ControlBoard was originally developed to work with these affordable Pan/Tilt Lanc Controllers  which work fine using the their own application if you only have one camera. If you start using two or more cameras things get messy and confusing just by switching back and forth from wirecast to the application the move or zoom the cameras. Many times i found my self moving the camera off the speaker, moving the wrong camera or just loosing the opportunity for the shot all together trying to figure which is which. I also tried using the gamepad controller to control my cameras, but that keeps your both hands busy and you can not control wirecast at the same time. This is way I had to develop my own solution – the ControlBoard.

The PTZ solution from expelec.co.uk involves the use of their Lanc controller, a Bescor Mp-101 Image result for bescor mp-101motorized head and a Lanc compatible camImage result for sony lanc portera.

Make sure to lookup your camera specs before purchase to make sure is Lanc compatible. Alternatively you can find a list on the expelec.co.uk website.  If it is compatible, than it should have one of the ports like in the image.  A 2.5mm or 3.5mm audio jack like port with the label LANC or Remote or a D shape  A/V port for which you may have to purchase and additional adapter.

Most probably you  will want to control your cameras from a far distance and to do that you’ll need these two types of extenders: one USB over Ethernet and HDMI active cable or HDMI over Ethernet extender. The USB standard range is up to 6ft; over Ethernet i have them running over a 100ft cable. HDMI is also limited to 6-8ft; with the active cable i also have up to 100ft. Been using both for over 5+ years with no issues. Also i need to mention that I saved a lot of money by buying used but in good shape cameras.

On the software side to use ControlBoard with the expelec.co.uk Lanc controllers you need to install these drivers.

The controllers are regular HID devices therefore do not require drivers. However, the ControlBoard drivers only implement a device filter so that the USB library I am using can discover and communicate with the controllers. If you chose to use the expelec.co.uk shipped application to control your cameras make sure you uninstall the ControlBoard drivers.

Capture cards, mounting bracket or tripods are out of the scope here and they are your own decision to research and make.