BulletCam user manual

Updated

BulletCam is an IP camera with a smart infrared (IR) backlight and an object recognition function. The user can view archived and live videos in the Ajax apps. To store the captured data, install a microSD card or connect the camera to NVR with an installed hard disk.

The camera is connected to the network via Ethernet, using the appropriate connector.

The camera is available in several versions:

  • BulletCam (5 Mp/2.8 mm);
  • BulletCam (5 Mp/4 mm);
  • BulletCam (8 Mp/2.8 mm);
  • BulletCam (8 Mp/4 mm).

Camera versions with other enclosures are also available. All Ajax cameras are available here.

Functional elements

  1. Swivel mounting bracket.
  2. Protective cover.
  3. Screw for fixing camera position.
  4. Slot for microSD card.
  5. Reset button.
  6. Microphone.
  7. Camera lens.
  8. Faceted lens. Covers the infrared LEDs and diffuses the rays.
  9. IR backlight. Used to record videos in dark and low-light conditions.
  10. Cable channel for routing the cable connector from the camera.
  11. Cable connector.
  12. QR code with the device ID. Used to add BulletCam to an Ajax system.
  13. Holes for attaching the camera to the surface.

Operating principle

BulletCam is an IP camera that uses artificial intelligence (AI) for object recognition. Its algorithms can identify moving objects, distinguishing between humans, animals, or vehicles.

The device features a smart IR backlight, ensuring the capture of high-quality images even in low-light conditions. The camera automatically adjusts the backlight intensity in real time to prevent overexposure, enabling clear visibility of objects that are either far away or too close to the camera in low-light conditions.

BulletCam has an IP65 protection class, making it suitable for outdoor installation. Its robust metal enclosure protects the device against sabotage.

You can install a microSD card with a memory capacity from 32 GB to 256 GB (not included in the complete set of the camera). The memory card should be Class 30 or faster. Additionally, the device can operate without a memory card or via NVR.

BulletCam enables you to:

  1. Watch video in real-time with the ability to zoom in for a closer look.
  2. Access archived videos, navigating through them based on recording chronology and calendar (this feature is available if a microSD memory card is installed in the camera, or it is connected to NVR with an installed hard disk).
  3. Configure motion detection zones and adjust sensitivity level.
  4. View the Videowall that combines images from all connected cameras.
  5. Create video scenarios that send a short video from the selected camera to the Ajax app when the security detector is triggered.

Video scenarios

The Ajax system offers the capability to use IP cameras for alarm verification. Video scenarios enable the substantiation of alarm triggers with corresponding video from cameras installed at the facility.

Cameras can be configured to respond to alarms from a single device, multiple devices, or all connected devices. Combined detectors can register various types of alarms, allowing you to configure responses to a wide range of alarm types, whether it’s just one, several, or all of them.

Videowall

The user can manage videos on the Videowall tab, accessible once at least one camera has been added. This feature ensures quick access to all connected cameras, displayed in accordance with privacy settings.

The user can:

  1. Switch between cameras.
  2. Search for the desired camera by name.
  3. Receive updates on camera previews.
  4. Manage a PTZ camera.
  5. Save the position of the camera video display.
  6. Change the order in which the camera video is displayed.
  7. Create templates for displaying videos in a slideshow.

Privacy zones

The system allows hiding parts of the frame. For instance, if a safe is in view, activity around it can be recorded without revealing its contents by setting up the right zone. No motion or object will be detected and recorded in the privacy zone.

To do this, in Ajax apps:

  1. Go to the Devices tab.
  2. Select the camera from the list. If it is connected to the network video recorder, select NVR and tap on Cameras.
  3. Go to Settings by tapping on the gear icon twice.
  4. Select the Privacy zones menu.
  5. Go to the Configure privacy zones menu. Select the required area.
  6. Tap on the icon. Return to the camera settings.

The user can create up to four private zones.

Selecting the installation site

When choosing the optimal location to install BulletCam, consider the camera’s viewing angle and any potential obstacles that might obstruct its view.

