Does Pelco IV accept generic 3rd Party controllers?

[Fiona 0]

The Pelco IV info refers to an 'Optional keyboard controller'.

 

Will Pelco IVs (all, some most?) out of the box accept a generic Pelco P or D protocol Controller without an 'Optional keyboard controller'?

[Soundy 1]

They should accept Pelco D/P protocol from pretty much anything that can send them, as long as the comm parameters match up (baud rate, ID number, etc.). We've used a number of Spectra II, III, IV, and Esprit cameras just running straight off the 9-pin serial port of Vigil PC-based DVRs. I've also controlled a Pelco Esprit using PTZ Controller software on my laptop, with a generic USB-to-serial adapter.

[SEANHAWG 1]

Buyer Beware on really cheap PTZ controllers.

 

I bought one for $99 and it was such a piece of junk. It never really worked right and really only worked at 2400 Baud Rate. I use a 4 channel DVR as my PTZ controller as it has mouse driven PTZ controls and it blows away most cheap PTZ joystick controllers.

 

If you got a really nice PTZ like a Pelco Spectra, dont insult it with a cheap joystick controller. Get a nice one where you can access the menu and all that good stuff.

[Soundy 1]

I use a 4 channel DVR as my PTZ controller as it has mouse driven PTZ controls and it blows away most cheap PTZ joystick controllers.

Some DVRs also allow you to plug in a USB game joystick, gamepad, or even a flightstick, and use that to control attached PTZs

[Fiona 0]

Soundy, you have a lot of experience with the Pelco Esprit. In the Pelco Esprit PDF, it refers to a 'TXB Series Translator Board' which 'allows controllers from other companies to communicate with the Esprit system.'

 

Do you know what a TXB Series Translator Board actually is? If any 3rd party Pelco D P controller works on the Espirit or Pelco IV, what would be the purpose of a Translator Board?

[hardwired 0]

The TXB allows using an Esprit (or Spectra) on other protocols, besides Pelco (allowing usage on AD, Bosch, Sensormatic and other systems).

 

The datasheet is here.... http://www.global-download.schneider-electric.com/852575770039EC5E/all/C9F857F22743121585257633005AD64A/$File/c1492.pdf

[Soundy 1]

^I was gonna say that!

[Fiona 0]

Thanks for the TXB Translator Board PDF. It now makes sense. The Board literally translates - as you said - other protocols in a form recognised by the Pelco decoder.

[Soundy 1]

Right. If your keyboard/joystick or DVR already do Pelco D or P, you don't need it.

[Fiona 0]

So just the two RS-485 wires to the RX- & RX+ Inputs on the Backboard. (p.4 on following PDF)

 

Pelco IV Back Box PDF (16 pages):

 

http://www.global-download.schneider-electric.com/85257689000007EE/all/439C64321C59844E852576AA006A3D12/$File/c3418mb.pdf

 

Thanks a lot to Soundy and hardwired for making it crystal clear.