INOGENI CAM230 Multi Camera Switcher User Guide

Version	Date	Description
1	12-Apr-23	First release.
1.1	2-Jun-23	• Added new REMOTE connectivity. • Added power consumption limit for USB cameras. • Added RCM statement. • Added minor modifications to RESTAPI. • Added firmware update procedure.
1.2	15-Aug-23	• Added information for future mounting options. • Specified M2.5 mounting holes on enclosure. • Added information for RS232 command delimiters. • Added more precision regarding the “disableSerialInterface” command over RESTAPI. • Added UKCA statement. • Simplified RESTAPI presentation.
1.3	25-Sep-23	• Adding the “Auto (disable remote)” video switching mode. • Adding the “Audio follows video” audio switching mode.
1.4	14-Aug-24	• Adding description on REST API token format. • Adding missing commands over RESTAPI and RS232.

TYPICAL APPLICATION

Here is a typical connection diagram used for the CAM230 device in a videoconferencing setup.

BLOCK DIAGRAM

Here is a simple block diagram to better understand the usage of the product.

The device embeds a video switch that can connect to USB3.0/2.0 and HDMI cameras. The device will output video content from the selected source over HDMI and USB2.0 outputs simultaneously.
This can give you a great asset to your videoconferencing equipment to switch camera interface easily without going into your UC settings.

AUDIO ROUTING
The device can connect to USB microphones/speakerphones and on a HDMI feed that includes audio. These sources can be sent over the HDMI output and to the USB2.0 output.
The USB2.0 interface embeds a digital audio interface which implements a microphone and a speaker device. Ultimately, the UC software connected to the USB2.0 camera interface can receive and transmit audio from/to the connected USB videobar.

DEVICE INTERFACES

Here are the devices interfaces.

Input selection buttons

Input status LEDs
HDMI output

USB2.0 camera output
USB3.0 camera inputs

HDMI camera input
RS232 and remote interface

LAN/PoE interface
+12VDC power input

LEDS BEHAVIOR

Here are the LEDs behavior:

Power input
OFF	No power.
SOLID	Device is powered up.
PoE
OFF	Not powered from PoE.
SOLID	Powered from PoE.
Input led
OFF	Input not detected and not selected.
LOW	Input detected and not selected.
HIGH	Input selected.

SPECIFICATIONS

Here is the complete specification.

Physical details
Dimensions (W x L x H)	17.33 cm x 11.57 cm x 3.26 cm 6.82” x 4.55” x 1.28”
Power supply	12V (100-240 VAC 50/60Hz to 12V/1.2A DC) – or – PoE source compliant with IEEE 802.3af (802.3at Type 1)
Weight	600 g
Package content	1 x USB 2.0 Type-B to Type-A cable (3ft). 1 x terminal block connection. 1 x 12V power supply.
Operating temperature	0° to 45° C (32° to 113° F)
Storage temperature	-40° to 105° C (-40° to 221° F)
Relative humidity	0% to 90% non-condensing
Mounting options	Ability to mount under the table or on a wall. More details will follow shortly
UPC code	51497302825
Origin	Canada
Warranty	2 years
USB inputs
2x USB 3.0 inputs	1x USB 3.0/2.0 camera Uncompressed, YUYV/NV12/I420 – 1080p30 MJPEG – 1080p30
USB Power	Up to 1.2A shared between the USB ports
HDMI input
Resolution	1080p50/60 fps, 720p50/60 fps
Connector	HDMI
HDMI output
Resolution	3840x2160p23.98/24/25/29.97/30 fps, 1080p50/60 fps, 720p50/60 fps
Connector	HDMI
USB output
USB connector	1x USB 2.0 Type-B UVC interface up to 1080p30 MJPEG. UAC interface with audio I/O. PTZ control supported.
Audio
Digital audio I/O	Embedded in HDMI or USB
Control
Control options	Front buttons RS-232 LAN USB
IP interface	100 Mbps half-duplex (autonegotiation not supported) Supports DHCP or static IP addressing
RS232 interface	Baud rate: 9600 Data bits: 8 Stop bits: 1 Parity: None Flow control: None
Certifications
HDCP compliant	The device does not decrypt BD/DVD movies, satellite/cable receivers or other encrypted sources.
Certifications	FCC, CE, UKCA, RoHS, IEC62368, SoV, RCM
TAA-compliant	Yes
Compatibility
Operating system	NO driver installation necessary Windows 7 and above (32/64-bit) macOS 10.10 and above Linux (kernel v2.6.38 and above)
Cameras Supported	Cameras (or video Source) with a HDMI or USB outputs
Software Compatibility	UVC-compliant. Runs with all software compatible to DirectShow/MediaFoundation, V4L2, QuickTime and AVFoundation.

