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System Settings (Network/Time/Logs)

This guide shows you how to configure and manage your OV20i camera system settings. The System Settings page provides access to network configuration, time synchronization, system information, and maintenance functions.

When to Use System Settings: Initial camera setup, network configuration changes, time synchronization setup, system monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintenance tasks.

Prerequisites​

  • OV20i camera system powered on and accessible
  • Network connection established (wired Ethernet)
  • Administrative access to the camera interface
  • Understanding of your network requirements (IP addresses, NTP servers)

Accessing System Settings​

  1. Open the OV20i web interface in your browser
  2. In the left navigation menu, click "System Settings"
  3. The System Settings page will display all configuration options

Checkpoint: You should see sections for network settings, time configuration, system information, and power controls.

Step 1: Configure Network Settings​

1.1 Understanding Network Modes​

The OV20i supports two network configuration modes:

DHCP Mode (Automatic):

  • Camera automatically obtains IP address from network
  • Simplest setup for most networks
  • Network settings assigned by DHCP server

Static Mode (Manual):

  • Manually configure IP address, netmask, and gateway
  • Required for networks without DHCP
  • Provides consistent IP address assignment

1.2 Configure DHCP Settings​

For automatic network configuration:

  1. Click "Edit" next to the network settings
  2. Set Mode to "DHCP"
  3. Click "Save" to apply settings
  4. Restart the camera for changes to take effect

DHCP Benefits:

  • Automatic IP assignment
  • No manual configuration required
  • Network changes handled automatically

1.3 Configure Static IP Settings​

For manual network configuration:

  1. Click "Edit" next to the network settings
  2. Set Mode to "Static"
  3. Configure the following settings:
    • IP Address: Unique address for your camera (e.g., 192.168.1.100)
    • Netmask: Network subnet mask (e.g., 255.255.255.0)
    • Gateway: Network gateway address (e.g., 192.168.1.1)
  4. Click "Save" to apply settings
  5. Restart the camera for changes to take effect

Static IP Requirements:

  • IP address must be unique on your network
  • Must be within your network's address range
  • Gateway must be reachable from the assigned IP

1.4 Verify Network Configuration​

After applying network settings:

  1. Check that the displayed IP address is correct
  2. Verify the camera is accessible at the new IP address
  3. Test network connectivity from other devices
  4. Confirm the MAC address matches your records

Step 2: Configure System Time & NTP​

2.1 Understanding Time Settings​

Accurate time is essential for:

  • Image timestamps in the library
  • Log file entries
  • Scheduled operations
  • Compliance and traceability

2.2 Sync Time with Computer​

For quick time synchronization:

  1. Verify "Your Computer Time" shows the correct time
  2. Click "Sync to Computer" button
  3. The camera time will immediately sync to your computer's time

When to Use Computer Sync:

  • Quick setup without NTP server
  • Testing and development environments
  • Networks without internet access

2.3 Configure NTP (Network Time Protocol)​

For automatic time synchronization:

  1. Check the "Enable NTP" checkbox
  2. Click "Edit" next to NTP settings
  3. Enter your NTP server addresses:
    • Primary NTP Server: Main time server (e.g., pool.ntp.org)
    • Secondary NTP Server: Backup time server (optional)
  4. Click "Save" to apply settings

Recommended NTP Servers:

  • Public: pool.ntp.org, time.google.com, time.cloudflare.com
  • Enterprise: Your organization's internal NTP server
  • Regional: Local country-specific NTP pools

2.4 Verify Time Configuration​

After configuring time settings:

  1. Check "Camera Time" matches expected time
  2. Verify timezone is correct for your location
  3. Monitor time accuracy over several hours
  4. Test that timestamps appear correctly in captured images

Step 3: Configure System Name​

3.1 Set Camera Name​

Assign a meaningful name to identify your camera:

  1. In the "System Name" section, click the edit field
  2. Enter a descriptive name (e.g., "Line_1_QC_Station", "Assembly_Camera_A")
  3. The name will save automatically

Naming Best Practices:

  • Use descriptive, location-specific names
  • Include line number, station, or process
  • Avoid spaces (use underscores instead)
  • Keep names concise but meaningful

3.2 Benefits of Proper Naming​

  • Easier identification in multi-camera systems
  • Clear reference in logs and reports
  • Simplified troubleshooting and maintenance
  • Better organization for system administrators

Step 4: Configure System Language​

4.1 Set Interface Language​

Change the user interface language:

  1. In the "System Language" section, click the language dropdown
  2. Select your preferred language from the available options
  3. The interface will update immediately

Available Languages:

  • English (en)
  • Spanish (es)
  • Other languages as supported by your firmware version

Step 5: Monitor System Information​

5.1 Check Storage Status​

Monitor camera storage usage:

Storage Usage: Shows used space out of total capacity

  • Example: "139.6GB / 184.7GB" indicates 139.6GB used of 184.7GB total

Storage Available: Shows remaining free space

  • Example: "37.6GB" of free space remaining

Storage Management:

