D&R CAMCON Visual Radio Control

Introduction

Dear Client,

Thank you for choosing the D&R CAMCON (CAMera CONtroller). The Camcon hardware was designed by Radio Broadcast professionals along with the D&R design team and is intended to be used as the control unit for Visual Radio Control (VRC) software Scene controller together with OBS in the most demanding production room. We are confident that you will be using the Camcon hardware and VCR software for many years to come, and wish you lots of success.

We value suggestions from our clients and would be grateful if you could email us with your comments when you are familiar with the Camcon unit and its VRC. We learn from the ideas and suggestions of customers like you and appreciate your time taken to eventually do this. And... we always appreciate nice studio pictures with the Camcon in use to include on our website. Please mail them to sales@d-r.nl

With kind regards,

Duco de Rijk
md

What is CAMCON?

The "CAMCON (CAMera CONtrol Triggerbox)" measures microphone levels and sends these over a USB link to a PC where visual radio software runs.

The Triggerbox/CAMCON is very simple to use. The unit is placed in series with the microphone and the mixing console. Therefore each channel will have an XLR input and an XLR output that also acts as a thru connector. In order to support multiple microphones, the gain for the level measurement to switch camera's can be done on the front panel with one single push switch. NOTE: This has no influence on the Mic XLR signal and is only for internal measurement.

This product needs to be used with the following software: CAMCON server software (included), Visual Radio Control (VRC) (included) and OBS (freeware version 27 only).

Wiring Diagrams

Wiring diagram for AIRLITE mixer: This diagram illustrates the connection of the CAMCON unit between a microphone, the AIRLITE mixer (showing MIC IN, GPI, GPO ports), and a PC running OBS. It visually represents how audio signals and control data flow through the system.

Wiring diagram for AIRERNCE mixer: Similar to the AIRLITE diagram, this shows the CAMCON unit's integration with an AIRERNCE mixer, connecting microphones, the mixer's inputs/outputs, and the PC running OBS for visual radio control.

Connections and Front Panel

The CAMCON requires a power source between 100 and 240 volt AC. The included USB cable connects the CAMCON to your PC, where the software operates. Microphone cables are hardwired, connecting in and out of the unit. The GPI and GPO jacks are wired on tip and ring, supporting both mono and stereo cables.

On the front panel, you can adjust the incoming Mic level using pushbuttons, which can also be done via the software. LEDs indicate the level settings and signal presence. If GPI or GPO is active, corresponding LEDs will illuminate. The Status LEDs on the right side of the front panel indicate if the unit is powered on and if the USB connection is active.

Software Installation and Setup

Necessary Downloads

Before installing the Visual Radio Control (VRC) software, it is crucial to install the Camcom application software first, followed by the OBS freeware. Only then can the VRC software establish links to both applications.

Installing CAMCON Software

1. Go to the www.dnrbroadcast.com website. 2. Click on the tab "Your Support", then choose the tab "Service information / FAQ". 3. The D&R WIKI page will be displayed. Select the Camcon device to navigate to its product page. 4. Choose "CamCon Control" to start your download. You may encounter pop-up screens warning about malware; these can typically be ignored. If malware protection alerts appear, select "more info" and choose to accept/continue.

Installing OBS Studio

OBS Studio version 27 is required for compatibility with the D&R VRC software (version 28 is not yet supported). Download links are provided:

• 64-bit: OBS-Studio-27.2.4-Full-Installer-x64.exe
• 32-bit: OBS-Studio-27.2.4-Full-Installer-x86.exe

Installing OBS Websocket Plugin

The Visual Radio Control software requires the Websockets Plugin for OBS Studio to be controlled by other software.

Download the OBS Studio Websocket Plugin from: OBS Project Forum. On the page, click "Go to download", scroll to the bottom, and download the plugin for your system. Install it according to the included instructions. Note: Version 1.0.0 supports Websocket Protocol version 4.X.

Configuring the Websocket Plugin

After installing and restarting OBS Studio, the plugin will appear in the "Tools" menu. Click "Tools" > "Websockets Server Settings". Ensure "Enable WebSockets server" is checked. You can optionally set a password for access control, which must also be configured in the VRC settings.

Installing Visual Radio Control (VRC)

Download VRC from the D&R website (www.dnrbroadcast.com) via the "Your Support" > "Service information / FAQ" section, selecting the Camcon device on the D&R WIKI page.

