RADA A-VC01, A-TC20, A-TC30, and A-TC04 cameras configuration

All RADA cameras feature detailed user manuals with explanations of all their features. The purpose of this lesson is to provide a general overview of each camera and summarise the most important details of their setup. Please be aware that this is one of the longer lessons and will require a bit more time than usual.

RADA A-VC01

RADA A-VC01 VersaCam is a 4K, ePTZ auto-framing camera with built-in omnidirectional microphones. It has USB and HDMI outputs, both of which work simultaneously. The USB output on VersaCam powers the camera and sends its audio and video. The HDMI output only sends the video. VersaCam is primarily designed for small and medium-sized conference and huddle rooms, home offices, and other locations where there may be one or several people in front of the camera. It does not require installation of any applications to be used.

The camera is powered by the USB device it is connected to. The camera is compatible with all conferencing software applications like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Cisco Webex, and others, recording and streaming software like OBS or vMix, and various AV hardware, including AREC Media Stations and other devices.

The following materials are based on the camera running firmware version 9.0.77 054.AD. If your camera’s version is different, it is possible that some menus or options will not be the same. You can download the latest firmware version from our website www.a-dena.com → “Resources” → “Firmware & Resources” page.

Accessing the camera’s settings

VersaCam settings can be configured using the provided IR remote control. VersaCam remotes use 2 AAA batteries for power. Note that the products are shipped without batteries.

By default, both the camera and its remote are set to IR address 1. The remote's IR address can be changed by pressing on number buttons under "CAMERA SELECT". Press "1" to change the remote's address to 1.

To change a VersaCam’s IR address, use the remote and press 3 keys in quick succession: * then # then and one of the coloured F keys. "F1" stands for IR address 1, "F2" for 2, and so on. Note that the remote must have the same IR address as the camera for this key combination to work.

To check the camera’s address, connect its USB or HDMI video output and press “Menu” on the remote. If the menu opens, the camera is on the same IR address as the remote. If not, change the remote’s address and try again.

All remote control functions and key combinations are described in the camera’s quick installation guide available on our website www.a-dena.com

A-VC01 OSD menu

By default, most of the settings that affect image quality are set to “Auto”, meaning that the camera will adjust itself automatically to the environment and can be used out of the box. In case you need to fine-tune any of the settings, or configure unique features of the camera, you will need to access its OSD menu.

The OSD menu is displayed together with the USB and HDMI outputs of the camera. All settings of the camera can be accessed from this menu. Press “Menu” to open it. There are several available submenus on the main page:

• Exposure: settings in this submenu control the brightness and refresh rate of your camera.

• Color: settings in this submenu control white balance modes, saturation, hue, and other parameters related to the camera’s colour interpretation.

• Image: settings in this submenu control general parameters of the camera’s image, including luminance, sharpness, contrast, gamma, as well as vertical and horizontal flip, among others.

• Noise Reduction: settings in this submenu control 2D and 3D noise reduction presets.

• Setting: other settings of the camera, including ePTZ, audio, tracking, language, image output, and other functions.

• Information: enter this menu to see the camera’s version.

• Restore Default: use this menu to restore the camera to its factory default settings.

• Exit: close the menu.

Use arrows on the remote to navigate the menu. Press “Home” to enter a menu, or the “Menu”/”arrow back” button to leave it. The camera’s OSD menu closes automatically after 30 seconds of inactivity.

Auto framing on A-VC01

One of the defining features of A-VC01 is its auto-framing function. In cameras with FW version 9.0.77 054.AD and newer, there are two auto-framing modes: “Instant” and “Smooth”. The difference between them is in how the camera transitions from wide view to framed view. If “Instant” is selected, the transition is instantaneous. If “Smooth” is selected, the camera gently zooms in or out and takes a moment to frame on targets.

Auto-framing modes are configured in “Menu” → “Setting” → “Osd EXT setting”. Select “Tracking Mode” and use the left and right arrows to turn the mode on (called “Participants”) or off. When the mode is set to “Participants”, another option called “Tracking Effect” appears, where you can choose between “Instant” and “Smooth” framing modes.

Zoom presets on A-VC01

A-VC01 allows configuring the minimum and maximum zoom presets. This can be adjusted in the “Menu” → “Setting” submenu by pressing the left or right arrow keys in “Zoom Limit”. It is possible to set 3x as the minimum zoom and 8x as the maximum zoom.

