Panasonic BL-C30A - Wireless 802.11 b/g Network Camera User manual

How to Use This Documentation
The camera includes the following 3 manual types.
•Installation/Troubleshooting (This manual)
This manual has important information you will need to understand before
installing the camera and troubleshooting tips.
•Getting Started
Getting Started provides explanations for the initial configuration and
accessories included with the camera. The Getting Started helps you to easily
configure the camera.
•Operating Instructions (Included on the Setup CD-ROM)
Operating Instructions explains about operations, settings, features and the
cleaning method when using the camera.
Please read this manual before using and save this manual for future
reference.
Panasonic Network Camera Website: http://www.panasonic.com/netcam/ for
customers in the USA or Puerto Rico
Installation/Troubleshooting
Model No. BL-C30A
Network Camera

Installation/Troubleshooting
2
Abbreviations
•UPnP
TM is the abbreviation for Universal Plug and Play.
• "Network Camera" is called "Camera" in this Installation/Troubleshooting.
Trademarks
• Ethernet is either a registered trademark or a trademark of Xerox Corporation
in the United States and/or other countries.
• Microsoft, Windows and ActiveX are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other
countries.
• Screen shots reprinted with permission from Microsoft Corporation.
• All other trademarks identified herein are the property of their respective
owners.

Installation/Troubleshooting
3[For assistance, please call: 1-800-272-7033]
Table of Contents
1 Before Using ..................................................................4
1.1 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS........................................ 4
1.1.1 FCC and Other Information ....................................................................... 5
1.1.2 User Name and Password Protection........................................................ 6
1.2 Camera Feature Locations............................................................. 7
1.2.1 Front View.................................................................................................. 7
1.2.2 Bottom View .............................................................................................. 8
1.2.3 Rear View .................................................................................................. 8
1.3 Viewnetcam.com Service............................................................... 9
1.4 Connecting the Camera to a Router Supporting UPnP ............... 10
1.5 Connecting the Camera to a Router Not Supporting UPnP......... 11
1.6 Setting Up the Camera Using the MAC Address on the Setup
Program ....................................................................................... 12
2 Troubleshooting ..........................................................15
2.1 About Indicator Display ................................................................ 15
2.2 About Camera Setup.................................................................... 16
2.3 About Wireless Communication................................................... 19
2.4 About Camera Image and Page Display ...................................... 20
2.5 About Privacy Mode ..................................................................... 25
2.6 About Pyroelectric Infrared Sensor .............................................. 26
2.7 About Operation Bar .................................................................... 28
2.8 About Image Buffer/Transfer ........................................................ 29
2.9 About Other Features................................................................... 30

Installation/Troubleshooting
4
1 Before Using
1.1 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
When using this unit, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce
the risk of fire, electric shock, or personal injury.
1. Read and understand all instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. After taking away the dust on the lens, wipe the lens with a cotton bud.
6. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves,
or other devices (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
7. Protect the AC adaptor cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the unit.
8. When you operate the camera, the power outlet should be near the camera
and easily accessible.
9. Do not touch the unit or the AC adaptor during lightning storms.
10. Unplug the unit when unused for long periods of time.
11. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when
the unit has been damaged in any way, such as the AC adaptor cord or plug is
damaged, the unit does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
12. The camera is intended for indoor use only. Prolonged exposure to direct
sunlight or halogen light may damage CMOS sensor.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Network Camera Memo
Serial Number
(Found on the bottom side of the main unit)
MAC Address
(Found on the bottom side of the main unit)
Name and address of dealer
Date of purchase
For your future reference
Attach your purchase receipt here.

Installation/Troubleshooting
5[For assistance, please call: 1-800-272-7033]
1.1.1 FCC and Other Information
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which
can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to
try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Some wireless Cameras operate at frequencies that may cause interference to
nearby TVs and VCRs. To minimize or prevent such interference, the base of the
wireless Camera should not be placed near or on top of a TV or VCR. If
interference is experienced, move the wireless Camera further away from the TV
or VCR. This will often reduce or eliminate interference. Operating near 2.4 GHz
electrical appliances may cause interference. Move away from the electrical
appliances.
Environment:
Do not install the camera where the temperature is less than 5 °C (+41 °F) or
greater than +40 °C (+104 °F). Allow 10 cm (4 inches) clearance around the unit
for proper ventilation. Avoid excessive smoke, dust, mechanical vibration, shock,
or direct sunlight.
Routine care:
Wipe the unit with a soft cloth. Do not use benzine, thinner, or any abrasive powder.
When you leave the unit unused for a long period of time, unplug the AC adaptor
from the outlet.
If you have any problems:
Consult an authorized Panasonic Factory Service Center.

