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F.A.Q.

Op dit moment is de F.A.Q. enkel beschikbaar in het Engels. Indien u toch Nederlandstalige feedback wenst kan u altijd contact opnemen via het contact-formulier.

F.A.Q. - index


The basics[top]

Is TrackerCam a device or just software to control a webcam?

Trackercam comes as a hardware and software package that includes the TrackerPod/PowerPod, a motorized base on which you mount your webcam, and TrackerCam software for controlling the movement of the TrackerPod/PowerPod.

What do TrackerCam and TrackerPod/PowerPod do?

TrackerCam software and TrackerPod/PowerPod hardware let you move your webcam robotically under your computer's control, if your webcam is less than a half pound in weight. If your camera is between 700gr (1/2lb) and 1350gr (3lbs), then you need a PowerPod.

The TrackerPod/PowerPod and PowerPod swivel your camera left and right, up and down. The included TrackerCam software can do things like automatically track people and motion and let you control your camera from another location over the Internet.

What is the difference between a TrackerPod and a PowerPod?

The TrackerPod and the PowerPod both work with TrackerCam Software or Dvdriver. The also look practially the same on the outside (though the PowerPod only comes in black). The PowerPod, however, has extra features that enable it to bear a stronger weight without falling over. The pan and tilt range of the TrackerPod/PowerPod and the PowerPod are the same (160 degrees pan and 110 degrees tilt), but because the PowerPod motors have more work to do, it is slightly noisier, and its maximum speed is slower (53 degrees per second) than the maximum speed of motion of the TrackerPod (100 degrees per second).

So if you know you will only ever want to use a light webcam, it is better to purchase a TrackerPod. However, if you want to be able to support a camcorder, then you must purchase a PowerPod if you don't want to void the TrackerCam warranty.

How does TrackerPod/PowerPod connect to my computer?

The TrackerPod and PowerPod connect to your computer's USB port.

Do the TrackerPod and PowerPod attach to a standard tripod?

Yes, the TrackerPod Retail and the PowerPod have a 1/4" #20 thread on the bottom to attach to a tripod.They also have the male 1/4" #20 screw on the top in the camera shoe.

Does TrackerPod/PowerPod have a webcam built-in?

No. You mount your existing webcam on a TrackerPod/PowerPod. If you don't have a webcam, you have the option of buying one bundled with your pan/tilt device.

Can I use a TrackerPod/PowerPod without a computer?

No, TrackerPod/PowerPod must be connected to a PC.

How far away can the TrackerPod/PowerPod be from my computer?

The included USB cable is 180cm (6 feet) long. For distances up to 45m (150 feet), you can purchase an extension kit from the original website. For a distance of up to 90m (300 feet), Extreme-USB Ranger from www.icron.com is recommended. For distances of 180 and 750cm (16 and 25 feet) respectively, you can also use a 480cm (16 foot) USB active extension cable or a powered USB hub with a 750cm (25 foot) extension cable, available from most computer stores.

How big is the TrackerPod/PowerPod?

The TrackerPod/PowerPod is 12cm (5") in diameter and 10cm(4") high without the camera. With a Logitech QuickCam Pro 4000 mounted to it, it is 15cm (6") high. If you are going to enclose it within a dome, allow one more inch for movement of cables.

Can I mount my camcorder on a TrackerPod?

The PowerPod is a version of the TrackerPod specially engineered to handle camcorders. Ordinary TrackerPods, however, are designed for webcams only.

If I put a camcorder that weighs more than 1350gr (3lb) (1800gr (4lbs) or 2250gr (5lbs), a Sony PD150) on a PowerPod, what will be the result? Will it not be able to remain stationary, wear out quicker, not move etc.

It might be ok if you don't tilt too much (less than 30 degrees). If you tilt the full 55 degrees in either direction, the Pod may not pull it back up. The main problem is the 1 year warranty will be void, though it is likely to work if you're careful. You can limit the tilt with software settings.

I'm wondering how noisy the TrackerPod/PowerPod is. How loud is the motor noise it makes?

The TrackerPod amd PowerPod are controlled by servo motors so it does make noise as it pans and tilts. The noise is not very loud, though it is definitely noticeable. If you download and play this file you will be able to hear the actual sounds made by a TrackerPod as it moves a webcam. The PowerPod is slightly noisier than the TrackerPod.

