Darim PVE400M User manual

User’s Guide
Rev. 1.2
November 21, 2007
Copyright © 2007 Darim Vision Co, All Rights Reserved

PVE400M USER’S GUIDE
Notice
The information in this document is subject to change without prior notice in order to improve reliability, design,
or function and does not represent a commitment on the part of this company.
Copyright © 2007 Darim Vision Co.
All Rights Reserved.
No part of this reference manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the
prior written permission of this company.
Throughout this manual, we make reference to product names that are trademarks of other companies. We are
using these names for identification purposes only, with no intention of infringement of the trademarks.
Copyright © 2007 Darim Vision Co, All Rights Reserved

PVE400M USER’S GUIDE
Copyright © 2007 Darim Vision Co, All Rights Reserved
Table of Contents
1. GENERAL INFORMATION....................................................................................................................................- 4 -
1.1 INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................................................... - 4-
1.2 REQUIREMENTS..................................................................................................................................................... - 5-
2. INSTALLATION STEPS ..........................................................................................................................................- 6 -
2.1 INSTALLING ANTENNA........................................................................................................................................... - 7-
2.2 INSTALLING THE CAMERA...................................................................................................................................... - 8-
2.3 USING OTHER VIDEO/AUDIO SOURCE ..................................................................................................................... - 8-
2.4 POWERING UP........................................................................................................................................................ - 8-
2.5 BATTERY CHARGING ............................................................................................................................................. - 9-
2.6 BATTERY REPLACEMENT....................................................................................................................................... - 9-
2.7 USING WIRED NETWORK CONNECTION................................................................................................................. - 10 -
3. GETTING CONNECTED.......................................................................................................................................- 11 -
3.1 ACCESSING THE DEVICE FOR THE FIRST TIME....................................................................................................... - 11 -
3.2 NETWORK CONFIGURATION................................................................................................................................. - 13 -
3.2.1 Wired connection configuration .................................................................................................................- 13 -
3.2.2 Wireless connection configuration .............................................................................................................- 14 -
3.3 VIDEO AND AUDIO CONFIGURATION .................................................................................................................... - 15 -
3.4 VIEWING VIDEO................................................................................................................................................... - 17 -
3.5 MONITORING THE BATTERY STATUS.................................................................................................................... - 19 -
3.6 UPGRADING FIRMWARE....................................................................................................................................... - 20 -
4. ADVANCED CONFIGURATION..........................................................................................................................- 21 -
4.1 FIREWALL............................................................................................................................................................ - 21 -
4.2 IP ROUTER........................................................................................................................................................... - 22 -
5. CUSTOMER SERVICE INFORMATION............................................................................................................- 23 -
6. PRODUCT WARRANTY INFORMATION.........................................................................................................- 24 -
7. REGULATORY INFORMATION.........................................................................................................................- 25 -
7.1 FCC INFORMATION ............................................................................................................................................. - 25 -
7.2 FCC RF RADIATION EXPOSURE STATEMENT ...................................................................................................... - 25 -
7.3 CE MARK CERTIFICATION................................................................................................................................... - 26 -
7.4 ROHS.................................................................................................................................................................. - 26 -
7.5 WEEE DIRECTIVE............................................................................................................................................... - 26 -
8. SPECIFICATIONS..................................................................................................................................................- 27 -
8.1 PVE400M TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION................................................................................................................ - 27 -
8.2 PVE-CAM TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION ............................................................................................................... - 27 -
8.3 CONNECTORS PIN OUT ......................................................................................................................................... - 28 -
8.4 LIST OF ACCESSORIES .......................................................................................................................................... - 30 -

PVE400M USER’S GUIDE
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 Introduction
Developed for the most challenging environments, the Darim PVE400M Portable Video Encoder/Streamer is a
robust, single channel video encoder for capturing, encoding and streaming high quality MPEG4 video and
audio through a wireless interface. This compact and portable unit supports field-operational features such as
Fischer Auto-Locking/Quick-release Interfaces, Aluminum crush-proof encasement, Waterproof Head-camera
and Field-replaceable Lithium-ion battery, specifically designed to meet the needs of harsh operating conditions
or critical/emergency response teams.
The PVE400M can be managed and monitored from either an Incident Response Command Post or from a
Central Operations Control Centre – delivering real-time video and audio information from outdoor
environments back to a centrally managed control location in order to communicate true “Point-of-View”
situational awareness.