Installation/Troubleshooting
6
Caution
• To comply with FCC RF exposure requirements in uncontrolled environment:
• This equipment must be installed and operated in accordance with
provided instructions and a minimum 20 cm (8 inches) spacing must be
provided between antenna and all person's body (excluding extremities of
hands, wrist and feet) during wireless modes of operation.
• This transmitter must not be co-located or operated in conjunction with
any other antenna or transmitter.
•Medical
Consult the manufacturer of any personal medical devices, such as
pacemakers, to determine if they are adequately shielded from external RF
(radio frequency) energy. (The unit operates in the frequency range of 2.412
GHz to 2.462 GHz, and the power output level is 0.1 watts.) Do not use the unit
in health care facilities if any regulations posted in the area instruct you not to
do so. Hospitals or health care facilities may be using equipment that could be
sensitive to external RF (radio frequency) energy.
• Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user's authority to operate this device.
1.1.2 User Name and Password Protection
The use of a unique User Name and secret Password is an important tool that
will help limit unauthorized individuals from accessing the camera. If you
choose to disable this tool, and choose not to limit access by use of a User
Name and Password, this may result in access to the camera by
unauthorized individuals. (see page 46 of the Operating Instructions in the
Setup CD-ROM)
No responsibility will be taken by our company with respect to consequences
resulting from the use, damage or both of the camera.

Installation/Troubleshooting
7[For assistance, please call: 1-800-272-7033]
1.2 Camera Feature Locations
1.2.1 Front View
Privacy Button
To temporarily deactivate the camera, press the privacy button. Once pressed, the
button changes from green to red. The video will be temporarily turned off, camera
features become unresponsive and the viewed image turns to a gray screen. To
return to normal operation, press the privacy button again. It should turn green
within a few seconds. To restore video, click [Refresh] on the web browser. Privacy
mode can also be controlled from mobile phones or PCs (see page 25 or page 77
of the Operating Instructions in the Setup CD-ROM).
Indicator Display
Antenna
Pan/Tilt Part
Do not apply pressure to the pan/tilt portion of the
camera. Any forced movement can damage the internal
mechanism.
Indicator/Privacy Button
Pyroelectric Infrared Sensor (see Getting Started)
Power
on
Normal Operation*1
*1The indicator turns orange if the camera is not connected to the LAN.
*2The indicator blinks orange if the camera is not connected to the LAN.
Updating Firmware
Getting IP address*2
Got IP address
Setting
Finished setting
Not on the LAN Orange Orange blinking
Orange blinking
(The camera restarts about 1 minute later.)
Pressing FACTORY
DEFAULT RESET button
Orange blinking Turning off
UPnP Failure*3Orange blinking (About a 2-second interval)
On the LAN
Using
DHCP
Automatic
Setup
In Privacy Mode Red
Internal Failure Red blinking
Orange Green
Green
Green
Green
Orange and green blinking
Green blinking
Green blinking
*3When the sensor is active, the interval between blinks may increase.
Orange blinking

Installation/Troubleshooting
8
1.2.2 Bottom View
1.2.3 Rear View
Note
If the ceiling is made of wood, the camera can be installed on the ceiling. See
Panasonic Network Camera support website at http://panasonic.co.jp/pcc/
products/en/netwkcam/ for details.
Ethernet®
(LAN) port
Serial number
(S/N)
The MAC
address
DC IN jack
Tripod Mounting
Hole
Used when installing
the camera on a
tripod.
FACTORY DEFAULT
RESET Button
Resets settings to
default (see page 89
of the Operating
Instructions on the
Setup CD-ROM).
Switch
(Wireless or Wired)
Stand Mounting Hole
Used when installing the camera onto a
wooden wall with a stand.
Used when installing
the camera onto
a wooden wall.