SERIAL COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL

Here is the complete list of commands provided through the serial connection. As written on the back of the device, here is the pinout of the terminal block.
Pin 1: Receive
Pin 2: GND
Pin 3: Transmit
Pin 4: 5V supply (for INOGENI Remote)
There must be a space character between command and arguments.
Typically, commands will return ACK in case of success and NACK in case of failure.
You need to add a carriage return character and a line feed “\r\n” at the end of the command string.
Note that if serial interface was disabled using REST API, commands will not be parsed, and no response will be provided.
Baud rate: 9600 // Data bits: 8 // Stop bits: 1 // Parity: None // Flow control: None

Command	Argument(s)
HELP Return command list with description.	None
RSTR Restore default settings (including password and REST API token).	None
RESET Reset/reboot the device.	None
IP Returns IP address.	None
VERSION Returns firmware version.	None
STATUS Return devices, video/audio inputs and HDMI output status.	None
PAN Relative pan of the selected camera.	1 argument (integer) The sign specifies the direction. We multiply the argument by the camera smallest step, and if the speed is too fast, we go as fast as the camera allows. We recommend using values between -10 and 10.
TILT Relative tilt of the selected camera.	1 argument (integer) The sign specifies the direction. We multiply the argument by the camera smallest step, and if the speed is too fast, we go as fast as the camera allows. We recommend using values between -10 and 10.
ZOOM Relative zoom of the selected camera.	1 argument (integer) The sign specifies the direction. We multiply the argument by the camera smallest step, and if the speed is too fast, we go as fast as the camera allows. We recommend using values between -10 and 10.
SETHDMI Set HDMI output mode.	1 argument (integer) Possible parameters: 0 => 1080P60 1 => 1080P50 2 => 720P60 3 => 720P50 4 => 4K24 5 => 4K25 6 => 4K30
SETVIDEOFORMAT Set video input format.	2 arguments (integer)1st arg: <inputPort> 1 => USB input #1 2 => USB input #2 4 => Test pattern2nd arg: <formatIndex>
GETVIDEOFORMATS Get video input format.	1 argument (integer) The argument specifies the port of the video input for which we want to get the available formats. 1 => USB input #1 2 => USB input #2 3 => HDMI input 4 => Test pattern
SETAUDIOINPUT Set audio input.	1 argument (integer) The argument specifies the index (start at 0) of the audio input. To see available inputs, use STATUS command.
SETAUDIOINPUTMODE Set audio input switching mode.	1 argument (integer) The argument specifies the audio input mode. 0 => First connected audio device with fallback 1 => Audio follows video selection
SETVIDEOINPUT Set video input.	1 argument (integer) The argument specifies the port of the video input. 1 => USB input #1 2 => USB input #2 3 => HDMI input 4 => Test pattern To see available inputs, use STATUS command.
SETVIDEOINPUTMODE Set video input switching mode.	1 argument (integer) The argument specifies if we want manual or automatic switching. 0 => automatic switching 1 => manual switching 2 => automatic switching (disable remote)
ENUSBCDCNCM Enable/Disable the USB CDC-NCM interface over USB2.0 output.	1 argument (integer) The argument specifies if we want to enable of disable the interface. 0 => OFF 1 => ON
ENUSBOUTSPEAKER Enable/Disable the USB speaker interface over the USB 2.0 output.	1 argument (integer) The argument specifies if we want to enable of disable the interface. 0 => OFF 1 => ON
ENUSBOUTMIC Enable/Disable the USB speaker interface over the USB 2.0 output.	1 argument (integer) The argument specifies if we want to enable of disable the interface. 0 => OFF 1 => ON

INOGENI REMOTE

The INOGENI Remote needs to be connected to the terminal block port in order to operate. Apply wiring accordingly. This remote is sending serial commands to the device. Make sure to set the DIP SW6 below the device to ON in order to apply power to the remote before going further. See “DIP SWITCHES” section and user manual of the INOGENI REMOTE for more details.

Do not plug a RJ45 cable between the INOGENI device and the REMOTE.

Terminal block:
Pin 1: Receive
Pin 2: GND
Pin 3: Transmit
Pin 4: 5V supply
RJ45:
Pin 1: 5V supply
Pin 2,3,4,5: NC
Pin 6: GND
Pin 7: RX
Pin 8: TX

LAN COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL
You can access the device settings through its LAN interface. The LAN interface uses DHCP (default) and static IP addressing. You can obtain the IP from the INOGENI Control App or from the serial port IP command. Note that LAN is set to 100Mbps half-duplex.

