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Setting Up PTZOptics 3rd Gen Cameras for Network Control with a PTZOptics Joystick

April 17, 2025​

Overview​

To set up your PTZOptics 3rd Generation cameras for network-based control using a PTZOptics joystick, the first step is to connect all devices to a network. There are three primary setup options:

  1. Direct Connection – Connect a single camera directly to the joystick using an Ethernet cable.

  2. Isolated Network via Switch – Connect the camera(s) and joystick to a standalone network switch that is not connected to a larger network.

  3. Existing Network – Connect the camera(s) and joystick to an already established local area network (LAN).

This guide will walk you through each of these configurations step-by-step.

Note: This guide applies to the PTZOptics PT-JOY-G4 and PT-SUPERJOY-G1 joystick models. If you're using the discontinued PT-JOY-G3 , please refer to [this article] .

Method 1: Direct Connection (Camera to Joystick)​

Use this setup when directly connecting a camera to the joystick without any other network infrastructure.

Steps:​

  1. Plug both the camera and joystick into power using the provided power supplies.

  2. Connect an Ethernet cable directly between the camera and the joystick.

  3. On the IR remote, point it at the camera and press ( #) + (*) + (#) + (8) . The camera will restart.

  4. On the joystick, press the Setup button.

  5. Using the joystick itself, scroll down to Network connection on the PT-JOY-G4 and Network on the PT-Superjoy-G1, which should be set to DHCP by default , scroll to the right so that it reads static, then press Enter .

  6. Input the following network settings, pressing Enter after typing in each address:

    • IP Address: 192.168.100.100

    • Gateway: 192.168.100.1

    • Netmask: 255.255.255.0

  7. The joystick will reboot. Once it does, press Cam 1 to control the connected camera.

Method 2: Using a Network Switch (Isolated Network)​

This method is for setups where the devices are connected to a switch that isn’t linked to the rest of your network.

⚠️ If you're setting up multiple cameras, configure them one at a time to avoid IP conflicts.

Steps:​

  1. Connect the joystick and first camera to the switch and apply power (or use PoE if supported).

  2. Use the IR remote and press ( #) + (*) + (#) + (1) . The camera will reboot and receive IP 192.168.100.81 .

  3. For each additional camera, repeat the process using ( #) + (*) + (#) + (2) , ( #) + (*) + (#) + (3) , etc. Each will take an IP in the format 192.168.100.8X , where X corresponds to the number pressed.

  4. On the joystick:

    • Press Setup .

    • Using the joystick itself, scroll down to Network connection on the PT-JOY-G4 and Network on the PT-Superjoy-G1, which should be set to DHCP by default , scroll to the right so that it reads static, then press Enter .

    • Input the following network settings, pressing Enter after typing in each address:

      • IP Address: 192.168.100.100

      • Gateway: 192.168.100.1

      • Netmask: 255.255.255.0

    • The joystick will restart.

  5. Press Setup again and enter the Network Device menu. This should be the first option in the setup menu.

  6. For each camera:

    • Set Group to 1 . (Please note this field does not exist on the PT-JOY-G4)

    • Set Channel or Camera to 1 for Camera 1, 2 for Camera 2, etc.

    • Set Protocol to VISCA UDP .

    • Input the appropriate IP address (e.g., 192.168.100.81 ).

    • Set Port to 1259 .

You should now be able to control each camera using the corresponding camera select button on the joystick.

Method 3: Using an Existing Network​

This is the easiest method and works best when you have a computer on the same network.

🔁 As with the previous method, configure one camera at a time for the smoothest setup.

Please refer to [This Guide] For more detailed instructions on setting up a PTZOptics G 3 camera on your network.

Steps:​

  1. Connect the joystick and first camera to the switch and apply power (or use PoE if supported). Open a web browser and go to:
    [http://PTZOptics.local](http://PTZOptics.local)

  2. Log in to the camera’s web interface with:

    • Username: admin

    • Password: admin

  3. Navigate to Network Settings and note the camera’s IP address.

  4. Go to Device Info , change the Device Name to something unique (e.g., PTZOptics1 ), press Apply , and reboot.

    • You can now access the camera in the future at [http://PTZOptics1.local](http://PTZOptics1.local) .

  5. Repeat the steps above for each additional camera, giving each a unique device name.

  6. On the joystick’s display, note the Local IP (PT-superjoy-G1) or the Native IP (PT-JOY-G4)

    • Enter that IP address in your browser to access the joystick’s web interface.

    • Username: admin

    • Password: (leave blank)

    • Please note that for newer firmware versions, you are asked to set your own password, rules, which can be found in [this article]

  7. In the list of devices, click Modify on the first camera entry.

    • Enter the IP address you noted earlier and press Save .

    • Repeat for additional cameras.

You should now be able to control all connected cameras via the joystick using the camera select buttons.

Please contact support if you are having any issues or if there is anything we can help with.
Support can be reached M-TH 8AM-6PM EST and F 8AM-4PM EST