C7Installer

We have a customer who would like his Micros POS system integrated with his Geovision system (GV-650 running version 8.0). Not sure yet on the model of the POS, but the receipt printer is an Epson TM-U200B, model M188B and it's conneded to an "all-in-one" Micros POS register (cash drawer, keyboard and mouse are separate). Does anyone have any experience with this or any tips that would be helpful? Thanks! -C7

ezCCTV/Aardie: thanks for your help and information. I have been speaking with a Micros rep about this issue as well and have some info... For anyone trying to get a Micros system working with text overlay, here is some information: Micros uses a proprietary interface they call "IDN" for many of their receipt printers. Apparently, this adds some functionality to their system. They do offer versions that use a standard serial printer. Actually, the printer they use is the same (Epson TM-U200B), but is has a special card installed to use IDN (serial interface is removed). However, this does not replace the serial port on the POS machine itself so we're going to try that route first, instead of just replacing the printer. If we can get both the IDN and serial interfaces working at the same time, this should solve the problem with IDN. If not, a serial card can be placed back into the printer and you can move forward from there (or simply replace the printer with a serial version). I will post more info as I get it. If anyone has any additional thoughts, I'd be happy to hear them. Thanks again! PS - From what I recall about RS232, the length of the cable is somewhat dependent on noise and data rate. You should be able to go much further at 9600 bps than 115.2 kbps. Anyone have any expeiences they can share regarding this?

Thanks for your input. You are correct, the printer is an external model. I believe it is a serial version. I have heard of people splitting the serial output from the POS machine, connecting one end directly to the serial port or GV net card/box and the other to the printer. Any thoughts on this? Basically, do I really need the capture device? The printer is about 30m from the DVR. Thanks again!

I've used twist-ons with pretty good results. Like Rory said, some are junk and some are decent. They're nice to have in a pinch, too! My main complaint is the twisting process itself. I only use my hands to twist them on/off; I never use pliars or a wrench (too much torque). Problem is, after doing 10-15 of them, it really starts to wear on the fingers. Since I've heard so many good things about compression fittings, what are some of your favorite brands for connectors and the compression tool? Something easy to use and reliable...

CAT5 is "obsolete". CAT5e is the new "standard" (as far as CAT5 goes) for networks as it has better crosstalk performance. Since you're probably only running one signal per pulled run, this isn't likely to be an issue. On another note, has anyone tried the combined power/video baluns (passive) from Blackbox? Looks interesting Here's a link to them: http://www.blackbox.com/Catalog/Detail.aspx?cid=308,1558,1562&mid=4299

^^ ||| ||| I guess these are your "limits". Thanks for clearing it up, Rory!

While I can't give you any information about using CAT-X wire for video, here the basic info on CAT3, CAT5 and CAT6: CAT3 wire is unsheilded twisted pair (UTP) that supports transmission bandwidth up to 16MHz with a 100 ohm impedance. Nobody really uses this anymore that I know of. CAT5 wire is unsheilded twisted pair (UTP) that supports transmission bandwidth up to 100MHz with a 100 ohm impedance. This is the stuff that most Ethernet networks use. It's also commonly run for phone lines nowadays. CAT6 wire is unsheilded twisted pair (UTP) that supports transmission bandwidth up to 250MHz with a 100 ohm impedance. This is what most people will run if they are planning for the long term. (CAT6 has a lower insertion loss than CAT5, which is a good thing!) CAT6 is fully backward compatible with CAT5. The cable and jacket are somewhat "stiff" compared to CAT5 and it tends to cost a bit more. Both CAT5 and CAT6 come in solid and stranded forms. Typically, you'll want to use SOLID core wire for long runs. Save the stranded stuff for patch cables. My best guess would be to always skip CAT3, go for CAT5 most of the time and use CAT6 when you're "pushing the limits" (though I couldn't tell you what these "limits" are )

Channel Vision actually manufactures these products (among others). Take a look here: http://www.channelvision.com

Nice Rory. That's the best illustration I've seen yet.

If you want to purge them all (or by date ro camera), you can delete files using the backup utility. Check the Geovision program group on the Start menu (Windows). Also, check the user manual.

