run on a network module which controlled my Panasonic cameras (on/off of a trigger). It worked perfect for the BB-HCM531, but unfortunately the new BB-HCM735 uses SSL and will not allow the script to run properly.

 

Has anyone had any experience with the new 735 series cameras that could help me? All I'm trying to do is with the push of a KPL button run a script on the NM that would turn the trigger on or off.

 

Thanks,

 

aLf

[aLf]

I can finally put this camera trigger thing to rest. I have been wrestling with a "fix" for this for six months. I have asked the experts in the field, including "Customer No-Service" at Panasonic. The first thing Panasonic needs to do is study UDI and their Second-to-None customer satisfaction. I have learned more from Michel and his crew and the unbelievable following they have here on this forum.

 

Now to the bottom of this issue. If you have Panasonic Webcams, you know that they have a robust collection of uses and available options. If you have one or maybe two of them there isn't a problem, simply go into the GUI and do your adjustments. The problem is in my setup, I utilize motion detection. Turning one detector on or off is no problem but a dozen cameras is a different story. A year ago ISY Forum Member, Burak, wrote code for the Panasonic 500 series cams. Inserted into the ISY Network Module it worked beautiful. Turn my Insteon "Away" scene on or off and the camera motion turns on or off. Technology enters. I purchased a handful of their new 700 series, megapixel cameras and the code won’t work. Long story longer it comes down to a security code called "random number". Back to Panasonic “Customer No-Service" and their canned answer that what I'm trying to do is unsupported. The answer was right there in the GUI, under the "Administrator" tab...

 

CGI interface

Allow setting changes

 

Only disallow settings from browsers

 

Do not allow setting changes

 

 

Seems that by choosing “Allow setting changesâ€, does a workaround that lets the GUI accept calls from abroad. The “random number†still generates, but it does it internally, and then sets the trigger. Simple as that. So simple that after a dozen calls to Panasonic, nobody on their tech line even knew the above setting or that it could be done. As a matter of fact I was told what I was trying to do was not possible. I’m beginning to believe that when it comes to this electronic stuff, anything is possible. It surely is with the talent and knowledge found in this forum. I hope that this helps others.

 

aLf

[sfhutchi]

Do you or others have a brief description of what you have done with the web cams and integrating them with ISY and the network module?

[aLf]

sfhutchi:

 

As I wrote above, so far I only trigger the camera by a program in ISY that runs my "AWAY" or "HOME" scene. That scene controls various lights and outlets around the house that I want to behave in different ways according to my being there or not. I also like to see any movement from my cameras. IN my Network Module I have code written that "POSTS" code over the net to these cameras. It is capable of posting on the 192 local network or across the web to other properties. What it does is turn off the motion sensors when I'm home (I was tired of driving up and seeing 100's of pictures of me), then back on when I'm away. Now I just turn the scene off when I'm driving up the driveway and the camera motion goes off as well.

 

I kinda tore into Panasonic in my above post. I really don't think they have much support for what I consider a superb camera. They do provide a 100+ page document on what they refer to as CGI Transfer codes. These codes are the backbone of the camera function. They have done a super job with this document. You can do just about anything from the web to these cameras (some if not all is available in their GUI). As I sated though, multiple cameras require a lengthly amount of log-ins to several cameras. I would estimate that to do what needs to be done with my setup (now that I have the code figured out) takes less than a minute. When I figure out what iPhone app to buy that runs ISY, I will cut down the trigger time to seconds. If I do the same the long way through Panasonics GUI, it can take me 15-20 minutes! I've just broken the ice on this. I can see with enough people out there integrating cameras to their homes, ISY and UDI could make some great uses out of these cameras. I certainly can see something as simple as motion triggering a light, siren or any Insteon device. I don't know anything about some of the security systems (alarms), but certainly tie-ins could be done there as well. In addition to motion, there is sound and shock triggers.

 

(The neighbors party gets too loud, triggers the yard lights, party quiets).

 

(The temperature in the house goes below your threshold, turns on a light, moves the camera to the preset thermometer veiw and e-mails you a picture).

 

(Driveway alarm triggers the camera to driveway veiw, zooms and send picture of mailman leaving while you're at work, megapixel gives perfect veiw of license plate).

 

(Lake temperature sensor shows 70 degrees, Weather Module says the wind is less than 5 knots, turns camera toward the end of my dock clearly showing me downing a cold beer before setting out to waterski, http's picture to the ISY Forum for all to see).

 

The 531 is a rock solid platform for starters, the 735 is a megapixel version with a bit more security. Either one has seen everything Mother Nature can throw at it in Northern Wisconsin. I like the 581 for indoors. It has a 20x optical zoom which can zoom easily a mile and see fine detail. Setup was zero problems once I installed a good router, I chose Draytek. I have fibre optic cable but they worked reasonably well with DSL. Sound is fantastic, you can hear conversation 100's of feet away.

 

Hope this helps.

 

aLf

[sfhutchi]

Great write-up. Thanks aLf. Sounds like a future project to add to my list.