Share Your Vision

PTZOptics PT-JOY-G4 User Manual

MODEL No.
PT-JOY-G4

Ver 2.0 2024-02-14

 ™
Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Warning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Packing List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Certifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
FCC Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Copyright Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Technical Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Connection Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Button Layout & Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Adding a Camera Using the Joystick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Adding a Camera Using the Web Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Joystick OSD Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Operating the Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Adjust the Camera’s Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Camera OSD Menu Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Joystick Control Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Joystick Web Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
HTTP Commands to the Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Troubleshooting and Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . 32

ptzoptics.com II 1-800-486-5276

1 Ver 2.0 2024-02-14

 ™
Preface
Before installation and usage, please read the manual thoroughly. If you have any
questions or issues with this process, please contact our Support Team.

Precautions
▪ Do not subject the joystick to rain or moisture.
▪ Never operate outside of the specified operating temperature range or humidity.
▪ The power supply included in the box is the only power supply to be used with this
joystick. To purchase a the replacement, please visit ptzoptics.com/where-to-buy/.
▪ Please use a soft cloth to clean the unit. If the unit is very dirty, clean it with diluted neutral
detergent; do not use solvents which may damage the surface.
Warning
▪ Electrical safety
Installation must be in accordance with national and local electric safety
standards.
▪ Polarity of Power Supply
The power supply output for this product is 12V DC with a maximum current
supply of 2A. The polarity of the power supply plug is critical and is as follows:

▪ Handling
Ŝ Avoid subjecting the joystick to stress, vibration, or moisture during
transportation, storage, installation, and operation.
Ŝ Do not expose the joystick to any corrosive solid, liquid, or gas.
Ŝ Please make sure the joystick is placed on a level surface.
Ŝ Do not dismantle the joystick. Do not remove any portions of the case, cover,
or interfaces. - PTZOptics is not responsible for any unauthorized modification
or dismantling.
Ŝ Dismantling of any kind will void the manufacturer’s warranty.
Ŝ If you need to clean the surface of the product please use a soft dry cloth.
Ŝ Do not use any type of solvents, which may damage the surface of the
product.
▪ This is an FCC Class-A product. In a domestic environemt, this camera may cause radio
interference. In the event of radio interference, the user may be required to adequately
mitigate it.

2
534 Trestle Place Downingtown, PA, 19335 USA · Tel: +1(484)593-2247 · Email: [email protected]
 ™
Packing List
Please make sure the items below are included in your camera box:

Ŝ PT-JOY-G4
Ŝ 12V 2A International Power Supply
Ŝ RS-232C / DB9 female to 8-pin mini-din male cable
Ŝ Quick Start Guide
Ŝ Grounding Pin

Warranty
PTZOptics includes a limited parts & labor warranty for all PTZOptics manufactured
products. The warranty is valid only if PTZOptics receives proper notice of such
defects during the warranty period. PTZOptics, at its option, will repair or replace
products that prove to be defective. PTZOptics manufactures its hardware products
from parts and components that are new or equivalent to new in accordance with
industry-standard practices.
Here is the link to the PTZOptics Hardware Warranty Documentation. This product
has a 2-year warranty.

Covered by one or more claims of

the HEVC patents listed at
patentlist.accessadvance.com.

Certifications
This joystick has been tested and certified for the standards shown below
● FCC Class B - Tested under FCC 47 CFR Part 15 Subpart B, Class B(sDoC), ANSI C63.4 -2014
● CE - Tested under EMC Directive 2014/30/EU
○ EN 55032: 2015+A11:2020
○ EN 55035:2017+A11:2020
○ EN IEC 61000-3-2:2019
○ EN 61000-3-3:2013/A1:2019
● RoHS - Tested under RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU

3 Ver 2.0 2024-02-14

 ™
FCC Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
FCC Caution: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the
party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this
equipment. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: This device may
not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Copyright Notice
The entire contents of this manual / guide, whose copyright belongs to PTZOptics,
may not be cloned, copied, or translated in any way without the explicit permission
of the company. The product specifications referred to in this document are for
reference only and as such are subject to updating at any time without prior notice.

4
534 Trestle Place Downingtown, PA, 19335 USA · Tel: +1(484)593-2247 · Email: [email protected]
 ™
Features
• Custom Control Across a Variety of Cameras and Devices
The PTZOptics PT-JOY-G4 Joystick Controller is a comprehensive solution
supporting serial or network-based control for PTZ cameras of any generation.

• Software Customizable Buttons

The Web User Interface for the PT-JOY-G4 offers custom buttons to expert users
looking to automate their production. Use Automatic Triggers to automate your video
production workflow to effortlessly queue up your next camera or prepare your next
scene.

