Cisco PrecisionHD 4X CTS-PHD-1080P4XS1 Operating instructions

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PrecisionHD 4X Camera Connectivity Problems
Recently camera connectivity and camera boot problems with PrecisionHD 4X cameras (CTS-PHD-1080P4XS1=)
have been reported in the field. We have narrowed down the reported problems to three scenarios:
1. Failed Camera Boot Failed Initialization (solution available); please see the following Field Notice for
more information: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/ts/fn/635/fn63534.html
2. Failed Camera Boot Continuous Reboot (Preventable but once failed requires RMA)
3. Wake from Standby (solution and workaround available)
The only scenario above where a replacement is required is scenario 2, as the camera cannot be returned to a
working state. All other scenarios have a solution that will restore full camera function. Root cause has been
identified for all issues and are listed below.
IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING FAILED CAMERA BOOT FAILED INITIALIZATION:
1. Once a PrecisionHD 4X camera displays symptoms of a failed camera initialization (details listed
Camera Boot the camera must be recovered using either recovery procedure listed in
this document. Corrected camera firmware is found in TC4.2.4 and TC5.1.3 and higher; however, merely
upgrading to a higher version will not correct a camera already in this state.
2. Starting with TC5.1.5, a recovery method for cameras in this failed initialization state can be run from the
command line of the codec; this is the recommended recovery method. A second, longer recovery method is
also provided in this document.
3. If a PrecisionHD 4X camera is currently not displaying any symptoms of failed initialization and otherwise
operating normally, Cisco recommends upgrading all codecs with a CTS-PHD-10804XS1 connected to a
software release containing fixed camera firmware (TC4.2.4 or TC5.1.3 or higher).
4. A failed camera initialization can potentially occur at any time; if symptoms of scenario 1 are displayed on a
previously working camera, the camera must be manually recovered using one of the recovery procedures
found in this document.
TC4.2.4 and TC5.1.X software (CCO login required):
http://www.cisco.com/cisco/software/release.html?mdfid=283613658&flowid=22765&softwareid=280886992&re
lease=TC5.1.5&relind=AVAILABLE&rellifecycle=&reltype=latest
Field Notice:
FN - 63534 - PrecisionHD 1080p 4x Camera Does Not Boot up Due to Checksum Validation Failure - S/W Upgrade
Recommended

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1. Failed Camera Boot Failed Initialization
Customers are reporting the following symptoms on new installs (new out of box), new replacements
out of box), or after rebooting their codec on a previously working installation for certain Precision HD 4X cameras:
1. Orange LED present on camera at all times.
2. Green LED present on base of camera.
3. No PTZ control from any input device (e.g. touchpanel, remote, etc.)
4. No video on self-view from camera.
5. The admin CLI command "xstatus camera 1" shows "Connected: False" and no other camera information
is displayed.
xstatus camera 1
*s Camera 1 Connected: False
*s Camera 1 HardwareID: ""
*s Camera 1 Manufacturer: ""
*s Camera 1 Model: ""
*s Camera 1 SoftwareID: ""
*s Camera 1 SerialNumber: ""
*s Camera 1 IpAddress: ""
*s Camera 1 MacAddress: ""
*s Camera 1 Position Pan: 0
*s Camera 1 Position Tilt: 0
*s Camera 1 Position Zoom: 16
*s Camera 1 Position Focus: 4000
*s Camera 1 Capabilities Options: ""
*s Camera 1 Flip: "Off"
** end
OK
6. Power cycling the camera or codec does not allow codec control of the camera.
Details regarding the above problem are documented in the following bug:
CSCua44699 Camera fails to boot due to checksum validation failure
As a result of the above, the camera cannot be controlled by the codec.
NOTE: The issue described above (failed initialization) is different than the Continuous Reboot issue mentioned
below. When the camera LED is solid orange, the camera in most cases can and should be recovered to working
order by upgrading to TC5.1.5 and using systemtools camerarescue from the CLI (page 4), or using the
(page 7) on the existing TC software version.
Root Cause:
The root cause has been found by our camera team and corrected camera firmware is found in TC4.2.4 and
TC5.1.3 and higher; corrected camera firmware is found in those versions. In summary, a bug was found in our
error correction; the new NAND flash found in recent cameras, being a different technology, is more likely to have
correctable errors, and made the bug much more obvious.
Solution:

