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PTZ Control Configuration

Overview​

This guide covers the configuration of PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) control for cameras in GCXONE, including device-side setup, GCXONE platform configuration, preset management, and optimization.

What you'll accomplish:

  • Configure PTZ functionality on camera device
  • Enable PTZ control in GCXONE
  • Create and manage preset positions
  • Configure preset tours
  • Set up PTZ automation rules
  • Optimize PTZ performance

Estimated time: 20-30 minutes per PTZ camera

Prerequisites​

Before configuring PTZ control, ensure:

  • PTZ camera is successfully added to GCXONE
  • Camera hardware supports PTZ functionality
  • Device is online and accessible
  • Video streaming is working correctly
  • Appropriate user permissions are available

Configuration Workflow​

  1. Device-Level PTZ Configuration - Enable and configure PTZ on camera
  2. GCXONE PTZ Settings - Configure PTZ in GCXONE platform
  3. Preset Configuration - Create and organize preset positions
  4. Preset Tours - Configure automated tours (if supported)
  5. PTZ Automation - Set up alarm-triggered PTZ movements
  6. Verification - Test PTZ functionality

Part 1: Device-Level PTZ Configuration​

Step 1: Enable PTZ on Camera Device​

UI Path: Device Web Interface → PTZ Settings / Camera Control

Objective: Enable and configure PTZ functionality on the camera.

Configuration Steps:

  1. Access the camera's web interface
  2. Navigate to PTZ Settings or Camera Control
  3. Enable PTZ Function:
    • PTZ Enable: ✓ Checked
    • PTZ Protocol: Select appropriate protocol (ONVIF, manufacturer-specific)
    • PTZ Address: Verify address (typically 1 or auto-detect)
  4. Configure Movement Limits (if applicable):
    • Pan Range: Set minimum/maximum pan angles (if limited)
    • Tilt Range: Set minimum/maximum tilt angles
    • Speed Limits: Configure maximum movement speeds
  5. Configure PTZ Parameters:
    • Idle Time: Time before camera returns to home position (optional)
    • Home Position: Define default/home position
    • Preset Count: Maximum number of presets (typically 255)
  6. Click Save or Apply

Note: Exact navigation varies by manufacturer. Refer to device documentation.

Expected Result: PTZ functionality enabled on device.

Step 2: Configure PTZ Protocol Settings​

UI Path: Device Web Interface → Network → PTZ / Protocol Settings

Objective: Ensure PTZ protocol is properly configured for GCXONE communication.

Configuration Steps:

  1. Navigate to Network Settings → PTZ or Protocol Settings
  2. Verify PTZ Protocol:
    • ONVIF PTZ: Enable if using ONVIF (recommended for compatibility)
    • Manufacturer Protocol: Enable native protocol if available
    • Port: Verify PTZ control port (typically same as device HTTP port)
  3. Configure PTZ User Permissions:
    • Ensure integration user has PTZ control permissions
    • Verify user role includes PTZ operations
  4. Test PTZ from device interface:
    • Use device's PTZ controls to verify functionality
    • Test pan, tilt, and zoom operations
    • Verify preset save/recall works
  5. Click Save

Expected Result: PTZ protocol configured and tested.

Part 2: GCXONE Platform PTZ Configuration​

Step 3: Enable PTZ Control in GCXONE​

UI Path: GCXONE → Devices → [Camera Name] → Camera Configuration → PTZ Settings

Objective: Enable and configure PTZ control for camera in GCXONE.

Configuration Steps:

  1. Log into GCXONE web portal
  2. Navigate to Devices → Select your PTZ camera
  3. Click Camera Configuration or Configure Camera
  4. Navigate to PTZ Settings tab
  5. Enable PTZ Control:
    • Enable PTZ: ✓ Checked
    • PTZ Protocol: Select protocol (Auto-detect or specific)
    • Test PTZ Connection: Click to verify communication
  6. Configure PTZ Options:
    • Default Speed: Set default movement speed (1-8, varies by device)
    • Zoom Speed: Set zoom speed (if adjustable)
    • Invert Controls: Enable if needed for camera orientation
    • Relative Movement: Enable for incremental movement
  7. Configure Advanced Settings:
    • Control Timeout: Time before control released (if multiple users)
    • Preset Support: Verify preset count matches device
    • Tour Support: Enable if device supports tours
  8. Click Save Configuration

Expected Result: PTZ control enabled and configured in GCXONE.

