Broadcast SoloCAM Series User manual

1
BROADCAST
WIRELESS SYSTEMS
SoloCAM User Manual
SoloCAM
User Manual
20.11.2019 v1-0
Broadcast Wireless Systems Ltd
Unit 7, Swanwick Business Centre
Swanwick
Southampton
SO31 7GB
Phone: [phone]
Email:
[e-mail]

2
BROADCAST
WIRELESS SYSTEMS
SoloCAM User Manual

3
BROADCAST
WIRELESS SYSTEMS
SoloCAM User Manual
Contents
Change History.........................................................................................................6
About the User Manual ............................................................................................7
Warranty and Support..............................................................................................7
Introduction to the SoloCAM...................................................................................8
SoloCAM Lite..........................................................................................................8
SoloCAM Plus.........................................................................................................8
SoloCAM Stream....................................................................................................8
Applications.............................................................................................................8
Safe Operating Procedures.....................................................................................9
EMC / Safety Approvals...........................................................................................9
Unpacking the SoloCAM........................................................................................10
What’s in the box: .................................................................................................10
Setting up the Tripod.............................................................................................11
Connections ...........................................................................................................14
Rear Panel............................................................................................................14
Left Side Panel (Contributor).................................................................................15
Right Side Panel (TX)...........................................................................................16
Remote .................................................................................................................17
Local Operation......................................................................................................18
Powering...............................................................................................................18
Connecting to/from the SoloCAM..........................................................................18
Setting the Shot ....................................................................................................19
Using the Monitor..................................................................................................19

4
BROADCAST
WIRELESS SYSTEMS
SoloCAM User Manual
Remote Operation (PLUS and STREAM versions only)......................................20
Inserting the SIM Card.......................................................................................20
Logging on to the Control Server..........................................................................21
Camera Controls...................................................................................................23
Monitor Controls....................................................................................................23
Video & Audio.......................................................................................................23
Lighting Control.....................................................................................................24
Presets..................................................................................................................24
GPS Mapping........................................................................................................24
Remote Mounting the Camera..............................................................................24
IP Streaming Operation (STREAM version only).................................................26
Encoder GUI.........................................................................................................27
BWS Rebro Server ...............................................................................................29
Technical Specifications .......................................................................................30
Connector Information...........................................................................................31
Rear Connector Panel ..........................................................................................31
12VDC OUT..................................................................................................................................31
NETWORK/STREAMING .............................................................................................................31
CAMERA VIDEO I/P .....................................................................................................................31
CAMERA PWR/CTRL...................................................................................................................31
MONITOR EXT I/P........................................................................................................................31
DMX ..............................................................................................................................................31
DC INPUT .....................................................................................................................................31
LH Connector Panel..............................................................................................32
IFB EARPIECE OUT.....................................................................................................................32
MIC INPUT....................................................................................................................................32

5
BROADCAST
WIRELESS SYSTEMS
SoloCAM User Manual
RH Connector Panel.............................................................................................32
VIDEO OUT ..................................................................................................................................32
EXTERNAL IFB INPUT ................................................................................................................32

6
BROADCAST
WIRELESS SYSTEMS
SoloCAM User Manual
Change History
Version
Date
Change Summary
Author
V1.0
31.3.2020
Initial Draft
SB
V1.1
2.4.2020
Corrected Version
HJB

7
BROADCAST
WIRELESS SYSTEMS
SoloCAM User Manual
About the User Manual
This user manual describes the operation of the SoloCAM.
The user manual is split into two sections.
Section One is the User Guide, in which the reader is introduced to the SoloCAM and its
operation. The various control options are described. A guide to installation of the system
is given.
Section Two is the Technical Section, the system specifications, dimensions and interfaces
are described.
Warranty and Support
All Broadcast Wireless Systems products are supplied as standard with a 12 month ‘Return to
Base’ warranty.
In the event of a suspected product failure, users should initially contact the Broadcast
Wireless Systems Support team on the telephone: [phone] or via email:
[e-mail]
It may be necessary to return the equipment to BWS if the problem persists and the Support
team are unable to remotely solve the issue.
Equipment should only be returned using the RMA (Returns Management Authorisation)
process. Users should request an RMA form and number by contacting the Support team on
[phone] or via email: [e-mail]
can then be returned to:
Returns Department
Broadcast Wireless Systems Ltd
Unit 7, Swanwick Business Centre
Swanwick
Southampton
SO31 7GB

