Configuring actions

i-Catcher can perform a number of actions based on an event like an I/O device changing value, a tripwire crossing or motion. For example a PIR can trigger an email alert and a light coming on, or a virtual tripwire could trigger a PTZ camera to move to a preset position.

Current supported actions include:

• Send an email or text message alert
• Send a Tweet
• Play an audio file through the local sound card speakers
• Record all activity from a camera for a specified duration even if there is no motion or the camera is not scheduled to run
• Move a PTZ camera to a preset position
• Set an output I/O device to a new state, e.g. to turn equipment on or off
• Run a third-party application
• Switch to a saved layout
• Write an entry to the i-Catcher log

Each action has its own set of configuration that must be completed to ensure the action is defined correctly.

Send an alert message

The alert message action type allows you to send an email or text message. You need to select a message type, the recipient, either a phone number or email address, and the subject. For email messages, you can enter the message body text as well.

The message can contain Macros which include dynamic information such as the feed name. Please see the Macros help for more information.

Send a Tweet

i-Catcher can send a Tweet via the Twitter network.
The Twitter username and password needs to be configured in i-Catcher Alert.

The Tweet can contain Macros which include dynamic information such as the feed name. Please see the Macros help for more information.

Play an audio file

Any WAV audio file can be selected to be played.

Record all activity on a camera

When this action is triggered, i-Catcher can "panic" record all activity on all or a given feed for a period of time.

This can be used with a panic button input device.

Move a PTZ camera

This action will move any PTZ camera to a preconfigured preset position.

If you specify a custom priority, then these actions can override other PTZ controls. Please see the PTZ priority help for more information.

Set the state of an I/O device

Any output device can be controlled by this action. For most devices, you can select the new value from a dropdown list.

Run an external application

This action can be used to run a 3rd party application to provide extra functionality that is not built in to i-Catcher Console.

The path can contain Macros which include dynamic information such as the feed name. Please see the Macros help for more information.

Switch to a saved layout

This action allows you to switch to showing a different set of feeds or show them at different sizes when an action occurs.

An example of this would be to show all the car park cameras full screen when any of them see motion and then restore the previously loaded layout after 10 seconds.

Write an entry to the i-Catcher log

Any text can be written to the i-Catcher log with a specific priority level.

The message can contain Macros which include dynamic information such as the feed name. Please see the Macros help for more information.