• Multi-Brand Compatibility
Pan, tilt and zoom control across IP, and serial cameras from multiple brands
including PTZOptics, HuddleCamHD, Sony, BirdDog, Lumens, and Marshall.

• Intuitive Ergonomic Design

Pressure-sensitive dials for precise, on-the-fly-tuning, with no OSD adjustments
required.

• Multiple Supported Protocols

VISCA over IP (PTZOptics & Sony), Serial Control (RS-232, RS-485, Pelco-D, &
Pelco-P), & Websockets.

• Multiple Control Options

IP & Serial Control for a Range of PTZ Cameras

• Customizable Joystick Button

Assign a custom command to the joystick button to streamline your production.

• HTTP-CGI Command Stub

Opimized software custom buttons using the new {{CURRENT_CAM}} stub instead of
a hard-coded IP address.This allows you to send a custom command to the currently
selected camera. This new option allows you to use custom button commands with
a vastly larger amount of cameras.

5 Ver 2.0 2024-02-14

 ™

Technical Specifications
Model PT-JOY-G4

General Specifications
Protocols PTZOptics VISCA and VISCA over IP
PELCO-D and PELCO-P via Serial Ports
Limited Sony VISCA and VISCA over IP support
Limited ONVIF support
WebSockets

Baud Rate 1200 to 19200 bps

Maximum Cameras 253 channels / cameras

Maximum Recommended Ethernet: 328 feet | 100 Meters

Distance RS-232: 50 feet | 15 Meters
RS-485: 3,937 feet | 1200 Meters
RS-422: 50 feet | 15 Meters

Connections
Power Connector 12DC Power Connection

Power Requirements 12V DC

Power Consumption 6W

Communication Interface RS-232 Control Connection

RS-422 / RS-485 Control Connection
Ethernet / RJ-45 (PoE) Network Connection
Supports 802.3af PoE power
Network: NIC (TCP and UDP)
Serial/Analog: RS-232 Full Duplex, RS-485 Semi
Duplex, RS-422 Full Duplex

6
534 Trestle Place Downingtown, PA, 19335 USA · Tel: +1(484)593-2247 · Email: [email protected]
 ™

Physical Specifications
Product Material Aluminum
Dimensions 11.938” W x 9.25” D x 4.25” H
303mm W x 234mm D x 107.95mm H

Weight 4.45 lbs | 2.02 kg

Box Dimensions 14.2” W x 10.75” D x 5.81” H
360.36mm W x 273.05mm D x 147.64mm H

Box Weight 6.75 lbs | 3.06 kg

Operating Environment Indoor

Operating Temperature 14° F ~ 122° F (-10° C ~ +50° C)
Operating Humidity 10% ~ 90% (non condensation)
Warranty 2 Year Manufacturer Warranty

7 Ver 2.0 2024-02-14

 ™

Dimensions

W 11.93 in

D 9.25 in

H 4.25 in

8
534 Trestle Place Downingtown, PA, 19335 USA · Tel: +1(484)593-2247 · Email: [email protected]
 ™
Connection Guide
You can power your joystick using the included power supply or Power over Ethernet (802.3af).
After applying power make sure that the I/O switch is flipped to “I” for “On”.
(Do not power the joystick controller using PoE and the power supply at the same time.)

1 2 3 4 5

1. RS-232 Control Connection 4. 12VDC Power Connection

2. RS-422 / RS-485 Control Connection 5. Power Switch
3. Ethernet / RJ-45 (PoE) Network
Connection
Supports 802.3af PoE power

Network Connection: To control your camera(s) over a network, connect an ethernet cable from
your Local Area Network (LAN) to the controller and another one to the camera. Afterwards, add
the camera’s IP address to the joystick’s list of cameras and designate a control address.

Network Setup
The PT-JOY-G4 will dynamically obtain an IP address upon connection to your LAN. If your net-
work is not able to supply DHCP addresses you must assign a static IP address to the controller.
To set a static IP address, follow the steps below.
1. Obtain the IP address scheme of your network.
2. Connect your joystick to power and to your network.
3. Press the [SETUP] button, and move down to option 4. Network Connection.
4. Move the joystick left or right to “Static”, and press the [ENTER] key to set the static IP address.
5. Enter an available IP address similar to the IP address scheme of your network using the
alpha-numeric keypad.
6. Enter the Gateway and Subnet Mask of your network.
7. When all the fields are filled, press the [ENTER] key to restart the joystick with the assigned
static IP address.

9 Ver 2.0 2024-02-14

 ™
Analog RS-232 Control: To control your camera(s) over a serial/analog connection, use the
included RS-232C cable to connect the joystick and the camera. Then, designate a control
address for the camera.

