visual engineering surveillance camera User manual

Camera User Manual Visual Engineering Technologies Ltd.
Subject to change without notice E&OE
Surveillance Camera User Manual
23.2.2012 v1_1
VISU L ENGINEERING LTD
Unit 3, Griggs Business Centre,
West Street,
Coggeshall,
Essex CO6 1NT
UK
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Camera User Manual Visual Engineering Technologies Ltd.
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents....................................................................................................................................2
Change History........................................................................................................................................4
bout the User Manual...........................................................................................................................5
Warranty and Support ............................................................................................................................5
Introduction the Visual Engineering line of Surveillance Cameras.........................................................6
MKIIID: 18 – 36 X Optical Zoom, IP67 PTZ Camera ............................................................................6
MKIIIH: High Definition IP67 PTZ Camera ..........................................................................................7
MKIXB: 36X Optical Zoom Forward Centre Camera...........................................................................8
MKX: Micro Forward Center Pan and Tilt Camera ............................................................................8
COS-X-XX: Micro Head Camera Flexible or Semi Rigid.......................................................................9
PHC-XXX: Micro Pin Hole Cameras 15 – 70mm................................................................................11
SWZ: Miniature Pan and Tilt Camera...............................................................................................12
HHC: Camera Hand Controller for PTZ.............................................................................................12
DMMPTZC: Digital Multi Meter Controller for PTZ...........................................................................13
Recognition Ranges...............................................................................................................................14
Low Light Performance .........................................................................................................................16
Operating the Cameras.........................................................................................................................17
The PC Controller ..............................................................................................................................18
The Hand Controller..........................................................................................................................19
The Multi-Meter Controller ..............................................................................................................20
Installing the Cameras...........................................................................................................................21
Outdoor pplications........................................................................................................................21
Outdoor Mounting Kits .................................................................................................................21
Indoor pplications...........................................................................................................................21
Technical Section ..................................................................................................................................23
Camera Specifications.......................................................................................................................23

Camera User Manual Visual Engineering Technologies Ltd.
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Camera Interfaces.............................................................................................................................24
Camera Dimensions ..........................................................................................................................26
MKIIID............................................................................................................................................26
MKIIIH............................................................................................................................................26
MKIXB............................................................................................................................................27
MKX...............................................................................................................................................27
SWZ ...............................................................................................................................................28
COS-XXX-XX ...................................................................................................................................28
PHC-XXX-X .....................................................................................................................................29

Camera User Manual Visual Engineering Technologies Ltd.
Subject to change without notice E&OE
Change History
Version Date Change Summary Author
V1.0 23.2.2012 MB

Camera User Manual Visual Engineering Technologies Ltd.
Subject to change without notice E&OE
About the User Manual
This user manual describes the operation of the Visual Engineering line of dedicated surveillance
cameras.
The user manual is split into two sections.
Section one is the user guide, in which the reader is introduced to the full range of cameras, and
their function. The various control options are described. guide to installation of the cameras is
given.
Section two is the technical section, the full camera specifications, dimensions and interfaces are
described.
Warranty and Support
ll Visual Engineering products are supplied as standard with a 12 month ‘Return to Base’ warranty.
In the event of a suspected product failure, users should contact the Visual Engineering support
team on the telephone at [phone] or please email us on
[e-mail]
Should the fault persist or if the support team are unable to resolve the fault, it may become
necessary to return the equipment.
Equipment should only be returned using the RM (Returns Management uthorisation) process,
users should contact the support team on the number above and request and RM form and RM
number. Equipment can then be returned to:
Returns Department
VISU L ENGINEERING LTD
Unit 3, Griggs Business Centre,
West Street,
Coggeshall,
Essex CO6 1NT
UK

