AVMATRIX PKC3000 IP And Serial PTZ Camera Controller

AVMATRIX PKC3000 IP And Serial PTZ Camera Controller

The AVMATRIX PKC3000 is a desktop joystick controller for PTZ cameras, built for operators who run several cameras from one position and need direct, physical control instead of mouse clicks on a web interface. It speaks the standard control protocols used across the PTZ market, works over both IP networks and serial wiring, and can address up to 255 cameras in a supported configuration. One controller can therefore serve a single lecture camera or a full multi-camera production, and cameras from different brands can be mixed on the same desk as long as each one supports the protocol and commands being sent to it.

Key Features

• Controls up to 255 PTZ cameras over IP and serial connections
• VISCA, VISCA over IP, ONVIF and Pelco P/D protocol support
• 4D joystick for pan, tilt, zoom and focus with variable speed
• Six camera shortcut keys and six user-assignable function keys
• 2.2-inch LCD with multicolour illuminated keys
• Powered by PoE or the supplied 12V DC adapter

Cross-Protocol IP and Serial Control

On the network side, the PKC3000 connects by RJ45 Ethernet and can automatically search the network for available cameras, which speeds up the first setup of a new room. For serial installations it provides RS-232, RS-422 and RS-485 outputs, so long cable runs and daisy-chained camera chains remain an option where IP control is not available. Cross-protocol mix control means IP and serial cameras can be operated from the same panel in one session, and up to 255 presets can be stored and recalled across the system.

Joystick, Knobs and Shortcut Keys

The 4D joystick moves the camera and adjusts focus in one hand, with infinitely variable speed so a slow creep and a fast reposition feel equally natural. A separate zoom rocker gives the seesaw control camera operators expect. Five rotary knobs put exposure, shutter speed, iris, white balance, focus and pan, tilt and zoom speed under the fingers without opening a menu. Six camera shortcut keys jump straight to a camera, six user-assignable keys store favourite functions, and multicolour key illumination shows which camera is currently under control. A tally GPIO output can indicate the active camera to the rest of the production system.

Built for the Production Desk

The housing is metal, with an aluminium alloy body that dissipates heat and survives daily desk use in control rooms, classrooms and sanctuaries. The 2.2-inch LCD reports status and settings at a glance. Power consumption is just 5 watts, and the controller runs from Power over Ethernet on a network cable or from a 12V DC supply, so it can sit wherever the operator works rather than wherever a spare socket happens to be.

Where It Fits

The PKC3000 suits education, conference rooms, houses of worship, telemedicine and live event production where compatible PTZ cameras are already installed or planned. It controls camera movement and image settings only: video switching, recording and streaming still need their own switcher, software or encoder. Add one camera first, confirm movement, presets and image controls respond as expected, then expand the list.