1. Introduction
The AVMATRIX PKC3500 is a professional 5-inch PoE Broadcast Joystick Controller designed for precise control of IP PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras. It features a high-definition touch screen, a 4D joystick, and a comprehensive set of controls for managing multiple cameras in various broadcast and live production scenarios. This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your PKC3500 controller.
2. Setup
2.1 Package Contents
- AVMATRIX PKC3500 IP PTZ Camera Controller
- 12V 2A Power Adapter
- User Manual (this document)
2.2 Physical Connections
Before operating the device, ensure all necessary connections are made as described below and illustrated in Figure 2.
- Power Switch: Toggles the device ON/OFF.
- DC 12V In: Connect the included 12V 2A power adapter for external power.
- USB-C: For future firmware upgrades and data transfer.
- RS-232: Serial control interface for PTZ cameras supporting RS-232 protocol.
- TALLY/GPIO (RS-422/485): Serial control interface for PTZ cameras supporting RS-422/485 protocols and GPIO for Tally light integration.
- LAN (PoE): Connect to your network for IP camera control and Power over Ethernet (PoE) functionality. This port supports 1000M Ethernet and IEEE802.3 af/at standards, allowing the controller to be powered directly through the network cable if connected to a PoE-enabled switch.
2.3 System Connection Diagram
The PKC3500 can be integrated into various production setups. A typical connection workflow for controlling multiple cameras via IP is shown below. The controller supports up to 255 cameras.
- Connect PTZ cameras to a PoE switch using LAN cables.
- Connect the PKC3500 controller to the same PoE switch via its LAN (PoE) port.
- (Optional) Connect a video switcher to the PTZ cameras (via SDI/HDMI video signals) and the PKC3500 (via GPIO for sync).
- (Optional) Connect a monitor, recorder, or PC to the network for monitoring and additional control.
3. Operating Instructions
3.1 User Interface Overview
The PKC3500 features an intuitive layout for efficient camera control. Refer to Figure 4 for a detailed view of the control panel.
- 5" HD Screen: Displays real-time camera status, settings, and menu options.
- 4D Joystick: Provides precise control over camera pan, tilt, and zoom speed. It can also be used to navigate menu settings.
- Knobs: Dedicated knobs for quick adjustment of camera parameters such as Iris, Shutter Speed, Gain, Auto Exposure, and White Balance.
- Camera Quick Access Control: Buttons for rapid access to frequently used PTZ camera functions.
- Camera Setting & CAM PWR, OSD: Shortcuts to power on/off cameras and access their On-Screen Display (OSD) menus.
- Zoom Adjust: Supports manual camera focus adjustments.
- Multi-function Digital Panel: Used for inputting numbers, letters, and other data.
- Assignable Functions: Up to 7 user-assignable keys for custom shortcuts.
3.2 Camera Control Protocols
The controller supports a variety of camera control protocols, allowing for broad compatibility with different PTZ cameras. This includes cross-protocol mix-control on a single controller.
- IP Protocols: ONVIF, VISCA, NDI|HX2 (Optional for NDI version)
- Serial Protocols: PELCO-D, PELCO-P, VISCA
3.3 Real-time Camera Preview
The 5-inch screen on the PKC3500 supports decoding video streams under NDI|HX2 (Optional), RTSP, and ONVIF protocols. This allows for simultaneous real-time preview of your camera feeds directly on the controller, enabling precise adjustments.
3.4 Track Recording and Playback
The PKC3500 supports a track loop function, allowing you to record specific camera paths (pan, tilt, zoom movements) and replay them as needed. This eliminates the need for manual control during repetitive movements.
3.5 Sync with Switcher via GPIO
Equipped with GPIO, the controller can seamlessly integrate with video switchers and tally systems. This enables synchronized camera and video selection, simplifying complex operations in live production environments.
4. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the controller. For the screen, use a microfiber cloth specifically designed for electronics. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
- Firmware Updates: Periodically check the AVMATRIX official website for firmware updates. Updates can provide new features, performance improvements, and bug fixes. Follow the instructions provided with the firmware update package carefully.
- Storage: When not in use for extended periods, store the controller in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
5. Troubleshooting
5.1 Common Issues and Solutions
- No Power:
- Ensure the power adapter is securely connected to the DC 12V input and a working power outlet.
- If using PoE, verify that the LAN cable is connected to a PoE-enabled switch and the switch is powered on.
- Check the power switch on the back of the unit is in the 'ON' position.
- Cannot Control Cameras:
- Verify network connectivity between the controller and the cameras. Ensure they are on the same network segment and IP addresses are correctly configured.
- Check that the correct control protocol (e.g., ONVIF, VISCA) is selected on both the controller and the camera.
- For serial control (RS-232/422/485), ensure the cables are correctly wired and the baud rate matches the camera's settings.
- Confirm that the camera's IP address or serial address is correctly entered into the controller.
- No Real-time Preview on Screen:
- Ensure the camera is sending a video stream compatible with the controller's decoding capabilities (NDI, RTSP, ONVIF).
- Check network bandwidth and ensure there are no bottlenecks affecting video stream delivery.
- Verify the camera's video output settings.
6. Specifications
The following table details the technical specifications of the AVMATRIX PKC3500 IP PTZ Camera Controller.
| Category | Feature | PKC3500 | PKC3500-NDI (For upgrade) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connections | Interfaces | IP(RJ45)×1, RS-232×1, RS-485/RS-422×1, TALLY×1, USB2.0 (For upgrade) | |
| LAN Port | 1000M×1 (PoE/PoE+, IEEE802.3 af/at) | ||
| Protocols | IP Protocol | ONVIF, VISCA | ONVIF, VISCA, NDI|HX2 |
| Serial Protocol | PELCO-D, PELCO-P, VISCA | ||
| Serial Baud Rate | Baud Rate | 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 115200 bps | |
| User Interfaces | Display | 5-inch Screen | |
| Knob | Quickly control iris, shutter speed, gain, auto exposure, white balance, etc. | ||
| Joystick | Pan/Tilt/Zoom | ||
| Camera Address | Up to 255 | ||
| Camera Preset | Up to 255 | ||
| Power | Power | PoE / DC 7-24V | |
| Power Consumption | PoE: <8W, DC: <8W | ||
| Environment | Working Temperature | -20°C ~ 60°C | |
| Storage Temperature | -20°C ~ 70°C | ||
| Dimension | Dimension (LWD) | 282×158×47mm (282×158×100.5mm with joystick) | |
| Weight | Net: 1009g | ||
6.1 Dimensions
7. Warranty & Support
For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please contact your authorized AVMATRIX dealer or visit the official AVMATRIX website. Please have your product model and serial number ready when contacting support.
8. User Tips
No specific user tips were available from reviews or Q&A for this product at the time of manual creation.
