Overview
The X|Clear enclosure from X Stream Designs (XSD) keeps your camera's dome lens clean on its own. When a wash event runs, a pump sprays fluid onto the dome, and the dome spins against a fixed rubber wiper blade to wipe it clean. You control and schedule washing from the X|Smart web interface.
A little regular care keeps the picture clear and protects the dome motor. The two things that matter most are a properly adjusted wiper blade and running the wash event often enough.
Manuals
Make sure the wiper blade is properly adjusted
The rubber wiper blade needs to sit on the dome lens with the right amount of pressure.
- Too tight: if the blade presses on the dome too hard, it creates a lot of friction and strains the motor that rotates the dome.
- Too loose: if the blade is too loose, it leaves streaks on the dome lens.
Quick check: the blade should be in full contact with the dome lens, with the rubber blade showing a slight bend. If it's flat against the dome with no bend, it's too loose. If it's bent sharply, it's too tight.
The dome rotates counterclockwise, so the wiper blade should sit to the left of center on the dome lens when you look at the enclosure from the front. The fluid delivery tube should sit to the right of the dome, with about 3/4 inch between the edge of the spray nozzle and the wiper. See Figure 14 in the PTZ Camera Enclosure User Manual for the exact positioning.
After installing or handling the enclosure, check that the wiper and fluid tube haven't been knocked out of alignment.
When to replace the wiper blade
The rubber wiper blades are made of durable material and rarely need replacing. Replace the blade only if:
- the rubber looks dry or cracked, or
- washes still leave significant streaks even when the blade is properly adjusted.
Replacement parts are available from X Stream Designs:
To order, contact X Stream Designs at xstreamdesigns.com, call 858.768.2992 or email [email protected].
Coming soon: We're making a video that shows how to adjust the wiper blade. We'll add it here when it's ready.
Run the wash event at least once every 7 days
Many customers don't run the wash event often enough. Spider webs and debris then build up between the wiper blade and the dome lens. When the wash finally runs, the blade drags that debris across the lens, leaving streaks, and the wash doesn't clean as well.
Run the wash event at minimum once every 7 days. The easiest way is to schedule it in the X|Smart web interface:
1. Log in to the X|Smart web interface and open the control window.
2. In the CID Control Pane, select how often wash events should run.
3. Select the fluid level at which the schedule should time out.
4. Click the red ball to enable the schedule.
The last and next wash times show below the schedule. To run a one-time wash, click the Wash button.
For wet and rainy weather, you can also schedule wipe events, which spin the dome against the wiper without spraying fluid. Choose time-out values so the schedule doesn't empty the fluid bottle early or keep wiping a dry dome, which can scratch the dome lens.
Fine-tune the wash settings
In the X|Smart CID Settings, you can adjust how each wash works:
| Setting | What it does | Default |
|---|---|---|
| Fluid Spray Time | How long fluid sprays (1 to 2 seconds) | 1.4 seconds |
| Delay Wipe Start After Spray Starts | How long the system waits after spraying starts before the dome spins (100 to 300 milliseconds) | 200 milliseconds |
| Delay Wipe Stop After Spray Stops | How long the dome keeps spinning after spraying stops | 400 milliseconds |
| Dome Wipe Duration | How long the dome spins during a wipe-only event (1 to 2 seconds) | 1.2 seconds |
In dirtier environments, a longer wipe start delay lets more fluid reach the lens before wiping begins. The best way to tune these settings is to trigger wash events by hand while watching the dome. Keep in mind that a longer spray time means fewer washes per fill.
Washing fluid
- Recommended fluid: plain distilled or purified water.
- Below freezing: if temperatures are expected to drop below freezing, drain the system and refill it with a de-icer, such as Prestone De-Icer Windshield Washer Fluid or another methanol-based windshield washer fluid. Review the product's safety data sheet before use.
- Capacity: the reservoir holds about 58 ounces (1.7 liters). A full reservoir gives about 90 to 125 washes, depending on your wash settings.
Watch the fluid level
The X|Smart web interface shows the fluid level as FULL, 2/3, 1/3 or RESERVE. When the meter shows no bar, the reservoir is at RESERVE, and scheduled washing can't be turned on until you refill.
Important: There's no warning when the bottle is completely empty. Running washes or wipes on a dry dome can damage the pump and scratch the dome, so refill when you reach RESERVE.
Refill the fluid reservoir
Open the enclosure and swing the front housing to the left to reach the reservoir. Take care not to spill fluid on the electrical parts inside the enclosure.
Refill in place
1. Unscrew the reservoir cap and lift it off with the intake tube.
2. Carefully fill the reservoir completely.
3. Replace the cap and intake tube, making sure the intake tube reaches the deepest part of the reservoir.
4. While tightening the cap, hold the PVC (polyvinyl chloride) output tube so it doesn't spin.
Refill with the bottle removed
1. Disconnect the fluid level sensor cable connector.
2. Turn the reservoir cap counterclockwise and pull it off along with the intake tube. Set them aside.
3. Pull the bottle out of its two mounting brackets and fill it completely.
4. Put the bottle back between the brackets, then replace the cap and intake tube with the tube in the deepest part of the reservoir. Hold the PVC output tube while tightening the cap.
5. Reconnect the fluid level sensor cable connector.
After refilling, trigger a wash from the X|Smart web interface to make sure the spray covers the dome.
Frequently asked questions
My dome is streaky after a wash. What should I check?
Check the wiper blade adjustment first, since a loose blade leaves streaks. Then make sure washes are running at least once every 7 days, so debris doesn't build up under the blade.
How do I know the wiper blade pressure is right?
The blade should be in full contact with the dome lens, with the rubber blade showing a slight bend. Too tight strains the dome motor, and too loose leaves streaks.
How often should I run the wash event?
At minimum once every 7 days. Schedule it in the X|Smart web interface so it runs on its own.
How many washes do I get from a full reservoir?
About 90 to 125 washes, depending on your wash settings.
How often should I replace the wiper blade?
Rarely. The blades are made of durable material. Replace one only if the rubber looks dry or cracked, or if washes still leave significant streaks with the blade properly adjusted. Contact X Stream Designs at 858.768.2992 or [email protected] to order an X|RWIPER-B blade or X|RWIPER-A blade assembly.
Can I add more fluid capacity?
Yes. The optional external auxiliary fluid reservoir (X|AUX-RESERVOIR) increases capacity and the number of washes between refills. See the X|Smart User Manual for setup.
Who do I contact for help?
Call 858.481.4096, Option 2, or use the Request Support link.
Still need help?
Contact the HDOnTap support team at [email protected] or submit a support request.