Installation options include:

• Choose "Install for all users" (recommended).
• Select Destination Location.
• Select additional Tasks.
• Create a desktop shortcut.
• Click "Install" and then "Finish".

Upon successful installation, the VRC software will display a start screen indicating that no scenes are available yet, requiring setup in the broadcasting software.

Using the System

Initial Configuration

To check if the current configuration is working, start Visual Radio Control. Ensure CAMCON CONTROL and OBS Studio 27 (with the plugin) are running. Click the 'Cogwheel' icon labelled 'Configuration'.

The configuration screen displays connections: VRC engine connection, CamCon hardware connection, and OBS Studio Websockets Server connection. A green 'check-mark' ✔️ indicates a live connection. If not, refresh connections by pressing F5 or consult the "Trouble Shooting Section".

Accessing the Interface

After installation, you can access the system via your web browser at http://localhost:8519/. A blank screen indicates no Camcon connection. Refreshing the screen (F5) or restarting the Camcon application may resolve this. The 'ON' LED (below 'STATUS') should be green when the Camcon Device is connected and turned on.

Renaming Channels

To make channels easily recognizable, you can rename them. Double-click or right-click a channel name and select "Change channel name" from the menu. Enter the new name in the dialog box and click 'Ok'.

Channel Settings

By right-clicking on a label, you can access various settings:

• Gain: Adjust levels (0|20|30|50dB), also controllable from the front panel.
• GPI triggers: Options include "None" or "Mic on".
• GPO triggers: Options include "None", "GPI", "Mic on", "Remote".
• Identify channel: This action causes the CamCon LEDs on the hardware to blink, helping to identify specific channels.

Identifying Devices/Channels

To confirm device connection or distinguish between multiple Camcon Devices:

• Click the 'Camcon' word on screen.
• Click the 'D&R' logo.
• Right-click on the left side of the device and select 'Identify' from the menu.

Performing any of these actions should cause the connected Camcon Device's 'Gain' LEDs to blink. If no response occurs, the PC-to-Camcon connection has failed. You can also identify individual channels by clicking their separator bar or right-clicking and selecting 'Identify channel'.

Creating and Managing Scenes

In the VRC software, hit the "+ Add scene" button. The scene menu allows you to connect scenes from your broadcasting software (like OBS) to audio sources. The VTR software then activates a scene when a corresponding audio source becomes active.

Scene Properties:

• Scene Name: Retrieved automatically from VRC software, should match OBS scenes.
• Audio (metering) source: Select an OBS scene. This provides metering information to decide if a channel (e.g., someone speaking) should activate its scene. Metering information is not the sole factor; the 'MicOn source' must also be active.
• MicOn source: Select an OBS source to control the scene. Typically, this is a mixer channel turned 'On' with its fader not at minus infinity. For Camcon, this can be the 'GPI' signal. The 'MicOn source' must be active for the 'Audio source' to be monitored.
• Metering threshold: Sets the minimum level (-50dB to +5dB) required for activation. 'Gain' settings affect the measured level.
• Scheduling priority: Determines focus when multiple sources are active. Higher values increase priority. Range: -999999 to +999999.
• Hold time: (0-10 Sec) Keeps a scene active for a set duration to prevent flickering, even if the audio level drops or 'Mic on' deactivates.
• Activation delay: A delay before a scene becomes active, useful for handling background noise or brief audio events.

Modifying and Removing Scenes: Click the 'Edit scenes' button to modify scene properties. To change a scene for sources, you may need to remove and recreate the scene. A 'Delete' button is available under each configured scene for removal.

Direct Control: After configuration, click 'Edit scenes'. All configured scenes are then controlled by the 'engine' and will automatically activate in the broadcasting software.

A setup with 4 cameras might look like this:

[Visual representation of 4 camera scene configurations with DJ-1, DJ-2, DJ-3, and Always settings, showing Audio source, MicOn source, Metering threshold, Scheduling priority, Hold time, and Activation delay.]

Good to Know, Tips, and Hints

• The Visual Radio Control engine operates in the background without needing a browser to be open.
• The engine directs your broadcasting software as long as configured scenes are available.
• The engine connects to and updates the browser UI when open.
• You can monitor and influence the engine via the browser.
• Scenes can be activated manually by clicking them. The currently focused scene has a distinct indicator.
• Closing the web browser does NOT stop the engine. The engine must be stopped separately.
• For multi-PC setups, ensure correct hostnames or IP addresses are entered and click 'Apply'. A green checkbox ✔️ indicates a successful connection.
• On a single PC, a green 'check-mark' ✔️ indicates a live connection. Use F5 to refresh connections.
• When accessing from another PC or mobile device, if you see a yellow-ish arrow figure, it means no active connection. Change the URL from ws://127.0.0.1:10840 to ws://<ip-address-of-pc>:10840 and click 'Apply'.
• Connection information is viewed from the engine's perspective. 'localhost' refers to the local PC.

