ViperVision FAQ & Troubleshooting Tips
Do you have questions about ViperVision software?
It matters to us that you have an excellent experience using our software. See below for answers to our frequently asked questions as well as troubleshooting tips for ViperVision.
How does the VMS integration feature work and what systems are compatible?
By selecting RTSP output in the ViperVision camera configuration, users can access critical information through a system they are already familiar with. While the ability to connect directly to a camera in the system has always been available, it provided only the thermal image without temperature measurement details. Now, anyone with permission to access the company VMS can obtain critical data at any given time. This advantage is particularly significant for real-time monitoring and response as the integration offers visibility of all the analysis tools embedded within ViperVision. Additionally, recording can be constant in the VMS if desired.
- Notes: This feature is available in the ViperVision Ultra software package. Compatible VMS include Avigilon, Milestone, Exacqvision, and Orchid Fusion. Further testing will confirm new additions. Customer company engineers maintain control of the ViperVision configuration. While those who view data through the VMS can initiate recording, they cannot adjust the software configuration.
How can we communicate with your software/Systems?
We most commonly use OPC UA, OPC DA, Modbus TCP/IP, 4-20 mA analog signal transmission/ digital signal transmission using Adams modules, or our PLC options. We also have the ability to add in hardware that can convert OPC UA to other protocols that we don’t natively speak with, using a gateway. This would enable us to speak with MQTT or dnp3.
My thermal imaging camera is mounted on a Pan & Tilt system. Can I still control the camera within ViperVision?
Yes, ViperVision offers enhanced camera function control within the software.
Does ViperVision's perpetual license also cover any bugs in the software?
Is your software a subscription or can it be purchased?
We offer both annual renewal subscriptions of our ViperVision software, as well as Perpetual licenses. Our software is licensed on a per camera basis.
Does Viper charge a renewal fee?
We offer the option of perpetual license purchase or annual license renewal – per camera. (Note: There is a charge for software upgrades.)
What are the minimum system requirements for ViperVision?
Please note that the specifications vary based on the number of cameras in the system. All require that Windows 10 Pro or newer be fully updated prior to installing software.
- Single-camera, small form-factor computer: i5 | 8GB RAM | 500GB 1200 rpm Hard Disk Drive | at least one Gigabit Ethernet port
- 2-6 cameras, small form-factor computer: i7 | 16GB RAM | 1TB SSD | one Gigabit Ethernet port
- 1-12 cameras, tower computer: i7 | 32GB RAM | 1TB SSD | GPU (Nvidia 1060 or greater) | one Gigabit Ethernet port
- 13-24 cameras, tower computer: i9 | 64GB RAM | 1TB SDD | GPU (Nvidia 1060 or greater), 10GB Ethernet or fiber
- Larger monitoring systems, or rack PCs: Please call for a consultation
What are the GPU requirements to run your software?
If the processor has integrated graphics, a GPU is unnecessary. Otherwise, a very basic GPU is needed.
Can ViperVision connect to visual cameras?
Camera connectivity options include all FLIR A-series, Axis visual cameras, and select cameras from other manufacturers such as Optris and ICI.
How many alarm codes can be set up with your system?
ViperVision is not limited, but it does depend on the hardware (computer and camera).
What PLCs are compatible with ViperVision?
Siemens via s7 communication, or Allen Bradley via CompactLogix, ControlLogix, GuardLogix, and Micro 800.
Can I set up alarms?
Absolutely! You can set alarms based on a variety of criteria such as temperature, rate of change, standard deviation, or a percentage of pixels being over a certain threshold. There are visual, email, and audible alert options.
Can I view the software remotely?
Yes! You can view remotely via a web server, and you will still have camera control, snapshot, video, and Excel reporting functionality.
Can this software create reports?
Yes, a key function is report generation and the ability to export them! Default reports are in .xls, .csv, .pdf, and .xlsx formats. And, custom reporting is now available. Generate reports and emails based on specific events, such as alarms, or based on input (i.e. OPC, Modbus, or PLC).
Can ViperVision communicate with existing plant software?
ViperVision software supports communication standards for connection to the plant control system including OPC, Modbus, and select Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLC via OPC or S7 protocol. Additionally, ViperVision supports physical I/Os such as relays and analog outputs. The Communications Module streams camera diagnostics, ROI data, alarm outputs, triggered snapshots, and organized file storage.
