By There’s a lot to consider when setting up your Axis camera. Not only because there are so many different types and unique features but also because of how advanced they can be. While A1 Security Cameras offers design help for those setting up their CCTV system in the DFW area, the tools Axis Communications makes available on its site may interest those outside our range. Free to explore and use (depending on the tool), these services are entirely automated for your convenience while being easy to use. Here’s everything you need to know about each Axis design tool!
Each Axis tool for CCTV design
Axis Accessory Selector: Finding every single piece of a future CCTV system can be entirely frustrating, especially when it comes to the accessories for every camera, recorder, etc. This Axis design tool takes the edge off of that entire process by finding them for you. Entirely easy to use, just type in your product of interest, and you are presented with available options. Just click the Axis Accessory Selector link and follow these instructions!
- First things first, insert the product you are seeking to purchase by clicking select a device. For this, we are using AXIS M2035-LE (part number: 02124-001). Keep in mind this Axis design tool does not recognize the part number, only the product title at the beginning of each A1 product title.
- Type in or copy and paste your product into the search bar like so. Your product should appear below. Most products do show up in the following list, but some may not. Be sure to use the product title and not the part number or SKU.
- Once you’ve chosen your product, you’ll next choose the placement of your Axis camera. This is important as there are different mounts per placement and that allows the Axis design tool to do away with unrelated options.
- Here, you will then select the mount and related accessory for your Axis camera from the Axis design tool. Once you think you’ve got everything you need, you’ll find a list you can refer to the products A1 Security Cameras offers since you cannot directly purchase from Axis.
- Additional to mounting hardware, the Axis design tool also offers you to choose accessories related explicitly to that Axis camera or other product. These added pieces of hardware can also be referenced with the selection A1 Security Cameras has to offer.
- When referencing your desired product from the Axis design tool, there are two ways you can do so. The first is simply typing or copying and pasting each accessory into the search bar.
- The second way to reference the products listed from the Axis design tool on the A1 Security site is to scroll down to the sub-sections and click compatible products. On this page, you’ll get either some or many products that pair effectively with the Axis camera.
Axis Coverage Shapes: For those with Microsoft Visio, the Axis design tool allows you to map out your entire system based on a top-down schematic and what you need covered. The Axis plugin features a list of Axis cameras and allows you to edit the viewing range of each based on the specifics of where the product will be placed. It should be noted that for those setting up the system themselves, taking measurements and deciding on placement beforehand is crucial for the maximum effectiveness of this Axis plugin.
Axis Design Tool for People Counter: Specifically for the AXIS P8815-2 3D People Counter (shown below), this Axis design tool allows you to know where the product will be most effective in each entrance. Like the other tools Axis Communications offers, this online calculator will enable you to take the guesswork out of where you should place the Axis People Counter.
- Hopefully, after you’ve measured the entrance in question, you will input the data into the shown sections. Choosing either centimeters or inches, you should input exact measurements for the best results. Here we will put a 300 by 300 centimeter entrance as an example.
- As shown, the data produced by the Axis design tool is precisely to the middle of your entrance. Further detail will be added for different results; we suggest experimenting with this tool to understand what it is capable of providing.
- As can be seen from the Axis design tool, the AXIS P8815-2 3D People Counter works best when at the center of the entrance when above the people, animals, or moving objects it would be counting. The device itself covers a specified space and can have reduced performance (failing to count x amount of people) if placed incorrectly.
Speaker datafiles for EASE Evac: A third-party application, EASE Evac allows for an easy method to notify a large number of people on the same premises using Axis speakers. Not only that, the programs in this Axis design tool allow you to specify the output per speaker and make each individual to the environment they are placed. This is possible thanks to the simulation software included in the package, though it requires explicitly Axis speakers and the EASE Evac software.
Axis Lens Calculator: The lens is one of the most important factors in how an Axis camera can view the surrounding environment, people, and objects. This Axis design tool allows you to double-check the specifics of each Axis camera you are considering, providing specific detail about the best placement and performance. Below you will find the steps we took to test the AXIS M3116-LVE, which can be copied and repeated for any Axis camera you are interested in.
