Frequently Asked Questions

We sell the optional X|NVR accessory most often with Windows 10 Pro pre-installed.  However, we also pre-install the NVRs with most all versions of linux or no operating system at all.

The optional pole mount bracket can be used on pole sizes ranging from 1 inch up to 16 inches plus in diameter. Considering we don’t know anything about the pole in which you are mounting the enclosure system, we leave it up to the customer to seek and procure the correct pole strapping hardware.

Monitoring the external and internal temperatures of the enclosure system gives the user insight into how the enclosure system is performing in different weather conditions and temperatures. This insight in systems powered by an off-grid solar system allows you to fine tune climate control settings to reduce power loads.

The panel mount RJ45 Ethernet Jacks make for a very clean and waterproof connection of ethernet cables to the enclosure systems – whether the main network uplink to the enclosure and/or an ethernet connection to an externally mounted wireless radio or camera.

If you plan to install the enclosure in an environment that gets extremely cold, experiences blowing snow and freezing rain or plan to use the X|Clear in such an environment, we suggest upgrading the enclosure to have a 50 watt heating element.  Doing so allows the enclosure system to reach sufficient temps to melt away image obscuring snow and ice while also keeping the integrated components within their operating temps.

No, the optional X|DC-INPUT upgrade only works with the X|Mod, X|Heat, X|Rain and X|Clear model enclosures. The X|Cold requires 12VDC, 15VDC and 24VDC input power.

Installing the insulation kits in the X-Series enclosure systems is a cumbersome task. For this reason, we only offer the X|INSULATE upgrade to new purchases where X Stream Designs staff will install the insulation before the enclosure system ships from our warehouse.

While the X-Series enclosure system latches are stainless steel, they still tend to rust a little especially in environments near the ocean.   There was also a period of time that our enclosure systems were shipped with standard powder coated steel latches.   For these reasons, we offer a stainless steel latches kit with the necessary hardware to replace the old latches.

Replacing the dome lens of the X|Mod, X|Heat and X|Cold model enclosure systems is quite easy. Replacing the geared dome lens of the X|Rain and X|Clear model enclosures involves a little more work. Visit the knowledge base section of our website to learn more.

The X|Clear model enclosure systems are deployed quite often in extremely remote locations or locations that are hard to get to without a lift system. For this reason, we developed the X|AUX-RESERVOIR system giving you 10 times plus the amount of washing events in between reservoir refills. The optional accessory automatically fills the internal fluid reservoir based on user controllable settings in the X|Smart web interface.

The circulation fans that come standard in each model enclosure system are suffice for most all circumstances. Occasionally, higher CFM circulation fans will benefit the enclosure build – extremely damp environments, tightly integrated systems, integrated devices that produce more than normal amounts of heat…

The polycarbonate material is durable, non-thermally conductive, does not rust and will not corrode like cast metal materials and construction.

The modular design of our enclosure systems makes for an easy integration of cameras. Our PTZ user manual and knowledge base section of the website both provide instructions on camera integration. If further assistance is needed, don’t hesitate to contact our support department by calling 858.768.2992 or submitting a support request.

Our enclosure systems do not leak as a result of the design of the tongue and groove compression of the gasket combined with cable egress on the bottom as opposed to the side of the enclosure.

Most all cameras with a PTZ head under 7 inches in diameter will fit inside of our enclosure systems. To confirm, you can contact an X Stream Designs representative via phone at 858.768.2992, email info@xstreamdesigns.com or submit a support request.

Yes, several spare parts can be found on our website in Accessories, Upgrades and Parts.  If you don’t see a part that you are looking for, please submit a support request or call our offices at 858.768.2992.

Each of the enclosure models require 90-240VAC source input power. There is an optional 10-60VDC input source power upgrade (X|DC-INPUT) for the X|Mod, X|Heat, X|Clear and X|Rain model enclosures.

Our X-Series model enclosures are made of polycarbonate. Polycarbonate plastic is known for its high impact-resistance, durability, being lightweight and the ability to balance between optical clarity, optical resistance, toughness, heat resistance and dimension stability.

X Stream Designs recommends just using water. Distilled water without the minerals that leave spots is even better but not required.

Yes, within reason. X Stream Designs does not suggest using the X|Clear in environments below 10ºF as the fluid freezes up quickly after leaving the nozzle. It is important to monitor the internal temperature of the enclosure to make sure it maintains a temperature well above freezing. It is also possible to mix in vehicle window washing anti-freeze fluid with the water in the reservoir (Check the label to make sure it is safe for polycarbonate and acrylic materials). Provided there is available power, we suggest upgrading the heating element in the X|Clear enclosure from the standard 20 watts to 50 watts with the optional X|50WH upgrade.

Occasionally, we come across this issue. A paperclip will typically resolve the issue. We have found that it only happens with systems in salty environments that are not triggering a wash event for extended periods of time. It is important to manually trigger or schedule wash events to run on a more regular basis in salty air environments.

