Axis Communications 213 PTZ User Manual

february 2005

securityinstaller

A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO IN OUR BENCH TEST
of the Axis 2130 network camera, we concluded
that the technology was still a work in progress.
Whilst that model had a few rough edges, it was
sufficiently well developed for it to be considered
an alternative to cabled CCTV and a valuable new
resource in its own right. How time flies...

Outwardly, its successor, the Axis 213 – which
we are looking at here – appears to be almost
identical, but like the network camera and remote
surveillance market as a whole, there has been a
lot of activity behind the scenes.

The 213 is an altogether more refined product,
and we’re gratified to see that some of our
suggestions from the previous review have been
incorporated into the new design – but more
about those later.

The general specification, however,
remains largely unchanged, based
around a stylish looking camera module
with autofocus lens and built-in zoom,
mounted on a compact pan/tilt
mechanism.

The camera has its own IP (Internet
Protocol) address so it can connect
directly to a computer network,
effectively acting as a self-contained
‘website’, enabling any PC
connected to a local area network
(LAN) or the internet – with
appropriate authorisation – to
remotely view images and control
the camera via standard web
browser software.

In addition to camera
operations and housekeeping,
the camera’s setup menu also
controls alarm functions and
scheduling, plus alarm
notification and image uploading
via email, TCP or HTTP.

Key differences between the old and
new models include a change from a 16x optical
zoom to a combination zoom with 26x optical
and 12x electronic magnification.

Low light performance has been improved,
from 6 lux down to 1 lux in normal operation,
with manual or scheduled day/night switching,
from colour to black and white, with a sliding IR
cut filter. The camera module now has 0 lux
functionality via an on-board IR illuminator, or it

can control an external IR lamp for wider
area coverage.

Image resolutions and refresh rates have been
rationalised and bought into line with industry
standards. In PAL mode there are five choices
based on the Common Interface Format (CIF)
of 4CIF, 2CIF, CIF and QCIF, which translates to
between 768 x 576 and 176 x 144 pixels at
25 frames per second.

The compression ratio, which determines
image quality and file size, has five preset levels,

and Axis continues to use well established MJPEG
compression – but by the time you read this a
software upgrade should be available to allow
it to use the more efficient MPEG4 system.

This should result in better image quality at
higher compression levels and improved network

access. Exposure, white balance and backlight
compensation can be left in the hands of
automatic systems or configured manually from
the camera’s setup menus.

PTZ functions have been slightly simplified,
and the 213 has 20 preset positions (as opposed
to 40 on the 2130) and one programmable
sequence, but the range of movement remains
the same, with a maximum pan angle range of
340 degrees and tilt angle of 100 degrees.

Up to 20 remote ‘viewers’ can connect to
the camera simultaneously; access is password

protected and IP filtered. An unlimited

number of connections can be made

when using MPEG4 or an optional

relay server.

The image buffer memory,

which stores pre and post-event
images, has been increased from 4 to
6Mb. The 213, like its predecessor, uses

a stripped down version of the Linux

operating system, which continues

to enjoy an excellent reputation

for reliability and stability.

We are very pleased to see

that Axis has responded to

our request to include a
facility to invert the
image from the setup
menu, so it can be used
in both ceiling mount
and ‘table top’

configurations; the

2130 was available in

two separate versions.

Installation is now simpler and

quicker – another gripe we had

with the 2130 – and the assignment

of IP address and network settings is

carried out from a simple Windows based

utility included on the CD-ROM that

accompanies the camera. This also means the
manuals (printed and on disc) are shorter and a
lot easier to get to grips with.

Whilst the external appearance remains pretty
much the same, there have been some important
changes under the bonnet. The most significant
one is the switch to direct worm gear drive for
both pan and tilt mechanisms. Previously the
panning action was belt-driven, which we surmise
has enhanced positional accuracy, and speed, and

What our experts say …

The bench test [1]

Network upgrade

The 213 PTZ Network Camera

from Axis has matured nicely

it should improve reliability as well.

Otherwise the internal layout is unchanged,
with the tilt motor and gearbox housed in one
of the camera’s support pillars.