Audio settings on A-VC01

A-VC01 built-in omnidirectional microphones are enabled by default. Microphone settings can be configured in the “Menu” → “Setting” → “Audio” submenu.

Video codec on A-VC01

By default, A-VC01 uses the H.264 video codec, and NV12 is disabled. However, some hardware or software solutions may require a different video codec to work. To change it on the A-VC01, open “Menu” → “Setting” → “UVC EXT setting” submenu.

HDMI and USB resolution settings on A-VC01

To adjust A-VC01 HDMI output parameters, open “Menu” → “Setting” → “HDMI setting” submenu. It is possible to enable or disable HDMI outputs, enable DVI compatibility mode, and change the resolution and frame rate of the camera’s HDMI output.

USB and HDMI resolutions are configured separately on the A-VC01. The USB resolution for the camera is set by the device or software it connects to.

Example – changing source resolution on an AREC Media Station

On AREC Media Stations that support USB video inputs (e.g. LS-410, LS-310, LS-210), source resolution can be changed on the “Administrator” → “Media I/O” → “Video inputs” page in channels where “Source type” is set to “Video port”. Click the ellipsis “...” button next to the selected video source to change its resolution.

Example – changing resolution using the Windows Camera application

When using software, it is usually possible to change the resolution using this software’s settings. If the software does not allow that and you are using a Windows computer, you can use the default Windows “Camera” application. Open and cycle through cameras until A-VC01 video output is displayed. Next, click on “Settings” in the top-left corner and open “Photo settings”. Set the camera resolution in the “Photo quality” drop-down list.

ePTZ function on A-VC01

ePTZ function on A-VC01 is available only when the auto-framing function is turned off and ePTZ is enabled. To enable ePTZ, open the “Menu” → “Setting” page and ensure that “EPTZ” is set to "On".

It is possible to save presets on A-VC01. To save a preset, press the “Preset” button on the remote, and then press any of the preset numbers to save it as this preset. A confirmation message will appear on the camera’s video output if the preset was successfully saved.

Note that ePTZ and PTZ are very different technologies. For example, ePTZ does not involve physical movement of the lens, and so the camera’s image can be moved left and right only after it is zoomed in (and still within the original field of view of the camera).

RADA A-TC20 NoirCam PTZ Camera

RADA A-TC20 NoirCam is a Full HD, 20x optical zoom PTZ camera with HDMI, SDI, USB, and network video outputs that can all work simultaneously. A-TC20 is designed for small and medium-sized conference rooms, auditoriums, lecture halls, and other locations. It does not require installation of any applications to be used. The camera can be powered by PoE or its DC12V power adapter. The camera is compatible with all conferencing software applications like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Cisco Webex, and others, recording and streaming software like OBS or vMix, and various AV hardware, including AREC Media Stations and other devices.

The following instructions are based on the camera running firmware version 1.1.06. If your camera’s version is different, it is possible that some menus or options will not be the same. You can download the latest firmware version from our website www.a-dena.com → “Resources” → “Firmware & Resources” page.

Accessing the camera’s settings using the camera’s remote control

A-TC20 settings can be configured using the provided IR remote control. A-TC20 remotes use 2 AAA batteries for power. Note that the products are shipped without batteries.

By default, both the camera and its remote are set to IR address 1.  The remote's IR address can be changed by pressing on number buttons under "CAMERA". Press "1" to change the remote's address to 1.

To change the IR address of A-TC20, use the remote to open its OSD menu. This menu is displayed on every video output of the camera when it is open, including network streams. Navigate to “SYSTEM”, then select the address you want in “IR ADDR”.

All remote control functions and key combinations, as well as all camera settings, are described in the camera’s user manual. You can download it from our website www.a-dena.com.

Configuration of A-TC20

Most of the image-related settings are by default set to auto, meaning that the camera will adjust itself automatically to the environment and can be used out of the box. In case you need to fine-tune any of the settings or configure unique features of the camera, you can do so through the web interface of the camera or its OSD menu.

To set up the camera with a remote control, connect one of its video outputs and press “MENU” on the remote control.