Consider the placement recommendations when designing the security system project for your object. The security system should be designed and installed by professionals. A list of recommended partners is available here.

The camera should not be installed

  1. Indoors or outdoors where the temperature and humidity levels do not align with the specified operating parameters.
  2. In locations where objects or structures might obstruct the camera’s view.
  3. In direct bright light or on bright objects (e.g., a white wall), as it can reduce the image quality. The bright surface reflects the IR backlight and blinds the camera in the dark.

Installation and connection

  1. Using the bundled hexagon key (Ø 2 mm), remove the screws holding the protective cover. Insert a microSD card (not included) into the appropriate slot. Replace the protective cover and tighten the screws.

    After adding BulletCam to the system, format the memory card in the camera settings.

  2. Using the mounting template, mark the locations for the drill holes on the surface where you plan to mount the camera. Secure the template to the chosen installation location with tape, and drill four holes as indicated on the template.
  3. Loosen the screw on the swivel mounting bracket with the bundled hexagon key (Ø 2 mm) and rotate the bracket if you need to change the cable channel position. Tighten the screw back.
  4. Route the cable through the cable channel and secure the swivel mounting bracket to the surface using the bundled screws.
  5. Loosen the screw on the swivel mounting bracket to adjust the camera tilt and rotation position.
  6. Ensure that the camera lens faces the protected area. Secure it by tightening the screw in the swivel mounting bracket.
  7. Connect the Ethernet cable to the camera. If it is powered by PoE, no external power supply is needed; otherwise, connect both the external power supply and the Ethernet cable. Install a waterproof connector if the camera is used indoors with humidity levels outside the operating parameters, or outdoors.

    The recommended electrical parameters for the power supply are 12 V⎓ ± 20% with a current of at least 1 A.

  8. Turn on the power supply of the camera. The LED indicator on the cable connector lights up green, indicating a successful connection to Ajax Cloud.

Adding to the system

Before adding a device

  1. Install the Ajax app and log in to your account.
  2. Create a space, configure its settings, and create at least one virtual room.

    The space functionality is available for apps of such versions and higher:

    Ajax Security System 3.0 for iOS;
    Ajax Security System 3.0 for Android;
    Ajax PRO: Tool for Engineers 2.0 for iOS;
    Ajax PRO: Tool for Engineers 2.0 for Android;
    Ajax PRO Desktop 4.0 for macOS;
    Ajax PRO Desktop 4.0 for Windows.

  3. If the app’s version is lower, add an Ajax hub to the app. A hub is only required for adding the device to the Ajax system.

    The device is compatible with all hubs. Connection to radio signal range extenders, ocBridge Plus, and uartBridge is not supported.

  4. Ensure the space is disarmed.

How to add BulletCam

  1. Open the Ajax app. Select the space to which you want to add the camera.
  2. Go to the Devices tab and click Add device.
  3. Assign a name to the camera.
  4. Scan the QR code or enter it manually. Find the QR code on the back of the enclosure and on the packaging.
  5. Select a virtual room and a group (if Group Mode is enabled).
  6. Click Add.
  7. Ensure the camera is switched on and connected to the internet. The LED indicator should illuminate green.
  8. Click Add again.

The connected camera will now appear in the list of devices in the Ajax app.

  1. Open the Ajax app. Select the space to which you added NVR.
  2. Go to the Devices tab.
  3. Select NVR from the list and click Cameras.
  4. Click Add Camera and wait for the network scan to complete and display the available cameras connected to the local network.

    Note that the camera must be connected to the same local network as NVR.

  5. Select the camera.
  6. Assign a name to the camera, select a virtual room and a group, then click Finish.
  7. Wait for the system to add the device, then click Close.

The newly connected camera will now appear in the list of NVR cameras in the Ajax app.

Note that BulletCam is compatible with only one space. To connect the camera to the new space, remove it from the device list of the old one. This removal process needs to be done manually in the Ajax app.

