5.7e comments

[PaulD]

After a long wait for the 5.7e to actually ship, I now have one in my hands. Unfortunately, I cannot power it up yet but I do have some intial comments. Will add more after I can fire it up
- Power via PoE as expected. However, I am still waiting on the PoE switch I ordered to arrive so I cannot power it up. I initially thought I could power it via wall wart but that is not an option. I don't have a PoE injector in hand and no local store carries them on the shelf so I will need to wait for my PoE switch (Linksys SRW2008P) to arrive. Bummer.
- I am not installing mine on the wall (WAF issue). I am installing mine in the table top stand with a black faceplate. Caution if you do the same....the guts of the 5.7e need to be moved to a box included with the stand. However, the box is held into the stand via small rubber bumpers on each side. If you slide the box in or out of the stand, it is a tight fit and the sharp edges of the stand will shave off the top of the rubber bumpers (ask me how I know that). That means the box is not a good fit anymore and it is a bit loose in the stand
- Not much in the manual other than how to mount it, plug in network cable, fill in the blanks on some network and control panel settings and make minor adjustments to sound & light levels.
- Instructions indicate you can link it to 2 HAI 87A00-1 camera servers without using Automation Studio. I have several IP camera to link to so I am not sure if I can do it directly here with their IP address or if I must do it with Automation Studio. I am afraid I already know that answer (more $$$$). On that topic, the 5.7e can hook up IP camers but that does not mean any IP camera. Must be one of a short list (including some Panasonic models and others). Anything else may require some creative detective work to get all the setting correct
- Updates are done via USB update port. Expects you to put the updated software on a USB thumbdrive and then run the reset process

I can see already that I will need to get Automation Studio to make it sing and dance like I want.

 

[dougmeredith]

Okay, I'll bite. What the hell is a 5.7e?

 

[PaulD]

Okay, I'll bite. What the hell is a 5.7e?

HAI's new Touchscreen for HAI controllers and other components. Advertised to be released almost a year ago but has just now hit the shelves.

 

[Neurorad]

Thanks for sharing, Paul.

I thought Automation Studio was for designing GUIs only. I guess I have a lot to learn.

You're much better off with it in the acrylic stand, to start with. You have to sell it to the wife before putting it permanently somewhere.

4 Cameras for each Camera Server, that's 8 total, without using Automation Studio. If you have more than 8 cameras, buying Automation Studio isn't that much more money. Each server is >$500.

Keep the impressions coming, Paul.

 

[PaulD]

Finally got my switch in that supports PoE so I was able to fire up the 5.7e touchscreen. The switch is a Linksys SRW2008P. Seems to work well but it has a VERY noisy fan that runs full speed from the minute you turn it on. Not sure how I am going to deal with that issue yet.

Now to continue my 5.7e impression:
- Plugged in network cable and it took a few minutes of start up to get to the set up screen
- Setup very easy and straight forward. You will need to input a bunch of info so read the manual first and have your data handy
- Top of screen has some message info that is fairly small type. I guess that is to be expected on a smaller screen like this but it is hard to read in a quick glance
- After a short period (user selectable), the screen will go blank. A tap on the screen will bring it back to life.
- I was able to confirm that I cannot simply input the IP address of my Panasonic BL-10A camera and get it to show up. After I input the IP address, it seemed to confuse the screen when I selected the camera icon. It tried to link up with the camera but could not do it. I tried to delete the IP address (return to original blank IP address) but there is no way to do that. When you try to edit the IP address field, it will only accept a valid IP address thus a blank will not work. I am guessing that the stock configuration is targeted at the HAI 87A00-1 camera server and nothing else will work properly via the stock set up screen.
- From what I have seen in the Automation Studio training material at Worthington, the 5.7e is a straight forward set up for selected IP cameras which includes the Panasonic BBHC and BLC series as well as the Hawk-IP220CD. Do not know what else if anything is on that list. No info came with the 5.7e to eloborate on that point. My BL-10C clearly will not work as currently set up but I have 2 Panasonic cameras on order from the BBHC series so I will try again when they arrive. If the BBHC camera will not work, I guess I am stuck with buying a copy of Automation Studio.
- While I was messing with the camera setup, I tried to go to the edit screen and that caused the system to kick back an error screen with some 2 buttons (Details & Quit) that would not respond. I let it sit and it eventually returned to service on its own.
- My quick start was with the existing config. I need to check and see if there are any software releases I need to incorporate.

