How to Support CamPilotTM (iFriends' new Remote-Control Webcam feature)

[ Jump to Installation | FAQ | Chathost Console ]

CamPilot^TM is an exciting feature available only on the iFriends platform, and many iFriends customers demand it! CamPilot enables visitors to a live video chatroom to remotely control the chathost's webcam. Visitors can pan up and down, swivel left and right, and zoom in² ! (Imagine how much more satisfied and engaged your customers will be when you offer them the opportunity to "take control"!)

At the moment, a third-party product called "TrackerCam" is the only webcam hardware on the market that works with iFriends' remote-control CamPilot^TM feature. To order TrackerCam online, visit their web site. If you already have a small enough camera, you can order just the remote-control base itself ("TrackerPod") and mount your camera to it, or else you can order the full "combo" with the base and a Logitech QuickCam together. Once you receive your TrackerCam, use the easy-to-follow instructions below for configuring it for use with iFriends' CamPilot^TM. (If you require additional installation detail for steps 1-3 below, click here).

And don't forget, the 24/7 iFriends Technical Support Line is just a phone call away, (561) 963-5842, Option 1.

    (² Note: For CamPilot chathosts, Zoom feature is available to all iFriends customers, not just VIPs)

HOW TO INSTALL TRACKERCAM for use with CAMPILOTTM Step 1: Turn off your computer and remove the camera currently plugged into your computer. Now, plug the base into an open USB port. Do not plug the camera in yet. Step 2: Next, turn your computer on and install the TrackerCam software from the software CD. This will install the drivers and program for the TrackerCam base. Do not plug the camera in yet. Step 3: When prompted, click the "Restart" button. The installation software will automatically run. Click "Install" to load the drivers for the Logitech Quickcam Pro 4000. The software will tell you when to plug the camera into an open USB port. Step 4: Download and install RCTalk. RCTalk is the program that allows the TrackerCam to work with iFCam or LiveStream. You do not need to update your iFCam or LiveStream program. Step 5: You now have everything you need! It is important that the programs are run in the following order: Run iFCam or LiveStream Encoder Run RCTalk Run TrackerCam Step 6: Important: TrackerCam may display a message saying "No Camera Selected or the Selected Camera Cannot be Used." If this happens, you must click the "Continue" button to start. Step 7: Now, you can sign in for a session as you normally would and check "Remote Control" under Extended Features, see below. We told you it was easy! NOTE: You should not see your video within the TrackerCam program itself. If you do, exit out of the TrackerCam program, click the SOURCE button in your iFCam, change the Camera Source to Logitech QuickCam (or whatever camera you are using; do NOT choose "TrackerCam Capture"), click OK, then restart your TrackerCam program. Again, TrackerCam may display a message saying "No Camera Selected or the Selected Camera Cannot be Used." If this happens, you must click the "Continue" button to start.

FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CAMPILOT^TM

1. I am using Livestream and my viewers complain of a delay. Is something wrong?
   

   No, everything is working fine. Livestream buffers the video to ensure a smooth feed. This buffering can cause a small delay.
   
   

2. Can I use my own cam with the TrackerCam?
   

   Yes. Officially, Trackercam supports any camera which weighs half a pound or less (about 1/4 kilogram). However, unofficially, we've checked with the manufacturer, and heavier weights should be OK, provided they are not so heavy as to tip the mounting base over; also, use of heavier cams may violate your Trackercam's warranty). One good way to reduce the weight of your camcorder is to remove the battery pack and run it on AC power. If your cam has a standard tripod mount, just unscrew the Logitech Quickcam Pro and screw your cam to the base. You may purchase adapters for cameras that do not have tripod mounts by contacting TrackerCam.
   
   

3. I am unable to see video and TrackerCam is sending me to their website! What happened?
   

   If you do not run the programs in the correct order an error may occur. Close TrackerCam, RCTalk and iFCam or the Livestream Encoder and run them again. Always follow this order.
   
   

   • iFCam or the Livestream Encoder
   • RCTalk
   • TrackerCam
   
   
   
4. When I try to install the software from the CD, I get this error, "Cannot launch Eagletron trackercam application & driver set up program. make sure you run this program from CD." What gives?
   

   A small number of installation CD's seem to have a problem. You'll need to install and download these programs: TrackerCam 3.4 and the Logitech QuickCam 4000 Driver (if you are using the camera that came with your base).
   
   

5. A viewer is having trouble using CamPilot! What are they supposed to do?
   

   The viewer will see a joystick on the chat console just like the one below. Clicking one of the arrows will move the cam in that direction. Explain that Livestream may have a slight delay between clicking and movement.
   
   

[ Jump to Beginning | Installation | FAQ | Chathost Console ]