Resetting to the default settings

To reset the camera to the default settings:

  1. Turn off the camera by disconnecting the external power supply or Ethernet cable (if it is powered by PoE).
  2. Press and hold the reset button.
  3. Power the camera while the reset button is pressed, and wait until the button’s LED indicator lights up violet. This will take about 50 seconds.

    The button’s LED indicator lights up blue for 20 seconds after powering the camera with a pressed reset button. Then it turns off for 30 seconds and lights up violet. This means that the camera has been restored to the default settings.

  4. Release the button.

Icons

The icons in the app display some device states. To access them:

  1. Select a space in the Ajax app.
  2. Go to the Devices tab.
  3. Find BulletCam in the list.
Icon Value
Live view is available.
Live view is not available.

Other users have access to view camera video.

Learn more

The camera has an archive.
The microSD card is not installed.
The microSD card is installed.
Malfunction of the microSD card is detected. Formatting the microSD card is recommended.
The microSD card is being formatted.
The new firmware version is available.
An error was detected during the firmware update.

The device was not transferred to the new hub.

Learn more

States

The states display information about the device and its operating parameters. You can find out about the states of the camera in Ajax apps:

  1. Select a space in the Ajax app.
  2. Go to the Devices tab.
  3. Select BulletCam from the list of devices. If BulletCam is connected to the video recorder, select NVR and then click Cameras.
Parameter Value
Firmware update Displayed when the firmware update is available:

  • Downloading… — the firmware downloading is in progress. Shown in percentages.
  • Installing… — the firmware installation is in progress.
Connection The camera connection status to the internet via Ethernet:

  • Online — the camera is connected to the network. Normal state.
  • Offline — the camera is not connected to the network. Please check your wired internet connection.

Clicking the icon displays the network parameters.

Connection to NVR

Displayed when the camera is connected to NVR.

The camera connection status to NVR:

  • Online — the camera is connected to the network via NVR. Normal state.
  • Offline — the camera is not connected to the network via NVR. Please check your wired internet connection.

Clicking the icon displays the network parameters.

Storage location Displays the list of storage devices connected to the camera:

  • Cloud (in progress);
  • Memory card — data is recorded on a memory card (not included) installed in the camera.
  • NVR hard drive — data is recorded on the NVR hard disk.

Clicking the icon displays the recording mode and storage settings.

Memory card The memory card connection status to the camera:

  • OK — the memory card is communicating with the camera. Normal state.
  • Error — there is an error in the memory card operation. Check details by clicking the icon. Follow the instructions provided in the app.
  • Not installed — the memory card is not installed in the camera.
  • Requires formatting — the memory card formatting is recommended. If the memory card contains data, it will be permanently deleted.
  • Works with errors — the memory card has issues. Press the reset camera button or format the memory card.
  • Formatting… — the memory card is being formatted.
Resolution The current camera resolution.
Frame rate The current camera frame rate.
Bit rate The current camera bit rate.
Video codec The current video codec:

  • H.265;
  • H.264.
Motion detection The Motion detection function status:

  • On;
  • Off.
Object detection The Object detection function status:

  • On;
  • Off.
Uptime The camera’s operating time since the last reboot.
Camera access available to (in progress)

Displays the number of users who have access to view video from the camera.

Clicking the icon displays the list of users, installers, and companies with access under certain conditions.

Learn more

Firmware Firmware version of the camera.
ID BulletCam ID/Serial Number. Also available on the QR code on the camera enclosure and its package box.

Settings

To change camera settings, in an Ajax app:

  1. Go to the Devices tab.
  2. Select BulletCam from the list. If BulletCam is connected to the video recorder, select NVR and click Cameras.
  3. Go to Settings by clicking on the gear icon .
  4. Set the required parameters.
  5. Click Back to save the new settings.
Settings Value
Name

Camera name. Displayed in the list of devices, SMS text, and notifications in the events feed.

To change the camera name, click on the text field.

The name can contain up to 12 Cyrillic characters or up to 24 Latin characters.

Room

Selection of the camera virtual room.

The room name is displayed in SMS text and notifications in the events feed.

Arm in Night mode

When this option is enabled, the camera will switch to the armed mode whenever the system is set to Night mode.

