Kludge Fix to busted API

[PFM]

Having had no immediate response to my earlier post on the API issue, here is a more detailed discussion and a temporary, if undesirable, fix.

The basic problem seems to be that, other than breaking the use of Basic Authentication in the latest firmware update for the IP2M-841, which Amcrest appears to have acknowledged, if not documented, I found that my former use of the PTZ "PositionABS" API call no longer works. In fact, it throws a "Server internal error!" reply to the command. Whether this issue was unintended, or some form of security fix, I am not sure, and would really appreciate some communication from Amcrest.

The PTZ API commands that do work include: Left, Right, Up, Down, ZoomWide and ZoomTele. Unfortunately, once started they move all the way to the extreme locations of the command.

The software workaround to issue a start command of the general form:

cgi-bin/ptz.cgi?action=start&channel=1&code=.....

followed by a computer time delay (I use values from 0 to 2500 msec, depending on how far I want to go, plus change the speed parameter, arg2)

followed by a command of the form:

cgi-bin/ptz.cgi?action=stop&channel=1&code=.....

Its a kludge and not as precise as issuing the PositionABS command, which provides excellent repeatability for the pan, tilt and zoom functions.

Amcrest support, if you are reading this please at least reply that you are there.

In the absence of some response, in two weeks I will post a review in Amazon pointing out issues with developer support for the API. Having an API is a competitive advantage for Amcrest compared to other camera suppliers, but not providing up-to-date modifications to the API is a sure way to lose future sales and developer confidence.

[whmoorejr]

The latest AOI (the one I found 3.2017) does include a "PositionABS"

I'm, however, stuck on the ZoomTele, ZoomWide commands. I get an "OK" response, but nothing is happening.... So I'm guessing it's a problem with the arg part of the command. Anyone have a complete working cgi command structure for ZoomTele and ZoomWide?

http://192.168.1.108/cgi-bin/ptz.cgi?ac ... 2=0&arg3=0

[jack7continued]

You could try these. I haven't tried them.
https://wiki.zoneminder.com/Amcrest