Yes. In salty air environments close to the ocean, salty residue builds up on the dome lens and between the dome lens and wiper blade. It is important to either manually trigger wash events or schedule wash events to run frequent enough reduce the salty residue from building up.

Yes, you can setup the X|Clear enclosure system to wash the dome lens at the following intervals; every hour, every 3 hours, every 6 hours, every 12 hours, every day, every 2 days, every 3 days, every 4 days, every week, every 2 weeks, every month and every 3 months.

Furthermore, to preserve fluid in the reservoir, you can set the schedule to time out when the fluid level reaches Reserve, 1/3 or 2/3.  The system will let you know the last time the schedule ran and the date and time that it will run next.

The X|Smart web interface of the X|Clear enclosure system has a fluid level meter letting you know when the fluid level is Full, 2/3, 1/3 and RESERVE.

The X|Smart web interface allows you to adjust the wash and wipe settings. Depending on these settings, you will typically see between 75 and 115 wash events between internal fluid reservoir refills.

The Internal Fluid Reservoir holds 58 fluid ounces.

The metal chassis box on the back of the X|Cold enclosure system houses the power supplies that convert AC power to 15VDC for the thermoelectric modules and 24VDC that powers the fans and our X|Smart System Tray. The power supplies produce produce heat during the conversion from AC to DC. For this reason, we mount the power supplies externally thus reducing heat introduced inside the enclosure system.

X Stream Designs named the product based on what the product does (creates cold air) and not the environment in which the enclosure is installed.

The inside of the camera enclosure system heats up for two reasons. 1.) Solar radiation on the camera housing along with the outside temperatue of the environment in which the system is installed. 2.) Heat energy that is created by the components integrated (Cellular Router, Camera, NVR, Media Converter…) in the enclosure system. For this reason, the internal temperature of the enclosure can easily heat up to over 123ºF (the max operating temperature of the camera) leaving you operating the sensitive camera equipment outside of the operating specifications which will eventually lead to failure.

X Stream Designs discovered during the research and design phase of the X|Cold model enclosure that two thermoelectric modules of the current size cooled the enclosure more efficiently. It also adds redundancy to the cooling system incase a fan or thermoelectric module fails.

There are many environments (Ex: New York City, Las Vegas…) in which the X|Cold enclosure is installed where we see extreme heat in the summer and very cold weather in the winter. We have found that the 20 watt heating element produces enough heat combined with the heat generated by the integrated components to keep the internal temperature of the enclosure within operating temperatures of most all integrated components.

The open cell silicone foam insulation provides radiant heat shielding to help mitigate solar radiation from warming the enclosure and the cool air produced by the thermoelectric modules from escaping the sealed enclosure system. Under most circumstances, insulation is not needed in the other model enclosures. However, the insulation is available as an optional upgrade at the time of purchase in our other enclosure models.

The X|Cold enclosure when it powers up has a power load of approximately 7-8 watts without the thermoelectric cooling on. This load is generated by the X|Smart System Tray, Circulation Fans and the Cooling Fans in the External Power Supply Chassis Box. The thermoelectric cooling when it is on increases the load by approximately 110 to 115 Watts. The remaining load is determined and generated by the devices integrated inside the enclosure system. The typical power load of a PTZ camera system is approximately 12-15 watts.

The quick answer is yes if there is a sufficient DC to AC inverter and the solar system is sized appropriately. Longer Answer: The X|Cold enclosures power load with a typical PTZ camera and thermoelectric cooling on is approximately 140 watts. Power load with thermoelectric cooling off and a typical PTZ camera is approximately 23-25 watts. When the 110 to 115 watt power load generated by the thermoelectric cooling is on or off depends on the heat generated by the integrated devices as well as the environment where the system is installed. For this reason, it is difficult without a bit of testing to determine the power load throughout the day for which the solar system needs to be sized.

Cameras as well as complimentary devices that might be integrated in our X|Cold enclosure systems (cellular routers, NVRs, media converters…) have temperature operating limitations. These devices also use power which is converted to heat energy. Combine the heat generated by the integrated devices with the heat created by solar radiation and you’ll find that the internal temperature of the sealed enclosure system climbs above the temperature operating specs of the integrated devices. Operating these integrated devices above the temperature operating specs will lead to performance issues quickly and eventually an expensive failure(s).

The X|Cold enclosure system’s thermoelectric cooling modules turn on and off when the internal temperature of the enclosure reaches approximately 110ºF | 43ºC and 105ºF | 40ºC respectively.

Thermisters and discrete logic on the PCBA of the X|Smart System Tray trigger a high amperage relay to open and close thus turning the thermoelectric cooling modules and fans on and off.

The X|Heat enclosure system powered up without heat on has a power load of approximately 7-8 watts. With the heat on, the load climbs to approximately 58 watts. Typical PTZ cams create about a 12-15 watt load leaving the max load with a single camera and heat on at about 70 to 75 watts.