Fig 1. RS-232 Connection: Joystick to Camera

Once you have selected a serial/analog communications method, connect the appropriate cable
to the joysticks selected control port, and then to the camera’s matching control input (RS-232 or
RS-485).

When controlling multiple cameras via analog, you can use the “Daisy Chain” method of
connection.

Daisy-Chain Connection:
To utilize a Daisy-Chaining setup, connect the joystick to camera 1, then connect camera 1 to
camera 2, etc. Daisy-Chaining can be used with both RS-232 & RS-485. Please use the figures
below for reference.

Fig 2. RS-232 Connection: Camera to Camera

Fig 3. RS-232 Daisy Chain

10
534 Trestle Place Downingtown, PA, 19335 USA · Tel: +1(484)593-2247 · Email: [email protected]
 ™
Serial/Analog RS-485 Control: Connection should be made in the two left most ports. To control
your camera(s) over an RS-485 connection, see below.
• Joystick Ta - Pin 1 - Camera (+)
• Joystick Tb - Pin 2 - Camera (-)
• Joystick GND - Pin 5 - Camera (G) (If present. Some cameras won’t require ground)

RS-485

Serial/Analog RS-422 Control: Utilizes all 5 ports. To control your camera(s) over an RS-422 con-
nection, see below.
• Joystick Ta - Pin 1 - Camera (Rx-)
• Joystick Tb - Pin 2 - Camera (Rx+)
• Joystick Ra - Pin 3 - Camera (Tx-)
• Joystick Rb - Pin 4 - Camera (Tx+)
• Joystick GND - Pin 5 - Camera (G) (If present. Some cameras won’t require ground)

RS-422

11 Ver 2.0 2024-02-14

 ™
PT-JOY-G4 Button Layout & Display
1 2 3

5
6 8
4 7
14
10
9
11 12 13

1. Speed Control 8. Joystick Control

2. R Gain / Blue Gain Control 9. Zoom Control Dial
3. Camera OSD Control 10. System setup
4. Focus Mode Control 11. Focus Lock/Unlock, Backlight,
One Push
5. Exposure Control & Iris Shutter 12. Preset Control Buttons
6. White Balance Mode 13. Alpha-Numeric Keypad
7. Camera Select Buttons 14. Unique Custom Button

Main Menu PT-JOY-G4 Display

Native IP: Displays the Joystick’s IP address. Type this into a web brower to reach the web UI.
Camera: Shows the currently selected camera ID and the group it’s assigned to.
Network I/F: Shows the protocol the joystick and the currently selected camera use to
communicate for control.
IP/Domain: Shows the IP address of the currently selected camera.
Target Port: Shows the camera control port.
Analog I/F: Shows the Analog Control Method.
Baudrate: The commnication speed between the joystick and the currently selected camera.
Address: Shows the camera channel.
Active I/F: Shows the active control method. Choose Network or Analog
12
534 Trestle Place Downingtown, PA, 19335 USA · Tel: +1(484)593-2247 · Email: [email protected]
 ™
Button & Dial Descriptions
The below descriptions will describe the buttons and dials available on the controller.
1. Speed Control
The Speed Control section allows you to adjust the speed at which you pan, tilt, and zoom
the camera.
a. [SPEED] Knob
Twist the Speed Control knob to increase or decrease the set control speed.
Press the Speed Control knob in to cycle through zoom, pan, and tilt speeds options.
Zoom Speed Range: 1 - 7
Pan Speed Range: 1 - 24
Tilt Speed Range: 1 - 20
2. Red GAIN / Blue GAIN Control
The White Balance Control section allows you to adjust the white balance settings of the
camera.
a. [R GAIN / B GAIN] Dial
Twist the [R GAIN / B GAIN] knob to adjust the Red Gain / Blue Gain value.
Press the [R GAIN / B GAIN] knob to toggle red gain and blue gain adjustment
control.
3. Camera OSD Control
The Camera OSD Control section allows you to open and adjust the camera’s on screen
display menu.
a. [OSD OPEN / CLOSE] Button
Press the [OSD OPEN / CLOSE] button to open and close the on screen display
menu.
Move the joystick up, down, left, and right to traverse the camera’s OSD menu.
b. [OSD ENTER] Button
Press the [OSD ENTER] button to select an OSD menu option.
c. [OSD BACK] Button
Press the [OSD BACK] button to go back an OSD menu option.
Refer to the Camera OSD Menu Control section of this guide for more information.
4. Focus Control
The Focus Control section allows you to adjust the focus value of the camera.
a. [NEAR / FAR FOCUS] Dial
Twist the [NEAR / FAR FOCUS] dial to focus the camera’s image on your scene.
Press the [NEAR / FAR FOCUS] dial in to toggle Auto Focus and Manual focus
modes.
b. [ONE PUSH AUTO FOCUS] Button
Press the [ONE PUSH AUTO FOCUS] button to automatically focus the image on the
scene while staying in Manual Focus mode.