Is the TrackerPod/PowerPod weatherproof to any extent?

The TrackerPod and PowerPod are not weatherproof, although some customers have mounted them in (18cm (7 inch) diameter) outdoor domes.

Is the TrackerPod/PowerPod wall-mountable?

Yes they are wall or ceiling mountable. The retail version comes with a tripod mounting bracket. A standard 1/4" diameter #20 screw can be used to mount it. So you can also mount them on regular tripods.

Will the TrackerPod/PowerPod function properly in Australia? We have 240 volt power here.

The TrackerPod/PowerPod works fine anywhere in the world. Your computer converts the power to 5 volts for USB. It is an international standard.

Will the TrackerPod/PowerPod work with a bus-powered USB hub?

No, the TrackerPod/PowerPod requires 500mA of current. Some hubs and computers may report over-current as this limit is approached. TrackerCam Software 3.4 or higher will detect this situation if it occurs, and will give you the option of ordering an external power supply from the manufacturer's website.

I see in most photos that the tracker pod has two wires coming off of it, one from the camera & one from the pod. Are both of these plugged into separate USB ports? Or does the camera plug its USB into the trackerpod and the trackerpod is plugged into the computer.

Yes, you need two separate USB ports, or you can get a USB hub. No, the camera plugs directly into your computer\'s USB port, not the TrackerPod. You can get a USB hub at most computer stores.

Camera compatibility[top]

Can I test whether TrackerCam Software will work with my camera before I buy it?

Yes. Download and install the TrackerCam software free from the download page . If you see a white box in the TrackerCam console that follows you as you move, then your camera is compatible with TrackerCam.

What will my webcam look like on a TrackerPod?

You can have a look at how various cameras fit the TrackerPod here.

Do you support the Creative Webcam III?

Yes, the Creative Webcam III is supported. The way it fits on the TrackerPod is as described in the user manual on this page. Click here to see a photo of a Creative Webcam III on a TrackerPod.

I have a Philips webcam and I'm wondering if your TrackerPod will fit this camera.

Yes, the TrackerPod does work with the Philips 720k & 740k. However you may have to adjust the home position manually because the TOUcam tilts forward by its own design. Click Here to see how the TOUcam fits the TrackerPod/PowerPod.

Do you support the 3Com HomeConnect webcam? The weight is under 450 gr (a pound), but it's not a spherical shaped cam.

Yes, your camera can be attached to a TrackerPod. You can see a 3Com HomeConnect on a TrackerPod at www.usbstuff.com or here.

Do you support the Orange Micro Ibot Pro w/ Firewire or the Ibot2 with USB 2.0?

IBots have been tried with the TrackerCam software, and they work perfectly. However, it was not easy to mount the Ibot Pro onto the TrackerPod/PowerPod. It was necessary to cut out the center piece of the camera shoe, then glue the iBot onto the camera shoe. The Ibot2 does come with a tripod mount that fits the camera shoe.

What are the specs of the camera that you recommend?

The Logitech QuickCam Pro 4000 is recommanded. It has a maximum resolution of 640x480 and operates at up to 30 frames per second. For automatic tracking to work properly, it must be possible to turn off automatic gain and white balance.

DV cameras for PowerPod that are recommended are those with the IEEE 1394 (Firewire) interface (eg. Canon ZR models), since the TrackerCam Software and DVdriver can control the optical zoom of such cameras.

I don't care about tracking people - I just want to remote control my webcam. Do I need the Logitech QuickCam Pro camera?

The Logitech QuickCam Pro 4000 is recommended and guaranteed to work with good tracking performance. However, if you simply want to be able to pan, tilt, and zoom your webcam over the internet, you can use a less expensive webcam.

Can I use a parallel port camera, such as the Quickcam VC, with the TrackerCam system?

Parallel port cameras are tested with TrackerCam. They work if they have a VFW or WDM driver, which the QuickCam VC does. In any case, you can test your camera by downloading and installing the software from the download area.

Platforms supported[top]

Does TrackerPod/PowerPod work on Linux?

