Problem Background

Users have attempted to control the serial PTZ camera using various RS232-USB A interfaces based on the Prolific chipset, but the device does not recognize these interfaces. The user would like to find a suitable cable that is compatible with the N5 device to fulfill the requirement.

Cause of the problem

1. N5 interface limitations:The Type-C interface of the N5 device only supports USB memory recording when connected directly, and does not support serial communication via RS232. Therefore, it is not possible to control the PTZ camera by connecting directly to the N5 using an RS232 adapter with a USB A connector.

2. Physical connectivity requirements:In order for the device to properly recognize and use the serial interface, the user needs to connect the N5 Type-C connector to the RS232-USB A adapter via a USB-C to USB-A cable. This is a secondary conversion process that ensures that data is transferred through the correct interface.

Solution provider

In order to properly connect the N5 device to the serial PTZ camera, the user needs to use a combination of the following two cables:

1. USB-C to USB-A cable:

Connect the Type-C connector of the N5 device to the RS232-USB A adapter. Be sure to use a standard USB-C to USB-A cable, not a cable that only supports power transfer.

2. RS232 to USB-A adapter:

Use an RS232-USB A adapter that supports the Prolific chipset to connect to the camera and communicate serially.

Introduction to USB Cable Types and Versions

USB Type-C cable:USB Type-C is a new USB interface standard that features forward and reverse plugging for a wide range of devices. It can support data transfer speeds of up to 10Gbps and higher power output for charging and data transfer. To ensure compatibility with N5 devices, it is important to select a USB-C to USB-A cable that supports data transfer.

USB-A cable:USB-A is a legacy USB interface that is typically used to connect a computer to external devices. This interface is widely used for a variety of devices including keyboards, mice, storage devices, and more. In this case, USB-A is used to connect to the RS232-USB A adapter for serial communication with the PTZ camera.

USB Version Description

USB 2.0: Maximum data transfer rate is 480 Mbps, suitable for most basic device connections.

USB 3.0/3.1: Maximum data transfer rate is 5 Gbps or 10 Gbps. this version is suitable for devices that require high-speed data transfer.

USB 3.1/3.2: Supports higher data transfer speeds for high performance devices.USB 4.0: Maximum transfer rate is 40 Gbps, supporting higher bandwidth and more functions, suitable for future development needs.

Recommended Purchase Route

Since we do not have specific recommended brands and models, we suggest users search for related products on Amazon or similar platforms. Here are some recommended search terms and suggestions:

USB-C to USB-A Cable

RS232 to USB Adapter Prolific RS232 USB Converter

Other Precautions
Ensure cable quality: When purchasing, it is recommended to choose a good quality cable and avoid using low quality cables that only support charging.

Check interface type and compatibility: Before purchasing, always check the interface type and supported USB version of the product to make sure it is suitable for your device and needs.Device Firmware and Drivers: When using an adapter with a Prolific chipset, make sure you have the proper drivers installed so that your device is properly recognized.

SummarizeIn order to establish a stable serial connection between the N5 device and the PTZ camera, you will need to perform a secondary conversion with a USB-C to USB-A cable and an RS232 to USB adapter. Please select the appropriate cable for your needs and make sure it supports the data transfer function.

Problem Background

Maintenance IP is the network address of the device’s network port for management and maintenance, through which users can log in the device’s Web management page for parameter configuration, status monitoring and other operations. The default maintenance IP of the device is a fixed address preset by the factory, which will be automatically restored to the default value after restoring the factory settings, and users can also customize and modify it according to their needs in the Web management interface.

Default Maintenance IP Address

Notes on using the default maintenance IP to log in to the Web management page

1. Network segment matching: When logging in with the default maintenance IP (e.g. 192.168.1.168 or 192.168.2.168), you need to make sure that your computer’s network configuration is in the same network segment as that IP.

   – If connecting to port 1, the computer’s IP should be set to 192.168.1.* (* is a number between 1-255 except 168)；

   – If connecting to port 2, the computer’s IP should be set to 192.168.2.* (* is a number between 1-255 except 168).