Camera User Manual Visual Engineering Technologies Ltd.
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Introduction the Visual Engineering line of Surveillance
Cameras
Visual engineering cameras can be recognised from their equipment label, the following part
numbers are described in this document:
MKIIID: 18 – 36 X Optical Zoom, IP67 PTZ Camera
MKIIIH: High Definition IP67 PTZ Camera
MKIXB: 36X Optical Zoom Forward Centre Camera
MKX: Micro Forward Center Pan and Tilt Camera
COS-X-XX: Micro Head Camera Flexible or Semi Rigid
PHC-XXX: Micro Pin Hole Cameras 15 – 70mm
SWZ: Miniature Pan and Tilt Camera
HHC: Camera Hand Controller for PTZ
DMMPTZC: Digital Multi Meter Controller for PTZ
MKIIID: 18 – 36 X Optical Zoom, IP67 PTZ Camera
The MKIIID forms part of a line of highly integrated
surveillance products developed by Visual Engineering.
The device incorporates a high resolution block camera
based around one of either FCB-EX20D (10X low light),
FCB-EX990 26x optical zoom lens or FCB-EX1020E (36X).
n internal infra-red cut filter removal mechanism is used
to allow the camera to operate in both day and night
modes.
The PTZ utilises a VE standard connector providing power
and data to the unit.
The pan and tilt drive trains are actuated by gearless
stepper motors, reducing the operational noise to a
minimum. Pan and tilt speeds are zoom factor corrected,
giving fine control over the entire range of the lens.
Remote control of both the camera and pan and tilt drives
is accomplished via Sony VISC over RS232. VE

Camera User Manual Visual Engineering Technologies Ltd.
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manufacture a range of controller / monitors compatible with this camera. Other control
protocols are available on request.
The outer casing is manufactured from Delrin, shot blasted to reduce reflections and coated
to prevent moisture ingress. ll external mating surfaces are gasket sealed to maintain it’s
IP67 rating.
MKIIIH: High Definition IP67 PTZ Camera
The MKIIIH incorporates a high definition block camera based around a 10x optical zoom
lens (Sony FCB-H11).
n internal infra-red cut filter removal mechanism is used to allow the camera to operate in
both day and night modes.
The high definition signal is passed as digital component across the slip ring, and converted
to HDSDI in the base of the unit. This allows for the best possible HDSDI signal from the
camera. Signal processing is possible prior to the HDSDI conversion, allowing the future
inclusion of features such as image stabilization and complex motion detection.
The PTZ utilises the VE standard connector providing power and data to the unit, the HDSDI
connection is made via a BNC connector.
The pan and tilt drive trains are actuated by gearless stepper motors, reducing the
operational noise to a minimum. Pan and tilt speeds are zoom factor corrected, giving fine
control over the entire range of the lens. Remote control of both the camera and pan and
tilt drives is accomplished via Sony VISC over RS232. Controllers are available.
The outer casing is manufactured from Delrin, shot blasted to reduce reflections and coated
to prevent moisture ingress. ll external mating surfaces are gasket sealed to maintain it’s
IP67 rating.

Camera User Manual Visual Engineering Technologies Ltd.
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MKIXB: 36X Optical Zoom Forward Centre Camera
The MKIXB is around the latest generation, low light, Sony block cameras. The MKIXB
forward centre PTZ allows a +/- 30 degrees range of motion in both pan and 25 degrees in
tilt. The camera is designed for covert installation behind flat hides. The full range of motion
is achieved with only a 45mm square aperture. This aperture can be covered with semi
transparent materials, which blur out due to the short objective lens to cover distance
(10mm).
The mount is driven by encoder feedback servo motors, allowing exceptional fine control at
the extent of the lens, whilst at the same time achieving near silent operation. If
applications arise where the motor noise is not a factor the speed bandwidth can be opened
in software to give the full range of speed control.
Software features for the MKIXB include full preset control, patrol modes and ‘smart’
commands, such as PTZ focus trigger, which sends an automatic focus trigger to the camera
on completion of either a pan, tilt or zoom operation, giving automatic focus without the
errors of autofocus. The camera is available housed or OEM.
MKX: Micro Forward Center Pan and Tilt Camera
The MKX forms part of a line of highly integrated surveillance products developed by Visual
Engineering. The heart of the system is a high sensitivity system on chip camera, coupled
with a high quality pinhole lens.
The camera and lens are mounted to a forward centre pan and tilt. This system allows the

