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Introduction
The red error icon is often referred to as the error sign, exclamation icon, red sign and octogon sign. It is a self check diagnostic tool included in the MOBOTIX camera software that constantly monitors the status of the camera and displays the stop sign in case of problems.
When a problem is detected the camera loads the error icon and displays it on the top left corner of the image.
The self check diagnotics include:
- Image Sensor errors
- MxBus connection errors
- Power or battery errors
The first step will be checking the system messages on the camera interface. If an error icon is triggered usually there will be an error message related in Admin Menu > System Messages.
Examples:
STATUS statusd Possible sensor breakdown (left) detected. Please go to "Image Sensor Configuration" (in Administration Menu) for further information and contact MOBOTIX Support for assistance.
MXM PlatformExpert (critical) Emergency: RTC battery discharged. Do the following to recover: (1) Leave camera connected for 3 hours to allow battery to recharge. (2) Set the system time. (3) Temporarily cut power to the camera.
Image sensor errors
The red error icon might appear if the sensor is not properly installed or if the sensor was connected while the camera was powered. In order to discard a problem with the sensor:
Step 1. Go to Admin Menu > Reset Configuration to Factory Defaults. If available click on the button Reset Sensor Errors.
Step 2. Reboot the camera in Admin Menu > Reboot the camera.
Step 3. Unplug the camera
Step 4. Verify that you have connected the sensor cables to the camera and to the sensors properly.
Step 5. Power on the camera and access the Admin Menu > Sensor Configuration.
Step 6. Set each sensor to the type of sensor you have connected. Set, Close, Save the Configuration and Reboot the camera.
Step 7. Make sure you set the camera to display Both sensors in the drop-down menu in the Live Image.
If after the reboot the camera shows both images without artifacts or strange colors then it might be a false positive. Otherwise contact your installer or distributor or support and provide them the Support Information files to verify the issue.
MxBus connection errors
Error messages in the System Messages are in red or magenta colors. If you see an error message
Lost connection to MxBus module(s): …”
Step 1. Go to Admin Menu > Manage MxBus Modules and verify the Status of the modules. In a working system they should be listed as Running.
Step 2. Verify that the camera is working in highest PoE class available. Go to Admin Menu > Ethernet Interface and set the PoE class to 3. Set , Close and Store the Configuration.
Step 3. Unplug the camera and verify the wiring to the camera and to the module. If you have several modules in the chain, verify all the connections.
Step 4. Plug the camera again. If the error persists try removing the MxBus modules one by one.
After each removal reboot the camera again, if the error icon or error message reappears download the Support Information file and contact your installer/distributor or support.
Power or battery errors
A low battery charge might also trigger the error sign. In some cases where the power supply is not stable the internal battery on the camera might get discharged. If the battery is discharged several problems might occur:
- Error sign will be displayed
- Camera will start in Emergency Mode
- Time & Date will be out of sync.
- The following message will show up in the System Messages:
MXM PlatformExpert (critical) Emergency: RTC battery discharged.
along with the following procedure to solve the issue:
Do the following to recover: (1) Leave camera connected for 3 hours to allow battery to recharge. (2) Set the system time. (3) Temporarily cut power to the camera.
Keeping the camera powered on for 3 or more hours should charge the internal battery. The procedure is as follows:
Step 1. Verify the power supply and the power budget on the PoE switch.
Step 2. Leave the camera connected for 3 hours to recharge the internal battery.
Step 3. Go to Admin Menu > Time & Date Settings and Set the time manually to the current local time. Close and Store the configuration.
Step 4. Remove the power from the camera.
Step 5. Plug it again.
If the error icon or the message do not disappear download the Support Information file and contact your installer/distributor for support.
Disabling the error icon
In the seldom case where the error icon persists although there is no apparent reason you can disable the error sign on the live image.
This procedure is detailed in the camera help page.
http://<camera_ip>/control/userimage.html?help
Do the following:
Step 1. Go to Admin Menu > Edit Configuration File (for experts).
Step 2. Scroll down to ENDSECTION imageimprover and add the following leaving a line in between:
SECTION imageimprover_extend
error_symbol_live_display=0
ENDSECTION imageimprover_extend
Set, Close and Save the Configuration.
Step 3. Reboot the camera.
The error icon will disappear.
Conclusion
The error icon is a self check tool included in the MOBOTIX camera software to help you diagnose issues.
If all the procedures above have been followed but the error icon does not disappear then you should contact MOBOTIX support via your installer or distributor providing a description of problem, the procedures you have followed and including the Support Information file.