The creaters do not offer full support on TrackerCam's features on Linux. However, thanks to Dr. Derrick Parkhurst from Johns Hopkins University, you can get open source Linux drivers that support many of TrackerCam's features.

Click here for Dr. Parkhurst's "TrackerTools".

If you would like to be informed about the progress in supporting Linux, please subscribe to the manufacturer's mailing list.

Will there be a Mac version coming out?

Mac support has been considered but the cost could not be justified.

Are there any plans to introduce support for Windows NT?

Windows NT does not support USB. There are Windows NT webcams that use the parallel port or interface cards, but the TrackerPod needs USB support. Windows 2000 and XP are fully supported.

Do you support Windows XP?

Yes, TrackerCam versions 2.2 and higher support Windows XP.

With Windows XP, what should I do if I am having issues with Java?

Use the Virtual Machine if you encounter issues with Java in Windows XP. Click here to find sources for the MS Virtual Machine.

TrackerCam and other webcam software[top]

I'm wondering if the TrackerCam software interferes with existing software. Let's say I want this camera to follow movements. Is it still possible to keep my software "Supervision Cam" simultaneously with TrackerCam to keep track of movements ?

The software doesn't prevent you from using your current software. TrackerCam makes a copy of the video stream for other applications. You need to start TrackerCam Software and then select "TrackerCam Capture" or "Microsoft WDM Image Capture" as the video source in your webcam software.

Can I use the TrackerPod/PowerPod with 321Cam, Paltalk, Webcamnow, Netmeeting, Camarades Webcam, Webcam32, iVista, iVisit, EyeballChat, Webex, EarthCam TV, or Instant Messenger?

TrackerCam Software is tested with all of these. They worked fine. TrackerCam Software 2.01 and higher are designed to work with webcam apps. There are 2 ways to use your webcam app with TrackerCam:

  1. TrackerCam uses the camera video and feeds a copy to your app. If you need to use the Zoom or person tracking features, then you must use this method: start TrackerCam Software first and select your camera. Then start your app and "TrackerCam Capture" or "Microsoft WDM Image Capture" as your video source.
  2. Your app uses the camera video and TrackerCam ignores video. Select NO CAMERA in TrackerCam Software. Use this method if you want TrackerCam to pan and tilt your camera only.

You can also simply use DVdriver along with other webcam software.

Can I use the TrackerPod/PowerPod with any other webcam software?

If you do not need to use the tracking feature, or zoom, then it is possible to use TrackerPod/PowerPod simply as a camera movement remote control device with any webcam software. The way to do that is to select NO CAMERA in TrackerCam Software. That way, your own video hardware and software work independently of the TrackerPod/PowerPod, and the TrackerPod/PowerPod simply moves your camera around with the arrow buttons or pre-set positions.

You can also simply use DVdriver along with other webcam software.

TrackerCam and the Internet[top]

Do I need to use your servers to view the streaming video from my TrackerCam or can I use my own IP address and port?

TrackerCam gives you the option of setting up your computer to function as web server that allows remote users to connect view and control your cam. Or, you can choose to use Eagletron's server as an intermediarie between your remote users and your computer. You select either option in TrackerCam's Get Online dialog.

How do I set up a web page so anyone can move my TrackerPod/PowerPod?

From your TrackerCam Tool Panel (bottom left arrow), click the Get Online button (top right) to start TrackerCam's built-in web server. You can choose to allow any guest to connect or just specific users.

For TrackerCam 3.0 and above, a fixed URL is shown that you can give to others. That URL will work to let people move your TrackerPod/PowerPod even if your computer's IP number changes.

If I set up a web page so anyone can move my TrackerPod/PowerPod, what happens when several people want to move the camera at the same time? Is there any priority?

The movements are relative, so the different people nudge it collectively to where most of them want to look. Originally there was a a limit that could be set, but it was simpler not to limit it for private cams. It's pretty easy to realize when someone else is controlling it. When people realize that someone else is connected and moving it, they like to see what the others are interested in. If the camera is not moving and they get bored, then they start clicking again. So far it hasn't been a problem since most of the users run private webcams. If it becomes a problem the the time limit can be re-enabled.

Do people that want to see the video from my webcam need to download any software to their computer?

