Swann PRO-646 Pan & Tilt Security Camera
Installation, Operation, and Technical Guide
Support and Warranty Information
Technical Support:
- Email: tech@swannsecurity.com
- USA Toll-Free: 1-800-627-2799
- Australia Toll-Free: 1300 138 324
- New Zealand Toll-Free: 0800 479 266
- UK: 0203 027 0979
- Refer to worldtimeserver.com for time zone information.
Warranty:
Swann Communications warrants the PRO-646 against defects in workmanship and material for one (1) year from the original purchase date. Proof of purchase (receipt) is required for warranty validation. Repairs or replacements are at Swann's discretion. The end user is responsible for all freight and shipping charges. The warranty does not cover incidental, accidental, or consequential damages, misuse, or unauthorized modifications.
FCC Verification: This equipment complies with FCC Part 15 limits for Class B digital devices, designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference.
About the PRO-646 Camera
Congratulations on purchasing the Swann PRO-646 Pan & Tilt camera. This camera offers electronically controlled pan and tilt, allowing precise aiming for your security system.
Setup: Connecting the PRO-646 involves extra wires and DVR configuration for pan/tilt control.
Lens and Field of View: The camera features a 6mm lens providing a 45-degree viewing angle. This offers a slightly narrower field of view than the human eye, capable of capturing details at a reasonable distance. For recognizing faces or license plates, mount the camera within 10 feet (3 meters) of the target. Optimal placement is typically above the target, looking down.
Visual Description of Field of View: The camera's view is represented by a cone shape. At 27 feet (8.3 meters), the width is approximately 27 feet. At 33 feet (10 meters), the width is approximately 33 feet, with a 45-degree angle.
Technical Specifications
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Image Sensor | 1/3" Sony CCD |
Video Quality | 600 TV Lines |
Effective Pixels | NTSC: 768 x 494 PAL: 752 x 582 |
Minimum Illumination | 0.01 Lux |
White Balance | Automatic |
Signal / Noise Ratio | > 50dB |
Electronic Shutter | NTSC: 1/60 - 1/100,000 PAL: 1/50 - 1/100,000 |
Gain Control | Automatic |
Backlight Compensation | Yes |
Lens | 6mm |
Viewing Angle | 45 degrees |
Dome Type | 4" Pan & Tilt Dome |
Baud Rate | 9600bps (default) |
Pan Rotation | Continuous 360° |
Tilt Rotation | 0° ~ 90° |
Preset Points | Up to 32 |
Panning Speed | 35°/sec |
Panning Accuracy | +/- 3° |
Programmable Pattern | Up to 16 preset points |
Troubleshooting
- Problem: Blank Screen
Solution: Check camera wiring, power supply, video lead, and ensure the DVR/VCR is outputting the signal correctly. Try a different video lead or monitor. - Problem: No Night Vision
Solution: The PRO-646 has low-light vision but no active infrared. For dark environments, consider adding external lighting (spotlights, security lights). - Problem: Camera Not Moving
Solution: Verify correct channel connection (ID1 to CH1, ID2 to CH2), RS485 connection integrity, correct polarity (red to '+', black to '-'), and matching PTZ configuration settings in the DVR.
Package Contents
- PRO-646 Pan & Tilt Camera
- Roof Mounting Arm/Bracket
- Wall Mount Arm
- Mounting Screws
- Operating Instructions
- Power Adapter (DC 12V)
- 60ft (18m) Extension Cable
- Spare Camera Cable & Plug Board
If any items are missing, contact Swann for assistance.
Mounting and Connecting the Camera
Pre-Mounting Check: Ensure no live electrical cables are present in the mounting area.
Connecting the Camera Cable:
- Run the extension cable through the mounting arm/bracket.
- Feed the camera end of the cable first.
- Plug the cable into the top of the camera.
- For outdoor mounting, seal screw threads with silicone sealant to maintain waterproofing.
- Screw the mounting arm/bracket onto the dome. Handle connectors carefully to avoid damage.
Mounting: Place the connected camera in the desired location and secure the arm/bracket with appropriate screws.
Cable Management: Ensure sufficient cable length. Drill holes if running cables through walls/ceilings.
Joining Cables: Avoid cutting or joining video cables, as this reduces quality and increases failure risk. Use single, unmodified cables.