8
BROADCAST
WIRELESS SYSTEMS
SoloCAM User Manual
Introduction to the SoloCAM
Totally self-contained, portable indoor/outdoor live contribution system supplied in a
lightweight Pelicase with tripod and space for a 3G/4G bonding unit.
There are three versions of SoloCAM:
SoloCAM Lite
Basic system designed for self-operation by the reporter or on-site producer via infra-red
remote control
▪Weatherproof to IP66 (heavy rain)
▪HD PTZ camera with HD-SDI output 1080i/1080p/50/59
▪Built-in tungsten and daylight lighting
▪Microphone input with P48 powering and level control
SoloCAM Plus
As above, but with the addition of remote control via studio gallery and IFB
▪Cloud-based remote control server via integrated GPRS modem or Internet plug-in
point
▪Dial-up IFB with volume control (plus external IFB input)
▪GPS positioning
▪DMX lighting control for additional external lighting
SoloCAM Stream
As above, but with the addition integrated IP streaming
▪HEVC ultra low delay encoder with streaming output up to 30Mbps
▪SRT optimises streaming performance across unpredictable networks
Applications
▪Self-op/producer operated live positions at busy news events
▪2nd wide-shot camera
▪Unattended cameras in security/public-order situations
▪Home studio contributions
▪Remote production systems

9
BROADCAST
WIRELESS SYSTEMS
SoloCAM User Manual
Safe Operating Procedures
•Operate within the environmental limits specified for the product.
•Only authorized, trained personnel should open the product. There are no functions
that require the User to gain access to the interior of the product.
EMC / Safety Approvals
The equipment has been designed to meet and has been tested against the following
harmonized EMC and safety standards:
EN 61000-3-2:2000
EN 61000-3-3:1995
EN 55022:1998, Class B
EN 61000-4-2:1995
EN 61000-4-3:1996
EN 61000-4-4:1995
EN 61000-4-5:1995
EN 61000-4-6:1996
EN 61000-4-11:1994
EN 60950:2000

10
BROADCAST
WIRELESS SYSTEMS
SoloCAM User Manual
Unpacking the SoloCAM
The SoloCAM is supplied in lightweight Peli 1604 Air case with custom foam insert.
This case should be used to transport the SoloCAM if it is necessary to return the unit to
BWS.
What’s in the box:
1. SoloCAM Base Unit
2. SoloCAM Camera Unit
3. Mains Power Supply
4. Remote Control
5. Tripod
1
2
5
3
4

11
BROADCAST
WIRELESS SYSTEMS
SoloCAM User Manual
Setting up the Tripod
Set the tripod head to the horizontal position by turning the level locking knob anti-clockwise
Extend the head support by twisting the locking ring anti-clockwise and pulling the head
upwards

12
BROADCAST
WIRELESS SYSTEMS
SoloCAM User Manual
Extend the tripod legs by releasing the clips for each section –set to the desired height
Push down the lock and rotate the locking mechanism anti-clockwise

13
BROADCAST
WIRELESS SYSTEMS
SoloCAM User Manual
Drop the SoloCAM into the tripod head and release the locks –it should click into place.
Point the unit at the subject and adjust the level mechanism so that the bubble is in the
centre of the spirit level

14
BROADCAST
WIRELESS SYSTEMS
SoloCAM User Manual
Connections
Rear Panel
1. DC Output –12VDC utility power outlet (for 3G/4G bonding device, COFDM TX etc)
2. Streaming Output + IP Control & Monitoring (SoloCAM Stream only)
- IP streaming output with SRT (up to 30Mbps)
- Set-up of IP parameters
- Remote control via IP connection (if available)
- Firmware Upgrades
3. Camera Video Input –Input from PTZ camera HD-SDI
4. Camera Power + Control –12VDC powering and serial data control for PTZ camera
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