Camera User Manual Visual Engineering Technologies Ltd.
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camera to rotate around a point in space centred on the pinhole lens’s focal point. Using
this method the camera aperture can be <2mm, whilst allowing the camera to move +/- 30°
in both pan and tilt.
By utilizing newly available micro cameras, motors & electronics our designers can fit this
functionality into a package 70mm wide, 40mm tall and 50mm deep. The packages external
dimensions greatly increase the options for concealment.
The MKX runs from 12V DC and natively operates using the Sony VISC command protocol.
Other protocols are available.
The MKX is available in a range of focal lengths to suit most applications. Standard lengths
are 8, 10 or 15mm.
COS-X-XX: Micro Head Camera Flexible or Semi Rigid
The COS camera devices incorporates a tiny, system-on-chip (SOC) sensor, and it’s necessary
ancillary circuitry into a weatherproof package measuring just 23x12.5x12.5mm.
The camera itself is a marvel of miniaturisation producing a resolution of 520 TVL. Other features of
the camera include wide dynamic range and excellent low light performance (0.008 lux).
The camera is offered in two formats, P L or NTSC and can be purchased with an optional semi rigid
cable, allowing the camera head to be posed with it’s own cable to frame the shot required

Camera User Manual Visual Engineering Technologies Ltd.
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(sometimes referred to as a ‘snake’ camera). s standard cables lengths are 300mm, although
custom lengths can be prepared. The maximum semi-rigid length is 1m.
s part of the Visual Engineering security products line, the camera is compatible with all our
monitors and controllers. In standard trim the camera is supplied with out standard 12 way binder
connector, the unit can be supplied with bare wires, or customer specific connections.

Camera User Manual Visual Engineering Technologies Ltd.
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PHC-XXX: Micro Pin Hole Cameras 15 – 70mm
The PHC Micro Pinhole cameras, combine a pinhole lens with a miniature SOC sensor allowing rapid
deployment in any situation. The device incorporates a tiny, system-on-chip (SOC) sensor, and it’s
necessary ancillary circuitry into a weatherproof package measuring just 43x12x12mm.
The camera itself is a marvel of miniaturisation producing a resolution of 520 TVL. Other features of
the camera include wide dynamic range and excellent low light performance (0.008 lux).
Cameras are supplied pre-focussed and sealed. The standard product is produced without an IR
filter, thus improving the low light performance and vastly increasing the camera’s sensitivity to
SWIR.
Standard lens focal lengths are: 15, 30, 45 and 70mm.
The units are available as single, focal length specific items, or as a set of four cameras and lenses in
a kit.
s part of the Visual Engineering security products line, the camera is compatible with all our
monitors and controllers, as well as being directly compatible with the Cobham DropCam 2.

Camera User Manual Visual Engineering Technologies Ltd.
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SWZ: Miniature Pan and Tilt Camera
The SWZ is designed to provide a switched zoom function pan & tilt assembly, in a small lightweight
package. s well as surveillance, the switched zoom is also perfect for U V integration applications.
Based around VE’s micro camera technology, the SWZ provides a step zoom, pan and tilt camera in a
55mm diameter package.
The pan and tilt carries four VE micro cameras, each with a different focal length lens. Issuing a zoom
command to the unit instructs it to flip the video output from camera to camera. s standard the
four lens focal lengths are 4, 8, 12and 16mm giving a very useable range of zoom angles.
Other than the obvious size advantage, using prime lenses over a varifocal or zoom lens provides a
faster lens (hence better low light performance) as well as eliminating the small low torque drives
often found in zoom lenses which have a tendency to vibrate on vehicle applications, causing picture
degradation.
The unit is mounted in an environmentally sealed, CNC machined housing, with full integrated
control over pan, tilt and zoom via standard VE controllers, or other available Sony VISC control
sources.
The SWZ can be supplied with cable harnesses to interface with Cobham, NuComm or Janteq
transmitters, others on request.
HHC: Camera Hand Controller for PTZ
The HHC is designed to allow remote operation of our range of PTZ cameras, when harnessed with
our BDU provides a complete programmable control and monitor station.

