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14 Responses to How to Install a Panasonic Network Camera – Part 4

  1. Rod February 6, 2010 at 3:55 pm #

    Bob – I am considering purchasing this network camera but have one question about motion detection. I would like to buy the indoor version and simply sit it in the window (I have a North facing window so sun isn’t a big deal). However, I’m wondering if motion detection will work through the window. I’ve read that some sensors do not work through windows. Can you tell me what you know about this? Would my type of configuration work?

  2. Bob Jackson February 6, 2010 at 5:09 pm #

    The less expensive models like the BL-C111A and BL-C131A use an infrared sensor that senses body heat to detect motion. Window glass can block the infrared and Panasonic notes this in the camera User Guide. False alarms are possible too, because warm air currents from a heating vent can trigger the infrared motion detector.

    The more expensive models like the BB-HCM511A and BB-HCM531A work differently and detect motion by analyzing changes in pixels from one image to the next. The BB-HCM* models will therefore detect motion through windows and aren’t fooled by warm air currents. The motion sensitivity is adjustable and BB-HCM511A/531A User Guide in section “2.9 Adjusting Motion Detection Sensitivity” states:

    • “Motion is detected by changes in the outline of objects and changes in object brightness, however, in some cases the camera may detect rapid brightness changes by artificial light sources (such as fluorescent lights) as motion.

      • Motion may not be detected as desired if the object’s color is similar to the color of the background.

    • The motion detection feature is disabled when panning and tilting the camera lens, i.e., moving the camera lens will not trigger the motion detection feature.
    • Motion detection can vary by the object, image resolution, or image quality. Refer to the [Preview] area to see how the current settings detect motion.”

    Thanks for reading!
    Bob Jackson

  3. Pete May 5, 2010 at 9:21 pm #

    Bob

    Have you tried to configure saving the images to FTP instead? I’m trying to do this on a BL-C140a, but no matter how I mess with the settings, it fails to save the image.

    Thanks, Pete

  4. Bob Jackson May 6, 2010 at 4:29 am #

    I’ve not enabled FTP transfer. Have you called Panasonic Tech Support? They’re very helpful and knowledgeable.

  5. Seamus June 25, 2010 at 8:38 pm #

    Is there a network camera that allows you to configure the email functionality only when a digital input is active(only when the house alarm is active). I do not want emails sent when I am in the house

  6. Bob Jackson June 26, 2010 at 9:07 am #

    The external sensor inputs are used as a “trigger” to move the camera to a preset viewing position, start recording and transfer images. However, the camera features lacks IF … THEN logic to disable the triggers based on the status of an external i/o sensor such as the house alarm. About the best you can do is configure a time-of-day schedule when the trigger is enabled, e.g. you’re away during working hours.

  7. Steve December 6, 2010 at 12:04 am #

    Hi Bob,

    Very nice you should get a commission from Panasonic for your work here. The photos are outstanding. I bought the BB-HCM511A last week and should receive it this week.

    Have a question. I would like to use the External Device Control output I/O terminal 3 & 4 to turn on a lamp. Do you know of an external I/O interface that I can plug into a 110V AC wall outlet and control the on / off through the camera?

  8. Bob Jackson December 6, 2010 at 8:15 pm #

    Thanks for the compliments!

    My recommendations for the camera external I/O interface are:
    1) Carefully read the Panasonic Camera Support FAQ for the External I/O.
    and
    2) I’m an Insteon Home Automation User and I would start with the SmartHome EZIO 4 Input/2 Output Relay Controller.

    Note the EZIO2X4 is only rated for a 1/2 amp load – such as a 120volt 60 watt light. If you “link” it with an Insteon Plug-in Appliance module you can control loads up to 15 amps.

    I’m sure there’s similar products that will do the job if you search around the Home Automation sites for appliance / light switch relays.

    With the ISY-99i Home Automation Controller, you can do just about anything.

  9. Rob Wild November 14, 2011 at 2:40 pm #

    Hi all,

    I’d love to follow the advice given here to turn on a lamp via the external I/O interface, however my camera didn’t come with a connector with which I can plug into the interface and use it. Is it a special panasonic plug and if so where can I buy one, does any one know?

    Many thanks Rob.

  10. Bob Jackson November 14, 2011 at 8:20 pm #

    The External I/O interface on the Panasonic BB-HCM511A network camera doesn’t have a plug or connector harness. You just insert the end of the bare wire into the spring loaded push connectors. See these documents:
    External_IO.pdf
    Installation Guide on page 3.

  11. Tom Treddles November 30, 2011 at 2:01 pm #

    Thank you for your outstanding and unselfish contribution. tt

  12. Phil Fulton January 20, 2012 at 5:41 pm #

    Have you had any issues with the cameras losing internet connectivity? My BL-C131As work for a week or 2 (or as short as a few days) and then lose the connection to the internet. They then need to be unplugged from the outlet and plugged back in which restores the connection. Not very useful when I am away from the house for weeks at a time.

  13. Bob Jackson January 20, 2012 at 6:20 pm #

    I’ve not tried the BL-C131 camera. My BB-HCM511A has always been rock solid. You might have a problem with your DDNS service or router setup.

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    [...] This series is continued in Part 4. [...]

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