Installation/Troubleshooting
9[For assistance, please call: 1-800-272-7033]
1.3 Viewnetcam.com Service
Viewnetcam.com is our unique service using dynamic DNS to view the image from
Panasonic Network Cameras. Since most ISPs switches a global IP address
regularly (a dynamic global IP address) instead of using a static one, the camera
cannot be accessed with the previous assigned IP address. In this case, one of the
following services is required to access the camera from the Internet.
• Domain Name Service such as Viewnetcam.com
The camera can be accessed with a static domain name (e.g.
camera.viewnetcam.com), even if your ISP offers a dynamic global IP address.
• Static IP Address Service offered by your ISP
The camera can be accessed with a static global IP address.
How the Viewnetcam.com service works
1. Your ISP assigns a global IP address dynamically to a router or a camera. The
IP address changes regularly. If you view the camera from the Internet, the
global IP address is required.
2. If you register with the Viewnetcam.com service, a unique domain name is
assigned to the camera. The camera automatically send your global IP
address to the Viewnetcam.com server, and the Viewnetcam.com server
manages Internet access comparing your registered domain name with a
global IP address.
3. The Viewnetcam.com server looks up the global IP address that matches to
your domain name, and automatically finds your camera.
4. You can access the camera with your domain name without considering the
dynamic global IP address.
Notes
• Ask your ISP about what type of IP address you are using.
• Some ISPs assign you a private IP address. In this case, you cannot use the
Viewnetcam.com service. Ask you ISP about what type of IP address you are
using.
Viewnetcam.com Server
Internet
Automatically registering
"camera.viewnetcam.com"
and the IP address.
ISP
From offices or
business trip Remote
shop
2.
Automatically obtaining the
current IP address from
"camera.viewnetcam.com".
3.
IP address changes.1.
Accessing the camera with the current IP address.4.

Installation/Troubleshooting
10
• If the camera is using a port number other than 80, the port number must be
specified at the end of the Viewnetcam URL. For example:
Using port 80: http://(Cameraname).viewnetcam.com
Using any other port: http://(Cameraname).viewnetcam.com:Port Number
1.4 Connecting the Camera to a Router
Supporting UPnP
To allow access from the Internet with a router supporting UPnP, follow the
procedures shown in the Getting Started.
Notes
• In some routers, the UPnP feature is disabled by default. Enable your
router's UPnP feature following the router manual before you set up the
camera. See the PanasonicNetwork Camera support website at http://
panasonic.co.jp/pcc/products/en/netwkcam/ for details.
• If the maximum idle time is set in PPPoE or PPTP connection with your
ISP, disable it on the router. See the router manual for details.

Installation/Troubleshooting
11[For assistance, please call: 1-800-272-7033]
1.5 Connecting the Camera to a Router Not
Supporting UPnP
To allow access from the Internet with a router not supporting UPnP, follow the
procedures below.
1. Select [Static] on the Network page.
2. Enable port forwarding on the router.
Using the IP address and port number note written on step 1-(3), enable port
forwarding on the router. See the router manual for how to enable port
forwarding.
3. Register with the Viewnetcam.com service.
Port Forwarding feature*1
The port forwarding feature is required to allow access from the Internet with a
router not supporting UPnP. It exchanges a private IP address to a global one.
Each camera must be assigned a unique port number.
(1) Access the camera (see page 8 of the Operating Instructions in the
Setup CD-ROM).
(2) Click [Setup] tab at the top of the page.
(3) Select [Static] on the Network page.
• The Static IP Address Configuration page is displayed. Make a
note of the IP address and port number, since they are required to
enable port forwarding on the router.
(4) Click [Save] without changing the settings.
(5) Click [Restart].
*1 "Port forwarding" may be called "Address translation", "Static IP Masquerade", "Virtual server"
or "Port mapping" in other products.
Global IP address
of the router
vvv.xxx.yyy.zzz:80
vvv.xxx.yyy.zzz:81
vvv.xxx.yyy.zzz:80 192.168.0.253:80
vvv.xxx.yyy.zzz:81 192.168.0.252:81
Port No.
Port Forwarding feature
Private IP address
192.168.0.1
192.168.0.252
Port No. 81
192.168.0.253
Port No. 80
Router
Modem
CATV
xDSL
Optical cable
Internet

Installation/Troubleshooting
12
1.6 Setting Up the Camera Using the MAC
Address on the Setup Program
The Setup Program may not list any cameras due to your firewall or antivirus
software settings on your PC. If you cannot disable your firewall or antivirus
software, you can set up the camera using the camera MAC address as shown
below.
1. Enter the camera MAC address in the data field, and click [Set up camera].
2. After confirming the network settings, click [OK].
• After about a minute, the Security: Administrator page is displayed.

Installation/Troubleshooting
13[For assistance, please call: 1-800-272-7033]
3. Enter the user name and password, and click [Save].
4. The Enter Network Password window is displayed. Enter the user name and
password that were set, and click [OK].