Camera User Manual Visual Engineering Technologies Ltd.
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HHC forms the core of a new group of control and monitoring hardware from Visual Engineering.
We are aware that there is no one size fits all for field applications. s such we have designed a
range of controllers and monitors that can be used either alone, or in conjunction with other items
from the range to build an application specific control solution.
HHC incorporates the MMI (man machine interface), in a compact, ergonomic control handle, along
with the UHF transceiver function of the system.
The UHF transceiver can operate in bands from 100MHz to 1GHz, and utilizes GMSK modulation to
give a flexible, rugged comms path. The unit is also capable of ES256 encryption to secure the data
path.
Housed in a CNC machined Delrin case, the unit is designed to meet and exceed IP67.
Controls on the unit include and IP69K rated thumb joystick for pan and tilt, along with six function
buttons, which can be programmed by the user for diverse functions such as camera zoom and the
control of a remote video transmitter’s frequency.
s a standalone device the HHC can be used to control a remote unit equipped with our UHF
telemetry receiver (UTRX). rechargeable, lithium ion battery pack is available for the HHC (RLIB),
allowing un-tethered use along with our battery display unit (BDU) which allows user to control and
monitor a remote camera.
DMMPTZC: Digital Multi Meter Controller for PTZ
The DMMPTZC Multi Meter style controller is designed to allow remote operation of our range of
PTZ cameras, the DMMPTZC also provides local monitoring, and is capable of powering the remote
camera.

Camera User Manual Visual Engineering Technologies Ltd.
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The DMMPTZC provides the perfect accompaniment for VE’s range of near-field covert cameras.
Developed in response to law enforcement requirements for covert installation test equipment , the
DMMPTZC provides a full test kit that can be hidden in plain sight.
Video is monitored via the built in 3.5” LCD screen, with the front panel buttons generating
commands in Pelco-D format for pan, tilt, zoom, focus and iris control. The unit is powered via an
internal, rechargeable LiPo cell. Power is also available from the unit to power a remote camera.
Connection to VE’s line of cameras is provided via our standard Binder connector on the top face of
the unit. standard BNC connector is provided for video out from the unit, allowing the camera
video to be viewed on a larger monitor.
Recognition Ranges
The Visual Engineering line of cameras contain a variety of cameras of different types, lenses, zoom
capacity and sizes. Each camera has its own unique capability, but in terms of target recognition at
range they have different capabilities. There are no absolute standards for measuring the
effectiveness of a camera to recognise a target at range. However there are some accepted practical
methods.
Facial Recognition: Requires 80 pixels across a 16cm face

Camera User Manual Visual Engineering Technologies Ltd.
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Number Plate Recognition: Requires 15 pixels across 10cm horizontally
Using the methods described above and practical experimentation; the following identification
ranges can be achieved
Model Lens Facial ID Number plate ID
MKIIID 26x 70m 120m
MKIIIH 10x 28m 50m
MKIXB 28x 75m 130m
MKX 3x 8m 15m
COS-X-SR 0.8x 2.3m 4m
PHC-015 3x 8m 15m

Camera User Manual Visual Engineering Technologies Ltd.
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PHC-030 6x 16m 30m
PHC-045 9x 25m 54m
PHC-070 14x 40m 70m
SWZ 8x 22m 40m
Low Light Performance
Because much surveillance is performed in low light, the low light performance of the camera is
critical. Many of the Visual Engineering cameras have excellent low light characteristics.
Light levels are measured in LUX and are defined as:
lux - Tropical full moon directly overhead.
0.25 lux - Lat 50N full moon, clear night.
0.0 lux - Lat 50N quarter moon, clear night.
0.00 lux - Starlight, clear night.
Model LUX Slow Shutter Mode
MKIIID 0.09 0.008
MKIIIH 1 0.2
MKIXB 0.025 0.00025
MKX 0.002 -
COS-X-SR 0.008 -
PHC-015 0.002 -
PHC-030 0.004 -
PHC-045 0.008 -
PHC-070 0.016 -
SWZ 0.004 -

