How to Connect a Joystick Controller to Manage Multiple PTZ Cameras

Managing multiple PTZ cameras with a joystick controller is essential for smooth live production, conference control, or broadcast setups. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how to connect and configure Tenveo PTZ cameras with a joystick controller using ONVIF, VISCA over IP, or NDI protocols.

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🔌 Part 1: Hardware Connection

Note: Tenveo PTZ cameras support true PoE (Power over Ethernet), so no separate power adapter is required. DHCP is also supported for easy IP assignment.

1. Connect All Devices with Network Cables:
   Connect your PTZ cameras and joystick controller to the network using Ethernet cables.
2. Connect the Controller to a PoE Switch:
   Use a network cable to connect the joystick controller to a PoE switch.
3. Connect the PoE Switch to the Router:
   This allows the devices to communicate and obtain IP addresses via DHCP.
4. Power On All Devices:
   PoE cameras are powered through Ethernet. Connect power only to devices that need it (like the controller).

✅ All hardware is now connected.

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⚙️ Part 2: Prepare the Camera Settings

1. Log into each camera’s web interface.
2. Enable the ONVIF protocol.
3. Enable DHCP to allow automatic IP assignment.

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🎮 Part 3: Configure the Joystick Controller

1. Press the SETUP button on the joystick controller.
2. Navigate to Network Setting.
3. Change the network type from Static to DHCP.
4. Scroll to the end and press the joystick button to Save. The controller will reboot.

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🔍 Part 4: Add Cameras via ONVIF

1. After reboot, press SETUP and go to Device Search.
2. Use the joystick to start the search.
3. Select the cameras and tick the checkboxes to add them.
4. Login using:
   Username: admin
   Password: admin
5. By default, cameras are added to Channel 8. You can change this to Channel 1 or any preferred channel.
6. Return to the Device List to confirm that all cameras are added.

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🔄 Part 5: Use VISCA Over IP for More Advanced Control (Optional)

Note: ONVIF may not support all advanced functions. For greater control, use VISCA over IP.

1. Login to the controller's web interface.
   Username: admin
   Password: *(leave blank)*
2. Change the protocol to VISCA over IP.
3. Set the port number to 52381.
4. Get the RTSP address from the camera:
   • Log into the camera’s web interface
   • Go to Network Settings → RTSP, then click Copy
   • Paste the RTSP link into the controller interface

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🌐 Part 6: Use NDI Protocol (Alternative)

If you're using NDI protocol:

• Configuration is similar to ONVIF
• No RTSP address is required
• Set the baud rate to 5961

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✅ Protocol Summary

Protocol	DHCP Support	RTSP Required	Port / Baud Rate
ONVIF	✅	❌	-
VISCA over IP	✅	✅	Port: 52381
NDI	✅	❌	Baud: 5961

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📌 Final Tips

• Always enable ONVIF or VISCA depending on your control needs
• Use DHCP to simplify IP assignment
• Assign each camera to a unique channel for easier switching

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🎥 Watch the Full Setup Video

Prefer to follow along visually? Watch our full YouTube tutorial below:

💬 Need help? Contact us — we’re happy to assist!