To set up the camera via its web interface, connect it directly to your computer or to the same network with a network cable. The default IP address of the camera is 192.168.11.201, and the default username and password are both “admin”.

The main page of the A-TC20 web interface is called Live View. This page shows the camera’s substream preview, allows you to control and configure its PTZ, use its OSD (even without a remote), and adjust image-related settings, such as focus, exposure, white balance, noise reduction, and more.

Connecting audio to A-TC20

By default, audio inputs are enabled on A-TC20. The camera has a 3.5mm line input on its back panel. You can enable, disable, and configure the input volume of the audio source on the “Audio Config” page of the camera.

Configuring A-TC20 video outputs

Frame rate, bitrate, resolution, and other parameters of video outputs are configured on the “Video Config” page of the camera. All settings for the network streams of the camera can be found under “Video Output Config”. In their default values, these settings are sufficient for usage with AREC Media Stations and standard conferencing hardware and software.

To change the camera’s HDMI and SDI video output resolution and frame rate, click on the drop-down menu next to “Video Format” under “Video Format Config” on the same page. Changing the resolution will make the camera restart.

Note that when NDI is enabled on the camera, its substream will be locked to 360P no matter the settings on it. NDI is enabled by default in the camera.

Setting up A-TC20 for direct streaming

A-TC20 can be used for direct streaming to various streaming platforms via RTMP and SRT. Streaming is configured on the “Media Config” page of the camera. Click “Enable” next to either “Stream 1” or “Stream 2”, choose which camera stream you want to send (main stream or sub stream), and then type the server URL and stream key (separated by a forward slash “/”) in the same format as on AREC Media Stations:

rtmp://server URL/stream key

The stream will start automatically as long as it is enabled and the link is written correctly. If you would like to try SRT or RTMP streaming, but you are not sure where to start, review Basics Lesson 7 "Configuring streaming settings on AREC Media Stations". While that lesson focuses on AREC Media Stations, the streaming setup of A-TC20 is nearly identical to them.

NDI settings of A-TC20

By default, A-TC20 cameras come with NDI enabled and turned on. You can configure its settings on the camera’s “NDI Config” page. Enable or disable NDI with a toggle, set its mode (HX2 or HX3), name, or group.

Note that on 1.1.18 and later firmware versions, when NDI is enabled, the substream is locked to 360p. If you need a higher quality image on the camera's substream, make sure to disable NDI.

PTZ control settings on A-TC20

By default, A-TC20 is configured to work with AREC Media Stations, and so there is no need to change any of the settings on the “Control Protocol Config” page if you are using the camera with an AREC device. If you are using the camera by itself, or with other hardware or software, then you can use this page to set up the port and mode for VISCA control, and also configure the camera’s tally light function.

Note that currently the camera’s auto tally mode only works in OBS with the NDI plugin installed. To use the camera’s tally light with AREC Media Stations or other hardware and software solutions, you will need to send VISCA commands or manually change status on the camera’s “Control Protocol Config” page.

A-TC20 system settings and information pages

The last pages of the web interface are used for a few system settings.

• To manage user accounts for the camera, open “System Config” → “User Management”. It is possible to create new users and operators with fewer permissions.

• To change the camera’s network settings, open “System Config” → “Ethernet Config”.

• To update the camera’s firmware version, open “System Config” → “Firmware Update”.

A-TC20 device information page

To check and change the camera’s current firmware version, name, and MAC address, open the last page in the camera’s web interface, “Device Info”.

RADA A-TC30 NoirCam Auto-Tracking PTZ Camera

RADA A-TC30 NoirCam is a Full HD, 30x optical zoom PTZ camera with AI auto-tracking. Just like A-TC20, it has HDMI, SDI, USB, and network video outputs that can all work simultaneously. A-TC30 is designed for small and large-sized conference rooms, auditoriums, lecture halls, and other locations. It does not require installation of any applications to be used. The camera can be powered by PoE or its DC12V power adapter. The camera is compatible with all conferencing software applications like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Cisco Webex, and others, recording and streaming software like OBS or vMix, and various AV hardware, including AREC Media Stations and other devices.

A-TC30 is configured identically to A-TC20 and has the same default settings. The only difference is in auto tracking, which we will focus on in this section of the lesson.