13 Ver 2.0 2024-02-14

 ™
5. Exposure Control
The Exposure Control section allows you to adjust the exposure settings of the camera.
a. [IRIS / SHUTTER] Knob
Twist the [IRIS / SHUTTER] knob to adjust the Iris / Shutter value.
Press the [IRIS / SHUTTER] knob to toggle between Iris and Shutter adjustments.
Controls the camera’s Gain. Press in the knob to change from Iris > Shutter > Gain
b. [EXPOSURE MODE] Button
Press the [EXPOSURE MODE] button to cycle through Exposure modes.
Options include: Auto, Manual, Shutter Priority, Iris Priority, & Brightness Priority.
6. [WHITE BALANCE MODE] Button
Press the [WHITE BALANCE MODE] button to cycle through the White Balance
Modes.
Options include: Auto, Indoor, Outdoor, One Push, & Manual.
7. Camera Select
The Camera Select section allows you to select a camera to control.
a. [CAM ID] Button
The [CAM ID] button allows you to select any camera on the controller using
the alpha-numeric keypad.
b. [CAM #] Button
The [CAM #] button allows you to quickly select a camera to control.
Options include: 1 - 6
8. Joystick Controller
The joystick controller allows you to pan, tilt, and zoom (twist) the camera. The
control speed is affectedby the Speed Control dial settings.
9. Zoom Control
The Zoom Control sections allow you to zoom the camera in and out of the scene.
a. [FINE TUNE ZOOM] Knob
The [FINE TUNE ZOOM] knob allows you to finely zoom the camera in and out at the
lowest speed (1) setting.
10. Controller OSD Setup
The Controller OSD Setup allows you to adjust the settings of the controller.
a. [SETUP] Button
Press the [SETUP] button to open the joystick’s OSD menu.
Refer to the Joystick OSD Menu Control section of this guide for more information.

14
534 Trestle Place Downingtown, PA, 19335 USA · Tel: +1(484)593-2247 · Email: [email protected]
 ™
11. Fine Tune Video
The Fine Tune Video section allows you to quickly change the camera’s video settings.
a. [BACKLIGHT ON / OFF] Button
Press the [BACKLIGHT ON / OFF] button to toggle the camera’s backlight
compensation mode.
b. [ONE PUSH TRIGGER] Button
Press the [ONE PUSH TRIGGER] button to trigger the camera to calculate the scene’s
white balance value.
c. [FOCUS LOCK / UNLOCK] Button
Press the [FOCUS LOCK / UNLOCK] button to lock or unlock the camera’s focus
value from the current position.
12. Preset Control
The Preset Control section allows you to set and call presets of the cameras.
a. [SET] Button
Press the [SET] button to set a camera preset. Use the alpha-numeric keypad to set
a preset number.
b. [Call] Button
Press the [CALL] button to call a camera preset. Use the alpha-numeric keypad to
call a preset number.
c. Quick set preset shortcut
Press and hold a number on the alpha-numeric keypad for 3+ seconds to set a
camera preset in the current location for that preset number.
d. Quick call preset shortcut
Quickly press a number on the alpha-numeric keypad to call a camera preset.
Refer to the Setting and Recalling Presets section of this guide for more information.
13. Alpha-numeric Keypad
The alpha-numeric keypad allows you to use many of the controller features that
require numbers and letters, such as adding a camera from the controller OSD.
14. Unique Custom Button
Customizable button located on the top of the joystick controller. This is best utilized
for the most frequently needed custom commands.

15 Ver 2.0 2024-02-14

 ™
Adding a Camera using the Joystick
To add a camera to the joystick from using the OSD setup menu, follow the steps below.
1. Adding an IP camera
a. Press the [SETUP] button, and select option one (1) “Network Device” for IP
b. Fill out the Network Device fields to connect your camera.
Channel: Joystick Camera Address [CAM ID]. Options include 1 - 7.
Protocol: Options include VISCA (UDP), VISCA (TCP), Sony VISCA (UDP),
ONVIF.
Note for PTZOptics Cameras: One easy way to find the protocol for the camera you would
like to add, is to enter the camera’s Web UI. To do this, type your camera’s IP address into
a web browser and log in. Username: admin. Password: admin. From the camera settings
menu, click the Control tab, then click the Ports tab below. Here you can you see the avail-
able control protocols.
IP: Camera IP address
Ctrl Port: Camera control port.
c. Once the above fields are filled, press the [ENTER] button to save the camera
to the controller.
For PTZOptics and HuddleCamHD cameras, by default, the port assignments are 1259 for UDP
control and port 5678 for TCP control. The Sony VISCA Protocol always utilizes port 52381.
2. Adding a Serial/Analog camera
a. Press the [SETUP] button, and select option two (2) “Analog Device”
b. Fill out the Serial/Analog Device fields to connect your camera.