15
BROADCAST
WIRELESS SYSTEMS
SoloCAM User Manual
5. Monitor External Input –Switchable HDMI external input to monitor (for AutoCue etc)
6. DMX Lighting Control –used to control external lighting rigs with DMX control interface
7. SIM Card Holder (SoloCAM Plus SoloCAM Stream) –SIM card forGPRS remote control
and dial-up IFB
8. DC Input –10-18VDC input (via supplied mains PSU brick)
9. Battery Plate –accepts standard V-mount or AB-mount camera batteries
Left Side Panel (Contributor)
10. IFB Out –Output for contributors earpiece
11. MIC Input –Input for contributors microphone (mic level)
10
11

16
BROADCAST
WIRELESS SYSTEMS
SoloCAM User Manual
Right Side Panel (TX)
12. Video Out –HD-SDI output with embedded audio (for connection to the TX device)
13. IFB Input –External IFB input (automatically disconnects the internal dial-up IFB)
12
13
15
14
16
18
17

17
BROADCAST
WIRELESS SYSTEMS
SoloCAM User Manual
14. Level Indicator –the bubble should be inside the inner circle
15. GPRS/Cellphone Antenna –receives GPRS remote control data and incoming IFB
cellphone calls
16. ‘Soft’ Lighting – indoor lighting (‘tungsten’ colour temperature 3000K)
17. Power ON/OFF Switch
18. IFB Level Control –adjusts the volume of the earpiece IFB feed
Remote
Manual Iris Control (brightness)
Lighting Controls –intensity increases with
each button push
Side Lights = Indoor/Tungsten lamps
Head Light = Outdoor/Daylight lamp
Pan Up
Pan Down
Pan Right
Pan Left
Monitor Screen Select –toggles front screen
between camera and external HDMI input
Zoom In/Out
Mic Audio Level Control
Manual Focus Control

18
BROADCAST
WIRELESS SYSTEMS
SoloCAM User Manual
Local Operation
The basic mode of operation is local control by the reporter/contributor or on-site production
person usingthe IRremote control. Videofromthe unit is fed via aBNC cable to a transmission
device such as a 3G/4G bonding unit, transmission truck or plug-in video point.
Powering
The SoloCAM can be powered via standard V-Lok or Anton Bauer camera battery or an
external 12VDC supply. An AC mains to 12V power brick is supplied with the system.
Connect the supply and press the on/off button on the front of the unit [17].
Connecting to/from the SoloCAM
The contributor will require a microphone and an earpiece for IFB. Plug these into the
relevant connectors on the LH Connector panel - [11] for mic, [10] for IFB.
The mic input provides P48 mic powering. The level can be adjusted using the remote
control. There is a mic level meter on the SoloCAM monitor display (bottom left) –ask the
contributor to speak normally and set the level so that the meter is peaking at the first yellow
bar.
The microphone audio is embedded into the outgoing video signal –known as embedded
audio.
Connect the VIDEO OUT [12] on the RH Connector panel to the video input of the
transmission device (ie: LiveU-type bonding unit, plug in point etc). Follow the device
instructions and establish a transmission path to the studio.
If your transmission path offers return sound/IFB, plug this into the EXTERNAL IFB INPUT
[13] on the RH Connector panel and plug the contributor’s earpiece into the IFB EARPIECE
OUT [10] on the LH Connector panel. When the studio speaks to the contributor, a level
meter on the monitor display (bottom right) will respond. The contributor can adjust the
earpiece level using the EARPIECE VOL [18] control on the front of the SoloCAM. Note that
plugging a connector into the EXTERNAL IFB INPUT automatically disconnects the internal
dial-up IFB source (PLUS and STREAM versions).