The PVE400M operates on Motorola’s Mobility Enhanced Access
(MEA®) wireless technology, supported in the MOTOMESH™
Solo and MOTOMESH™ Quattro product platforms.
Access to the PVE400M and camera can be offered though a
simple web browser, or for multiple units management is
supported through the Darim VideoSpider Console. The Video
Spider security management system offers connectivity to an
unlimited number of cameras, video servers, storage servers, and
control rooms. Connections between system components are
organized over IP LANs, WANs and the Internet, allowing the
system to be distributed worldwide.
Figure 1. PVE400M with camera
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PVE400M USER’S GUIDE
Features:
• Real-time hardware MPEG4 Video and G.711 Audio Compression
• Personal Wireless Router for locally attached Ethernet Devices
• Support of Motorola’s Mobility Enhanced Access (MEA®) in 2.4GHz or 4.9GHz
• Wireless communication with control center
• Integrated “Bullet head-camera” or Generic video camera cable options
• Individual WEB interface capability
• Crushproof, watertight case and connectors
• DC 12V output for camera power feed
• Up to 4 hours operating time on single “Field-replaceable” battery
• Multi-device Enterprise management from Darim’s VideoSpider Console
1.2 Requirements
The following are the requirements for a client PC to work with PVE400M:
•CPU: Intel Pentium 4 1GHz or better
•RAM: 1024 MB or more
•OS: Microsoft® Windows® XP Home or Pro, Windows® Vista
The rest of this document contains important operating instructions for the PVE400M unit. Be sure to read all
the applicable sections carefully before proceeding.
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PVE400M USER’S GUIDE
2. INSTALLATION STEPS
This chapter describes the installation procedure of the PVE400M accessories.
Figure 2. PVE400M interface
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PVE400M USER’S GUIDE
2.1 Installing antenna
Attach the supplied antenna to RP-SMA jack.
Figure 3. Attaching the supplied antenna
Warning:
The only supplied antenna with 2.0dBi gain is certified to use with PVE400M when the device is used as
wearable.
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PVE400M USER’S GUIDE
2.2 Installing the camera
PVE400M is bundled with 1/3" Sony Ex-View HAD CCD, Hi-
res weatherproof bullet camera. The camera comes with Fischer
Automatic Latching, Self Aligned 5 pin connector. Gently plug
and rotate the connector until it mates and push to lock. In this
position the connector is securely locked and pulling the cable
will not disconnect it. Fix the camera using a head strap or
helmet mount (optional). The camera has a mark of a top
position for easy orientation. In order to unplug the camera, pull
the bottom sleeve of the connector.
or.
2.3 Using other video/audio source
PVE400M can accept any standard video source. The optional
PVE-AV split cable has a standard RCA female connector
(Yellow) for video input. PVE400M can provide 12V/200mA
power for an external camera using a standard power jack. This
power source is protected by resettable fuse with 400mA limit, to
secure PVE400M from accidental shortage.
The standard electret microphone can be connected to the audio
jack. PVE400M will provide 1.1V DC bias for the microphone
on the same connect
See also the table in section 8.3 for the connector pin out, if the
custom cable is needed.
2.4 Powering up
Press and hold the power button (Figure 2 -1) until the green LED is on (Figure 2 - 5). The unit will be ready for
operation as soon as the status LED is lighted (Figure 2 - 6). To turn off, press and hold the power button again,
until all LEDs are off. When the external power adapter is attached, the unit will turn on immediately. The
power button works only for battery. Alternatively the unit can be powered via AUX connector (see the table in
section 8.3). This is useful if the unit operates with an external power source, for example inside a car, or while
stationary mounted.
Warning:
Do not remove the battery, even if the unit is always working with the external power source.
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PVE400M USER’S GUIDE
2.5 Battery charging
The battery can be charged using an external charger (optionally
supplied p/n PVE-ECx) or internally using bundled AC /12VDC
power adapter (PVE-PS). The charging time of a fully
discharged battery is about 5 hours. To plug AC/DC adapter,
open the protective rubber seal (Figure 2 - 11) on the bottom side
of PVE400M. During the charging process PVE400M will
operate normally. The status LED will be changed in sequence
green Æyellow Æred Ægreen … As soon as the battery is
fully charged, only the green status LED will be solid.
itor will
S. AUX connector also can be used for powering/charging,
urce must be positive. PVE400M has a built-in protection from reverse polarity of an external power
ource.
