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Express 6 / Frequently Asked Questions

NETWORKING

I can browse to the Express 6 and see the images, but the images are not being sent to my web site.

The Express 6 sends images to your server using FTP (File Transfer Protocol). Make sure that you have it enabled on the FTP configuration menu. If it is, double check the basics:
  • Is the hostname correct?
  • Are the username and password correct?
  • Is the path to the image valid?
  • Do you have permissions to upload?
If you are certain that these are all correct, check the type of FTP server that you have.
  • Have you tried enabling the "Delete before rename" option?
  • Is it Microsoft's IIS 4.0/5.0?
  • Does your server require passive mode?
Click the check boxes that apply to your FTP server type/settings.

If you're still experiencing problems, you can telnet into the Express 6 and run the script manually to see where the problem lies:

From windows, click Start, Run and type: telnet <express6-ip-address> and click OK. Log into the Express 6 and type (or copy/paste):

ftpscript ftp.scr


After I run the setup wizard, I cannot find the Express 6 in the StarDot Tools software.

Check that your IP information is correct (IP, Subnet Mask, Gateway). If it's set to DHCP, double-check your cable connections (and make sure your network has a DHCP server or router present).

If you are configuring the Express 6 for a dial-up connection, you will not see the Express 6 appear after the configuration. It will only detect Express 6 units that are on the same Ethernet network as the PC running StarDot Tools.


I ran the setup wizard and manually assigned the Express 6 an IP address. StarDot Tools does not find the Express 6 and I can't connect to it using my browser.

Check that your IP information is correct (IP, Subnet Mask, Gateway).


I can see the Express 6 on my local area network, but I can't from another location. How do I set up the Express 6 so I can see it from another location?

The Express 6 is probably using a non-routable IP address (i.e. 192.168.1.X or 10.0.0.X) because it's behind a router (gateway). In order to connect to it from the WAN side, you have to set up port forwarding if your router supports it. Some manufactures call this feature virtual servers. You need to direct the request from your WAN IP to the camera's LAN IP. On a Linksys router, click "Advanced" and then "Forwarding". Assign Port 80 to the Express 6's IP address. If your router is not a Linksys brand router, refer to your router's user manual.


How do I make the Express 6 wireless?

  • Connect a low-cost wireless Ethernet bridge (like the Linksys WET11)


  • If you're interested in a wireless solution that is national, please contact us at 800.621.3906 or email us at dougp@thomascomputer.com for more information on our global and national wireless solutions. It should be noted that in order to view streaming video from the Express 6 video server, we recommend a broadband connection (LAN, Cable, DSL, Wireless Ethernet, etc.), not a public wireless network (CDPD, GPRS, satellite modem, etc.).


Why does StarDot Tools give me a Winsock error in WIN95?

Windows 95 requires a newer version of winsock.dll. To use StarDot with Windows 95, you'll need to upgrade to winsock2.dll, available free here.


INTERNET DIAL-UP (via analog modem)

After I run the setup wizard, I cannot find the Express 6 in the StarDot Tools software.

When configuring the Express 6 for Internet dial-up through an analog modem and phone line, you will not see the Express 6 listed in the StarDot Tools software. StarDot Tools only finds and Express 6 units found on the LAN (local area network), which is an Ethernet connection, not a serial modem connection.


My Express 6 is on a Dial-up connection. How do I find my IP address?

The Express 6 is designed to FTP a file named "ip.html" to your FTP server each time it connects. This file contains the Express 6's current IP address. Make sure that the path for this file is correct. Once the file is uploaded to your server, use your web browser to point to the file to get the Express 6's IP address (i.e. http://yourserver.com/ip.html).


Can I dial into the Express 6?

No. The Express 6 alone does not support dial-in. You can connect it to a LAN Modem that supports dial-in to achieve this (like the 3COM OfficeConnect LAN Modem).


GENERAL

When I run the setup wizard, it says that it cannot find the Express 6 video server.

Make sure that you are using the null-modem serial cable that was shipped with the Express 6. Make sure that it is plugged into S1 (AUX) port on the Express 6. Double check that the other end of the null serial cable is plugged into a working serial port on your PC. Make sure that you don't have software (PDA software, fax software, etc.) running that may use the same serial port.

I want to archive the images on my server. How do I do this?

The Express 6 can optionally upload the image with a separate path and/or filename from the Path/File above. This provides a very convenient way to archive images on your server while still maintaining a statically named live image. One way to do this is to include date/time markup characters as part of the filename. The current upload time of the image will become the filename.

For example, the filename %Y-%m%d-%H%M%S.jpg automatically translates to 2003-03-18-153015.jpg if the date and time of the upload is March 18, 2003 at 3:30:15 PM.


I forgot my username and password.

The default username and password is admin and admin. If you changed the password and cannot remember it, your only option is to reset the Express 6 to its default settings. To do so, use a paper clip to press in the recessed button on the front panel of the Express 6 (just right of the NET light). Keep in mind that in doing so you will need to reenter all of your configuration settings, including network configuration (IP address, subnet, etc.).


How do I connect to the Express 6 using HyperTerminal?

Make sure you have the Express 6 connected to your PC. Using the provided null modem serial cable, plug it into S1 (AUX) on the Express 6 and into an available serial port on your computer.

Click Start --> Programs --> Accessories --> Communications --> HyperTerminal.

When the program first runs, it'll either prompt you for an area code or name. If it prompts you for an area code, provide one and click OK. It should then prompt you for a name. Any name will do.

On the next screen, for "Connect Using", select the com port that the camera is connected to. Click OK.

On the next screen, change the Bits per second to 38400. Click OK.

The next screen should be a blank window. Hit the Enter key and you will be prompted for username and password. (defaults are admin and admin).


Can the Express 6 store images?

Using the trigger menu (express6_ip/admin.cgi?trigger), you can program the Express 6 to buffer images internally when an event occurs (door opening, alarm going off, etc.). After buffering the images, the Express 6 can either FTP the images to your server or e-mail them to any e-mail address. When another triggered event occurs, the process is repeated.


How many images can the Express 6 store?

This varies depending on JPEG quality and resolution. There is approximately 1.8MB of image buffering space available. This means if your images are 10KB in size, you can buffer up to 180 images.