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How to Connect Multiple PTZ Cameras to a Controller

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How Do You Connect Your PTZ Cameras To A Camera Controller?

This article will give you the information you need to connect multiple PTZ cameras to a controller. It is suitable for schools, churches, and businesses. It is important that all your cameras are compatible and can be connected from the same location.

ptz camera controller

The best thing about using PTZ cameras in your house of worship is the ability to control multiple cameras from one controller. The controller is similar to a keyboard, and there are many types. Although they may appear complicated, most are easy to use once you learn a few basic rules. 

You can also find them in the following configurations:

  • Most Conferencing cameras use USB ports and serial or IR controls that connect directly to your computer.
  • Professional PTZ cameras are easily operated using a combination of HDMI output and serial control.
  • Professional PTZ cameras can be equipped with NDI support. They offer excellent resolution and the ability to connect to an NDI network.

PTZ cameras can be a great benefit for houses of worship. If you want to add more than one to your organization and use a controller to manage them all, you should familiarize yourself with how to do it. Here are some tips to help you set up your cameras to your controller.

Serial Controller

You can connect a cable to one of the serial ports when you select serial control. This is often your RS232 port or RS485 Port. This allows communication to either a controller or switcher. The controller or switcher contains buttons or dials that control each camera’s functions. 

These connections use specific communication protocols, such as VISCA and IP, Pelco-P, and Pelco-D. This means that each camera and controller must support the same communication protocols. They will not be able to connect to communicate.

Joysticks are available on most controllers. This allows you to control all your cameras with one hand. The daisy-chain configuration is the most popular and efficient way to connect cameras. PTZ cameras typically have three cable connectors.

One is for the data connector that runs the joystick, the power, and the video. However, they all fit in one cable. Your data can be daisy-chained, but your power and video cannot. This is still enough to connect your cameras and get your controller working efficiently.

Daisy-chaining is running cables from your DVR and your first camera to another cable. Another cable runs from your second camera to the first one. A third cable runs from the third camera to the first one. These cables are independent but all connected to the same DVR. 

You will need to set up each camera brand using the same method. However, you can refer to the instruction manual to ensure you have all the information you need to set everything up properly.

IP Controller

There are many ways to connect IP controllers. These descriptions may seem generic, but they will give you an idea of the steps required to set up your IP camera and controller.

  • You can use a PoE switch with one uplink port for your router. This will allow you to connect the PoE switch with the router using the uplink port. The NVR can then be connected to the router. Cameras can then communicate with each other via the PoE switch and router. Because everything is connected to the same network, your router can allow the NVR recorder or DVR to communicate with the cameras. Connect the NVR’s Ethernet port to the router. Next, connect the PoE uplink port to another router’s LAN number. Connect one of the PoE cameras with one of the PoE switch port ports. This will allow the NVR to communicate with the switch.
  • If you want more cameras, ensure your PoE switch has two uplink ports. This involves connecting the PoE switch’s LAN port to one of the PoE switch’s uplink ports. It can be connected directly to your router as well. Connect the PoE Switch’s other uplink port to your router. Your cameras will then connect to the PoE Switch.

There are other ways to connect multiple cameras. Brands vary on these steps, so you may want to check your user manual to see the specific instructions for your controller and camera. You’ll be able to verify that each step is completed successfully.

NDI Controller

These steps are not specific to your camera brand. To ensure the controller is properly set up, refer to the user manual. Here are the basic steps to set up multiple cameras with an NDI controller.

Step 1: Download the NDI/HXTM drivers. This step installs the NewTek NDI Studio Monitor. You can finish this step by clicking here or visiting their website.

Step 2: Download the firmware for the camera and the update. First, ensure the camera and your Windows PC are connected to the same network. You can then download the firmware for your camera by following these basic instructions. To update your camera firmware, click and follow the basic instructions.

Step 3: Now, open everything and get started. Open the NDI Studio Monitor. Select the appropriate camera from the upper left-hand corner. Click on Register in the bottom right-hand corner. Next, enter the NDI/NX key and click “Enable NDK/NX.”

You can add more cameras by following these steps until they are connected. That’s it! Now you are ready to enjoy your camera and controller!

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.