Channel: Joystick Camera Address [CAM ID]. Options include: 1 - 7.

Protocol: Control protocol. Options include: VISCA, PELCO-D, & PELCO-P
Address: Camera control address. For best results, set the Joystick & Camera
control address to the same value.
Baud Rate: Baud rate. Options include: 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200,
38400, & 115200. For best results, use 9600.
c. Once the above fields are filled, press the [ENTER] button to save the camera
to the controller.

16
534 Trestle Place Downingtown, PA, 19335 USA · Tel: +1(484)593-2247 · Email: [email protected]
 ™
Adding a Camera using the Web Interface

To add a camera to the controller from the web interface, follow the steps below.
1. Type the PT-JOY-G4’s IP address into a web browser. You can find the joystick’s IP
address listed on the main menu of the display next to Native IP:.
2. Type in the login credentials to access the joysticks WebUI configuration page.
a. Default username: “admin”
b. Default password: (there is no password by default)
3. Click the “Modify” Icon under the “Operate” column of the camera address you wish
to configure a camera for. This will open up the editor window shown below.

17 Ver 2.0 2024-02-14

 ™

5. At the top of the editor window, you can see the field titled, Camera: Here, you can input the
camera number to help differentiate between cameras.

6. Below the three main attributes there are three separate tabs for configuring the selected
camera.
● Connection Tab Options:
▪ Network/Analog: Choose between a network or analog connection for the selected
camera.
▪ ○Protocol: Selectable Control protocol Options include: VISCA, VISCA UDP, VISCA TCP,
VISCA UDP SONY, VISCA WEBSOCKET, ONVIF, PELCO-D, & PELCO-P
▪ ○Address: The IP address of your camera.

▪ ○Port: The control port for the control protocol being used.

Custom Tab Options:

▪ Custom Button: Assign a custom button to trigger, upon selecting this camera. A custom
button must be assigned a command in order for this feature to work.

7.. Once the above fields are filled, click the Save button to finish adding the camera to the
controller.

18
534 Trestle Place Downingtown, PA, 19335 USA · Tel: +1(484)593-2247 · Email: [email protected]
 ™
Joystick OSD Menu Control
Pressing the Setup button will open up the PT-JOY-G4 on screen menu. You can use the joystick
to navigate, the enter button to select an options, and the escape button to return to the previous
window. Below is a list of available options from the OSD:

• Add Network Device

Used to add a network device
• Add Analog Device
Used to add an analog device
• Device List
○Move the joystick to see the current configuration of the 28 channels.
Move the joystick up or down to traverse the menu by increments of 1.
Move the joystick left or right to traverse the menu by increments of 5.
• Network Connection
Select the type of network configuration. Move the joystick left or right to choose between
DHCP or Static.
• Language
○ Move the joystick left or right to adjust the language.
Options include: English
• Button Tone
○ Move the joystick left or right to select On or Off.
○ After making a selection, press the [ENTER] button to apply.
• Restore Factory
Press the [ENTER] button to restore the joystick to factory default settings.
○ You will be prompted to confirm, press the [ENTER] key again to restore to factory
default, or press the [ESC] button to cancel. Restoring the joystick to factory default
settings will remove all cameras, set all control speeds back to default, and
reset network information.
• System Info
○ Press the [ENTER] button to view the controller’s system information. Includes: Software
Version, Hardware Version, Web Version, Gateway, & Subnet Mask.
• Visca Response
Disable or Enable
• Invert Tilt
○ Invert the tilt control of the joystick
○ After making a selection, press the [ENTER] button to apply.
• Invert Pan
○ Invert the pan control of the joystick
○ After making a selection, press the [ENTER] button to apply.
• Joystick Button
A customizable button which can be enabled or disabled.

19 Ver 2.0 2024-02-14

 ™
Operating the Camera
To begin remotely operating a camera, you will first need to use the Camera Select buttons to
begin using the controller. Once selected, you will have full remote operation of the camera from
the controller.
Pan, Tilt, and Zoom Operation
The controller supports variable speed pan / tilt / zoom control, which allows you to set the con-
trol speeds prior to use.
You can adjust the control speed using the Speed knob located on the left of the LCD screen.
Once the control speeds are set to a comfortable value, you can use the joystick controller to
move the camera.
In addition to the joystick itself, you can use the Fine Tune Zoom Dial to zoom in and out at the
slowest possible speed.