Step 4: Configure PTZ User Permissions​

UI Path: GCXONE → Settings → User Management → [User] → Permissions

Objective: Ensure users have appropriate PTZ control permissions.

Configuration Steps:

  1. Navigate to Settings → User Management
  2. Select user or role to configure
  3. Navigate to Permissions or Feature Access
  4. Enable PTZ Control permissions:
    • View PTZ Controls: ✓ Enable (to see PTZ interface)
    • Control PTZ: ✓ Enable (to operate camera)
    • Manage Presets: ✓ Enable (to create/edit presets)
    • Control Tours: ✓ Enable (if using tours)
  5. Configure PTZ Restrictions (if needed):
    • Allowed Cameras: Restrict to specific cameras
    • Time Restrictions: Limit PTZ control to specific times
    • Preset Restrictions: Limit preset management
  6. Click Save Permissions

Expected Result: Users have appropriate PTZ permissions.

Part 3: Preset Configuration​

Step 5: Create Preset Positions​

UI Path: GCXONE → Live View → [PTZ Camera] → PTZ Controls → Presets

Objective: Create and save preset camera positions for quick access.

Configuration Steps:

  1. Navigate to Live View in GCXONE
  2. Select PTZ camera to configure
  3. Open PTZ Controls panel (if not visible)
  4. Use PTZ controls to position camera:
    • Pan/Tilt: Move camera to desired position
    • Zoom: Zoom to desired level
    • Focus: Adjust focus if needed
  5. Once positioned correctly:
    • Click Save Preset or + button
    • Enter Preset Name: Descriptive name (e.g., "Front Entrance", "Parking Lot North")
    • Enter Preset Number: Optional number (1-255)
    • Click Save or OK
  6. Verify preset saved:
    • Preset should appear in preset list
    • Test recalling preset to verify position

Best Practices for Presets:

  • Use descriptive names that indicate location or purpose
  • Number critical presets sequentially (1-10) for quick access
  • Test each preset after creation
  • Document preset purposes for reference
  • Update presets if camera position changes

Expected Result: Preset positions created and accessible.

Step 6: Organize and Manage Presets​

UI Path: GCXONE → Devices → [Camera] → PTZ Settings → Preset Management

Objective: Organize, edit, and manage preset positions.

Configuration Steps:

  1. Navigate to camera PTZ Settings → Preset Management
  2. View list of all saved presets
  3. Edit Preset:
    • Click on preset name
    • Update name if needed
    • Option to reposition and save
  4. Reorder Presets:
    • Drag and drop to reorder (if supported)
    • Or renumber for logical organization
  5. Delete Preset:
    • Select preset to delete
    • Click Delete and confirm
  6. Export/Import Presets (if supported):
    • Export preset list for backup
    • Import presets to duplicate on other cameras

Expected Result: Presets organized and managed effectively.

Part 4: Preset Tours Configuration​

Step 7: Create Preset Tours (if supported)​

UI Path: GCXONE → Devices → [Camera] → PTZ Settings → Tours

Objective: Configure automated tours that visit multiple preset positions.

Configuration Steps:

  1. Navigate to PTZ Settings → Tours
  2. Click Create Tour or Add Tour
  3. Configure Tour Settings:
    • Tour Name: Descriptive name (e.g., "Perimeter Scan", "Entrance Check")
    • Tour Duration: Total time for tour
    • Repeat: Enable continuous repeat or one-time
  4. Add Presets to Tour:
    • Select presets to include in tour
    • Set Dwell Time: Time to stay at each preset (seconds)
    • Set Movement Speed: Speed between presets
    • Reorder presets to define tour sequence
  5. Configure Tour Options:
    • Start Position: Begin at first preset or current position
    • End Behavior: Return to start, stay at end, or go to home
    • Interruptible: Allow manual PTZ to interrupt tour
  6. Click Save Tour

Expected Result: Preset tour created and ready to use.

