Using the FTPJPG Application

The FTPJPG application installs on a Windows PC and automatically retrieves Observer images from an FTP server. These images are displayed and stored on the computer. In this manner the images captured by the Observer IV camera are collected, presented to the user, and archived for latter retrieval.

Installation

The FTPJPG application must be installed on a computer with Internet access. A computer with only dial-up modem access will have difficulty retrieving pictures rapidly. The application is installed by clicking on the ‘FTPJPGReaderInstall’ file on the accompanying CD. Lesson seven in the “Observer IV Quick Start Guide” provides an introduction to the capabilities of this software.

Configuration

Launch the application by clicking on the FTPJPGReader icon. Use the File->Configure menu to configure the application. The frequency with which the application checks the FTP server for new images is set here. This rate should be at least twice as often as the fastest delivery of images by a camera. If a camera updates its image once an hour, set the update period to 30 minutes or less. If a camera is set for continuous operation, select Continuous mode. With this setting the application will check for new images 3 to 4 times per minute.

Checking the “Alert when image refreshed” box will cause an audible annunciation to occur each time a new image is retrieved from the server. The image can be displayed at its original size (Actual Size) or can be sized by the user (Fit to Window). Checking the “Archived Path” box will cause each picture to be saved in a folder specific for that camera. The archive path to these folders can also be defined. If the “Archive Path” is not checked the images will be displayed only and not retained. “FTP Timeout” values are used for special applications and generally should not be changed. Once all the selections have been made click OK.

Selecting images for retrieval

Use File->FTPJPG menu selection to define which images will be retrieved by the application.

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