Setting and Recalling Presets

Using the Quick Presets you can set and call presets 0 - 9 using the Alpha-Numeric keypad by
following the steps below.
Quick Presets:
1. Move the camera to the location you wish to set the preset.
2. Press and hold one of the Alpha-Numeric buttons for 3+ seconds to set the
corresponding preset.
Note: The controller OSD will notify you upon successfully storing a quick preset.
3. To call a Quick Preset, tap one of the Alpha-Numeric buttons.
Alternatively, you can use the Set and Call buttons to set or call presets 0 - 255.
Set and Call:
1. Move the camera to the location you wish to set the preset.
2. Press the [SET] button
3. Using the Alpha-Numeric keypad, type in a preset number to associate with the preset.
Press [ENTER] to save the preset.
4. To call a preset, press the [CALL] button, and type in a preset number. Press the
[ENTER] key to call the preset.
When using a PTZOptics camera, you can call a preset at a specific focus value by setting the
preset while in manual focus mode.

20
534 Trestle Place Downingtown, PA, 19335 USA · Tel: +1(484)593-2247 · Email: [email protected]
 ™
Adjusting the Camera’s Image
There are many options for adjusting the camera’s image which we will detail below.

You can adjust White Balance & Exposure settings, Red & Blue Gain, Iris, Shutter, Focus, & Back-
light Compensation to achieve the desired image style and quality.
●
▪ White Balance Control: Use the [WHITE BALANCE MODE] button to cycle
through the camera’s White Balance modes. Options include: Indoor White
Balance, Outdoor White Balance, One Push White Balance, Manual White
Balance, & Auto White Balance respectively.

You can use the [R GAIN / B GAIN] Knob to adjust the Red & Blue Gain values.
Press the knob to toggle between Red Gain and Blue Gain. For adjustment when in supporting
White Balance Modes.

When the camera is in One Push White Balance, you can press the [ONEPUSH TRIGGER]
button from the White Balance Control section of the controller to calibrate the white balance.

▪ ●Exposure Control: Use the [EXPOSURE MODE] button to cycle through the camera’s Exposure
modes. Options include: Manual Exposure, Shutter Priority, Iris Priority, Brightness Priority, &
Auto Exposure respectively.

You can use the [IRIS / SHUTTER] Knob to adjust the Iris and Shutter values.
Press in the knob to toggle between Iris and Shutter. For adjustment when in supporting
Exposure Modes.

The camera will automatically change to Manual Exposure upon twisting the Iris / Shutter
Knob.

▪ ●Focus Control: Twist the [FOCUS] Dial towards Near or Far to focus the camera on a subject.
You can press the [AUTO FOCUS] Button to enable AutoFocus mode.

PTZOptics cameras will return to Auto Focus mode upon zooming in or out. You can lock the
camera’s focus from returning to Auto Focus mode by pressing the [AUTO FOCUS LOCK]
button. While the focus is locked, you have full manual focus control from the [FOCUS] Dial.
Press the [AUTO FOCUS UNLOCK] button to return to normal focus control.
●
▪ Backlight Compensation: Press the [BACKLIGHT] button to enable or disable Backlight
Compensation.

21 Ver 2.0 2024-02-14

 ™
Camera OSD Menu Control
To access the camera’s On Screen Display, OSD, menu and fine tune the camera, follow the steps
provided below.

1. Press the [OSD ON / OFF] button.

2. Move the joystick up or down to traverse the camera's OSD menu.
3. Press the [OSD ENTER] button to select a specific option.
4. Move the joystick left and right to adjust the settings.
5. Press the [OSD BACK] button to return to the previous window.
6. Press the [OSD ON / OFF] button again to close the camera's OSD menu.
PTZOptics cameras will automatically close their OSD Menu after 2 minutes 30
seconds of inactivity by default.

Joystick Control Modes

Basic Mode

Basic Mode allows you to disable most of the capabilities of the PT-JOY-G4 and limit the control to
the joystick and/or calling presets. With this mode enabled, the button backlights on the joystick
will illuminate only the buttons the operator needs.

1. Press the [BASIC MODE] button to enable Basic Mode with Joystick.
2. Press the [BASIC MODE] button again to enable Basic Mode without Joystick.
3. Press the [BASIC MODE] button again to disable Basic Mode.