When AC/DC adapter is connected, the battery will always be in
the charging state, but the internal circuit will prevent the unit
from overcharging.
When the battery is internally charged, turn on the unit by
pressing the battery power button first, then attach DC plug. This
will insure calibration process of the battery monitor. When the unit is fully charged, the capacity mon
work with 1% accuracy in this case.
When AC/DC adapter is not connected, always put into place the rubber seal, to protect the unit from outdoor
environment. It is also possible to charge from a car battery using an optional cable PVE-VPS (cigarette lighter
plug to DC jack), in the same way as using PVE-P
using custom cable, if rigid connection required.
Aluminum case of PVE400M is electrically connected with internal ground signal (negative). The external
power so
s
Note: AC/DC adapter is designed to use only for indoor environment.
ing the web interface on the BATTERY tab (refer to
re off and ensure that PVE-PS
long the battery life.
Store the spare batteries in a dry place; preferably the temperature should not exceed 30°C.
2.6 Battery replacement If the battery capacity is below 50%, the yellow status LED will
be on. If the capacity is below 20%, the red LED will be
highlighted. When the status red LED is blinking, the battery
capacity is below 10% and it must be recharged or replaced with
a fully charged battery. More accurate battery status can be
monitored us
section 3.5).
To replace the battery, turn off the unit by pressing and holding
the power button until all LEDs a
or AUX 12V supply is disconnected.
Unscrew the thumb screws (Figure 2 - 10) on the bottom cap of
the unit and pull out the battery. Insert the replacement battery
positioning the contacts inside the unit. Put the cap back and thoroughly tighten the thumb screws to compress
the rubber gasket. The battery has internal protection from overcharging and over discharging or short circuit.
The battery life time is about 500 cycles (while maintaining about 70% of the initial capacity) depending on
operational conditions. Do not charge the battery if the temperature is below 0°C to pro
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PVE400M USER’S GUIDE
2.7 Using wired network connection
PVE400M has a standard 10/100Base-T Ethernet adapter
accessible via AUX connector. Since AUX connector is also
used for RS232 interface and external power, a special cable is
required to use Ethernet function. PVE-AUX is 5 feet (1.5m)
CAT5E grade cable with RJ45 plug (T568B) on one side and
Automatic Latching, Self Aligned 10 pin connector on the other
side. Gently plug and rotate AUX side of the connector until it
mates, and push to lock. In this position the connector is securely
locked and pulling cable will not disconnect it. To unplug, pull
the bottom sleeve of the connector. If AUX connector is not used,
make sure that the protection cap is always put.
Addendum 8.3 has AUX connector pin out and wiring diagram
for PVE-AUX cable.
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PVE400M USER’S GUIDE
3. GETTING CONNECTED
PVE400M has a built-in web server. The whole configuration can be done using Internet Browser; no other
special software is required. All parameters on the configuration pages are stored in Non-Volatile RAM
(FLASH), so turning off the power will not reset them. New parameters will be stored by clicking the [Apply]
button with verification that all parameters are valid. The grayed values are read only, can’t be changed by user.
Web interface is very generic and works with any operating system and browser, excepting video plug-in, which
works only with Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6 or higher.
3.1 Accessing the device for the first time
The factory default configuration for Ethernet: IP 192.168.1.250 (static). To access PVE400M for the first time
using the wired connection, PC must be on the same network subnet.
The network settings can be changed using the NETWORK tab (see section 3.2). Changing IP address may
cause temporal disconnection. In this case reconnect to the device with a new IP address. The default
configuration for MEA card is DHCP client. Use MeshManager to properly setup and test connection.
Important Notes:
MEA card should be associated with IAP first, using the MeshManager software, before it will able
to get IP address from DHCP server. You will need to reboot the PVE device as soon as IAP
association is completed.
Once connection is established and verified (by ping command), launch Internet Browser with URL of a current
IP address. For example: http://192.168.1.250. The standard authentication dialog will come out.
Figure 4. Authentication dialog
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PVE400M USER’S GUIDE
Enter the default user name as “admin” and initial password “admin” and click [OK] button. If the
authentication process succeeds, PVE400M site will be opened at the SYSTEM page as default.
