How to connect a PTZ camera? Connecting a PTZ camera is very similar to connecting a static CCTV camera. In most PTZ cameras there are three connections to make they are power, video and data. In some PTZ cameras you will find audio but it is very rare. You should find the correct power requirements of a PTZ camera, most PTZ cameras work with 24V AC or 12V DC. You should also check Ampere requirement of the camera. As PTZ camera comes with in-built motor, they require more current. For example if a PTZ camera states it require 12V DC / 2A, you should at least provide 4A power.
PTZ camera installation
Once power is connected then you should now connect wires for video. Coax cables are often used in PTZ cameras to transmit video footage. Many CCTV installers have started using CAT5 for PTZ cameras, if you are using CAT5 double the cable for power and single core is sufficient for video.
If you PTZ camera have audio, you can run a pair of cable to connect audio. In many camera installation engineers use CAT5 for audio, video and data.
Last to connect is wires for DATA. This is what moves camera or send signals to camera. RS485 is a very common interface used in DATA connection. You use joystick or DVR to control PTZ camera. But you should check whether they are compatible to each others. In most PTZ cameras Pelco protocol is used and it is same with DVR’s and controllers.
You should program PTZ with PTZ ID, Baud rate and Protocol. You can also program joystick or DVR with the same details.
In order to program a PTZ camera, you may need to open the enclosure. You will find jumper setting or known as dip switches. This allows you to program PTZ ID, Baud rate and Protocol. In DVR go to main menu and find PTZ configuration and copy the same values. If you are using joystick, you to menu by using short cuts and you can change the details.
I wish you all the best with your experience in connecting a Pan Tilt Zoom camera.
We run three day practical course in CCTV installation training, please contact us for more details.