Control Options
Connect a Network Joystick
PTZOptics joysticks can control the Move 4K over the network using VISCA over IP, giving you physical joystick control without serial cables.
What You Need
- A PTZOptics joystick (PT-SUPERJOY-G1 or PT-JOY-G4)
- Camera and joystick on the same network
- Camera's IP address
Steps
- Connect the joystick to your network via Ethernet.
- Power on the joystick and wait for it to boot.
- Configure the joystick with the camera's connection details:
- Enter the camera's IP address.
- Set the port to 5678 (TCP) or 1259 (UDP).
- Set the protocol to VISCA over IP.
- Test control: use the joystick to pan, tilt, and zoom the camera.
For multi-camera setups, assign each camera a unique address and configure the joystick to switch between them. The SuperJoy supports managing multiple cameras from a single interface.
This camera supports RS232 and RS485 serial control for direct, wired connection to PTZ joysticks, control systems, and automation platforms. This page walks you through connecting each type, explains when to choose one over the other, and provides full pin-out and parameter reference tables.
Control connections can be made while the camera is powered on, but we recommend making all connections before powering on for proper detection.
When to Use RS232 vs RS485
Both RS232 and RS485 provide direct, wired control of a camera without requiring a network connection. They commonly support the same control protocols, such as VISCA, Pelco-D, and Pelco-P. The choice between them comes down to three factors: distance, number of cameras, and installation environment.
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RS232 is the simpler option for small installations. It's primarily designed for a point-to-point connection between one controller and one camera, although PTZ cameras support daisy-chaining multiple cameras using their RS232 input and output ports. It works well when the controller is located near the camera, typically within about 98 ft (30 m). Because RS232 uses single-ended signaling, it is more susceptible to electrical noise over longer cable runs. For short distances, however, it provides reliable, straightforward control and remains a common option for single-camera systems.
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RS485 is the better choice when you need to cover longer distances or control multiple cameras. It uses differential signaling, which transmits data as the voltage difference between two wires instead of referencing a single wire to ground. This makes RS485 much more resistant to electrical noise and interference, making it well suited for large venues, houses of worship, campus buildings, and industrial environments. RS485 supports cable runs of up to 3,937 ft (1,200 m) and allows multi-drop configurations, where multiple cameras share the same communication bus. Each camera is assigned a unique address, allowing a single controller to communicate with each device over the same pair of wires.
Tip: For most modern networked installations, VISCA over IP offers greater flexibility and eliminates many of the distance limitations of serial control. RS232 and RS485 remain valuable when working with legacy control systems, dedicated hardware controllers, or installations where network control isn't available.
Connect RS232 to a Controller
RS232 provides a direct, point-to-point wired connection between your controller and the camera. No network configuration is needed.
What You Need
- RS232 cable with 8-pin Mini DIN connectors
- A controller or joystick that supports VISCA, Pelco-D, or Pelco-P
- 12V DC power supply (included) or PoE+ switch/injector (RS232 does not provide power)
Step 1: Connect the RS232 Cable
- Connect an RS232 cable (8-pin Mini DIN) from your controller's RS232 output to the camera's RS232 Input port.
- For daisy-chaining multiple cameras: connect the camera's RS232 Output to the next camera's RS232 Input.
RS232 pinouts vary between manufacturers. If your controller's pinout differs from the camera's, you may need a null modem adapter or a custom cable. See the RS232 Pin-Out Reference below for the Move 4K's pin assignments.
Step 2: Power the Camera
Power the camera using one of the following methods:
- 12V DC: Connect the included 12V DC adapter to the camera's DC input.
- PoE+ (802.3at): Connect the camera's LAN port to a PoE+ switch or injector.
Step 3: Configure Your Controller
- Set your controller to match the camera's protocol: VISCA (default), Pelco-D, or Pelco-P.
- Set the baud rate to match the camera (default: 9600).
- Assign each camera a unique address (default: 1).
To change the camera's protocol from the IR remote, press [Menu], navigate to Communication Setup, and select your protocol.
Step 4: Test Control
Use your controller to pan, tilt, and zoom the camera. If the camera doesn't respond:
- Verify the RS232 cable is connected to the correct port (Input, not Output).
- Verify the protocol and baud rate match between controller and camera.