CDC-NCM COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL
The device can also be controlled through CDC-NCM interface exposed on the USB2.0 device port.
This interface has the same functions as the LAN interface, except the requests are done through USB to ease configuration.
CDC-NCM IP address: 169.254.10.10

POE
The device can be powered from a 12V power supply or from a PoE compliant source. If the 12V power supply is connected, this one is taken in priority.

WEBPAGE

Here is the webpage that can be used to configure and upgrade the device. This webpage is accessible through IP or through the CDC-NCM interface over USB2.0.

The username is “admin”, and the default password is “admin”.

The STATUS page will give you information about the firmware installed. video and audio devices that you can monitor.

The CONFIGURATION tab will allow you to :

Set the HDMI resolution over HDMI
Set the selected camera source
Set the video input switching mode
o AUTO : Device will switch to newly detected video source
o MANUAL : Device will only switch when we get the control to do it.
o AUTO (DISABLE REMOTE)
▪ Support switching between inputs.
▪ If any button is pressed, disable remote switching, and stay on camera selected. If API calls are done after to switch the input, API returns message that the command was not applied due to the current mode.
▪ If the currently selected input/button is pressed again, enable remote switching. There will be retroaction to ALL 3x leds (flashes 3 times / rapidly) indicating the device re-enabled remote switching.
▪ If Teams/Zoom call ends (video streaming stopping), enable remote switching.
Set the audio input from USB sources or HDMI input.

The SYSTEM tab will allow you to :

Change the current password for accessing device settings.
Get/Set REST API access token needed using REST API interface.
Change network settings of your device.
Restore default settings and reboot the system.
Update your system.

To update your system, please do the following :

Click on the “Choose File” button and browse to the WIC file downloaded from our website.

Click on “Update CAM230” button to proceed to the update. The operation can take up to 1 minute. The device will reboot and browser will be refreshed.

The DOCUMENTATION tab will allow you :

Get to the latest user guide.
Go to product webpage.

The first time you access the webpage, your web browser is likely to complain that the connection is insecure. The reason for this is because we are using self-signed HTTPS certificates, because certificate providers will not provide certificates for addresses that are not globally accessible.
The webpage can set HDMI resolution, USB video input format, webpage password, or the REST API access token. Please note that in the case of the REST API token, we can only ask for the device to generate a new randomly generated token. It can also be used to upgrade the device firmware.

REST API

The response will usually be JSON formatted with a “message” field containing a JSON string explaining the cause of the error or “success” in case of success. Note that we are using self-signed certificates.
You can enable a bearer authentication in the HTTP header (Authorization: Bearer <token>) through our configuration page to increase security on the API.
There will be a return code to each call with the following commands:
200 => success
400 => error
401 => authorization error
Here is the complete list of commands supported through the REST API (excluding password change, firmware update, bearer token get/set):