There are two PCBs in the base, handling all of
the network electronics, video processing, power
supply and motor control, whilst the camera’s
electronic, lens, focus, zoom and exposure actuators
are contained within a separate sub-assembly in the
camera module. The only obvious new addition is a
bank of four infrared LEDs to the left of the lens.

As before, weatherproofing is minimal, so
it would need to be housed inside a suitable
enclosure (one is available from Axis) if it is to be
used in a hostile environment or outdoors, and the
plastic casing is not especially robust so it needs to
be located well out of harm’s way.

The DC power socket and RJ45 LAN socket
are carried over from the 2130’s back panel, but
instead of the 4-pin socket for external alarm
connections there is a 26-way multi-pin socket
which is used to link it to the optional Connection
Module, which handles the alarm wiring, and a
BNC socket for composite analogue video output.

The module also supports two-way (duplex)
audio between the camera and a workstation, and
a pair of 3.5mm minijack sockets are provided for
the microphone input and line audio output.

Setup and Operation

Connections to the outside world in a basic system
are very straightforward, with just DC power,
from an external mains adaptor, and the RJ45
Ethernet cable to plug in.

The first job is to interrogate the camera from
a network workstation and instruct it to acquire an
unused IP address. In most cases the quickest way

to do this is to use the Axis IP utility (Windows
only) included on the CD-ROM.

The camera’s serial number is entered into a
box, and the new IP address assigned. Once that
is done, the camera’s ‘home page’ can be accessed
from a browser window (Internet Explorer,
Netscape, and Mozilla are supported under
Windows, Linux and Mac operating systems).

The page opens with a request for a username
and password, and after they have been typed in,
the live camera image, control panel and menu
shortcuts are displayed. Alternative manual access
and configuration methods are outlined for Mac
and Linux platforms.

In contrast to our experiences with the 2130,
we were able to get the 213 up and running
without a hitch, and although the manuals still
lack detailed troubleshooting advice they contain
sufficient information for network savvy installers
to diagnose and solve most problems.

The ‘Live View’ page can be configured to
show the camera image in four preset sizes (x1/2,
x1, x2 and x4). On the right side of the display
there is a single ‘slider’ to control tilt angle, and
beneath that are four sliders for Pan, Manual Iris
and Focus and Zoom, with their respective
Auto/Manual override buttons.

Buttons may also be displayed for day/night
operation (switching the IR illuminators and cut
filter) and enabling backlight compensation.
Above the display there’s a drop-down menu for
selecting the camera Home and preset positions.

At first glance PTZ operation is not as intuitive
as the display suggests, or compared with a
traditional ‘joystick’ type control. The camera and
zoom can be moved incrementally by clicking on
arrow buttons at the ends of each slider, or

february 2005

securityinstaller

benchtest

PHOTOGRAPHY: TOM DOBBIE

➜ P.12

Factspanel

Equipment Axis 213 PTZ Network

Camera

Product group High-end PTZ Camera

Application Small businesses,

property monitoring, etc

Manufacturer Axis Communications

Address Suite 2, Ladygrove Court

Preston, Nr Hitchin
Herts SG4 7SA

Telephone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email [e-mail]

Available from Details at:

www.axis.com/sales/

Trade price £1,222 (ex VAT)

CE Mark Yes
awarded

Mono or colour Dual

Lens Motorized zoom lens

3.5-91mm

F no F1.6 - F4.0

Vertical angle 54-2.3 degrees
of view

Horizontal angle 42-1.7 degrees
of view

Minimum 0.01m (wide angle),
distance 1.6m (telephoto)

Interchangeable No
lenses

Pick-up device 1/4” Interlaced CCD

Pixel array PAL: 702H x 575V

Resolution Max of 768 x 576 (PAL)

or 704 x 480 (NTSC)

Sensitivity Daylight down to 1 lux

Preset view 20
positions

Weather Operates at 5-40 deg C
resistance

Size in mm 130mm (h), 104mm (w),

130mm (d)

Housing material Plastic/Metal

Power supply 13v DC

Maximum current 1.8W
consumption

Audio Audio functionality

through Axis 213CM
accessory

Warranty 1 year

Installation of the 213
is simpler and quicker
than its predecessor