Camera User Manual Visual Engineering Technologies Ltd.
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Operating the Cameras
The Pan and Tilt capable cameras from Visual Engineering are controlled using RS232 interface as
standard, the Sony VISC protocol is employed for this control. The baud rate of the RS232 is 9K6
for all the cameras.
It should be noted that RS485 is available as control interfaces on some of the cameras, users
requiring these features should contact Visual Engineering for more details.
It should also be noted that Pelco D is supported in addition to Visca on some of the cameras, this is
described in the table below.
The RS232 interface pin out is detailed in the ‘Camera Interfaces’ section of this document.
These open interfaces of RS232 and Sony VISC allow the cameras to be connected in existing
systems with desk or PC controllers. However Visual Engineering also produce a line of controllers
that users can employ.
The cameras are of different complexity and as such support differing levels of the Sony Visca
specification, this is described in the table below.
Protocol Compatibility.
Camera VISCA PTZ
Controls
VISCA Preset
Controls
Visca Camera Controls PELCO-D PTZ Controls
MKIIID Yes Yes Full W.I.P.
MKIIIH Yes Yes Full W.I.P.
SWZ Yes No Zoom only Yes
PPTZ Yes Yes Zoom only W.I.P.
MKIXB Yes Yes Full W.I.P.
MKX Yes No No Yes

Camera User Manual Visual Engineering Technologies Ltd.
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The PC Controller
The PC controller is available free of charge and can be down loaded from the Visual Engineering
website at www.visualengineering.co.uk.
The PC controller application is ‘90002-3-001 VE Visca Controller V1.0.0.x Download’ The PC
controller should be loaded onto a PC with an RS232 control port, or a RS232 USB adaptor.
When loaded the PC controller will display a screen as shown below.
Users should connect to the camera by selecting the RS232 comm port that is physically connected
to the camera from the ‘connectivity’ menu. Once connection is achieved the camera can be
controlled.
Pan Left / Right and
Tilt Up / Down grid
Tick for auto focus. If
unticked, Far and Near
manual focus are
enabled.
Zoom In – Tele.
Zoom Out - Wide
dvanced Camera
functions, available on
on cameras with Sony
Blocks.

Camera User Manual Visual Engineering Technologies Ltd.
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The Hand Controller
Connect the hand controller to the camera using the cable provided.
The hand controller should be connected to a suitable power source, the power source will power
the camera and the controller.
suitable power source will require 12V and 1 (controller and camera power)
The buttons and controls have the following functions.
Preset Display: Displays the current preset number.
Joystick: Controls pan and tilt action
Front Button 1: Quick press increments current preset number, long press sets current
position into current preset number.
Front Button 2: Quick press decrements current preset number, long press recalls current
preset number into camera position.
Rear Button 1: Zoom In
Rear Button 2: Zoom Out
Rear Button 3: Manual Focus Near
Rear Button 4: Manual Focus Far.
Preset Display
Joystick
Front Button 1
Front Button 2
Rear Button 1
Rear Button 2
Rear Button 3
Rear Button 4

Camera User Manual Visual Engineering Technologies Ltd.
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Rear Button 3 and Rear Button 4 pressed together toggles the manual / auto focus function.
The Multi-Meter Controller
Ensure the Multi-Meter controller is fully charged, by connecting the C adaptor. Charging fully can
take 3 hours. Charge capacity can be accessed by powering on the multi-meter controller and
looking at the charge status on the screen.
Connect the Multi-Meter Controller to the camera using the cable provided. The multi-meter
controller has a video loop through allowing it to connect to a larger screen if required.
Camera Connection
Video Out loop
through
Multi
-
Meter Controller
On/Off
Zoom In / Out
C daptor
–
Charger
input
Pan and Tilt Grid
Mode button. Toggles
between video screen,
multimeter and test
screens.