IPTimelapse Quickstart
For the latest version of IPTimelapse go to
IPTimelapse.com. To update IPTimelapse first uninstall your your current version using the Windows-Control Panel->Uninstall a Program dialogue. Then install the new version. Settings will be carried over to the new installation.
How to setup to capture images from an IP camera.
There are two ways to read a jpeg snapshot from an IP camera. One uses http and the other rstp. In both cases you need to know the jpeg snapshot command string for your camera. It turns out that each camera manufacturer has defined its own command string for this purpose. Some cameras have an http command set (API) that includes a jpeg snapshot command. This command begins with http:// and will usually end in .cgi or .jpg. The second method of single frame capture has a string beginning with rtsp://. You can find a valid snapshot string for your camera by doing one off the following:
1) Consult the camera user manual or
2) Google the camera make and model for jpeg snapshot or
3) Search online for rtsp and you camera model. If no luck send an email to info@sebectec.com
If find that your camrea has a built-in http jpeg snapshot command it is recommended to use it in preference to rtsp. Nearly all IP cameras have an rtsp streaming protocol command. When using rtsp IPTimelapse will use ffmpeg to access the camera stream to grab a single snapshot. If your camera lists more than one rtsp command you should choose the one associated with ffmpeg.
Examples of http and rtsp snapshot command strings:
HIKvision cameras:
http://IPADDRESS/Streaming/Channels/1/picture
or
rtsp://IPADDRESS:554/Streaming/Channels/1
Sharx cameras:
http://IPADDRESS/snapshot.jpg
rtsp://username:password@IPADDRESS/live/0/h264.sdp
Foscam cameras:
http://IPADDRESS:88/cgi-bin/CGIProxy.fcgi?cmd=snapPicture&usr=username&pwd=password
rtsp://username:password@IPADDRESS:88/videoMain
Generally IP cameras require a username and password to access. You can include the username and password in the command string or you can leave the username and password out of the string and instead enter it in the IPTimelapse user/password edit boxes and select the use password checkbox. Don't enter it in both the command string and the edit boxes; use one or the other.
If entering the username and password in the command string use the format shown here.
http://USER:PASS@IPADDRESS/...
Using the correct snapshot command for your camera test it by entering it to the primary edit box in IPTimelapse. Press the Take Picture button to snap a picture and verify the capture. If using http capture you can also test the jpeg image caputure using your browser by entering the string in the address bar.
Once you have verified a good snapshot capture it would be a good idea to save the settings. Do this by pressing the menu item Settings->Save Settings then click OK.