Figure 5. System setup page
Using this page you can change the default user name and password, if required. The Hostname, Description,
Location fields are simply for navigation purpose.
The NTP Servers IP address is needed for time synchronization. Up to 3 different NTP servers can be listed.
PVE400M has the internal clock with the backup battery (which can keep time for one-two weeks, if the unit is
turned off). The internal time clock can be adjusted to reference time server using the standard NTP protocol
during boot time. Most of Linux systems have NTP Daemon to synchronize time between machines. The best
option here is to put IP address of MeshManager system, if it is based on Linux.
The internal clock is not used in any application for viewing video, but it is useful for logging purpose, as all
messages are time stamped.
By default HTTP port is set to 80. If this port is changed, specify this port to access PVE400M web server. For
example http://192.168.1.250:8080
Clicking the [Apply] button will save all changes to Non-Volatile RAM and restart all services. Clicking the
[Reboot] button will cause complete software and hardware reboot, during this time the communication will be
lost for about 90 seconds.
The Firmware Version information is important when you contact the technical support team.
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PVE400M USER’S GUIDE
3.2 Network configuration
3.2.1 Wired connection configuration
The NETWORK configuration tab allows to specify all related settings if the device is used with AUX Ethernet
cable.
The Internal Ethernet adapter supports 10 and 100 Mbps speed and Half and Full Duplex mode.
When the Ethernet speed parameter is selected as Auto, it will be automatically set accordingly to the
connection.
The Ethernet IP mode drop-down list allows you to select the IP configurations parameters:
DHCP Server - PVE400M has an internal DHCP server and can provide IP address for other devices
connected to PVE400M.
If this mode is selected, specify the address range in the DHCP Server Starting IP Address and
DHCP Server Ending IP Address fields.
Set DHCP Lease Time in seconds.
The Ethernet IP address parameter must be assigned manually and should be in the same IP
segment and DHCP range.
DHCP Client – in this mode PVE400M will request IP address and all network configurations from the
external DHCP server. If IP address has been successfully obtained, it will be shown in “Ethernet IP
Address” line as read only (gray).
Static IP Assignment – this is default mode, all configuration parameters will be taken from the
corresponding lines on the Network configuration page.
Disabled – Ethernet adapter is turned off.
The Ethernet MAC address parameter is a read-only one and shows unique MAC address of Ethernet adapter
PVE400M. All PVE400M devices have common address 00:01:98:05:xx:xx. This address is same as a serial
number printed on the product label (Figure 2).
The DNS information is optional and not required for normal operation. It will be only useful for the firmware
upgrading procedure (see section 3.6)
Clicking the [Apply] button will cause storing all parameters and restarting all network interfaces, running
services and video encoder. If no changes required simply choose another tab.
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PVE400M USER’S GUIDE
Figure 6. Ethernet configuration page
3.2.2 Wireless connection configuration
The WIRELESS configuration tab is related to WMC6300/7300 setup.
The IP mode field allows you to select either DHCP Client, Static IP Assignment or Disabled mode. For
Statically Provisioned mode, use DHCP Client selection.
The MAC Address field is a read-only parameter and serves for verification purpose. The same information can
be found on the sticker on the bottom of PVE400M.
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PVE400M USER’S GUIDE
Figure 7. Wireless configuration page
For the Static IP Assignment mode, enter the proper information for IP address, Subnet Mask and Default
Gateway (if required).
If any changes have been made on this page, click the [Apply] button; otherwise simply select the other tab.
3.3 Video and audio configuration
The CONFIG page contains all Video/Audio related parameters.
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PVE400M USER’S GUIDE
Figure 8. Video and Audio configuration page
PVE400M can operate in PAL or NTSC mode. The Video Standard field represents the current selection of the
video standard.
Using the Capture Resolution drop-down list you can choose a required resolution. Currently four different
resolutions are supported.
The Video Frame Rate drop-down list allows selecting the target frame rate (in frames per second). It depends
on the link quality and the actual frame rate can vary, but it will not exceed the specified value in this field.
The Video Encoder Target Rate parameter field serves for specifying maximum allowed bit rate for video
compression. It depends on the link quality, and the actual bit rate can vary, but it will not exceed the set value
of this field. Make sure you have selected the adequate bit rate for existing network condition.
The Audio mode field allows selecting a required audio format. If the external microphone connected to PVE-
AV cable, choose a desired compression format from the list. Use the No audio option if the microphone is not
used.