The following instructions are based on the camera running firmware version 1.0.27. If your camera’s version is different, it is possible that some menus or options will not be the same. You can download the latest firmware version from our website www.a-dena.com → “Resources” → “Firmware & Resources” page.

Configuring auto tracking on A-TC30 – "General settings" tab

A-TC30 has a configurable AI auto-tracking function that is designed to follow an acquired target until that target leaves the field of vision of the camera. Tracking can be turned on and off using the remote control and the camera’s web interface.

To turn tracking on or off using the remote control, press “F1”. You can change the tracking mode using the other F keys:

• F2: upper body tracking mode.

• F3: half body tracking mode.

• F4: full body tracking mode.

In addition, the camera's remote can be used to change the current tracking target using the "arrow left" and "arrow right" buttons. Note that the camera must see another possible tracking target for this function to work.

To turn tracking on or off using the web interface, open the “Tracking Config” page → “General settings” tab and toggle “Track Switch” on.

The web interface has additional tracking settings. On the “General settings” tab, “Tracking Height” allows you to set the minimum height for a target to be tracked. There is also a PTZ control joystick on this page to make adjusting “Tracking Height” easier.

Configuring auto tracking on A-TC30 – "Advanced settings" tab

On the “Advanced settings” tab, you can enable/disable tilt tracking, adjust the tracking sensitivity, speed of movement, target lost time (meaning, delay before the camera returns to target lost position), whether the camera should start in auto-tracking mode or not, and the target lost position itself.

A-TC30 also supports special tracking zone presets. When a target walks into these presets, a particular set of PTZ parameters will be applied. As long as the target stays within this preset zone, the camera will not react to movement, and it will continue displaying the toggled preset until the target leaves the preset area.

Special tracking zone presets are presets 19, 20, 21, and 22. They are configured in the same way as other presets.

Special tracking zone presets have many uses. For example, such a preset can be saved to focus on an interactive board or display, ensuring that the camera stays focused on it when the tracking target approaches. Another example is saving a tracking zone preset for the tracking target's desk or area to minimise camera movement when the target is seated or moving only slightly.

A-TC04 NoirCam 4K PTZ Tracking Camera

RADA A-TC04 NoirCam is a 4K, 25x optical zoom PTZ camera with HDMI, SDI, USB, and network video outputs that can all work simultaneously. A-TC04 is designed for medium and large-sized conference rooms, auditoriums, lecture halls, and other locations. It does not require installation of any applications to be used.

The camera can be powered by PoE or its DC12V power adapter. The camera is compatible with all conferencing software applications like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Cisco Webex, and others, recording and streaming software like OBS or vMix, and various AV hardware, including AREC Media Stations and other devices.

The following instructions are based on the camera running these firmware versions:

• MCU: 3.3.2

• Camera: 3.0.1

• AF: 1.0.5

• NDI: 5.1.3

If your camera’s version is different, it is possible that some menus or options will not be the same. You can download the latest firmware version from our website www.a-dena.com → “Resources” → “Firmware & Resources” page.

Accessing the camera’s settings using the camera’s remote control

A-TC04 settings can be configured using the provided IR remote control. A-TC04 remotes use 2 AAA batteries for power. Note that the products are shipped without batteries.

By default, both the camera and its remote are set to IR address 1. The remote's IR address can be changed by pressing on number buttons under "CAMERA SELECT". Press "1" to change the remote's address to 1.

To change the IR address of A-TC04, use the remote and press 3 keys in quick succession: * then # then and one of the coloured F keys. "F1" stands for IR address 1, "F2" for 2, and so on. Note that the remote must have the same IR address as the camera for this key combination to work.

A-TC04 OSD menu is displayed on its USB and HDMI outputs.

All remote control functions and key combinations, as well as all camera settings, are described in the camera’s user manual. You can download it from our website www.a-dena.com.

Most of the camera’s settings are adjusted using its web interface. However, one of the unique features that can be enabled only with the camera’s remote is preset switching freeze. It can be toggled by pressing “Menu” → “P/T/Z” → “ImageFreezing”. When enabled, the camera image will freeze when it changes presets, hiding the camera travel time and focus adjustment.