No. There are other webcam software providers that do require the user to install an EXE file to their computer in order to see the video from a remote webcam, but it feels better if the user doesn't need to do any work or potentially compromise their computer by having to download software just for viewing. TrackerCam video is accessible from any Javascript-enabled browser--no installation of any proprietary software is required for people to view your webcam over the internet.

Can I set up TrackerCam to work if I only have a dial-up connection to the Internet?

For dial-up, TrackerCam's FTP feature is recommended to upload images to your ISP. That way, even if you disconnect, the last image uploaded is still available to people viewing your cam. TrackerCam can automatically FTP pictures at fixed time intervals. Also, Trackercam can detect and FTP your current IP address to the server in HTML format, allowing you give guests to your home page access to your TrackerPod/PowerPod whenever it's online.

How do I change the refresh rate? When connecting to my TrackerCam over the web, updates to the screen are very slow.

With version 3.0 and higher of TrackerCam Software, you can set the maximum frame rate for remote users from within the tuner to up to 30 frames per second. The actual frame rate will depend on the speed of the internet connection between your computers. On a 100Mb LAN, 15 frames per second at 320x240 resolution have been obtained.

How do I send images periodically to my webpage using FTP?

First of all you only need to use the FTP upload page if you want to periodically update an image on an existing webpage. You don't need FTP upload if you want to webcast live images and provide live pan/tilt/zoom controls. TrackerCam Software automatically asks you for the information it needs for live webcasting. All the webcams on the manufacturer's LiveCams pageare accessed in this way without FTP at all.

Assuming you really need FTP uploading to an existing webpage, you need an FTP account with the ISP where that webpage is stored. Your ISP would provide you with a username and password for your FTP account. Enter those in the FTP Uploading Tuner page. Your ISP will also tell you whether your webpage is stored in your FTP home directory or in a subdirectory. Your webpage should have a link to a named jpeg image to display. (TrackerCam Software will automatically update that image.) If the image will be stored in your home directory, just put / in the remote directory box. Otherwise you will have to enter the subdirectory where the image should be stored. The image filename must be the same as the jpeg image named in your webpage. Enable image upload to make TrackerCam automatically update the image on your ISP at the set time interval. Finally, you have the choice of uploading the full image captured by your camera, or just the part of full image that is displayed in the TrackerCam video window. The full image can be as large as 640x480, while the TrackerCam video window can be as large as 352x288.

I am using a router. How do I get through my firewall?

This answer assumes you have TrackerCam Software 3.4 or above.

If you have a router like Linksys, Bay Networks, SMC, etc., you need to find out how to redirect port 8090 (or the port number you selected) to the computer with the TrackerCam. iNetCam has some information on how to do this. Use port 8090 instead of port 80. Once you set that up, start TrackerCam software, click the bottom-left arrow to open the Tool Panel. Then press the top-right button in the Tool Panel to get online. Click the IP number drop-down list. If your router was properly configured, you should see your router's external IP number in the list of IP numbers in the browser window that comes up. Select your IP number. Note that you can also choose a port other than 8090 but you must restart TrackerCam software if you do so. click the check box to put yourself on-line. Allow guests if you want to. People from outside your firewall or router should be able to connect to your TrackerCam using your firewall or router's IP and port number that you selected.

I have set the screen size in the Tuner to 5 (640x480). In the Trackercam video window the size is OK, but in the web browser page the window is rather small. I'd like to enlarge it to 640x480. Could you please give me a hint on how to solve this?

The web browser page is a Java applet inside a simple HTML layout page. You cannot adjust the size of the Java applet. 640x480 resolution produces very slow frame rates over the Internet. However, if you use TrackerCam Software Buddy List to connect to a remote TrackerCam, you will be able to get 640x480. This is designed for users on a 100Mbit or faster LAN.

Are you planning on adding access/deny list capabilities to your TrackerCam software? It would be nice to be able to block/prevent some unwanted visitors (IP addresses) from accessing the webcam in guest mode without making it hard for others to login/request used ID/password.

This isn't even necessary because it's just as easy to disallow guests and send your friends a URL with the login and password encoded. See the Get Online dialog for the URL to automate login. The problem with blocking IPs is that many people don't have fixed IPs so the method is not effective.

