Using an MBeg Controller

An MBeg Controller is a multi-function operator keyboard, developed specifically for operating video matrices and camera remote control systems.

Although the actual MBeg hardware is aimed at different (non-G-SIM) installations and it does not cater for all the system requirements of G-SIM, we nevertheless use it to the fullest extent.

The MBeg is a very good PTZ controller and when used in conjunction with a mouse for camera selection, it becomes extremely useful. Furthermore, all the playback functionality is supported as well. Although not recommended as the only way of selection, the MBeg can be used to select a camera and viewer to display it in, and then control it if required.

Traditionally the MBeg keyboard is used (via GeViSoft) to control alarm-handling as well, but only has the ability to acknowledge the most recent alarm, and optionally “Quit” it (or in G-SIM terms, Complete it). This is obviously very limiting, as G-SIM caters for multiple alarms of a single type to exist simultaneously, and also facilitates the enforcement of alarm-handling procedures and user feedback, all of which is quite impossible with only the joystick controller. That said, we do allow for the acknowledgement of any alarm, and even the Completing of it with the MBeg, as long as there are no specific handling actions for that type of alarm.

The current implementation of the MBeg with G-SIM does not require the configuration of GeViSoft.

Operator Console Interaction

Although it is highly recommended to use a mouse and keyboard for selection in G-SIM, it is possible to use the MBeg for most screen interactions and navigation.

Softkeys (13). These 8 keys are assigned to trigger the 8 function displayed directly above them on the screen in the 4 different Softkey Menu. The Softkey Menus can be selected by using the up (▲) and down (▼) arrows (directly underneath the Softkeys), as well as an additional Softkey Menu for each for the 4 Symbol Keys.

Symbol Keys (6-9). These keys are used to select specific elements or perform specific tasks within G-SIM:

  • “Camera Select” is used to select the Camera List
  • “Monitor Pre-Select” is used to make the Viewers available for selection using the Joystick
  • “Acknowledge Alarm” is used to select New Alarms in the Alarm List
  • “Clear Alarm” (not used).

Focus and Zoom Symbol Keys (10-11). The “Focus” keys focus the camera that is currently selected in the Viewer. The “Zoom” keys control the zoom of the currently selected camera in the same way the mouse wheel does.

Joystick (14). Joystick with Pan/Tilt/Zoom function.

Selecting a Viewer

  1. Select the Alarms List by pressing the “Acknowledge Alarm” symbol key.
  2. Use the Softkeys #3 and #4 to scroll through the New Alarms.
  3. Press Softkey #7 under the “Apply and Close” symbol to Acknowledge an Alarm.

Selecting a Camera from the Camera List

  1. Select the Camera List by pressing the “Camera Select” symbol key
  2. Use the Joystick to scroll through the list. Pressing the Joystick slightly up or down will scroll through the list one item at a time; pressing the Joystick all the way up or down will scroll a whole page at a time.
  3. Press Softkey #7 under the “Apply and Close” symbol to send the Camera to the selected Viewer.

Selecting an Alarm from the Alarm List

Remember: The MBeg controller does not allow complex alarm handling, as needed with most alarms.

  1. Select the Alarms List by pressing the “Acknowledge Alarm” symbol key.
  2. Use the Softkeys #3 and #4 to scroll through the New Alarms.
  3. Press Softkey #7 under the “Apply and Close” symbol to Acknowledge the Alarm.

Take/acknowledge/complete an alarm

The following buttons on the MBeg may be used to take/acknowledge/complete an alarm:

  • the "Enter" key on the num pad
  • the second-from-right "soft key"
  • the left main Alarm button. This 3 buttons will therefore always do the same thing.

The result of pressing any one of the above buttons depends on the current state of the alarm

  • If an alarm may be fast processed, it takes and completes the alarm

OTHERWISE (not fast process)

  • Take/Acknowledge an Alarm which was not acknowledged yet
  • Complete and Alarm which was already acknowledged - the first time you click it the alarm will be acknowledged, and the same card will stay selected. If you click it again, the alarm will be completed and removed from the list and the next alarm will be selected. If you just want to take the alarm but not complete it, you can click the button once, move to the next alarm etc.

The F3 key will show the Alarm pop-up screen (alarm detail). It will not remove the screen again because you may move to another alarm and click it again to add this alarm as a tab to the Alarm Screen.