Accessing A-TC04 settings using its web interface

A-TC04 can be configured using its web interface. To access it, enter the default IP address of the camera (192.168.5.163) in a browser, or the camera’s current IP address if you have already changed it. The camera’s default username and password are “admin”.

You can always check the camera’s IP address by connecting an HDMI or USB video output and restarting the camera. The current IP address will be displayed as soon as the camera boots up.

Once logged in, click “Monocular tracking” to configure auto tracking settings of the camera, or “Configuration” to change any of its video or system settings. The “Preview” page of the web interface is used to control the camera’s PTZ, adjust focus, and configure and toggle preset positions.

Most of the image-related settings are by default set to auto, meaning that the camera will adjust itself automatically to the environment and can be used out of the box. In case you need to fine-tune any of the settings, or configure unique features of the camera, you can do so through the camera's OSD menu or its web interface. For the purposes of this lesson, configuration steps are provided using the latter.

Configuring audio input on A-TC04

A-TC04 can use 3.5mm line audio sources. To enable or disable them, navigate to “Configuration” → “Audio Configure” page. Tick “Enable” to enable audio inputs. All audio settings are managed through this page.

Video stream configuration on A-TC04

All A-TC04 video settings are managed under the “Video Configure” group of the “Configuration” page.

The camera’s video stream output is configured on the “Video Encode” page of the camera. To use the A-TC04 with AREC Media Stations as a network source, we recommend increasing the frame rate to 30 FPS, or 60 FPS if the Media Station is set to 1080p60 mode. This also increases the I-frame interval to 30. If you plan to use the camera in Full HD, no other settings need to be changed.

To change the camera’s resolution to 4K, select “3840*2160” in “Image Size” and set “Bit Rate (Kb/s) to at least 16000.

Note that if NDI|HX3 is enabled, bitrate is locked to 64000.

Setting up streaming on A-TC04

A-TC04 supports direct streaming to streaming platforms via RTMP, RTSP, and SRT. For an RTMP stream, a platform’s server URL must be written in “Host Address”, whereas its stream key is written in “Stream name”.

For example, to stream to YouTube, copy “Stream URL” as it appears into “Host Address” and add a forward slash “/”. For example:

rtmp://a.rtmp.youtube.com/live2/

Copy the stream key and paste it as it is into “Stream Name”, replacing everything in that field. For example:

6pgb-hs9c-clo2-q88a-vbbw

After copying and pasting, tick “Enable” next to the stream you configured on A-TC04 and click “Save” to apply changes. The camera will continue streaming as long as "Enable" remains ticked and the link is correct.

Multicast setup on A-TC04

You can set up Multicast streaming on A-TC04 on the “Configuration” → “Multicast/Unicast” page. Similar to the streaming page, first configure the URL, then tick “Enable”, and press “Save” to apply changes.

Configuring A-TC04 video parameters

To change any of the visual parameters of the camera, such as focus, exposure, white balance, noise reduction, and more, open the “Configuration” → “Video Parameters" page. Changes are applied shortly after a parameter is changed, and you can see them on the preview window on this page.

Configuring the time and date overlay on A-TC04

Similar to AREC Media Stations, A-TC04 can display the current time and date as an overlay. It can be configured on the “Configuration” → “Video OSD” page. Tick boxes next to “Show Time” and “Show Title” and press “Save” to display this data. You are able to change the overlay’s colour and adjust its position with arrows.

Changing font sizes for the time and date overlay on A-TC04

To change the date/time overlay font size, open the “Configuration” → “OSD Font Size” page. You can set the overlay to automatically scale with resolution, or adjust its size manually. Press “Save” to apply changes.

Configuring HDMI and SDI video outputs

To change the resolution and framerate of the HDMI and SDI outputs of A-TC04, open the “Configuration” → “Video Out” page. SDI is limited to Full HD 1080p60, whereas HDMI can be set to 3840x2160p60.

Configuring network on A-TC04

All network settings of the A-TC04 are managed under “Network Configure” group of the “Configuration” page.

By default, A-TC04 is set to a static IP address 192.168.5.163. To change it, access the “Configuration” → “Ethernet” page. Enable “DHCP” if you would like the camera to receive an address automatically from the network, or set the network parameters manually.

Network ports page of A-TC04

You are also able to change the ports for different services and protocols in the camera on the “Configuration” → “Network Port”. The camera’s default ports are compatible with AREC Media Stations and should not be changed if you are planning to use the camera with AREC devices.