Step 8: Configure Tour Automation​

UI Path: GCXONE → Settings → Automation → PTZ Tours

Objective: Automate tour execution based on schedule or events.

Configuration Steps:

  1. Navigate to Settings → Automation → PTZ Tours
  2. Create Tour Schedule:
    • Select tour to schedule
    • Set Schedule: Time of day, days of week
    • Set Duration: How long tour runs
  3. Configure Event-Triggered Tours:
    • Select tour
    • Set Trigger: Alarm type, time period, manual
    • Configure Conditions: When tour should run
  4. Set Tour Priorities:
    • Define which tours can interrupt others
    • Set manual control priority over tours
  5. Click Save Automation

Expected Result: Tours automated based on schedule/events.

Part 5: PTZ Automation Rules​

Step 9: Configure Alarm-Triggered PTZ Movements​

UI Path: GCXONE → Settings → Automation → PTZ Rules

Objective: Automatically move PTZ camera to preset when alarm triggers.

Configuration Steps:

  1. Navigate to Settings → Automation → PTZ Rules
  2. Click Create Rule or Add Rule
  3. Configure Rule Conditions:
    • Trigger: Select alarm type or event
    • Camera/Sensor: Select which sensor triggers rule
    • Time Conditions: Optional time restrictions
  4. Configure PTZ Action:
    • Target Camera: Select PTZ camera to control
    • Action: Move to preset, start tour, or specific movement
    • Preset: Select preset position (if applicable)
  5. Configure Rule Options:
    • Delay: Optional delay before action
    • Duration: How long to stay at preset
    • Return Behavior: Return to previous position or stay
  6. Click Save Rule

Example Rule: "When motion detected at Front Door sensor, move PTZ camera to Preset 1 (Front Entrance) for 60 seconds, then return to home position."

Expected Result: Alarm-triggered PTZ automation configured.

Part 6: Verification and Testing​

Verification Checklist​

Basic PTZ Control:

  • Pan left/right works correctly
  • Tilt up/down works correctly
  • Zoom in/out works correctly
  • Focus control works (if applicable)
  • Movement speed is appropriate
  • Controls are responsive

Preset Functionality:

  • Can save new presets
  • Presets recall to correct positions
  • Preset names are descriptive
  • Can edit existing presets
  • Can delete presets
  • Presets are organized logically

Advanced Features:

  • Preset tours work (if supported)
  • Tours visit all presets in sequence
  • Tours can be interrupted and resumed
  • Alarm-triggered PTZ movements work
  • Automation rules execute correctly

Performance:

  • PTZ response time is acceptable
  • No lag or delay in control
  • Movement is smooth
  • Camera reaches preset positions accurately
  • Multiple users can access (with proper controls)

Advanced Configuration​

Multi-Camera PTZ Coordination​

For sites with multiple PTZ cameras:

  1. Coordinate Presets: Use consistent preset numbering across cameras
  2. Synchronized Tours: Configure tours that coordinate multiple cameras
  3. Master/Slave Setup: Configure one camera to follow another's movement
  4. Preset Groups: Group related presets across cameras for quick access

PTZ Performance Optimization​

  1. Network Optimization: Use Local Mode for better PTZ responsiveness
  2. Speed Settings: Adjust speed based on use case (faster for large movements, slower for precision)
  3. Preset Optimization: Limit number of active presets if device has limitations
  4. Control Timeout: Set appropriate timeout to prevent conflicts between users

Troubleshooting​

See the Troubleshooting Guide for common problems and solutions.

Quick troubleshooting:

  • PTZ not working: Verify PTZ enabled on device, check protocol settings, verify user permissions
  • Presets not saving: Check preset count limit, verify permissions, check device storage
  • Slow response: Check network latency, use Local Mode if available, verify device performance
  • Movement inaccurate: Calibrate camera, check for mechanical issues, verify preset positions

Need Help?

If you need assistance with PTZ configuration, contact support.