Command URL / Description	Body arguments	Return body
HTTP GET/POST https://<IP>/api/v1/rstr Restore default settings (including password and REST API token)		{ “message”: <String>}
HTTP GET/POST https://<IP>/api/v1/reset Reset/reboot the device		{“message”: <String>}
HTTP GET https://<IP>/api/v1/version Returns firmware version		“major”: <Integer>, “minor”: <Integer>
HTTP GET https://<IP>/api/v1/status Returns devices, video/audio inputs and HDMI output status		JSON object with multiple fields
HTTP GET/POST https://<IP>/api/v1/pan Relative pan of the selected camera	pan=<pan> The sign specifies the direction. We multiply the argument by the camera smallest step, and if the speed is too fast, we go as fast as the camera allow. We recommend using values between -10 and 10.	{ “message”: <String>}
HTTP GET/POST https://<IP>/api/v1/tilt Relative tilt of the selected camera	tilt=<tilt> The sign specifies the direction. We multiply the argument by the camera smallest step, and if the speed is too fast, we go as fast as the camera allow. We recommend using values between -10 and 10.	{ “message”: <String>}
HTTP GET/POST https://<IP>/api/v1/zoom Relative zoom of the selected camera	zoom=<zoom> The sign specifies the direction. We multiply the argument by the camera smallest step, and if the speed is too fast, we go as fast as the camera allow. We recommend using values between -10 and 10.	{ “message”: <String> }
HTTP GET/POST https://<IP>/api/v1/setHdmi Set HDMI output mode.	mode=<mode> <mode> options: 0 => 1080P60 1 => 1080P50 2 => 720P60 3 => 720P50 4 => 4K24 5 => 4K25 6 => 4K30	{ “message”: <String>}
HTTP GET/POST https://<IP>/api/v1/ setVideoFormat Set video input format.	x-www-form-urlencoded input=<inputPort> format=<formatIndex> <inputPort> options: 1 => USB input #1 2 => USB input #2 4 => Test pattern <formatIndex> options: See getVideoFormats command for available formats.	{ “message”: <String>}
HTTP GET https://<IP>/api/v1/ getVideoFormats Get video input format.	input=<input> If input argument is not provided, will use currently selected input <input> options: 1 => USB input #1 2 => USB input #2 3 => HDMI input 4 => Test pattern	JSON array containing all formats for requested input.
HTTP GET/POST https://<IP>/api/v1/ setAudioInput	input=<inputIndex> The argument specifies the index of the audio input. To see available inputs, use “status” command.	{ “message”: <String>}
HTTP GET/POST https://<IP>/api/v1/ setAudioInputMode Set audio input switching mode.	mode=<mode> <mode> options: 0 => First connected audio device with fallback 1 => Audio follows video selection	{“message”: <String>}
HTTP GET/POST https://<IP>/api/v1/ setVideoInput Set video input.	input=<input> <input> options: 1 => USB input #1 2 => USB input #2 3 => HDMI input 4 => Test pattern The argument specifies the index of the video input.To see available inputs, use “status” command.	{ “message”: <String>}
HTTP GET/POST https://<IP>/api/v1/ setVideoInputMode Set video input switching mode.	mode=<mode> <mode> options: 0 => automatic switching 1 => manual switching 2 => automatic switching (disable remote)	{ “message”: <String>}
HTTP GET/POST https://<IP>/api/v1/ disableSerialInterface Disable serial interface.	If <disable> is 1, will disable serial interface API togive IP interface exclusive access to serial port, otherwise serial interface API is enabled. When IP interface has exclusive access to serial port, user must use the “serialRead” and “serialWrite” commands.	{ “message”: <String>}
HTTP GET https://<IP>/api/v1/serialRead Read serial data from RS232.		{ “message”: <String> } Message field contains characters read from RS232
HTTP GET/POST https://<IP>/api/v1/ serialWrite Write serial data to RS232. Giving content to write in URL is not supported.	<Content to write>	{ “message”: <String>}
HTTP GET/POST https://<IP>/api/v1/setNetwork Configure network settings.	x-www-form-urlencoded <mode> options: static => addressing is static dhcp => use DHCP addressing If mode is static, must provide following args: <ip> option: String defined IP address. Example: 192.168.0.20 <netmask> option: String defined netmask address. Example: 255.255.0.0 <gateway> option: String defined gateway address. Example: 192.168.0.1	{ “message”: <String>}
HTTP GET/POST https://<IP>/api/v1/ enUsbCdcNcm Enable/Disable the USB CDC-NCM interface over USB2.0 output.	enable=<enable> <enable> options: 0 => OFF 1 => ON	{ “message”: <String>}
HTTP GET/POST https://<IP>/api/v1/ enUsbOutSpeaker Enable/Disable the USB speaker interface over the USB 2.0 output.	enable=<enable> <enable> options: 0 => OFF 1 => ON	{ “message”: <String>}
HTTP GET/POST https://<IP>/api/v1/ enUsbOutMic Enable/Disable the USB microphone interface over the USB 2.0 output.	enable=<enable> <enable> options: 0 => OFF 1 => ON	{ “message”: <String> }

It is also possible to embed arguments to an API call inside the URL to ease configuration with some control systems with the following topology:
GET https://<IP>/api/v1/<COMMAND>?<ARG1>=value&<ARG2>=value where <COMMAND>, <ARG1> and <ARG2> are command and associated arguments.
For example, using the setVideoFormat command, you can issue the following request:
GET https://<IP>/api/v1/setVideoFormat?inputPort=1&formatIndex=0
This request will set the input #1 to format index 0.
The following commands allow to perform password management, bearer token management and firmware update. The authentication used is basic auth, and we use the same user and password as the webpage (default user=admin password=admin).