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PREVENT - Upgrade camera firmware PRIOR to getting into this failed state:
Cisco recommends upgrading all codecs with a CTS-PHD-10804XS1 connected to a software release containing
fixed camera firmware (TC4.2.4 or TC 5.1.3 or higher).
Upgrading the codec software to a fixed release upgrades the camera firmware automatically and prevents the
camera from failing. Additionally, the camera firmware will not be downgraded if the codec is downgraded to a
lower software version, hence it is possible to prevent cameras from failing by:
Upgrading to a new software version containing fixed camera firmware
Wait for the camera to finish upgrading firmware (approximately 8 minutes)
Then downgrade to a lower version if required.
The camera firmware version containing the fix is found in 20011 and later. The current camera firmware version
is found by viewing the softwareID as shown in s camera (screenshot below). Fixed camera firmware is
bundled with TC4.2.4 and TC5.1.3 or later codec software.
Upgrading cameras currently not exhibiting this failure is MANDATORY to prevent any future failure.
Once the camera has been successfully been upgraded, a similar output asshown here should be seen when
Similar camera software version output can be seen through the web UI by using this URL:
http://<IP Address of the codec>/getxml?location=/Status/camera/Version/SoftwareID
bash-3.2$ ssh admin@10.1.2.3
Welcome to
TANDBERG Codec Release TC5.1.5
SW Release Date: 2012-10-24, 12:55, m
OK
xstatus camera 1
*s Camera 1 Connected: True
*s Camera 1 HardwareID: "52000000"
*s Camera 1 Manufacturer: "TANDBERG"
*s Camera 1 Model: "PrecisionHD 1080p 4X"
*s Camera 1 SoftwareID: "S01752-2.0FINAL [ID:20012] 2012-08-29"

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RECOVER Fixing the Failure Once in a Failed Boot State
If the camera is currently in a failed initialization state (where the orange LED is on solid), the camera firmware
must be reinstalled. Upgrading to a higher TC software version will not correct a camera already in this state.
Two recovery procedures exist:
1. Upgrade to TC 5.1.5 and use systemtools camerarescue from the admin CLI;
2. Perform the manual recovery procedures listed under Camera Firmware Recovery Procedures Using a
PC on page 7.
Starting with TC 5.1.5, a recovery method for cameras in this failed boot state is can be run from the codec. This
recovery method can be run remotely with the camera connected as normal to the codec. This new recovery
method is initiated from the codec with the admin shell comm , and is the
recommended recovery method. Please see the TC 5.1 Release Notes for more information:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/telepresence/endpoint/software/tc5/release_notes/tc_software_release_not
es_tc5.pdf
recovery method will take roughly 10 minutes to complete. When complete, the
codec and the camera should be fully operational.
Below is an example output of the sh
The progress of the script can be monitored if root access is enabled on the codec. Once the script is started using
running the root shell command -f /var/log/camera-rescue.log
allows progress to be monitored. This step is not necessary for the script to function, merely to monitor progress
of the recovery.
bash-3.2$ ssh admin@10.1.2.3
Welcome to
TANDBERG Codec Release TC5.1.5
SW Release Date: 2012-10-24, 12:55, m
OK
systemtools camerarescue ?
usage: camerarescue
This command will put the codec into maintenance and try to upgrade the
the camera using a low-level serial interface. The codec will then be
rebooted automatically.
OK
systemtools camerarescue
Shutting down to run camera-rescue script and reboot
OK
Unknown message type: 4
tshell: Remote closed connection
Connection to 10.1.2.3 closed.
bash-3.2$

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If the recovery script fails to recover the camera, details of why the script failed are found in the historical log
bundle in the camera-rescue.log file. Also, make sure the camera is connected to the serial port of the codec
before running the shell command to recover the camera. If the fault cannot be isolated, please work with the TAC
to determine the cause of the failure.
Important Notes Regarding Failed Camera Boot Failed Initialization before
proceeding.
2. Failed Camera Boot Continuous Reboot
Customers are also reporting the following symptoms on new installs (new out of box), new replacements
out of box), or after rebooting the codec on a previously working installation for certain Precision HD 4X cameras:
1. Orange LED on camera blinks on/off at a steady rate.
2. Green LED present on base of camera.
3. No PTZ control from any input device (e.g. touchpanel, remote, etc.)
4. No video on self-view from camera.
5. The admin CLI command "xstatus camera 1" shows "Connected: False" and no other camera information
is displayed.
xstatus camera 1
*s Camera 1 Connected: False
*s Camera 1 HardwareID: ""
*s Camera 1 Manufacturer: ""
*s Camera 1 Model: ""
*s Camera 1 SoftwareID: ""
*s Camera 1 SerialNumber: ""
*s Camera 1 IpAddress: ""
*s Camera 1 MacAddress: ""
*s Camera 1 Position Pan: 0
*s Camera 1 Position Tilt: 0
*s Camera 1 Position Zoom: 16
*s Camera 1 Position Focus: 4000
*s Camera 1 Capabilities Options: ""
*s Camera 1 Flip: "Off"
** end
OK
6. Power cycling the camera or codec does not allow codec control of the camera.
Details regarding the above problem are documented in the following bug:
CSCua51146 Header chksummismatch for factory image of second stage bootloaderUBL
The camera is constantly rebooting itself due to a header checksum mismatch on the factory image during
bootloader initialization. As a result of the above, the camera cannot be controlled by the codec.
Root Cause:
The root cause has been found by our camera team and is fixed in TC 4.2.4 and TC 5.1.3 and higher, both of which
contain corrected camera firmware. In summary, a bug was found in our error correction; the new NAND flash
found in recent cameras, being a different technology, is more likely to have correctable errors, and made the bug

