Firmware 00.00.05.28

This update is not from CyberNova, neither from Dericam (who didn't publish any firmware for the H502W yet), but has been successfully tested on my WIP604MW.
It brings a few interesting changes actually...



The 05.28 release is the first update for 2013. There's still no option for preset positions but some nice improvements still:

- An OSD settings section has also been added with option to "Show Time". I'm not convinced the option itself has any effect, but an OSD always shows in the MJPEG resolutions (with time regardless of the option), an no OSD ever in h.264 resolutions.

- The camera can now work with P2P for those allergic to IP settings. The latest Master IP Camera client (also here) takes advantage of it.





- If you followed the previous episode about the light sensor problem, the switchSeconds parameter is now supported. It  adds a delay for the activation/deactivation of the IR LED. Along with the trick documented earlier, it might conclude the incident for good. 

The file cs.def.ini in side the app folder contains the following section:
[board/irled]
automode=1
open=0
switchSeconds=60

That section can be copied inside cs.ini which normally only contains the 2 first lines of that same [board/irled] section. Hopefully, the switchSeconds will effectively forbid the camera from switching its LED before the defined delay. 

Important Notice: 

Before performing any firmware update, read this post to learn about potential problems that can result from this operation as well as how to backup the board.dat file. 

Since the firmware is not available from the usual providers, I've made a share on my Google Drive for it:

Download location: Firmware0528

Usual precautions applies: don't flash through wireless, know what you're doing, don't blame me if..., blah, blah...
Update: see this article if you think that you bricked your camera.

As advertised on MayGion.com, a free IP Master client is available on Apple store (Android equivalent is available from CyberNova but still give some FC's).

But the best is yet to come: ONVIF compliance is planned for a future release!

Big thanks to Microsat for providing me with the files and all the information!

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Improved support for IPRobot3 in the latest Surveillance Station

The latest release 6.0-2383 of Synology Surveillance Station brought some further support for the ONVIF-based IP Cameras.




As a result, now both the PTZ and Audio work for the Tenvis IPRobot3.

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Quick fix for light sensor problem

A common problem seen in Dericam H502W and Cybernova WIP604MW is the LED turning on and off continuously at times. In my initial review, I suggested that isolating the light sensor with a tube of black tape would help. There's now also an updated version of the LED ring that does just that.

The cause of the IP Camera ticking like a metronome is mainly due to the light sensor not being isolated from the light emitted by its nearby IR LED's. The reviewed led ring version (left on the picture) comes with a light sensor wrapped in a black plastic shield and also equipped with a filter. 

Fitting:

All the actions below are done with the camera un-plugged from power of course. The whole operation won't exceed 15 minutes.

The head of the camera can be simply opened by removing the 4 screws located on the bottom.

It might be tempting to just unsnap the black plastic frame from the white cover with risk of cracking it, so prefer the softer way below:

Next, there are 4 more screws to remove in order to detach the lens board and give way to the LED ring. It's important to keep a note of the lens board position and also of the connectors assignments to avoid re-assembling it all upside down later on. Use the picture below as a guide.

Once the glue points are removed, the LED ring will come free. 

Now just fit in the new LED ring. Do not neglect from gluing it otherwise any soft pressure on the LED's will push the whole ring back inside the casing. Pay attention to the lens board position and connectors assignments.

With the new LED ring in place, the clicking episodes should be -if not eliminated- greatly reduced.
You may still experiment some at times but of much shorter duration.

Obtaining an updated LED ring:

The LED ring can be purchased for ~6€ directly on eBay @ Andy.lig

I have contacted both Dericam and Cybernova and their current production already comes with the fix.

My special thanks to Lennard @ ipcam-shop.nl who made me aware of that fix!


Update: see this new post for further resolution information.

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Synology DSM 4.2 Beta

I've set  high expectations on DSM 4.2 to boost my now old DS109 with more features and improved performance. The beta is out!

Also, as announced in their blog a few months ago, the DSM 4.2 brings an Android version of the DS Video application that was until now only available to Apple users. Among the improvements are the introduction of SMB2 and Large MTU support.
This will also end 4 years of continuous improvements for my DS109 as DSM 4.2 is the last version delivered to the phasing out x09 series.

DSM 4.2 Beta release note

DSM 4.2 Beta Live Demo

DSM 4.2 Beta download

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