TrackerCam and zoom[top]

Do you provide focus control with your zoom function? That is, do you have a TrackerCam that can focus when you zoom in or out?

PowerPod, when used with certain DV camcorders, provides control of the camera's optical zoom in addition to digital zoom. Ordinary TrackerPod/PowerPods provide digital zoom, but not optical zoom. Cameras with pan/tilt/zoom and auto focus are typically in the € 1000 price range. They're typically made by camcorder manufacturers but not by us. Sony and Canon are popular makes for pan/tilt/zoom cameras with autofocus. Eagletron is the only company to provide a zoom feature in the € 200 price range right now.

TrackerCam and sound[top]

Can sound be transmitted? I have my TrackerCam linked to my web page so my friends can keep an eye on my business. My cam has a microphone. Can we hear what is going on too?

TrackerCam Software 3.02 or higher can transmit sound as well as video to a computer that is running just a web browser. Click on the microphone button at the bottom right of the video applet. Sound transmission is bidirectional. If the remote computer has TrackerCam Software 3.02 or higher, you can use the Buddy List on the remote end to hear the audio (also bidirectional). You need to Enable Talk in TrackerCam Software for it to work.

I have the voice recognition program Dragon Naturally Speaking. I want to know if I can use it with my TrackerCam software.

The TrackerCam Software does not know how to use Dragon Naturally Speaking. If you do download the Microsoft Speech SDK, you can turn it off for system voice commands and use it only in TrackerCam if you want. It is completely configurable from the control panel. You can also uninstall it if you want.

TrackerCam and chat[top]

How do I implement text chat?

First you need TrackerCam Software 3.02 or higher, which you can download from the manufacturer's web site. Then you need to connect to someone with the Buddy List and then click the pencil button to open the text chat window. Of course the person on the other end has to accept your connection first. Version 3.4 has message boards so people can leave you messages with pictures from your webcam when you are not available to answer.

TrackerCam and surveillance[top]

How do you set specific pan and tilt coordinates for viewpoints vs selecting a box for each numbered viewpoint?

With versions up to TrackerCam 3.02 you can't specify numeric values for named viewpoint pan and tilt positions. You can only select from the grid. The manufacturer is working on a new applet that will let you specify pan/tilt/zoom/duration/etc. for each viewpoint so there's more work put into this interface.

I mount my TrackerPod/PowerPod to the ceiling in my office, upside-down. Of course, this totally reverses the controls (up with down, right with left). Do you think maybe you could include an option to reconfigure what each arrow represents when a user clicks on it? Thanks!

In versions 3.4 and above, if you have a QuickCam Pro 3000 or 4000 you can use the video settings to mirror horizontally or vertically and the software automatically flipped the directions of the arrows. If you have a different type camera, what you need to do is go to the Tuner and select 'specify field of view' under 'Display & Camera'. Make the FOV angles negative and press 'Enter FOV angles'. Then to save those as Startup settings, Click the 'Startup' link at the top left and press the button marked 'Save Current values as Startup values'. That should do the trick for you.

Can I use TrackerCam to shoot a time-lapse movie? Ideally I'd like the software to be configurable to shoot a frame an hour (9 frames a day), M-F between 8am and 4pm. Over the course of a year-and-a-half that should give me around 3500 frames, so at 16 frames-per-second I'll wind up with a 3.5 minute movie.

Yes, you can configure TrackerCam software to do this. Open the Tool Panel by clicking the arrow at the bottom-left corner of the TrackerCam main display. In the Tool Panel, click the first button in the Tracking section. Check the box to enable Capture. Enter 3600 seconds, Start@ 9am and Stop@ 4pm. To see the progress of your time lapse movie, choose the Playback tab and click Web Browse or Surveillance Viewer . You might want to use the settings in the Tuner's Startup section to set TrackerCam to restart itself automatically if video ever fails.

Motion detection[top]

What are the motion detection features for TrackerCam?