For what it's worth, Dell has a variety of flat panel monitors. I currently have several 1905FP models (DVI port, digital input) and have been pleased with their performance/price. The lower models (non-DVI) are not nearly as bright and crisp and I wouldn't recommend them. The 19" (1905FP) is currently on sale at dell for about $320 and I would recommend picking one up if you are in need. 3-year warranty included! On another note, while you will typically get a better picture with a CRT, I have found that many customers prefer a flat panel for space. Many of these places have a small, cramped office and they are very happy to find out that we can offer them a flat pannel instead of a bulky CRT monitor.

Hey, forgot to ask: Does this work on all NTSC Geo cards using 7.xx software? Just curious about the 1120, 1240 and 1480. I assume they're using the same software, but just in case...

Hey Rory, great job on those interfaces! It's really nice of you to offer these mods free of charge. Thanks for sharing your efforts with us.

The HiSharp model you're looking at is a pretty low end model. They're problematic on the network/remote view side. They are also an MJPG based machine which tends to be pretty poor on compression (less recording time). Unless you're really looking for a "budget" DVR, you're probably better with the Nuvico. For all that are interested, CCTVfactory.com imports their DVRs from HiSharp and Yoko. They're fairly low end units. They also offer PC-based systems that are based on the Geovision platform. Their cameras are OEM; nothing special, nothing terrible. If you're looking for a low-cost embedded system then you'll get what you pay for. Here are the manufacturer websites for the products they offer: http://www.yoko-tech.com http://www.hisharp.com http://www.geovision.com.tw Also of note... cctvfactory.com sells on ebay.

For what it's worth, we've not had many good experiences with HiSharp DVRs. Some of our customers had these and they seem to have the same network problem you're describing. It's almost as if they get "stuck", thinking they are still connected to a remote view client. If you power the DVR off then on again do you get the same problem? This was the only way to resolve the problem on these units. If at all possible, I would suggest getting a different DVR if remote viewing is important. HiSharp (and other OEM models that use similar/same hardware, such as Yoko) is something I would stay away from. They seem to work ok as a low-cost standalone, but remote connectivity is a pain in the butt. Unfortunately, on many of these units you have to use the remote view to backup video which can be a real problem if you can't connect to it at all.

Does anyone have any new input on this topic? Also, what about the "Eyemax" systems. I've seen a few of these out in the feild recently. I've used a number of Geo systems and have been happy with them. Aside from a somewhat "antiquated" looking interface, they seem to be stable and work as advertized. I'm not really looking to switch unless there is a clear benefit in doing so. I guess what I'm asking is: Is there an all around, all-purpose PC-based DVR that people have found to be "the best"?

Those look great, Rory. I wish they would have done something like that from the beginning. The "skin" they include looks like something from Windows 3.1. I've seen a preview somewhere of the new skin from Geo, but I don't want to have to wait for it. How did you do that and how long did it take you? Did you use a SDK or something?

Does the camera have a DC auto-iris lens? If so, there may be an adjustment "screw" you can try somewhere on the camera. If it's a box camera, you could try another lens (with a brighter F-stop). Make and model would help...

Or even better, he should package his mods and include an installer, then sell it. I would pay a little cash for a customized interface. Have you ever thought of that, Rory?

Rory: How is it that you have a different interface than I do? I thought that 7.05 was the most recent version available. Did you modify it yourself?

My Geo has blinking eyes... what's up with that? I have ver 7.05.

Anybody heard of Power Tech cameras? Know where I might find some information on them? Thanks!

Doubt it's old as it was just installed about a month ago. There are three of these and they all exhibit the same problems. I'm sure that with some tweaking we could improve the image a little, but I'm not sure it's worth our time. I tested a cheap ExView box camera right next to one of these (same image, lighting, cable, DVR, lens, etc.) and the quality was noticibly better.

Thanks for all of the info. Apparently, your Google skills surpass mine! Based on the spec sheet, it looks as if you are correct; the "W" switches seem to be for WB. For everyone else's reference, these cameras seem to have mediocre image quality, poor color quality and significant problems with backlighting.

Nice Find, Rory. Thanks! Any experience with them?