SRT port page of A-TC04

To change the SRT port, open its dedicated page: “Configuration” → “SRT”.

DNS page of A-TC04

To change the camera’s DNS settings, open the “Configuration” → “DNS” page. If you plan to stream from the camera to YouTube or other streaming platforms in the Internet, you must configure DNS. If you are not sure which DNS to use, consult your IT administrator or use Google's DNS for maximum reach: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4

Configuring NDI settings on A-TC04

A-TC04 cameras have NDI enabled by default. To enable or disable NDI, open the “Configuration” → “NDI” page. The default settings are compatible with AREC Media Stations.

Changing A-TC04 name and other parameters

General settings of the camera, such as users, device name, time and date, as well as firmware updates, are all managed in the “System Configure” group of the “Configuration” page.

If you would like to change the camera’s name, open the “Configuration” → “SystAttr” page of the camera.

Open the “Configuration” → “SysTime” page to set the time and date on the camera.

To change the password or manage users, open the “Configuration” → “SysUser” page.

The camera can be set to automatically reboot at definable intervals. We recommend enabling this setting to ensure that the camera is regularly clearing its cache.

To update firmware, open the “Configuration” → “Update” page. A-TC04 firmware updates must be uploaded in a particular order, which is indicated in the firmware files’ names.

To restart the camera, click “Reboot” on the “Configuration” → “Reboot” page. Certain actions, such as changing the camera’s IP address, require you to reboot the device.

To reset the camera to its default settings, click “Restore factory defaults” on the “Configuration” → “Default” page.

Setting up auto tracking on A-TC04

Tracking can be configured on the “Monocular tracking” page of the camera’s web interface. A-TC04 can track in two distinct modes:

1. Presenter

2. Zone

Click on the mode you need under “Monocular Tracking” settings and select “On” to enable, or “Off” to disable tracking.

"Presenter" mode

Presenter tracking mode works by tracking the first target acquired by the camera until that target leaves the field of view of the camera. The camera will then switch to track the next target that appears in its field of view, until no targets remain. When the last target disappears from the camera’s view, it will return to preset 0 if it was configured.

"Zone" mode

Zone tracking works by tracking activity in configurable zones, with up to 4 configurable zones. These zones are configured with presets. Position the camera’s PTZ as needed, tick a box next to the region you need this preset to be (i.e., zone), and press “Set”. Zones should be set in order, and they must be slightly connected for this tracking to work, meaning that, for example, the edge of the first zone must be visible in the second zone, and the edge of the second zone must be visible in the third zone, and so on. Zone tracking setup procedure is described in detail in the camera’s user manual, which can be downloaded from our website, www.a-dena.com. Similarly to A-TC30, zone tracking can be used to make the camera apply a particular zoom level when a tracking target moves into an area. This can be used to focus the camera on a drawing board or a seated presenter, among other uses.

Tracking can also be enabled and disabled using the camera’s remote control. Disable tracking by pressing “F1” and enable it by pressing “F2”. Press “F3” to change between zone and presenter tracking modes. Press “F4” to change the tracking target.

That concludes the lesson. You can now test your knowledge and understanding by answering the questions on the lesson's form and watching the linked videos before moving on to the next lesson.

After you submit your answers on the form, make sure to click "View Scores" to see whether you answered correctly. You will also receive an email at the address you used when starting this lesson, containing your answers and a "View Scores" link.

ADENA Hacks

Please read these ADENA Hacks on our website:

• ADENA Hack: How to control multiple AREC cameras with a remote.

  https://www.a-dena.com/post/how-to-control-multiple-arec-cameras-with-a-remote

• ADENA Hack: How to configure tracking on the A-TC02 and A-TC04 AI Tracking Cameras. https://www.a-dena.com/post/adena-hack-how-to-configure-tracking-on-the-a-tc02-and-a-tc04-ai-tracking-cameras

• ADENA Hack: How to use A-PC01 PanoCam dual streams to capture the audience and zoom in on particular targets simultaneously.

  https://www.a-dena.com/post/adena-hack-how-to-use-the-wide-and-zoomed-in-streams-of-the-a-pc01-panocam-simultaneously