Scene Properties Explained

Scene Name: Retrieved from VRC software, should match OBS scenes. Assign 'Audio source' and 'MicOn source' for proper control.

Audio Source: Provides metering information for the VRC software to determine channel activity and scene activation. 'MicOn source' must be active before metering is monitored.

MicOn Source: Typically a mixer channel that is 'On' with its fader not at minus infinity. For Camcon, this can be the 'GPI' signal connected to the GPI input port. The 'MicOn source' must be active for the 'Audio source' to be monitored and considered for scene activation.

NOTE: If your mixer lacks a GPO signal, patch the GPI to the same channel's GPO and activate the GPO output in the 'Camcon Configuration Manager'. This may lead to scenes switching solely by mic signals, even if a fader is down.

Troubleshooting

• OBS Version Compatibility: D&R VRC software may not work with OBS version 28. Use version 27. Links are provided for download.
• WebSocket Plugin: Ensure the plugin is correctly installed and configured in OBS.
• USB Device Not Recognized: Refresh with F5 or unplug and replug the USB cable.
• Cannot Connect: Check your USB cable and refresh with F5.
• "Windows Defender" Reports Virus: Uninstall the software and perform a fresh installation rather than upgrading. Download from the specified link and access via http://localhost:8519/.

Ensure your Camcon Device is connected via USB to your PC and powered on. The 'ON' LED (under 'Status') should be green.

Technical Specifications and Dimensions

CAMCON Frame Dimensions

• Front Left-Right: 482 mm
• Frame left right: 430mm
• Front-Back: 175 mm
• Height: 44 mm (1HE)
• Front panel thickness: 2 mm
• Radius Corners: 20 mm
• Weight: 5 kg.

Company Information

Company: D&R Electronica b.v.

Address: Rijnkade 15B, 1382 GS WEESP, Netherlands

Phone: 0031 (0)294-418 014

Website: https://www.dnrbroadcast.com

E-mail: sales@d-r.nl

Summary

This manual provides essential information for using the CamCon trigger unit. For further assistance, contact your local dealer or email support@d-r.nl. If you acquired the unit second-hand, check the dealer information on the D&R website.

Electromagnetic Compatibility

This unit conforms to Product Specifications and the Declaration of Conformity. Operation is subject to two conditions: the device must not cause harmful interference, and it must accept any received interference. Operation within significant electromagnetic fields should be avoided, and only shielded interconnecting cables should be used.

Declaration of Conformity

Manufacturer: D&R Electronica b.v.

Address: Rijnkade 15B, 1382 GS Weesp, The Netherlands

Declares that this product:

• Name product: AIRLITE
• Model number: n.a.
• Product options installed: none

Passed the following product specifications:

• Safety: IEC 60065 (7th ed. 2001)
• EMC: EN 55013 (2001+A1), EN 55020 (1998)

Supplementary Information: The product passed specifications for Low voltage (72/23/EEC) and EMC-Directive (89/336/EEC, amended by 93/68/EEC). The product is tested in a normal user environment.

Product Safety

This product is manufactured to high standards and checked for reliability.

CAUTION

• Never remove panels or open the equipment; there are no user-serviceable parts inside.
• Equipment power supply must be grounded at all times.
• Use the product only as described in the manual or brochure.
• Do not operate in high humidity or expose to water or liquids.
• Check the AC power supply cable for secure contact.
• Have equipment checked yearly by a qualified dealer service center.
• Follow rules carefully to avoid hazardous electrical shock.
• Ground all equipment using the ground pin in the AC power supply cable. Never remove this pin.
• Eliminate ground loops using isolation transformers for all inputs and outputs.
• Replace blown fuses only with the same type and rating after disconnecting from AC power. If problems persist, return to a qualified service technician.
• Always earth your equipment using the grounding pin in your mains plug.
• Hum loops should be cured by proper wiring and isolation input/output transformers.
• Replace fuses with the same type and rating after turning off and unplugging the equipment.
• If a fuse blows again, indicating equipment failure, do not use it again and return it for repair.
• Always keep this safety information in mind when using electrically powered equipment.