Weather Exposure: The PRO-646 is IP66 rated (weather/water resistant). However, prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures, moisture, or direct sunlight may affect performance. Ensure all outdoor mounting joints are properly sealed with silicone sealant to prevent water ingress.
Controlling the Camera
PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) control is managed via the DVR's interface. Access the PTZ Setup window by pressing the PTZ button on the remote or right-clicking in live view and selecting PTZ.
PTZ Controls:
- Speed Adjustment: Controls the pan speed (higher number = faster movement).
- Arrow Buttons: Manually pan and tilt the camera. The center button returns the camera to the HOME position.
- Zoom/Focus/Iris: These functions are not supported by the PRO-646 camera itself, as it uses a fixed lens and automatic exposure control.
- Cruise Set: Used to configure patrol routes (see Cruise Mode below).
- Exit: Leaves the PTZ Setup menu.
Cruise Mode:
Set up patrol routes by defining "POINTS" for the camera to move to:
- Move the camera to a desired position using the arrow buttons.
- Press the SET button to save the point. Points are saved sequentially.
- Define points in the desired order for the patrol route.
- Use the GOTO button to return to a saved point. Use the CLEAN button to remove all saved points.
- Select SAVE and then EXIT to finish.
- Start cruise mode via the pop-up menu (START CRUISE) and stop it with STOP CRUISE.
Connecting and Configuring the DVR
This section assumes use with a Swann DVR-1300 and two PRO-646 cameras.
Connecting RS485 Cables:
To connect two cameras to a single RS485 port:
- Connect both purple/red RS485 wires to the left socket, tightening the locking screw.
- Connect both grey/black RS485 wires to the right socket, tightening the screw. Ensure correct polarity.
Connecting Cameras to DVR Inputs:
Cameras are marked ID1 and ID2. Connect ID1 to Channel 1 and ID2 to Channel 2 on the DVR for automatic configuration.
DVR PTZ Setup Configuration:
Navigate to Main Menu --> Device --> PTZ Setup.
Ensure settings match the following for channels 1 and 2:
Feature | Channel 1 | Channel 2 |
---|---|---|
Protocol | Pelco-D | Pelco-D |
Baud Rate | 9600 | 9600 |
Data Bit | 8 | 8 |
Stop Bit | 1 | 1 |
Parity | None | None |
Cruise | Off | Off |
Address | 001 | 002 |
Camera Placement and Operating Tips
General Considerations:
Choose placement based on installation intent, environment, and lighting. Ensure the camera is close enough to capture required details (e.g., faces/plates within 10ft/3m). Position the camera where potential threats cannot easily avoid it, such as monitoring entrances and exits.
Field of View: The PRO-646 offers 360° pan. Wall mounting allows 180° view; freestanding poles or ceiling mounts are ideal for maximizing view.
Height: Mount cameras high to utilize the full 90° tilt range below the horizontal plane.
Lighting: Aim the camera at evenly lit areas. Avoid placing subjects in shadows next to bright areas. It's better to have the camera in shade looking into light.
Cabling: Avoid sharp bends in cables; use gradual curves to maintain signal quality. Keep cables away from live electrical wiring to prevent radio noise interference.
Connection Diagram and Instructions
Visual Description of Connection Diagram: The diagram shows the PRO-646 camera connected via an extension cable to a DVR unit. The extension cable includes power and RS485 connections. The RS485 wires (purple/red and grey/black) are shown connecting to specific ports on the DVR. The power adapter connects to the extension cable and then to a wall socket.
Connection Instructions:
- Connect the extension cable to the camera's DC power jack and BNC connector.
- Connect the two RS485 wires (purple/red and grey/black) to the appropriate plugs on the extension cable, ensuring correct polarity (purple/red to '+', grey/black to '-').
- Plug the RS485 connector into the camera end of the extension cable.
- Connect the other end of the RS485 wires to the RS485 port on the rear of the DVR, matching polarity (+/-).
- Connect the extension cable's BNC plug to a VIDEO INPUT on the DVR (default is Channel 1).
- Connect the DC INPUT plug on the extension cable to the DC OUT jack on the AC power adapter.
- Plug the AC power adapter into a wall socket.
RS485 Explanation: The RS485 wires transmit control signals from the DVR to the camera, enabling pan and tilt functions. Correct polarity is essential for proper operation.