Installation/Troubleshooting
14
5. When the Single Camera page is displayed, the setup is completed.
• If Security Warning window is displayed to install ActiveX®Controls, click
[Yes].
Notes
• See page 8 of the Operating Instructions in the Setup CD-ROM for the
Single Camera page.
• If you enable the Internet access to the camera, follow the procedures
below.
1. Display the Network page (see page 30 of the Operating
Instructions in the Setup CD-ROM), and click [Static]. Then, set the
unused port number (50000—50050) to the camera on the Static IP
Address Configuration page.
2. Enable the Auto Port Forwarding feature on the UPnP page (see
page 37 of the Operating Instructions in the Setup CD-ROM).
3. Register with the Viewnetcam.com service on the Viewnetcam.com
page (see page 38 of the Operating Instructions in the Setup CD-
ROM).

Installation/Troubleshooting
15
Troubleshooting
[For assistance, please call: 1-800-272-7033]
2 Troubleshooting
The Panasonic Network Camera support website "http://panasonic.co.jp/pcc/
products/en/netwkcam/" includes various technical information other than the contents
in this troubleshooting section. Access it if problems occur.
2.1 About Indicator Display
Problem Cause and Remedy
Indicator lights
or blinks orange.
• Ethernet cable is not connected properly.
Connect the Ethernet cable properly.
• PC, Ethernet hub or router is not working.
Confirm that PC, Ethernet hub and router is working.
• The switch on the bottom of the camera is set to WIRELESS
when trying to connect in the wired mode, or the switch is set to
WIRED when trying to connect in the wireless mode.
Set the switch to the corresponding mode.
• The wireless settings are not identical with those of the router.
Set the same SSID, Communication mode and WEP as
those of the router.
Indicator
continues
blinking orange.
• Indicator blinks orange when updating firmware.
If you access the camera on the web browser, Update
Firmware page will be displayed. Update the firmware
following the procedure (see page 81 of the Operating
Instructions in the Setup CD-ROM). If you fail to update the
firmware, see page 30.
Indicator
continues
blinking orange
(2-second
interval).
• The router on your network is turned off.
Turn the router on, and wait for a while until the ADSL line is
connected.
• An error occurs in UPnP port forwarding.
Set up the camera again in [Automatic Setup] by the Setup
Program following the Getting Started.

Installation/Troubleshooting
16
Troubleshooting
2.2 About Camera Setup
Indicator
continues
blinking green.
• The camera did not get its IP address from the DHCP server.
When setting [Automatic Setup] or [DHCP Setup], the
camera may not get its IP address due to network failures.
Ask your ISP or network administrator for more information.
Indicator does
not light up.
• Indicator display is disabled.
Check if the indicator control is disabled (see page 76 of the
Operating Instructions in the Setup CD-ROM).
• Confirm that the standard AC adaptor PQLV202 (Order No.
PQLV202Y) is being used.
Indicator
continues
blinking red.
• The camera may be malfunctioning.
If you cannot access the camera, the camera may be
malfunctioning. Call our customer call center.
Indicator lights
red.
• The camera is in privacy mode.
To disable the privacy mode, press the privacy button (see
page 7) on the front of the camera or click [Disable]
accessing and logging in to the camera as an administrator.
Problem Cause and Remedy
Automatic Setup
fails using Setup
Program.
• More than 20 minutes have passed, after turning the camera
on.
Disconnect the plug of the AC cord from the outlet, and
reconnect it again. Set up the camera again following the
Getting Started.
• Multiple camera IP addresses are overlapping.
If you install multiple cameras, turn the camera on one by
one.
Problem Cause and Remedy

Installation/Troubleshooting
17
Troubleshooting
[For assistance, please call: 1-800-272-7033]
Viewnetcam.com
registration fails
using Setup
Program.
• Your PC is not connected to the Internet through the router.
Configure the router for the Internet connection from your
PC following the router manual. And register with the
Viewnetcam.com service.
• If you do not receive an E-mail from the Viewnetcam.com
service, your registered E-mail address may be incorrect.
Register your correct E-mail address again at the
Viewnetcam.com website at
"http://www.viewnetcam.com".
• After you registered with the Viewnetcam.com service,
"Expired" is displayed at the Personal (Camera) URL on the
Viewnetcam.com page or at the Camera URL in the DDNS on
the Status page.
Restart the camera, and confirm that your registered URL
is displayed on their pages.
Setup Program
does not list any
cameras.
• Your firewall or antivirus software is blocking the connection.
To avoid any possible problems, temporarily disable any
firewall or antivirus software, and set up the camera again.
If you cannot disable your firewall or antivirus software, you
can set up the camera using the MAC address (see page
12).
• The camera is connected over a different network.
Set up the camera from a PC under the same router.
• Confirm that an IP address is assigned to your PC.
If the IP address is not assigned to your PC, assign it to your
PC (see page 99 of the Operating Instructions in the Setup
CD-ROM).
Problem Cause and Remedy