Based on what I have seen so far, I am happy with the 5.7e other than the fact that I may need to buy Automation Studio to do something as simple as view my IP cameras.

I don't have any additional comments to offer unless someone has a question.

 

[Neurorad]

What are the 32A30-1 Touchscreen Hub and 32A32-1 Video Encoder used for, if not cameras? Does the 5.7e replace these items? I haven't looked into the camera and touchscreen projects much to know much about the setup.

Edit - I saw there was a new FW release for the 5.7e, dated 9/9/9. FW Instructions:

UPDATING THE OMNITOUCH 5.7e
The USB Update Port on the OmniTouch 5.7e allows you to update the touchscreen to the latest firmware and
the HAI default design. This allows you to update the OmniTouch 5.7e when HAI Automation Studio is not
available or is unable to connect.
Note:
When updating using the USB Update Port:
1. If a custom design is loaded in the OmniTouch 5.7e, the custom design will be overwritten with the HAI
default design.
2. All custom settings (Network, Controller, Screen Setup, and Cameras) will be reset to factory default.
You will need to manually reenter all of these settings after updating.
The Update Port is a USB port in the lower right section of the touchscreen.
(pic here showing location of USB port)

To update the OmniTouch 5.7e Touchscreen:
1) Load the update file on a USB thumb drive.
2) Plug the thumb drive into the USB Update Port on the OmniTouch 5.7e Touchscreen and press the reset
button.
3) When the USB drive reboots, the touchscreen will read the files on the root directory of the drive and
display any applicable update files. Note: it may take several seconds before the files are displayed on
the touchscreen.
4) Select the desired file from the list and then press the “Next†button. Follow the instructions on the
screen.
USB
UPDATE PORT

Edit#2 - I think you might need the camera server too, just a hunch.

 

[aard3]

The 32A30-1 and 32A32-1 products are for use with with 5.7 (the non-ethernet, non-customizable version), in order to get camera support. They aren't for use with the 5.7e, since the 5.7e is an ethernet based device, it supports MJPEG/JPEG IPCameras, and the new HAI Camera Server (87A00-1) which can covert analog cameras into MJPEG feeds.

In the 5.7e, there is default support for up to 2 87A001-1's, in case someone wants to add some cameras, but doesn't want to customize the screen / use Automation Studio. If you need to use 3rd party Cameras, or want to be able customize the screens, you'll need Automation Studio.

Automation Studio is used to update the touchscreen software and download custom designs to it. If you don't want to customize the screen, but want to just update it to the latest version, you can use the USB Port. This will update the screen and return it back to factory defaults.

Aaron

What are the 32A30-1 Touchscreen Hub and 32A32-1 Video Encoder used for, if not cameras? Does the 5.7e replace these items? I haven't looked into the camera and touchscreen projects much to know much about the setup.

Edit - I saw there was a new FW release for the 5.7e, dated 9/9/9. FW Instructions:

UPDATING THE OMNITOUCH 5.7e
The USB Update Port on the OmniTouch 5.7e allows you to update the touchscreen to the latest firmware and
the HAI default design. This allows you to update the OmniTouch 5.7e when HAI Automation Studio is not
available or is unable to connect.
Note:
When updating using the USB Update Port:
1. If a custom design is loaded in the OmniTouch 5.7e, the custom design will be overwritten with the HAI
default design.
2. All custom settings (Network, Controller, Screen Setup, and Cameras) will be reset to factory default.
You will need to manually reenter all of these settings after updating.
The Update Port is a USB port in the lower right section of the touchscreen.
(pic here showing location of USB port)

To update the OmniTouch 5.7e Touchscreen:
1) Load the update file on a USB thumb drive.
2) Plug the thumb drive into the USB Update Port on the OmniTouch 5.7e Touchscreen and press the reset
button.
3) When the USB drive reboots, the touchscreen will read the files on the root directory of the drive and
display any applicable update files. Note: it may take several seconds before the files are displayed on
the touchscreen.
4) Select the desired file from the list and then press the “Next†button. Follow the instructions on the
screen.
USB
UPDATE PORT

Edit#2 - I think you might need the camera server too, just a hunch.

