How to Connect a Joystick Controller to Manage Multiple PTZ Cameras
Jul 28, 2025
Managing multiple PTZ cameras with a joystick controller is essential for smooth live production, conference control, or broadcast setups. In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through how to connect and configure Tenveo PTZ cameras with a joystick controller using ONVIF, VISCA over IP, or NDI protocols.
🔌 Part 1: Hardware Connection
Note: Tenveo PTZ cameras support true PoE (Power over Ethernet), so no separate power adapter is required. DHCP is also supported for easy IP assignment.
Connect All Devices with Network Cables:
Connect your PTZ cameras and joystick controller to the network using Ethernet cables.
Connect the Controller to a PoE Switch:
Use a network cable to connect the joystick controller to a PoE switch.
Connect the PoE Switch to the Router:
This allows the devices to communicate and obtain IP addresses via DHCP.
Power On All Devices:
PoE cameras are powered through Ethernet. Connect power only to devices that need it (like the controller).
✅ All hardware is now connected.
⚙️ Part 2: Prepare the Camera Settings
Log into each camera's web interface.
Enable the ONVIF protocol.
Enable DHCP to allow automatic IP assignment.
🎮 Part 3: Configure the Joystick Controller
Press the SETUP button on the joystick controller.
Navigate to Network Setting.
Change the network type from Static to DHCP.
Scroll to the end and press the joystick button to Save. The controller will reboot.
🔍 Part 4: Add Cameras via ONVIF
After reboot, press SETUP and go to Device Search.
Use the joystick to start the search.
Select the cameras and tick the checkboxes to add them.
Login using:
Username: admin
Password: admin
By default, cameras are added to Channel 8. You can change this to Channel 1 or any preferred channel.
Return to the Device List to confirm that all cameras are added.
🔄 Part 5: Use VISCA Over IP for More Advanced Control (Optional)
Note: ONVIF may not support all advanced functions. For greater control, use VISCA over IP.
Login to the controller's web interface.
Username: admin
Password: *(leave blank)*
Change the protocol to VISCA over IP.
Set the port number to 52381.
Get the RTSP address from the camera:
Log into the camera's web interface
Go to Network Settings → RTSP, then click Copy
Paste the RTSP link into the controller interface
🌐 Part 6: Use NDI Protocol (Alternative)
If you're using NDI protocol:
Configuration is similar to ONVIF
No RTSP address is required
Set the baud rate to 5961
✅ Protocol Summary
| Protocol | DHCP Support | RTSP Required | Port / Baud Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONVIF | ✅ | ❌ | - |
| VISCA over IP | ✅ | ✅ | Port: 52381 |
| NDI | ✅ | ❌ | Baud: 5961 |
📌 Final Tips
Always enable ONVIF or VISCA depending on your control needs
Use DHCP to simplify IP assignment
Assign each camera to a unique channel for easier switching
