USB-Dome Camera

Effective Video Surveillance for Server Rooms and Business Areas

The Didactum USB Dome Camera is a powerful surveillance camera that provides an effective solution for video monitoring of server rooms, data centers, and other security-relevant areas. It is connected directly via USB to a Didactum Monitoring System, delivers live images in 720P HD quality as an MJPEG stream, and can be seamlessly linked with the system’s sensors and alarm rules.

As the camera is a pure accessory and only works in conjunction with a Didactum Monitoring System, the Monitoring System handles the power supply as well as complete control, recording, and alarming – a separate recorder or network video recorder is not required.

Design of the USB Dome Camera

The camera is designed as a compact dome unit that combines both the optics and the complete electronics in a robust housing.

The dome housing has a diameter of 92 mm and a height of 65.5 mm with a weight of approximately 347 g. Arranged around the lens are 24 infrared LEDs that automatically provide additional illumination in poor lighting conditions or at night, thus enabling clear recordings even in the dark. A permanently connected 5-meter USB cable links the camera to the Monitoring System and simultaneously supplies it with power (USB bus power, 5V DC, approx. 100–120 mA) – an external power source is not required.

Connection to the Monitoring System

The camera is connected to the Monitoring System via the supplied USB cable and is automatically detected there.

For the full resolution of 720P HD, the camera should preferably be connected to the High-Speed USB port marked “HS” on the Monitoring System. If the camera is instead connected to a regular USB-A port, it will still work but will deliver an image with lower resolution. In both cases, the system automatically detects the camera; no additional driver installation is required.

Saving Video Data and Sending Alarms

If an alarm event is triggered – for example by a door contact, smoke, or motion sensor – the Monitoring System can automatically start the camera’s video recording. The recorded MJPEG video stream can optionally be saved to an SD card or a USB memory stick on the Monitoring System, or transferred via FTP to an external server. In addition, video notifications can be sent directly by e-mail so that responsible persons are immediately informed even when on the go.

Compatible Third-Party Webcams

In addition to the USB Dome Camera itself, the Didactum Monitoring System basically also supports other UVC-compatible (USB Video Class) Linux webcams that support MJPEG. Models tested by the manufacturer include, among others, Logitech C210, C270, C310, and C510, the Hikvision DS-U02P, as well as models from Genius, Microsoft, and Astrum. The supplied USB Dome Camera remains the recommended choice, however, as it is specifically matched to the requirements of the Didactum Monitoring Systems and reliably delivers the full 720P HD resolution.

Interactive Monitoring through Sensor Integration

A special feature of the Didactum monitoring systems is the ability to combine the USB Dome Camera with intelligent sensors such as door contacts, smoke detectors, or motion detectors. If, for example, a door contact detects access to the server room, the system can automatically start video recording and send the video evidence by e-mail to defined recipients. In the event of smoke development or a fire alarm, the camera can likewise be integrated into the alarm chain so that targeted measures can be initiated quickly in an emergency.

Monitoring of Critical Business Areas

Video surveillance is of great importance not only in the server room, but also in numerous other sensitive areas.

Practical Application Examples

• Video surveillance of server rooms and data centers around the clock
• Automatic video evidence when a door contact or motion sensor is triggered
• Monitoring of archives, storage rooms, and technical areas
• Security monitoring in sensitive production facilities
• Protection against theft, vandalism, and sabotage in critical business areas
• Live monitoring and e-mail alerting in the event of unauthorized access or hazardous situations

What Is Included in the Scope of Delivery

Please check the scope of delivery for completeness upon receipt and report any missing or damaged parts immediately to your supplier.

• USB Dome Camera including 5 m connection cable1 unit
• USB-A / Mini-USB-AB adapter cable1 unit
• Mounting materialincluded

Why the USB Dome Camera Is the Right Choice

Frequently Asked Questions