2. You need to synchronize the computer network after IP modification: After modifying the IP of the device in the Web management page, you need to restore the network configuration of the computer to the IP of the actual working network to avoid affecting the normal use.

3. Commonality of default address: Even if you have not viewed the current network port through the touch screen, you can directly try to access it using the default IP (192.168.1.168) of network port 1, or if you are connected to network port 2, you can try to access it using the default IP (192.168.2.168) of network port 2.

Restoring Factory Settings to Default Maintenance Impact

When the device performs the “Restore Factory Settings” operation via physical buttons (RESET button) or the Web management page, the maintenance IPs of NIC 1 and NIC 2 will be automatically restored to the default values (i.e., 192.168.1.168 for NIC 1 and 192.168.2.168 for NIC 2).

Access to the Web

1. Open your computer’s browser and enter the corresponding maintenance IP of the device in the address bar (e.g. 192.168.1.168 for network port 1, 192.168.2.168 for network port 2, or a customized maintenance IP);

2. After enter, if the login interface appears, enter the default or modified user name and password of the device (the default is often admin/admin), you can enter the Web management terminal to operate the device.

Problem Background

The front of the device is equipped with a color LCD display + wheel knob to view the IP of the network port through hardware interaction.

Common Troubleshooting Approaches

1. Power-On Ready: The device is powered on and waits for the LCD display to show its contents normally.
2. Switch the display module:
   Turn the wheel knob to toggle the display screen to locate the ETHERNET 1 (NIC 1) or ETHERNET 2 (NIC 2) module (page three/four displays network status related content).

3. Rotate the knob counterclockwise：Previous page.

4.Turn the knob clockwise: next page

5. View IP information:
After switching to the corresponding network port module, the screen will display the IP address of the network port (e.g., STATIC 192.168.X.X for static IP, or DHCP-assigned IP for automatic acquisition).

Roller Knob Function Description

Supplementary note

If you need to modify the network configuration (e.g. DHCP switch, change IP manually), you can press the wheel knob to enter the network port detail page, and then save it after adjusting as needed.

The third and fourth pages of the LCD display read: the current network status of the device.

NETWORK1/ NETWORK2：It indicates the interface data of Network 1 and Network 2 respectively; LINK: It indicates the bandwidth of the network interface (Gigabit), and the up and down arrows on the right side indicate the real-time network upstream and downstream rate; STATIC: It indicates the static IP address of the device.

 In this page, press the rotary wheel to view the detailed information of the current network interface, and it also supports configuring the network of NETWORK1 and setting the DHCP on and off.

If you need to modify the IP address manually, please select IP, Mask, Gateway to modify it individually. Scroll up and down to adjust the number of IP address by rotating the scroll wheel, and then press the rotating wheel and select OK to save.

Problem Background

The N5/N6 requires a reset, which can be performed through hardware interaction using the color LCD screen and rotary knob on the front of the device.

Touch button functions:“<“:Previous Page,”>”:Next Page,”O”:Confirm (Enter/Execute Action)

Reset Steps

1. Navigate to Device Status Page

After powering on, use the touch buttons to cycle through displImportant Notes

Before performing Restore Factory, if the device is network accessible, it is recommended to back up important configurations. After the operation, network settings, operating mode, and other parameters will need to be reconfigured.ay modules: Press the “Previous Page” or “Next Page” buttons to switch the screen display to Page 1 (Device Status Page)​ (which shows information such as CPU, memory, temperature, version, etc.).

2. Enter the System Operations Submenu

On the Device Status Page, press the Confirm​ button to enter the submenu. You will see the following options:Screen Protector, Reboot, and Restore Factory Settings.

3. Perform Reset Operation

Press the Previous Page​ or Next Page​ button to select the corresponding reset option (Reboot​ or Restore Factory), then press the Confirm​ button.

If Restore Factory​ is selected, the device will restore its factory settings. Configuration items such as the network address and operating mode will revert to their default values (resolving issues like inaccessible device settings caused by parameter modifications).

Important Notes

Before performing Restore Factory, if the device is network accessible, it is recommended to back up important configurations. After the operation, network settings, operating mode, and other parameters will need to be reconfigured.