Command URL / Description	Body arguments	Return body
HTTP POST https://<IP>/api/v1/ changePassword? password=<newPassword> Change the webpage password to <newPassword>.		{ “message”: <String> }
HTTP GET https://<IP>/api/v1/ getAccessToken Return the bearer token.		{ “token”: <String> } If no bearer token is set, the “token” field will be null.
HTTP POST https://<IP>/api/v1/ generateAccessToken Generate random access token.		{“message”: <String>}
HTTP POST https://<IP>/api/v1/update Sends update file to device.	Must use formdata body. The key must be myFile, and the value is of type file. We expect a .wic file that should be present in our official update packages	{ “message”: <String> }

The bearer token is generated using a random process. The format of the bearer token only supports the following:
– Alphanumeric (A to Z) upper and lowercase characters.
– Numbers 0-9.

INOGENI CONTROL APP

You can use our Control App to monitor firmware information and upgrade your unit.

NOTE: You need to use the USB-B to USB-A cable provided with the box for the Control App to detect the unit.

MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS

You can find the mechanical specification here that lists the holes. All dimensions are in mm [in].

DIP SWITCHES

Here you can find the behavior of the DIP switches located at the back of the unit.

Switch	Position	Description
SW1	OFF	For future use.
	ON
SW2	OFF	For future use.
	ON
SW3	OFF	For future use.
	ON
SW4	OFF	For future use.
	ON
SW5	OFF	Reserved.
	ON
SW6	OFF	Disable 5V on terminal block
	ON	Enable 5V on terminal block. This switch must be set to power up the connected remote.

TROUBLESHOOTING SECTION

Here is the troubleshooting section for the device.

Problem	Resolution
The device keeps rebooting when we connect USB powered cameras. The device is connected to a PoE switch.	If you connect high consuming USB cameras that are powered by the USB bus, we recommend using the provided power supply to accommodate the power demand.
We cannot detect the USB output on the PC when using it with a USB extender	The device has a USB2.0 interface only. Make sure that the USB extender you intend to use supports USB2.0. You can use our own set of USB extenders that are proven to work with our devices. https://inogeni.com/support/compatible-usb-extenders/
We cannot get the HDMI feed to gothrough the device.	Please do the following checklist : – Make sure HDMI connection is correct. HDMI cable should be within 30ft. Otherwise, you need to have an active HDMI extension. – Monitor if the HDMI led is ON. – Monitor the video resolution through our app or through the web interface if it is detected properly. – Make sure that the HDMI feed is not an encrypted HDCP source like a bluray or set-top box. The HDMI input is compatible with HDMI cameras.
My camera software running on my computer is not detecting the camera while the CAM230 is connected in line.	Unfortunately, this is the expected behavior since the PC is agnostic of the USB camera. However, the device supports all UVC controls (pan, tilt and zoom controls) and can route them to the selected camera.
LAN interface is not working properly. Firmware updates from LAN interface takes a long time or hang/timeout.	Make sure the port that is connected to the LAN interface is using 100Mbps halfduplex. Slow updates through LAN interface can be caused by duplex mismatch. The LAN interface does not do any autonegotiation.

SUPPORT

Engineered by video professionals, for video professionals, it is your most compatible USB 3.0 device. INOGENI expertise at your fingertips:

Expert Technical Support team at support@inogeni.com for immediate help or if you have any technical question about our products.
Extensive Knowledge Base to learn from other customers’ experiences.

© Copyright 2023 by INOGENI INC. All Rights Reserved.
INOGENI name and logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of INOGENI. Use of this product is subject to the terms and conditions of the license and limited warranty in effect at the time of purchase. Product specifications can change without notice.

INOGENI, Inc.
1045 Avenue Wilfrid-Pelletier
Suite 101
Québec, QC, Canada, G1W0C6
418-651-3383

CERTIFICATIONS

FCC Radio Frequency Interference Statement Warning
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation.
IC Statement
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian CAN ICES-3(A)/NMB-3(A).
CE Statement
We, INOGENI Inc., declare under our sole responsibility that the CAM230, to which this declaration relates, is in conformity with European Standards EN 55032, EN 55035, and RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU + 2015/863/EU.
UKCA Statement
This device is compliant with the Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016 No. 1091 as part of the requirements leading to the UKCA marking.
WEEE Statement
The European Union has established regulations for the collection and recycling of all waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Implementation of WEEE regulations may vary slightly by individual EU member states. Please check with your local and state government guidelines for safe disposal and recycling or contact your national WEEE recycling agency for more information.
RCM Statement
This device is compliant with Regulator Compliance Mark (RCM) certification.

Documents / Resources

INOGENI CAM230 Multi Camera Switcher [pdf] User Guide
CAM230, CAM230 Multi Camera Switcher, Multi Camera Switcher, Camera Switcher, Switcher

References

User Manual

VERSION HISTORY