  • Monitor usage regularly in production environments
  • Plan for image archival when storage fills up
  • Consider automatic image cleanup policies

5.2 Monitor System Version​

Track firmware version information:

Version Display: Shows current firmware version

  • Example: "v2025.3.2-OV80i" indicates version and camera model
  • Use this information for support requests
  • Check for firmware updates periodically

5.3 Enable/Disable Telemetry​

Configure system telemetry:

  1. Check "Enable Telemetry" to allow system diagnostics
  2. Uncheck to disable telemetry data collection

Telemetry Benefits:

  • Helps Overview.ai improve system performance
  • Provides diagnostic data for support
  • Anonymous usage statistics for development

Step 6: Download System Logs​

6.1 Access System Logs​

Download logs for troubleshooting:

  1. In the "Download System Logs" section
  2. Select time period from dropdown:
    • Last 6 hours (default)
    • Last 24 hours
    • Last week (if available)
  3. Click "Download" button

6.2 Using System Logs​

When to Download Logs:

  • Troubleshooting system issues
  • Before contacting support
  • Investigating performance problems
  • Documenting system behavior

Log Information Includes:

  • System startup and shutdown events
  • Network connectivity issues
  • Error messages and warnings
  • Performance metrics and timing

Step 7: Restart Camera System​

7.1 When to Restart​

Restart the camera when:

  • Network settings have been changed
  • System appears unresponsive
  • After firmware updates
  • Troubleshooting connectivity issues
  • As instructed by support personnel

7.2 Perform System Restart​

To restart the camera:

  1. In the "Power" section, click "Restart Camera"
  2. Confirm the restart action when prompted
  3. Wait for the camera to reboot (typically 2-3 minutes)
  4. Reconnect to the camera interface once reboot is complete

Restart Process:

  • Camera will disconnect from network briefly
  • All current sessions will be terminated
  • System will apply any pending configuration changes
  • Camera will restart with updated settings

Step 8: Troubleshooting System Settings​

8.1 Common Network Issues​

ProblemSymptomsSolution
Cannot access cameraWeb interface unreachableCheck network cables, verify IP settings
DHCP not workingNo IP assigned after 90 secondsCheck DHCP server, use static IP instead
Wrong IP addressCamera not on expected networkReset to fallback IP, reconfigure network
Network settings not savingChanges don't persistRestart camera after making changes

8.2 Time Synchronization Issues​

ProblemSymptomsSolution
Time incorrectWrong timestamps on imagesSync to computer or configure NTP
NTP not workingTime doesn't stay synchronizedCheck NTP server address, network connectivity
Timezone wrongTime offset from expectedVerify computer timezone, check NTP server

8.3 Storage Issues​

ProblemSymptomsSolution
Low storage spaceStorage usage near 100%Delete old images, implement cleanup policy
Cannot save imagesNew captures not storedCheck available space, restart camera
Storage not updatingUsage numbers don't changeRefresh page, wait for system update

Step 9: Best Practices​

9.1 Network Configuration​

  • Use static IP for production - Ensures consistent access
  • Document IP assignments - Keep records of camera addresses
  • Test network changes - Verify connectivity after configuration
  • Plan IP ranges - Reserve addresses for camera systems

9.2 Time Management​

  • Use NTP in production - Ensures accurate, synchronized time
  • Configure backup NTP servers - Provides redundancy
  • Monitor time accuracy - Check timestamps periodically
  • Document time server settings - Keep configuration records

9.3 System Maintenance​

  • Monitor storage regularly - Prevent storage overflow
  • Download logs proactively - Before issues become critical
  • Keep firmware updated - Install updates during maintenance windows
  • Document system settings - Maintain configuration records

9.4 Security Considerations​

  • Change default passwords - Use strong authentication
  • Limit network access - Use VLANs or firewalls as appropriate
  • Regular backup - Export configuration settings
  • Monitor access logs - Track system usage

Success! Your System Settings are Configured​

Your OV20i system settings are now properly configured for:

✅ Network connectivity with appropriate IP addressing

✅ Time synchronization for accurate timestamps

✅ System monitoring with storage and version tracking

✅ Maintenance capabilities with logging and restart functions

✅ Proper identification with meaningful system naming

Ongoing Maintenance​

Regular Checks​

  • Verify network connectivity weekly
  • Monitor storage usage monthly
  • Check time accuracy periodically
  • Download logs before maintenance windows

Configuration Management​

  • Document all setting changes
  • Test settings in development before production
  • Maintain backup of configuration settings
  • Schedule regular system health checks

Next Steps​

After configuring system settings:

  1. Test network connectivity from all required locations
  2. Verify time synchronization is working correctly
  3. Set up monitoring for storage usage alerts
  4. Create maintenance schedule for regular system checks
  5. Train operators on basic system monitoring

🔗 See Also​