Matrix Mode

Matrix Mode allows you to disable most of the capabilities of the PT-JOY-G4 and limit the controls
to calling presets 1 - 3 of cameras 1 - 3. The illuminated buttons on the joystick, will be the only
buttons available while in matrix mode.

1. Press 1 - 3 on the alpha-numeric keypad to call camera 1 presets 1 - 3 respectively.

2. Press 4 - 6 on the alpha-numeric keypad to call camera 2 presets 1 - 3 respectively.
3. Press 7 - 9 on the alpha-numeric keypad to call camera 3 presets 1 - 3 respectively.

You can change modes by holding the “ESC” button for 3+ seconds. You will cycle from Normal
Mode > Matrix
Mode > Basic Mode > Normal Mode etc.

22
534 Trestle Place Downingtown, PA, 19335 USA · Tel: +1(484)593-2247 · Email: [email protected]
 ™
Joystick Web Interface
Device Management

The Device Management page, available from the controllers web interface, allows you to define
new cameras and adjust already configured cameras.

Camera: Joystick control address.

Base options include: 1 - 7 (IP & Serial)
Expanded options include 1 - 255 (IP only)
IP: The IP address of the saved network camera.
Port: The network control port of the saved network camera.
Protocol (Network): The control protocol of the saved network camera.
Baud Rate: The baud rate of the saved serial camera.
Address: The camera control address of the saved serial camera.
Protocol (Serial): The control protocol of the saved serial camera.
Operate: Click this pencil to edit the settings of the saved camera.

For more information on editing already configured cameras from the Device Management inter-
face, check out the Adding a Camera > From the Web Interface section.

23 Ver 2.0 2024-02-14

 ™
Control

The Control page, available from the controllers web interface, allows you to call presets of the
connected cameras. This page acts similarly to Basic Mode without Joystick. This is a very limited
control interface ideal for volunteers.

24
534 Trestle Place Downingtown, PA, 19335 USA · Tel: +1(484)593-2247 · Email: [email protected]
 ™
Search

To find cameras on your network, go to the search tab and click the “Search” button. This will pro-
vide you with a list of all the available cameras on your network, controllable by the PT-JOY-G4.

To add a camera to the PT-JOY-G4, click the “Add” button next to the corresponding camera.
Check the camera connection settings​in the pop-up window, give it a camera number, and click
“Save.”

25 Ver 2.0 2024-02-14

 ™
Matrix Mode

The Matrix Mode page, available from the controllers web interface, allows you to call presets 1-3
of cameras 1-3. This page acts similarly to Matrix Mode.

Custom

The Custom Interface allows you to configure the Custom Buttons. These buttons allow for HTTP
Trigger, UART, TCP, & UDP commands, as well as PTZOptics Super Presets. Use the drop down
tab to select the command type.
The PTZOptics Super Preset allows you to call multiple camera presets simultaneously. You can
call up to 8 camera presets this way, in addition to an optional custom HTTP-CGI command. Here
are the steps for calling a super preset.

• Select the camera group, the camera ID, and the preset you would like that
individual camera to call.
• Repreat the this process for up to 8 cameras. Keep in mind that each camera will
need to have a presets previously assigned.
• Click save.
The HTTP Trigger, UART, TCP, & UDP custom each allow for up to 10 unique commands. You can
also set a delay, in seconds, for each of these commands if needed.

Please see the examples for the custom buttons on the next page.

26
534 Trestle Place Downingtown, PA, 19335 USA · Tel: +1(484)593-2247 · Email: [email protected]
 ™

Example of Super Preset screen.

Example of HTTP command entry screen.

Example of UART command entry screen.

27 Ver 2.0 2024-02-14

 ™
HTTP-CGI STUB Command or Current Camera Command

This is feature allows you to save an http command to the unique custom button.
When ever you press the custom button, the command will be sent to the currently
selected camera.

In the example below, the unique custom button is assigned the Current Camera
Command.

http://{{CURRENT_CAM}}/cgi-bin/ptzctrl.cgi?ptzcmd&home

With this command, you can press the custom button and the currently selected
camera will return to it’s home position.

The joystick can send out any TCP, UDP, or HTTP-CGI command in the custom com-
mand so long as the attached device supports them. To view our PTZOptics com-
mands, please follow this link.