19
BROADCAST
WIRELESS SYSTEMS
SoloCAM User Manual
Setting the Shot
Where possible, position the SoloCAM so that any ambient light is shining on the
contributor’s face, rather than into the lens of the camera.
With contributor in place, set the shot using the PAN and ZOOM controls on the remote
control. Unless you are intent on showing activity in the background, most studios will prefer
to match the shot with that of the presenter in the studio –call the studio and ask for
guidance if you are unsure of the ‘house style’.
The SoloCAM will automatically focus on the contributor’s face, but occasionally it can get
confused and focus on a background object instead. The focus can be manually adjusted
using the NEAR and FAR buttons on the IR remote control. The focus will remain set in this
position until the camera is driven using the PAN and ZOOM controls.
The SoloCAM will automatically set the camera iris to the correct level. However, this can
occasionally set the background to be correct and leave the contributor’s face incorrectly
exposed. This can be over-ridden by using the iris OPEN and CLOSE buttons on the remote
control. OPEN will increase the light level and CLOSE will decrease it.
Two types of lighting are built-in to the SoloCAM:
HEAD LIGHT –mounted on top of the camera is an ultra-bright daylight lamp and should
only be used during daylight to counteract strong sunshine. It is not recommended for use at
night as, like natural daylight, it has a very high blue content and will adversely affect picture
quality if mixed with traditional 'tungsten’ lighting.
SIDE LIGHTS –these are the light-coloured bars on the front face of the unit and should be
used at night. There are four levels of intensity selected by toggling the button on the remote
control. OFF-LEVEL1-LEVEL2-LEVEL3-LEVEL4-OFF….etc
Using the Monitor
During normal operation, the screen displays the camera picture to facilitate setting the shot
and acts as a mirror should the contributor wish to adjust hair, make-up etc. Some
contributors may find this distracting whilst ‘on-air’ and it is possible to switch the monitor off
using the MON button on the remote control. This toggles between CAMERA-EXTERNAL-
OFF-CAMERA…etc. NB: There is a small delay as each function switches.
It is also possible to feed the screen with an external signal, such as Autocue, weather
maps, etc. The external input is an HDMI signal and is on the rear of the unit [5]. Use the
MON button to select the external input –a green “HDMI” graphic will be displayed on the
top right-hand section of the screen when it is selected. Similarly, a green “SDI” graphic will
be displayed when the camera is selected.

20
BROADCAST
WIRELESS SYSTEMS
SoloCAM User Manual
Remote Operation (PLUS and STREAM versions only)
These versions are fitted with a cellphone modem which allows remote control of all functions
by the studio. It will also automatically receive incoming calls and route them to the IFB
EARPIECE OUTPUT. Alternatively, if an internet plug-in point is available, the SoloCAM will
automatically route control signals via this route.
The control signals are sent via the GPRS layer of the phone networks –this is the base level
of data transmission andas such is extremely robust when compared to 3G and 4G reception.
However, it is deactivated when the device is receiving a call and as such, remote control via
the mobile phone network is not available when the dial-up IFB function is in use. The camera
can be controlled using the IR remote control if adjustments need to be made on-air.
Alternatively, a separate cellphone can be used to make/receive IFB calls and plugged into
the SoloCAM via the EXTERNAL IFB INPUT jack and studio control can be maintained
throughout. If a plug-in internet point is available, the control signals will be routed through it
and the dial-up IFB can be used without interruption of studio control.
The remote control function is accessed via a cloud server. Your organisation will have been
allocated a page on the server by BWS and you should have been given login information. Be
aware that anyone with the login information can access your page and control your
SoloCAM(s)!
Inserting the SIM Card
Like your mobile phone, the SoloCAM must have a SIM card in order to access the phone
network. The unit takes a Regular (large) SIM card –please use an appropriate adaptor if
you have a Micro or Nano SIM card.
The SIM card holder is on the rear panel and is protected by a large circular cap. This has a
‘bayonet’ locking mechanism – ¼ turn anti-clockwise to open.