- When you enter this Axis design tool, you can enter any Axis camera you are interested in. While not all will show up, most models will, and clicking Find a camera will provide you with a long list to choose from if you do not type in your preferred model in the provided search bar. Here we will insert our chosen model as AXIS M3116-LVE.
- As can be seen with our Axis camera, AXIS M3116-LVE, the Axis design tool fills out the sheet for you when a camera is chosen. While this camera does not offer any further selection than those shown in the drop-down menus, a good example to explore if you’re interested in the AXIS M1135 Mk II as it offers multiple lenses to choose from. Those interested in setting up surveillance for offices and indoor spaces may also be interested in corridor format. Selecting that option will play a role in the tool if selected.
- In the following screen, after clicking Done in the Axis design tool, you will get parameters to experiment with based on the settings you may implement. We recommend you experiment with any Axis camera you are interested in so to get the best possible idea of what you’ll be getting.
- Here, you will see the result of the numbers you crunch above. Providing a rough image, you can define whether the quality is acceptable to you or not based on this image in the bottom half of the Axis design tool. While most Axis cameras can be adjusted in quality, keep in mind some cannot.
- When you adjust the Axis design tool, you’ll get a different image from the prospective Axis camera. You do not necessarily have to get an exact measurement of the scene the device will be viewing, a rough estimate will do fine. We recommend experimenting with this tool so you can get the best idea of what to expect from your Axis camera.
Axis Partner application Selector: For those interested in applying 3rd party software to an Axis camera or overall CCTV system, this Axis design tool is perfect for you. Drawing from a list of previously approved developers, you can get the right software to match the exact function you need. Also working for Axis access control hardware and compatibility with 3rd party hardware, this list can prove to be extremely helpful when you’re looking to apply another function to your security. One such option from the database we found is software from Intelligent Security Systems, which is perfect for offering advanced software features in CCTV.
Axis People Counter Camera Selector: When you’re looking to support the people counting hardware applied to your store or business, chances are you’ll need an additional Axis camera or two. Simply put, this Axis design tool helps you choose the right product by allowing you to input the specifics of where the people counting device will be put if there is sunlight in the area and more. For those needing more options than one or two that may not fit, don’t worry. You’ll get a massive selection to choose from, as we did when testing the Axis design tool.
Axis Perimeter Defender Tool: A straightforward concept, this Axis design tool is a free downloadable software that helps you design a system using Axis Perimeter Defender. Conceptually straightforward, the software shows you where each Axis camera can go while allowing you to note where they would be inhibited or inefficient. Perfect for small and large businesses alike, the software offers a top-down view of what a potential security camera system will cover. Applicable to the schematic maps you provide it, this Axis designer tool helps either the installing team or your IT team make everything run smoothly from the get-go.
Axis Plugin for Autodesk and Revit: Going further than the Coverage Shapes tool shown above, this Axis design tool offers you to view potential Axis camera placement in 3D when you have Autodesk and Revit. Whereas the capability of top-down planning might provide an inaccurate view, especially with outdoor cameras, the 3D view provides you with a more accurate method to test CCTV before going through the hassle of installing anything.
Axis Product Selector: Need a place to start when planning out your Axis security camera system? Looking for additional hardware or the perfect Axis camera? This Axis design tool can help by providing you with the entire database of current products offered by Axis Communications. When it comes to detail, the tool provides detail down to specifics and factors you are looking for in your next CCTV product.
Axis Speaker Coverage Guide: Getting the best coverage from your speakers in a security system can be massively frustrating when you don’t necessarily know what you’re doing. For that, Axis has developed the linked guide to provide you with support when relying on professionals may not be an option. Combined with their 3rd party software, this can be an effective way to build out your speaker system.
What is Axis design tool used for?
As one of the top developers of CCTV and access control technology, each Axis design tool is meant to either help set up an effective security system or help improve one already in place. Whereas some tools offer compatibility with or examples of 3rd party software, these tools are meant for Axis hardware and do not work with other manufacturers’ products.
Choosing Axis means having access to each Axis tool!
Purchasing an Axis camera or other piece of hardware not only means getting an extensive warranty and support but also easy access to many of the tools offered above. Some of the best for security and surveillance, purchase yours today from A1 Security Cameras!