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much more obvious. The root cause is the same as with the failed camera initialization, but with different
symptoms and corrective actions.
Solution: There is no workaround once the camera gets into the above state and replacement should be
considered. Upgrading to TC 4.2.4 or TC 5.1.3 or higher will not correct a camera that is continuously rebooting.
Corrective Actions for Failed Camera Boot Continuous Reboot:
With a serial connection to the camera (either through the camera-rescue.log file from the new recovery method
or as Serial Recovery Procedure on page 7) TAC is able to verify the signature of a continuously
rebooting camera. Additionally, if the orange LED at the top of the camera blinks on/off at a steady rate with
complete loss of camera control, that is a good indication the camera is continuously rebooting. Each flash of the
orange LED is an attempt by the camera to boot its firmware image, which repeatedly fails.
Unfortunately, there are no corrective actions to bring the camera back to a working state. There is no
workaround once the camera gets into the above state and replacement should be considered. Upgrading to TC
4.2.4 or TC 5.1.3 or higher will not correct a camera that is continuously rebooting.
Important Notes Regarding Failed Camera Boot Failed Initialization on page 1 for
cameras that are currently in a working state but are potentially affected per the Field Notice.
3. Wake from Standby
Certain Precision HD 4X cameras may also display the following after working for a period of time:
1. System is configured for standby;
2. System goes into standby;
3. When system resumes from standby, camera cannot be controlled by the codec - no PTZ control from any
input device no video on self-view.
Details are documented in the following bug:
CSCts05788 PrecisionHD 1080p 4x Camera losing connectivity after going to standby
Root cause:
A high peak current consumption when the camera wakes up from standby or when powered on causes the
camera not to be detected by the codec.
Cisco has detected that some PrecisionHD 1080p 4x cameras lose connectivity to the connected codec after a
reboot or when coming out of standby. The problem has been identified and fixed and a new camera software
revision (20010) is included in TC4.2.3 and TC5.1.2 and higher. The TC software upgrade will automatically update
the camera with the newest software.
Solution: Fixed in TC4.2.4 and TC5.1.2 and higher. The camera firmware 20010 will lower the maximum current
consumption requirement. TC4.2.4 and TC5.1.3and higher also contains fixed camera firmware 20011 or higher
for the two other issues listed in this document.
It is strongly recommended to upgrade to either TC4.2.4 or TC5.1.3 or higher to prevent this failure from occurring.

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Workaround:
Rebooting the camera, or rebooting the entire system with the camera attached, may allow the camera to
reestablish a connection.
Turning off standby on the system may prevent the issue from recurring.
Powering the camera separately with its own power supply will also prevent the issue (PSU-CAM-V=).
Connecting the camera to a codec running TC4.2.4 or TC5.1.3 or higher should upgrade the camera
version, which also contains a fix for this problem. Faster booting codecs such as C40, C60 or C90 are
more likely to successfully upgrade a camera with the older firmware.
Corrective Actions for Wake from Standby:
The permanent fix is to upgrade to TC 4.2.4 or TC 5.1.2 and higher, which contains fixed camera firmware.
NOTE: It is recommended to upgrade to TC 4.2.4 or TC 5.1.3 or higher, depending on your currently installed
release, as it contains further updated camera firmware that corrects the other two issues listed in this document.
TC4.2.4 and TC5.1.X software (CCO login required):
http://www.cisco.com/cisco/software/release.html?mdfid=283613658&flowid=22765&softwareid=280886992&re
lease=TC5.1.5&relind=AVAILABLE&rellifecycle=&reltype=latest
Camera Firmware Recovery Procedures
Starting with TC5.1.5, a recovery method for cameras in this failed initialization state can be run from the
command line of the codec; this is the recommended recovery method.
The previous recovery method documented here still works but requires additional steps and configuration when
The rest ofthis document pertains to the previous recovery method; this should not be used if you have upgraded
to TC5.1.5. Again, the systemtools camerarescue command in TC5.1.5 has superseded the method below.
In order to recover the camera image using aPC, we need a direct connection to the camera via the serial port
from the PC. There are two ways to apply an updated firmware image to the PrecisionHD 4X cameras:
1. Serial recovery procedure If upgrading to TC5.1.5 and using systemtools camerarescue was not
chosen as a recovery method, then the serial recovery procedure should be used, and can be run on any
PC operating system (Windows XP or Windows 7). The only connection required isa serial connection
directly to the camera, along with the camera firmware image and terminal program.
2. USB recovery procedure this method is only recommend as a last resort;it can ONLY be used on
Windows XP operating system, as it requires additional USB drivers.
NOTE: The USB drivers do not work on Windows 7. If you install the USB drivers on a
Windows 7 machine, it will disable all other USB, NIC, and modem devices until the USB drivers
are uninstalled and the PC rebooted.
In order to perform either recovery procedure, serial/console access to the camera is required. You must connect
the camera directly to your PC and access the unit via a serial connection, no matter which recovery method you