 

[Neurorad]

Thanks, Aaron.

Just for clarification, what you're saying is that the 87A00-1 camera server (converts analog to digital compressed MJPEG) is not needed for a single camera, because the Panasonic BL-C10A streams MJPEG? The digital server is only used for analog cameras?

(I wish HAI would switch to a more conventional model numbering/naming system. Throw a couple letters at the beginning, to designate the device - e.g. CS4, for the fourth generation camera server, or CS09 for the camera server released in 09. Maybe there is a method to the madness - Aaron, care to share? Who is in charge of these model numbers?)

Edit - CS87A00-1 Installation and User Guide states it can be used with the 5.7e, which is misleading if it's not required.

 

[aard3]

Thanks, Aaron.

Just for clarification, what you're saying is that the 87A00-1 camera server (converts analog to digital compressed MJPEG) is not needed for a single camera, because the Panasonic BL-C10A streams MJPEG? The digital server is only used for analog cameras?

(I wish HAI would switch to a more conventional model numbering/naming system. Throw a couple letters at the beginning, to designate the device - e.g. CS4, for the fourth generation camera server, or CS09 for the camera server released in 09. Maybe there is a method to the madness - Aaron, care to share? Who is in charge of these model numbers?)

Edit - CS87A00-1 Installation and User Guide states it can be used with the 5.7e, which is misleading if it's not required.

Yes, 87A00-1 is used if you have analog cameras, and want to display them on the 5.7e, or view them remotely via a web browser on a PC. It's only needed for analog cameras. If you have a Panasonic BL-C10A, you can use Automation Studio to configure the 5.7e to view it directly, nothing else needed.

Currently there is built in support for Panasonic, HAI Camera Server, and Axis Cameras, plus you can input the MJPEG query string if you have some other type. The cameras we directly support is something that is going to be constantly updated, and it's a little much to try to put all the configuration options for those cameras in the setup screen of the 5.7e. We were trying to keep the setup interface as simple as possible, and we considered adding 3rd party cameras more of an "Advanced" feature anyway.

The product numbers are assigned by someone in production, and there is a method to the madness believe it or not, though I don't know what it is exactly! I've given him a hard time about it before, but it does actually make sense when it's explained. lol

I just saw your post above, and I'm making the change to fix not being able to remove the IP Address. It will be released in the next USB update, and Automation Studio. In the mean time, you should be able to download the current USB update from our website and that will default things.

Aaron

 

[js19707]

Paul, now that you have the 5.7e up and running, it would be great to get your assessment of the sensitivity/accuracy of the touchscreen and the quality of the display. I have a couple of the old 5.7 touchscreens at home, and I've always found the sensitivity and accuracy of the screens to be pretty lackluster: i have to touch the screen with my fingernail and i have to tap harder than i'm used to in order to get the screen to accurately register my actions.

in addition to the other benefits that come with the 5.7e, i'm hoping they will be an improvement in this respect too..

 

[aard3]

Paul, now that you have the 5.7e up and running, it would be great to get your assessment of the sensitivity/accuracy of the touchscreen and the quality of the display. I have a couple of the old 5.7 touchscreens at home, and I've always found the sensitivity and accuracy of the screens to be pretty lackluster: i have to touch the screen with my fingernail and i have to tap harder than i'm used to in order to get the screen to accurately register my actions.

in addition to the other benefits that come with the 5.7e, i'm hoping they will be an improvement in this respect too..