- Verify each camera in a daisy chain has a unique address.
Connect RS485 to a Controller
RS485 supports long-distance cable runs and multi-drop configurations where multiple cameras share a single communication bus.
What You Need
- Twisted-pair cable (Cat5e, Cat6, or dedicated RS485 cable) with Phoenix connector (terminal block)
- A controller, joystick, or automation system that supports VISCA, Pelco-D, or Pelco-P
- 12V DC power supply (included) or PoE+ switch/injector (RS485 does not provide power)
Step 1: Connect the RS485 Cable
- Connect the positive (red) wire to the camera's positive Phoenix connector port (on the left).
- Connect the negative (black) wire to the camera's negative Phoenix connector port (on the right).
- Connect the positive and negative wires to the matching ports on your joystick controller.
- For multi-drop: daisy-chain from the first camera's RS485 output to the next camera's RS485 input.
Step 2: Power the Camera
Power the camera using one of the following methods:
- 12V DC: Connect the included 12V DC adapter to the camera's DC input.
- PoE+ (802.3at): Connect the camera's LAN port to a PoE+ switch or injector.
Step 3: Configure Your Controller
- Set your controller to match the camera's protocol: VISCA (default), Pelco-D, or Pelco-P.
- Set the baud rate to match the camera (default: 9600).
- Assign each camera a unique address.
Step 4: Test Control
Use your controller to pan, tilt, and zoom each camera. If a camera doesn't respond:
- Verify the twisted-pair cable is connected with the correct polarity (+ and -).
- Verify the protocol and baud rate match.
- Verify each camera has a unique address.
Reference
RS232 Pin-Out Reference
The Move 4K uses 8-pin Mini DIN connectors for RS232. Pin assignments are as follows:
RS232 Input Port (from Controller)
| Pin | Signal | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | DTR | Data Terminal Ready |
| 2 | DSR | Data Set Ready |
| 3 | TXD | Transmit Data |
| 4 | GND | Ground |
| 5 | GND | Ground |
| 6 | GND | Ground |
| 7 | IR Out | Infrared Output |
| 8 | NC | No Connection |
RS232 Output Port (to Next Camera in Daisy Chain)
| Pin | Signal | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | DTR | Data Terminal Ready |
| 2 | DSR | Data Set Ready |
| 3 | TXD | Transmit Data |
| 4 | GND | Ground |
| 5 | GND | Ground |
| 6 | GND | Ground |
| 7 | IR Out | Infrared Output |
| 8 | NC | No Connection |
The RS232 Input and Output Mini DIN connectors use the same pin numbering and signal names for daisy-chain wiring.
RS232 Communication Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Baud Rate | 2400, 4800, 9600 (default), 38400 |
| Start Bit | 1 |
| Data Bits | 8 |
| Stop Bit | 1 |
| Parity | None |
RS485 Communication Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Baud Rate | 2400, 4800, 9600 (default), 38400 |
| Start Bit | 1 |
| Data Bits | 8 |
| Stop Bit | 1 |
| Parity | None |
| Connector | 2-pin Phoenix connector (terminal block) |
| Max Cable Length | ~3,937 ft (1,200 m) |
Control Protocol Reference
| Protocol | Default | Address Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| VISCA | Yes (default) | 1–7 | Industry standard for PTZ cameras |
| Pelco-D | — | 0–254 | Common in security systems |
| Pelco-P | — | 0–31 | Older Pelco variant |
Control Method Comparison
| Feature | RS232 | RS485 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Distance | ~98.5 ft (30 m) | ~3,937 ft (1,200 m) |
| Connector | 8-pin Mini DIN | 2-pin Phoenix (terminal block) |
| Multi-Camera | Daisy-chain | Multi-drop bus |
| Signaling | Single-ended | Differential (noise-resistant) |
| Protocols | VISCA, Pelco-D, Pelco-P | VISCA, Pelco-D, Pelco-P |
| Provides Power | No | No |
Joystick Compatibility
| Joystick | Connection | Protocols |
|---|---|---|
| PT-SUPERJOY-G1 | Network (VISCA over IP) or RS232 | VISCA, ONVIF, NDI, Panasonic |
| PT-JOY-G4 | Network (VISCA over IP) or RS232 | VISCA, ONVIF, Sony VISCA |