How can I access the ViperVision release notes (aka patch notes)?
Click here for our Release Notes page. We update this frequently with new features and bug fixes.
What PLCs are compatible with ViperVision?
Siemens via s7 communication, or Allen Bradley via CompactLogix, ControlLogix, GuardLogix, and Micro 800.
Do you offer a free trial?
Yes, sign up here to receive a link to download a free trial version. No credit card required!
Does ViperVision software support FullScreen Mode?
Yes, it does.
How does the alarming integrate into other systems?
ViperVision supports communication standards for connection to the plant control system including OPC, Modbus, and physical I/Os such as relays and analog outputs. A discrete signal can be sent into your system.
Which ModBus protocol does ViperVision use…ModBus TCP, ModBus+, or ModBus over TCP?
The communication method employed by ViperVision is the ModBus TCP protocol, which allows for reliable and efficient data exchange.
Is ViperVision cloud-based or locally installed?
It is locally installed currently.
Where is the ViperVision User Manual?
If you have ViperVision installed on your computer, the path to find the ViperVision User Manual (also called Configuration Guide) is C:\Program Files\Viper Imaging\ViperVision
Trouble installing the software
- Is your Windows machine updated? Once updated, check your Windows updates once more to ensure there aren’t any lingering updates. Windows Update: FAQ
- Are you running ViperVision as an administrator? If you have never run ViperVision before on your computer, make sure to run the application as an administrator. When you first install ViperVision, it needs to be able to write to the computer’s registry. To write to the computer’s registry, you need administrator access.
- If your company is running a flashed version of Windows, please contact us and we will assist you.
Helpful tools for discovering a camera
- FLIR IP Config Tool
- Command Prompt. Search every IP on the network your computer is connected to. Windows 10: Finding an IP Address. Use the following commands arp -a and ipconfig /all What is the ARP command? You can ping the camera if you know the camera’s IP address.
- eBUS Player. This is automatically installed with the ViperVision software. If the camera is using GigE Vision, you can use eBUS Player to select a camera. You can also see all of the unreachable cameras on the network.
- WireShark.This is the world’s foremost and widely-used network protocol analyzer. It lets you see what’s happening on your network at a microscopic level and is the de facto (and often de jure) standard across many commercial and non-profit enterprises, government agencies, and educational institutions. WireShark
- If none of the above options work to connect a camera, you may be experiencing a physical issue.
Trouble connecting a camera
- There may be an IP conflict. If the camera has the same IP address as another connected item, there will be an IP conflict and the camera will not show up.
- The camera may not be powered. Check to make sure the camera is connected and powered.
- Wiring. Make sure all ethernet cables are properly connected. There will be lights displayed if these cables are connected correctly.
- Make sure you are in the correct subnet. Make sure the first three numbers of the IP address are matching and the final number is different. (for example, the camera IP is 192.168.45.104, then the computer IP needs to be 192.168.45.xxx).
Camera is falling out or dropping a connection
If this happens to your camera, simply unplug the camera and plug it back in. A simple power cycle should bring the camera back online and it will pull up in ViperVision.
Make a note of how the camera cut out. Is it a new camera? Did you shut down the software and open it back up and the camera was not available? If the camera fell out on its own, refer to the Trouble connecting a camera section of the troubleshooting guide.
I am having trouble getting the software to come up on the screen
If the icon is showing on the taskbar, hover over the icon until you see the thumbnail image for Monitor for Process. Right-click on the thumbnail and click maximize.
I am seeing only a black screen when I start ViperVision
Click on the screen and hit escape.
Pan and Tilt is not connecting
You can use the same tools used for discovering a camera, as long as those tools are not camera-specific like the FLIR IP Config tool. The Command Prompt and WireShark tools will help you discover your pan and tilt.
I adjusted my layout and cannot get it back
There is a reset display button located in the system settings.
How can I get technical support?
You can email support@viperimaging.com or submit a support ticket and a member of the Viper Support Team will reach out to you shortly!
How can I access the ViperVision release notes (aka patch notes)?
Click here for our Release Notes page. We update this frequently with new features and bug fixes.