28
534 Trestle Place Downingtown, PA, 19335 USA · Tel: +1(484)593-2247 · Email: [email protected]
 ™
Settings

The Settings interface allows you to adjust the configuration settings of the joystick.
Network: Allows configuration of the joystick’s network configuration (DHCP / Static IP)
Options include: DHCP or Static IP Address, Subnet Mask, Gateway, DNS1, & DNS2.
DNS: Allows you to configure Dynamic DNS on the joystick.
Upgrade: Upgrade the joystick’s firmware to the latest version.
Factory Restore: Restored the joystick to factory default settings.
Restart: Restart the joyustick.
Import: Import joystick settings from PC.
Export: Export joystick settings to PC.
User: Add or edit admin and guest login credentials.
System Settings: Invert Pan and/or Tilt, Set HDMI Output Anti-Flicker, Disable Pan, Tilt, and/or
Zoom on the joystick, & disable knob zoom and/or focus.
Version: Displays the Hardware, Software, and Web firmware versions on the joystick.

For more information on how to obtain an IP address, Default Gateway, & Subnet Mask, see the
following PTZOptics Knowledgebase Article: Discovering your Network IP Information

29 Ver 2.0 2024-02-14

 ™
HTTP-CGI Commands to the Controller
The PT-JOY-G4 has the ability to receive HTTP-CGI commands from a web browser, as an
addtional way to trigger the controllers capabilities such as HDMI Output, Presets, and more.

Direct Preset Recall

http://[joystick-ip]/cgi-bin/joyctrl.cgi?f=directpresets&action=recall&gro
up=[group]&camid=[camera id]&preset=[preset]&presetspeed=[preset speed]
[group]: 1 ~ 5
[camera id]: 1 ~ 7 (groups 1 ~ 4), 1 ~ 170 (group 5)
[preset]: 0 ~ 255
[preset speed]: 1 ~ 24
Current Preset Recall
http://[joystick-ip]/cgi-bin/joyctrl.cgi?f=presets&action=recall&preset=[pre-
set]&presetspeed=[preset speed]
[preset]: 0 ~ 255
[preset speed]: 1 ~ 24
Inquiry
Joystick Status Inquiry
http://[joystick-ip]/cgi-bin/joyctrl.cgi?f=inquiry&action=[action]
[action]: status
Response example (json format):
{
Group:ww, (ww: 1 ~ 5)
Camid:xx, (xx: 1 ~ 7, 1 ~ 170)
Preset:yy, (yy: 0 ~ 255)
Hdmi:zz (zz: on, off)
}"

30
534 Trestle Place Downingtown, PA, 19335 USA · Tel: +1(484)593-2247 · Email: [email protected]
 ™
Troubleshooting and Additional Information
Troubleshooting
LCD Display shows “Control Failure”
This can occur when the controller doesn’t receive a response from the camera.
1. Please check that the network jacks you are using are active.
2. Please check that the network cable you are using is not failing.
3. Please check that the camera is supplying an Acknowledgement and Completion response.
The joystick isn’t controlling any cameras at all
This can occur when the camera(s) and/or joystick aren’t properly set up.
1. Check that the network jacks you are using are active.
2. Check that the network or serial cables you are using are not failing.
3. Check that the camera control address matches the joystick control address.
Multiple cameras are being controlled at once
This can occur when multiple cameras are set to the same joystick control address.
1. Check the camera’s control addresses and ensure that each camera has a unique address.
a. Log into the WebUI and select Devices. Check that none of the connected cameras have
the same control address.
b. Press the [INQUIRE] button to view the devices added to the joystick. Check that none of
the added cameras have the same control address.
Camera doesn’t stop moving when the joystick controller is upright
This can occur when the joystick is in OSD Menu control mode or when the network is congested.
1. Move the joystick left and check that the LCD display says “Left”. LCD display will say “CAM
Menu Left” while in OSD Menu control mode.
a. Power cycle the joystick.
b. Press [OSD OPEN/CLOSE], then [OSD ENTER], then press [OSD OPEN/CLOSE] twice.
2. Move the joystick to an isolated network and test again. If the issue ceases, the original net
work is congested and/or overloaded.
3. The joystick controller may have a power issue from your environment. To resolve this issue,
install the grounding pin / wire to the base of the controller, and the other end to a
grounded source.

31 Ver 2.0 2024-02-14

 ™
Certain functions don’t work with my camera
This can occur when you are not using a PTZOptics camera, or your camera’s firmware isn’t up to
date.
1. Some functions do not work with non-PTZOptics cameras as each camera manufacturer has
some of their own unique commands that may not be fully compatible with the design of
this controller.
2. For PTZOptics cameras use the PTZOptics Firmware Finder to update your camera’s
firmware.

Check out the PTZOptics Firmware Finder to always have the latest features using your serial
number.
Check out the PTZOptics Support Community for troubleshooting.
Contact the PTZOptics Support Team, Submit a Ticket if you need some extra assistance.

32
534 Trestle Place Downingtown, PA, 19335 USA · Tel: +1(484)593-2247 · Email: [email protected]