Learn more

Recording preferences Selection of the Recording mode for each storage device:

  • On detection or scenario;
  • Continuous;
  • Never.

Selection of the armed mode when the camera records video:

  • When armed;
  • Always.
Notifications from camera detectors

The user can select the type of object, and when it’s recognized, a notification with video footage is received.

Available options:

  • Human;
  • Pet;
  • Vehicle;
  • Any motion.

You can also configure Interval in reporting similar events and select the armed mode that triggers the notifications.

Available options:

  • When camera armed;
  • Always.

The Notifications from camera detectors feature is available if the Video alerts option is enabled in the space settings.

Camera settings
Detection

When the Motion detector toggle is enabled, the camera detects motion using its built-in software.

When the Object detection toggle (in progress) is enabled, the camera distinguishes between specific objects. In the camera video, a human, a pet, and a vehicle are highlighted with colored rectangles.

The setting also allows the user to define an activity zone where the camera detects motion. When triggered, the system sends a notification to the user.

Video stream Settings for mainstream and substream parameters.
Image Settings for camera image quality.
On-screen display (OSD) (in progress) Allows the user to customize the display of additional information on the camera image:

  • Camera name;
  • Timestamp;
  • Parameters of the displayed text.
Audio Settings for audio capture and playback.

  • Audio capture and playback — turn on to watch and record videos with audio.
  • Audio codec.
  • Bit rate.
  • Sample rate.
  • Microphone gain — configure the microphone sensitivity level based on the installation location.
Privacy zones Allows the user to select zones that are not displayed on the camera video. Instead, the user sees a black rectangle.
Image rotation (in progress) Allows the user to rotate the camera video.
Firmware update Allows the user to check for a new firmware version and download it.
Connection
Connection type

The setting for selecting the camera’s connection type to Ajax Cloud service via Ethernet.

Available connection types:

  • DHCP;
  • Static.
Memory card

Selection of the maximum archive depth. It can be set in the range of 1 to 360 days or can be unlimited.

Allows the user to format the memory card.

Service
Time zone

Time zone selection.

Set by the user and is displayed when viewing video from IP cameras.

Server Connection
Delay of cloud connection loss alarm, sec

The delay helps to reduce the risk of a false event about the lost connection with the server.

The delay can be set in the range of 30 to 600 seconds.

NVR–cloud polling interval, sec

The frequency of polling the Ajax Cloud server is set in the range of 30 to 300 seconds.

The shorter the interval, the faster the cloud connection loss will be detected.

Report a problem Allows the user to describe a problem and send a report.
User guide Opens the camera user manual.
Delete device Unpairs BulletCam from the space and all NVR where it’s added.

Indication

The green LED indicator is placed on the cable connector.

Event Indication Note
The camera has power and is connected to the internet. Lights up green.

Malfunction

When a BulletCam malfunction is detected, the Ajax app displays a malfunction counter on the device icon. All malfunctions are indicated in the camera States. Fields with malfunctions will be highlighted in red.

A malfunction is displayed if:

  • The camera lost connection with the server.
  • The camera memory storage device has a malfunction. Press the camera reset button or format the memory storage device in the camera settings.
  • Memory storage device needs formatting. Format the memory storage device in the camera settings.

Maintenance

Regularly check the functioning of the camera. If you notice any image degradation, loss of clarity, or darkening, check the camera for dirt. Clean the device’s enclosure to remove dust, cobwebs, and other contaminants as they emerge. Use soft, dry wipes suitable for cleaning electronic equipment.

Avoid using substances that contain alcohol, acetone, petrol, and other aggressive solvents when cleaning the camera. Wipe the lens gently: scratches can result in poor-quality images and camera failure.

Warranty

Warranty for the Limited Liability Company “Ajax Systems Manufacturing” products is valid for 2 years after the date of purchase.

If you encounter any issues with the device’s functionality, we recommend contacting Ajax Technical Support first. In most cases, technical issues can be resolved remotely.

Contact Technical Support:

Need help?

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