The Camera brightest/contrast/hue/saturation parameters will adjust picture quality, similar to regular
settings of TV set.
PVE400M uses MPEG4 compression for video. When the wireless connection is used, the video bit rate is
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PVE400M USER’S GUIDE
limited by the throughput of the wireless network, which is about 1Mbps in case of using WMC6300/7300 cards.
This bandwidth will be shared by all users in the network.
Video streaming uses RTSP/RTCP/RTP protocols, bit rate and frame rate will be automatically adjusted
depending on the link quality, but will not exceed the selected values in the Video Frame Rate and Video
Encoder Target Rate selection fields.
If any changes have been made on this page, click the [Apply] button, otherwise simply select other tab. The
[Restart] button will restart the streaming engine and video driver without complete reboot.
3.4 Viewing video
There are several ways to get a video feed from the PVE400M unit.
For Microsoft Internet Explorer PVE400M has a built-in plug-in which will be automatically installed the first
time you access the VIDEO tab. You will be required to confirm the security warnings about the ActiveX
installation, as shown in the figures below.
Figure 9. Video page
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PVE400M USER’S GUIDE
Figure 10. Security warning dialog
If the plug-in has been correctly installed, video can be also viewed directly in the Windows Media Player,
without the need to open IE. In this case, select Open URL command from the File menu in the Windows
Media player.
URL will be “rtsp2://192.168.1.250” (IP address of PVE400M)
If Windows XP Firewall is enabled, you may need to unblock the Windows Media Player Application
The third option is using Darim’s Video Spider software, it can be purchased separately.
The Video Spider software will you allow to monitor and record data from multiple PVE400M units. The Video
Spider software has Client-Server architecture, allowing multiple client computers to connect to the server (or
multiple servers). This will you give the advantage of using local network between clients and server, while
wireless network is used only between single server and PVE400M in the field.
More information about VideoSpider software can be found at http://www.darimcctv.com/products/spider.php
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PVE400M USER’S GUIDE
3.5 Monitoring the battery status
The BATTERY tab provides the useful information about the battery status. The negative current value is
shown for discharging (normal operation) and positive during battery charging. The normal value is 1~2A,
depending on the transmitter power and streaming video status. When streaming video is not active, the power
for the camera is not supplied; so the overall power consumption will be reduced.
Figure 11. Battery status page
During the charging process, the start current will be positive 1.7A and slowly reduced till it becomes nearly 0,
when the battery is fully charged. The voltage of the fully charged battery will be 4.2V maximum. The device
will normally operate until the battery is discharged down to 3.0V and then shutdown.
The rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery rated with capacity 6.8Ah if discharged till 2.5V. It means that the useful
capacity is slightly less. The capacity counter will show an accurate value only if the battery has been fully
charged inside the PVE400M unit. If a new battery is installed, the capacity calculation will be done only based
on the voltage information (with 20% accuracy)
To update the information on this page, press the [Refresh] button or simply click the tab again.
Warning:
Li-ion battery has operating temperature range up to +60° C. When internal temperature reached
this limit, wireless transmitter will shut down, to prevent overheat. All three status LEDs will start
blinking until temperature drops to +55° C.
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PVE400M USER’S GUIDE
3.6 Upgrading firmware
The PVE400M firmware can be upgraded using the UPGRADE tab.
Figure 12. Firmware upgrade page
The update image can be accessed using FTP protocol. Type URL for the firmware image and press the
[Upgrade] button. In case of successful connection, the upgrade process will take 5-10 minutes. Do not
interrupt the power supply within this period. Once the update process is finished, PVE400M will automatically
reboot. Check the LED status, as soon as the device is booted up, and reconnect the browser. Power off/on
cycle is recommended after the upgrade procedure.
If the status after the upgrade reports an error, check the network connection to upgrade site, if it can be accessed
from the network segment of the working PVE400M. The firmware image can be downloaded from the Internet
and placed to a local FTP site, within the MeshManager infrastructure, to make easy access from PVE400M.
In order to upgrade directly from the external FTP site, make sure that Gateway setting is properly assigned. If
DNS settings are not provided, use IP address for URL
Default location for updates from Darim Vision FTP site will be ftp://ftp.darim.com/pub/PVE/uImage.dat
or ftp://216.55.162.11/pub/PVE/uImage.dat
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