TrackerCam 4.1 (and higher) not only captures video when motion occurs, it actually locks on to whatever moved and follows it with the TrackerPod/PowerPod while capturing. Special features include:

- Motion Detection Sensitivity slider setting
- Motion Detection filters out pan/tilt motions
- Motion Detection Tracks object that moves while capturing
- Motion Detection Capture Frame Rate setting
- Surveillance Capturing thread (can save 20 JPEGs per second on a P4 1.6GHz)
- Fast Surveillance playback application (no web browser needed)

How do I activate the motion detection tracking feature?

To activate the new motion tracking feature, click and hold the [Track] button in the TrackerCam program, and a menu should appear. Select the [Motion] option and the menu should dissappear. If you wish to double check if the motion option is enabled, click and hold on the [Track] and the menu should appear again. The option [Motion] should now have a * beside it, which signifies that it has been selected.

How do I change the sensitivity of the motion detection tracking feature?

Once the motion detection feature is enabled, on the display screen there should be a strike-through bar with a boxed number at the end of it. This represents the current motion sensitivity. To make the motion sensor more sensitive, click and hold the boxed number and move it left of its original position. If you wish to make it less sensitive, click and hold the boxed number and move it towards the right of its original position.

How can I enable and change the Motion Detection frame rate setting?

Once in the TrackerCam program, open the tool panel and look for the header [Tracking] and select the first icon which looks like a target box. A window titled [TrackerCam: Surveillance and viewpoint settings] will appear. To enable the feature, click the box on the left of the [Capture motion videos at frame rate(1-30):]. To adjust the frame rate at which it captures at, put in a numeric number between 1-30 in the box to the left of [frames/second]. The time can be adjusted according to your wishes (in the 24H format) or you can set it to record all day by checking the box to the left of [All day].

How can I playback my motion detection surveillance video?

In the tool panel of the TrackerCam Program, there is a heading labeled [Tracking]. Under that, click the first icon (of a target box). A window titled [TrackerCam: Surveillance and viewpoint settings] will appear. Select the [Playback] tab and click on [Surveillance viewer]. Click on browse and select the file you wish to view and then click on show once you are done to view the specified file.

How can I set Windows to automatically associate the .image and .list files with the Surveillance Viewer?

In the tool pannel of the TrackerCam program, select first icon (of the Target box) and a window titled [TrackerCam: Surveillance and Viewpoint settings] will appear. Select the play back tab and you should see the option boxes to all the association of the .list and .image files with the Surveillance viewer.

Multiple cameras[top]

We would like to connect several cameras to one server. Is this possible with your system?

Yes, the CamPanel Surveillance Software will allow you to connect several cameras to one computer.

Programming TrackerCam[top]

Is there an SDK for TrackerCam?

Yes, you can program the TrackerCam to customize it for your particular application.

After you have downloaded TrackerCam, you will find C++ source code in the Samples directory under the install path (usually C:\Program Files\Eagletron\TrackerCam\Samples). It is a sockets application to control the TrackerPod/PowerPod.

If you prefer Visual Basic, you can also download and install VB examples from www.trackercam.com/download.

Both have source code for basic pan/tilt. There are many other commands.

Customer guarantees[top]

How long will my TrackerPod/PowerPod last?

The TrackerPod/PowerPod's MTBF (mean-time between failures) is 2.6 million cycles, where a cycle is a 120 degree rotation. The lifetime of your TrackerPod/PowerPod will depend on how much you move it. The manufacturer provides a 1-year repair or replacement warranty since they don't expect most people to use 2.6 million cycles.

I am interested in the bundle but have not been always been happy with the quality of Logitech cameras. Do you have any kind of money back guarantee if I am not satisfied with the quality of the picture?

There is a 30 day money back guarantee. The manufacturer agrees that Logitech CMOS cameras have been of poor quality. However, the Pro 3000 and 4000 were a pleasant surprise. If you visit the manufacturer's demo page or their live cams page you'll see some pictures from the Logitech QuickCam Pro 3000 and 4000.

Can I put a Camcorder on my TrackerPod?

For Camcorders, you need to use a PowerPod. An ordinary TrackerPod will hold a camera of up to 1/2 pound. It is designed for webcams rather than camcorders or still cameras. If you mount a camera over 1/2 pound, you will void the warranty. Similary, if you put a camcorder over 3 pounds on a PowerPod you will void the PowerPod warranty.