I don't know if Paul has a old 5.7 to test against, but I can tell you that the touch is improved on the 5.7e.

Aaron

 

[Neurorad]

Thanks Aaron.

For a single BLC-10A Panasonic camera, why is Automation Studio required? What functionality does it add?

 

[ano]

UPDATING THE OMNITOUCH 5.7e
The USB Update Port on the OmniTouch 5.7e allows you to update the touchscreen to the latest firmware and
the HAI default design. This allows you to update the OmniTouch 5.7e when HAI Automation Studio is not
available or is unable to connect.
Note:
When updating using the USB Update Port:
1. If a custom design is loaded in the OmniTouch 5.7e, the custom design will be overwritten with the HAI
default design.
2. All custom settings (Network, Controller, Screen Setup, and Cameras) will be reset to factory default.
You will need to manually reenter all of these settings after updating.
The Update Port is a USB port in the lower right section of the touchscreen.
(pic here showing location of USB port)

To update the OmniTouch 5.7e Touchscreen:
1) Load the update file on a USB thumb drive.
2) Plug the thumb drive into the USB Update Port on the OmniTouch 5.7e Touchscreen and press the reset
button.
3) When the USB drive reboots, the touchscreen will read the files on the root directory of the drive and
display any applicable update files. Note: it may take several seconds before the files are displayed on
the touchscreen.
4) Select the desired file from the list and then press the “Next†button. Follow the instructions on the
screen.
USB
UPDATE PORT

It figures HAI would release a POE and Internet enabled touchscreen that still can only be updated using a USB port. (At least that's an improvement over the serial port they used to use not that long ago.)

 

[aard3]

UPDATING THE OMNITOUCH 5.7e
The USB Update Port on the OmniTouch 5.7e allows you to update the touchscreen to the latest firmware and
the HAI default design. This allows you to update the OmniTouch 5.7e when HAI Automation Studio is not
available or is unable to connect.
Note:
When updating using the USB Update Port:
1. If a custom design is loaded in the OmniTouch 5.7e, the custom design will be overwritten with the HAI
default design.
2. All custom settings (Network, Controller, Screen Setup, and Cameras) will be reset to factory default.
You will need to manually reenter all of these settings after updating.
The Update Port is a USB port in the lower right section of the touchscreen.
(pic here showing location of USB port)

To update the OmniTouch 5.7e Touchscreen:
1) Load the update file on a USB thumb drive.
2) Plug the thumb drive into the USB Update Port on the OmniTouch 5.7e Touchscreen and press the reset
button.
3) When the USB drive reboots, the touchscreen will read the files on the root directory of the drive and
display any applicable update files. Note: it may take several seconds before the files are displayed on
the touchscreen.
4) Select the desired file from the list and then press the “Next†button. Follow the instructions on the
screen.
USB
UPDATE PORT

It figures HAI would release a POE and Internet enabled touchscreen that still can only be updated using a USB port. (At least that's an improvement over the serial port they used to use not that long ago.)

ano,

I guess you didn't read my post, the 5.7e can be updated via USB AND TCP/IP via Automation Studio.

Aaron

 

[aard3]

Thanks Aaron.

For a single BLC-10A Panasonic camera, why is Automation Studio required? What functionality does it add?

Automation Studio is required because there needs to be some way to enter all the information about the cameras. Such as
Manufacturer
Resolution
Quality
Frame rate
Username
Password
etc.

because each camera manufacturer does things slightly differently. It really was just too much to try to cram in the setup screens, and made it confusing. The 5.7e out-of-the-box was meant to be as "plug-in-play" as possible, while still providing all the features of the 5.7. (The 5.7 supported the old Video Hub/Encoder solution).

For our Camera Server, we know everything about it (it's ours!), so we were able to design a solution where you only needed to enter the IP Address.

Automation Studio will also let you name your Cameras (Front Door, etc), where if you just used the HAI Camera Server w/o Automation Studio, you would just get "Camera 1, Camera 2...")


Aaron