Installation/Troubleshooting
18
Troubleshooting
Setup Program
fails to complete
successfully.
• Network problems may occur during setup.
Confirm that your network is working. Disconnect the plug
of the AC cord from the outlet, and reconnect it again. Then
set up the camera again following the Getting Started.
• More than 20 minutes have passed, after turning the camera
on.
Disconnect the plug of the AC cord from the outlet, and
reconnect it again. Set up the camera again following the
Getting Started.
• Administrator page is displayed, and the setup cannot be
completed.
Press the FACTORY DEFAULT RESET button to reset the
camera to default. Set up the camera again. Until the setup
is completed, do not press the privacy button on the front of
the camera.
UPnP port
forwarding setup
fails.
• UPnP is disabled on the router.
Enable UPnP on the router following the router manual.
• The camera is turned on before the router is turned on.
Turn the router on first, and then turn the camera on.
• The default gateway is not set, or the settings are wrong.
Set the default gateway correctly (see page 30 of the
Operating Instructions in the Setup CD-ROM).
• The router does not support UPnP.
Enable port forwarding on your router following the router
manual.
The camera IP
address and port
number have
been forgotten.
• Clicking [Camera Setup] on the Setup Program displays the
camera list. The camera list shows the MAC address labeled
beside the Ethernet (LAN) port. The camera IP address and
port number are shown next to the MAC address.
The password
has been
forgotten.
• Press the FACTORY DEFAULT RESET button to reset the
camera to default. Set up the camera again.
Problem Cause and Remedy

Installation/Troubleshooting
19
Troubleshooting
[For assistance, please call: 1-800-272-7033]
2.3 About Wireless Communication
"The camera fails
to get network
information from
the DHCP
server." is
displayed.
• The hub is not connected to the router.
Connect the hub to the router or connect the camera
directly to the router, disconnect the plug of the AC cord
from the outlet, and then reconnect it again.
• The DHCP server is not functioning on the router.
Enable the DHCP server function following the router
manual.
Error is displayed
on the camera
status by the
Setup Program.
• The Setup Program causes the error message.
Disconnect the plug of the AC cord of the camera from the
outlet, and reconnect it again.
Problem Cause and Remedy
Wireless
communication
does not work.
• Signal strength is weak.
Change the location of the camera or get rid of the obstacle
around the camera.
• SSID and Encryption setting of the camera are different from
those of the wireless router or the wireless LAN card of PC.
SSID and Encryption setting must be identical between the
camera and wireless router.
Wireless
communication
is unstable.
• The channel for communication is identical with another wireless
network.
The wireless communication may be improved by changing
the channel of the router.
• Another nearby wireless device may be causing interference or
the distance between the wireless camera and your wireless
network may be too great.
Temporarily disable other wireless devices to identify the
source of the interference.
Try repositioning the camera or moving it closer to your
wireless router.
Problem Cause and Remedy

Installation/Troubleshooting
20
Troubleshooting
2.4 About Camera Image and Page Display
Problem Cause and Remedy
The Top page is
not displayed.
• The camera IP address has changed.
Enter the new IP address in the address bar of the web
browser.
• Wrong IP address class is assigned to the camera.
IP addresses of the PC and the camera must be in the same
private IP address class. Set the IP address correctly (see
page 99 of the Operating Instructions in the Setup CD-ROM).
• The network is congested.
Pages may not be displayed immediately. Wait for a while.
• The web browser is accessing the proxy server.
Set the web browser to access the Internet directly (see page
103 of the Operating Instructions in the Setup CD-ROM).
• The camera is malfunctioning.
• The connection type is wrong (see page 33 of the Operating
Instructions in the Setup CD-ROM).
If the camera is not connected to the network in the [Auto
Negotiation] setting, set up the camera and the router seeing
the following table.
• The default gateway or DNS server addresses may be wrong.
The correct IP addresses are required especially when you are
using the Viewnetcam.com service.
Assign the correct default gateway and DNS server
addresses (see page 30 of the Operating Instructions in the
Setup CD-ROM).
Auto Negotiation
Network Camera
Router or hub
Auto
Negotiation
100Base-TX 10Base-TX
Full
Duplex Half Duplex Full
Duplex Half
Duplex
100Base-
TX
10Base-T
Full Duplex
Half Duplex
Full Duplex
Half Duplex
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
——