The X|Heat enclosure has a 50 watt heating element vs. the 20 watt heating element in the X|Mod enclosure. The 20 watts of heat is sufficient in fairly cold weather, however in extreme cold environments and/or environments with lots of snow like ski resorts, we’ve found that the additional heat and higher CFM circulation fans works much better to warm the polycarbonate housing melting away snow and freezing rain.

In extremely cold environments without snow and freezing rain, insulation in the X|Heat enclosure would be beneficial. In this case, it is available at the time of purchase as an optional upgrade (X|INSULATE). In environments with snow and freezing rain, we have found that the 50 watt heating element combined with with heat generated by the integrated camera and the high circulation fans allows the warm air to circulate throughout the enclosure warming the polycarbonate housing and dome lens melting snow and freezing rain away. Insulation under these circumstances would simply reduce the warming of the polycarbonate material thus allowing snow and freezing rain to build up on the housing.

The X|Heat model enclosure comes standard with a 50 watt heating element & dual/redundant 16 cubic feet per minute high circulation fans.

Yes, the X|Mod model enclosure system comes standard with a 20 watt heating element which is sufficient to keep most all integrated cameras within their specified operating temperatures in outside temps down to 10ºF.

The X|Mod model enclosure system comes standard with a 20 watt heating element and the standard circulation fans providing 19.8 cubic feet per minute of air circulation. The X|Heat model enclosure system comes standard with a 50 watt heating element and 32 cubic feet per minute of air circulation. While the X|Mod works just fine in temperatures below freezing, for extreme cold temperatures or environments where blowing snow and freezing rain are prevalent, we suggest the X|Heat model enclosure.

Yes, you can setup the X|Rain and X|Clear model enclosures to wipe the dome lens on a specific interval. Via the X|Smart web interface, in the CID Controls section of the control tab interface, select WIPE EVERY and select a wipe interval, then select a timeout value for the wiping to stop.

At this time, no. At some point we hope to integrate a sensor to automatically trigger the dome lens to wipe rain drops away. Via the X|Smart web interface, you can either manually trigger the dome lens to wipe or setup a wipe interval and a timeout for the wiping to stop.

Cameras tend to focus on rain drops on the dome lens as opposed to the intended subject. The X|Rain model enclosure is perfect for install locations that experience lots of rain as the self-wiping system clears the rain drops while simultaneously cleaning the dome lens.

Yes, X Stream Designs sells and ships our enclosure systems internationally quite often. If you submit a request for quote, please ask us to also quote international shipping costs.

X Stream Designs has been awarded a total of three patents.  Our first patent, a utility patent (US8567963B1) was granted on 10/29/2013.   On 12/01/2015, we were granted our design patent (USD744570S1) for the same camera enclosure system.    On June 15th 2021, a second design patent (USD922468) was granted by the US Patent Office.

The corporation was formed on July 12th 2012.   After starting the corporation, we went to work on developing the enclosure and self washing system filing our patent application on 3/13/2013.    Our Utility Patent (US8567963B1) was granted on 10/29/2013.  Our injection molds were completed shortly afterwords allowing us to go into production in early 2014.

Monitoring the power loads via the X|Smart web interface gives you insight into how the enclosure system is operating as well a help you troubleshoot and diagnose issues with the camera system and other integrated components. It is especially useful for systems powered by an off-grid solar system.

No, the X|Smart web interface does not communicate with the cloud or our network in any way. If you want to access the web interface of the enclosure system outside of your Local Area Network (LAN), you have to setup remote access in your router via port forwarding or assign the enclosure system a static public IP address.

Yes, the X|Smart System Tray and its web interface allows for remote control of the enclosure system via third party apps via its HTTP API. The API user manual can be downloaded from the User Manuals Section of the Downloads page. If you need assistance or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our support department by submitting a support request or calling our offices at 858.768.2992.

The X|Smart System Tray with its web interface is a smart power supply and climate control device with integrated four [4] port network switch. Via the web interface, you can remotely monitor and control power to 12VDC, 24VDC and PoE accessory power and network ports. It also allows you to remotely monitor and control the internal climate of the enclosure system. For X|Clear and X|Rain model enclosure systems, the X|Smart system controls the wash & wipe functions of the Self-Cleaning, Self-Wiping functions. Dotworkz MVP system simply provides 12VDC power, passes through 24V power and provides un-regulated heat and air circulation.

Yes, the X|Smart System Tray’s web interface allows you to monitor the internal temperature of the enclosure system, set the internal temperature, control the circulation fans and monitor external temperatures if the optional X|EXT-TEMP is installed.

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Yes. The X|Smart System Tray in the X|Cold model enclosure system provides remotely controllable IEEE 802.3at 30 Watt PoE to all 4 switch ports. The X|Clear, X|Rain, X|Mod and X|Heat model enclosure systems provide remotely controllable 30 Watt PoE to Switch Port #1 and 24VDC Passive PoE to switch port #4.

Yes. You can either assign a static IP address or enable DHCP where your enclosure system will be allocated an IP address automatically by the DHCP server on your network.