The PT-JOY-G3 utilizes a VISCA based command set sent over TCP/IP for control; this article will cover basic setup for the PT-JOY-G3 joystick shown in the picture below. 


If you are looking for RS232 or RS422 control instead of TCP/IP, network, control please see our alternate joystick controller the HC-JOY-G3 meant for RS232 or RS422 control.




Step 1: Requirements

  1.  You will need is the PT-JOY-G3 model joystick controller as shown above. An easy to identify the G3 model is the six (6) CAM buttons as shown on the left panel. 
  2. You will need is a PTZOptics camera (Note: While other camera brands may work with this controller we can not guarantee proper functionality with any brand other than a PTZOptics cameras)
  3. You need a network to connect the camera(s) and the joystick to. This can be a simple a simple unmanaged switch and router or an already operational LAN. (Note: The camera(s) and the joystick must be on the same subnet for control)
  4. You will need Cat5e, or better, cable typically referred to as "Ethernet cable" or "network cable" to connect everything to your network.
  5. You will need a computer for the setup of the camera(s) if they are not already setup.


Step 2: Camera setup

  1. Now that we have all of the required equipment we now need to make sure that the PTZOptics camera(s) are setup on your network properly and that they have the most up to date firmware.
  2. Network Setup Resources
  • To ensure your camera is setup properly on the network for IP control please follow the Windows or Mac guides below as needed for your setup
  • Windows please use the "Upgrade Tool" to make this process easy in combination with the following setup guideto assist.
  • Mac users please refer to the following setup guide.
  1. Firmware Update(s) Resources
    • To update the camera's firmware please have your serial number for the specific camera you are upgrading available and visit the PTZOptics Firmware Finder. (Note: The firmware update process requires the Windows Operating System)

Step 3 Joystick Setup

  1. Once the camera(s) is setup on the network and properly addressed, plug the joystick into a switch or a router with a switch built in.(Note: If the switch or router has the ability to provide PoE, this will power the joystick. If you do not have a PoE capable switch or router you will have to use the included power supply.)
  2. As the joystick powers up, if it is plugged into a router with DHCP enabled it will automatically be assigned an IP address. If this does not occur please follow the steps below.
    • Press the “SETUP” button to enter the joysticks setup menu.
    • Scroll down to the 3rd option, using the joystick, "IP".
    • Cycle to the right, using the joystick, to change this value to "Static" and press enter.
    • The joystick will now prompt you to enter a static IP address, please set to your desired static IP address including the “.” between octets (ex:192.168.100.90) once completed please press enter.
    • Next, the joystick will ask for your Subnet Mask where you should enter your networks Subnet Mask including the “.” between octets (ex: 255.255.255.0) once completed please press enter.
    • Finally, the joystick will ask for your Default Gateway. This should be similar to your static IP address except the last octet which should be different in most networks, make sure to include “.” between octets (ex: 192.168.100.1) once completed please press enter.
    • The joystick will now ask you to confirm these settings, press Enter to accept these changes or ESC to discard them. 
    • The joystick will now restart to commit the changes.
  3. Once the joystick controller has completed its boot up cycle press the “SETUP” button.
  4. The "SETUP" button will open a menu on the LCD screen. 
    • The first option will be "Device List". Scroll over once to the right and it will say "Add Device", this menu lets you add cameras so press the enter button to begin adding cameras. 
    • The joystick will ask you to pick an ID to associate with the camera you are adding (While 1-254 is available note that only 1-6 apply for the quick CAM select buttons on the left pane). 
    • Input the camera’s IP address into the joystick including the “.” between octets and press enter. 
    • the joystick will now ask you if you want to use UDP or TCP control followed by the port.
    • UDP port 1259
    • TCP port 5678
    • Your camera is now available for control using the ID selected above.
  5. To ensure camera control is working properly press the quick select button you just associated your camera to, the ID, and make sure you can move the camera with the joystick.
  6. Repeat step 4 with all your cameras until they are all setup.
  7. If you are continuing to have difficulties getting the joystick or camera(s) setup please contact support Support can be reached M-F 8AM-6PM EST.