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choose. Certain cables and software are required depending upon the recovery procedure you choose (serial or
USB).
Serial Recovery Procedure
If upgrading to TC5.1.5 and using systemtools camerarescue was not chosen as a recovery method, then the
serial recovery procedure should be used.
Required cables
1. VISCA camera control cable (shipped with the C20, DB9 M to RJ45)
2. Null modem cable (DB9 F/F)
3. Serial to USB cable (DB9 M to USBM)
4. External power - 12V/2A - use the C20 power supply if needed, this has been tested and will power up the
4X camera.
The pinouts for the null modem cable are below, if you wish to make one. Please note you must have a null
modem cable (DB9 F/F) in order to establish a successful serial connection to the camera. Null modem cables can
also be purchased at any large computer outlet.
Please note: the camera needs to be powered by means of an external power supply - either use the power
supply from the C20 codec, or use the external 12V/2A power supply for the 4X camera; part number PSU-CAM-
V=. See also http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/ps7060/ps11307/ps11335/data_sheet_c78-
669051.html
Required Software
1. Serial_shell - Terminal emulation program (Cisco-provided). Only this terminal emulation program will
allow for asynchronus data transfer of the upgrade file.
2. Sangam.zip - Updated camera firmware ID 20011 (Cisco-provided) and file upgrade binary.
Please download the software at either of the following links:

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https://supportforums.cisco.com/servlet/JiveServlet/downloadBody/25127-102-4-
62751/SerialRecoverySoftware.zip
https://supportforums.cisco.com/docs/DOC-25127
Cisco can also provide the software on an as-needed basis.
Connecting to Serial Port of Camera
1. Connect to your Windows 7 or Windows XP PC via null modem/serial cable to the camera. Connect the cables
as follows:
Camera control RJ45 port --> Camera control DB9 M port --> DB9 F/F Null modem cable --> USB to serial DB9 M -->
PC USB port
***Do not apply power to the camera, only connect to the camera using the RJ45 connector on the camera
console cable. You will power up the camera later on in this procedure.
Once the cables are connected, you must determine the COM port number assigned by the system. The COM port
number can be determined by opening up Device Manager and expanding "Ports (COM & LPT)" and checking
which COM has been assigned to your USB to Serial connection. You will need the COM port number to connect
using the terminal emulation program. In the below example, the system assigned COM5 - please note that your
COM port number may be different than the one shown in the screenshot below:
Installing and Running the Required Software on Windows 7
1. Extract serial_shell.zip to C:\ on your Windows 7 PC. Be sure the extraction does not create an additional
serial_shell folder within the original extracted folder (e.g. serial_shell folder inside another serial_shell
folder we need one serial_shell folder with the needed files inside).
2. \. Extract the two files in Sangam.zip to that directory;

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3. Open up a command prompt (Start Run cmd).
4. Change directory to C:\serial_shell (cd C:\serial_shell).
5. To run the program, type trfs_mini_shell.exe is the number of your COM port
(screenshot below).
6. Alternatively, you can open the terminal emulation program by going to Start Run and typing in
c:\serial_shell\trfs_mini_shell.exe -
Verify Failed Camera Boot Failed Initialization
Once all cables are connected, software is installed, and the connection to the COM port is established using the
terminal emulator, apply power to the camera by either a) plugging in the C20 power cable; b) using a 12V/2A
power supply with appropriate barrel connector, or c) use the Cisco power cable for the 4X cameras if available