Repeaded IcamSource crashes

[shadowboxer]

HI

Upgraded to Lion a few weeks ago.  we moved, so just getting set up again.  Upgraded to latest version icam source, the 2.3.3 and then the 2.3.3.1.  Runing Lion 10.7.1 on Mac Pro, dual core dual xenon, 14 Gbs ram(yes, 14).

using built in isight and 4 Llinksys wireless N cameras.

I went to the library file and tried the prefs file delete, reconfigured all the cameras (including setting up the port forward by way of terminal)  and things ran for about an hour or so and then it crashed again.  While it is running, is doing beautifully.

I have sent the crash log files separately to support, 3 on 2.3.3, 1 on 2.3.3.1, and the latest following the deletion of the prefs file and running on 2.3.3.1 as described several threads below.

Any help appreciated.

Dale

[SKJM Support]

Thank you for your post.

Does the crash happen every time you connect? If not, how often does it happen?

Also, what is the the % CPU usage of the iCamSource application when it is started and what is it when iCam connects?

CPU usage is located in the Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor application.

[shadowboxer]

Yes, it occurs every time.  The time varies.  I have had it crash within the first 10 minutes.  Sometimes it takes 5-10 hours.  It seems to most often occur relatively soon after I check the cameras with the iphone app.

Activity monitor up:  Open Icam, not connected, CPU 0%
                             Click "Start" button on Icam preference,  CPU  varies 42-45%  (has been on now for 15', now at 44.2%)
                             If I connect by my iphone app, then zoom in on a camera, the CPU transiently peaks as high as 105% ( how is that even possible?)

thanks

[shadowboxer]

Turning off the audio reduces to CPU usage to 33%. 
I am going to leave audio off and see if it still crashes

Less than 10 minutes later after startup, connect by iphone, see app CPU % peak up to 77%, within 15 secsonds, source app crashes

2nd try, start the icam source, cpu around 30%, connect by iphone, peaks up to 77%, within 30 seconds, app crashes.


edit 2:  It has now crashed 5/5 times, always while the iphone is connected and I am looking at one of the cams.

[Stefan]

We have a new BETA version available, 2.3.4, which addresses some memory and CPU issages with Mac OS X 10.7 - http://skjm.com/icam/iCamSource2.3.4.dmg

Please run that version and see if it results in improved stability.

[shadowboxer]

New version installed,  trying my darndest,
I Cannot elicit a crash!!!!

CPU usage down a few % points too.

Fantastic job!!!

Thanks!


Dale

[Stefan]

New version installed,  trying my darndest,
I Cannot elicit a crash!!!!

CPU usage down a few % points too.

Fantastic job!!!

Thanks!


Dale

Excellent news, and you are most welcome!

[shadowboxer]

Hey Stefan, definitely more stable with the newest beta 2.3.4,
finally crashed after about 12 hours uptime.

crash report from that crash forwarded to support.

Dale

[Stefan]

Hey Stefan, definitely more stable with the newest beta 2.3.4,
finally crashed after about 12 hours uptime.

crash report from that crash forwarded to support.

Dale

Thank you for that.

For each of your 4 Linksys cameras, in the Setup > Image screen, what are your MJPEG Settings (Resolution, Fixed Quality, Max Frame Rate) ?

If each camera's frame rate is 30 fps then that will likely be the cause of the instability. (30 640x480 images being received every second from each camera will likely max out the CPU usage of the iCamSource.) I would suggest configuring your IP cameras to run at 2 to 5 fps to see if that improves the iCamSource's stability.

(I personally configure my 4 IP cameras to run at 2 fps since the iCamSource performs the motion detection processing every half-second by default.)

[shadowboxer]

Hi, sorry so long to respond:

Each one set for MJPEG  320x240, Normal fixed quality, max frame rat 10 fps.  That is the setting that crashes have been occurring at.  Will reduce to 5 fps and report back.

Updated to 2.3.4.2

thanks  

dale

FOLLOWUP:

the new version crashes instantly when sign in to icam on my iphone and zoom in on one of my cameras.  I have downgraded to 2.3.4 and so far it has been running without crashing.

Crash reports sent to support.

dale

[Stefan]

It is odd that 2.3.4.2 would crash as soon as you zoom in but 2.3.4 does not, since the differences between those versions shouldn't affect that.

Does 2.3.4.1 also crash when you zoom in? - http://skjm.com/icam/iCamSource2.3.4.1.dmg

One other test to try would be to remove all but one camera from 2.3.4.2 and see if it still crashes when you connect and zoom in using iCam.

[shadowboxer]

2.3.4.1 crashed instantly when I signed in on icam on iphone.

2.3.4 remained stable most of the day yesterday, finally crashed after about 12 hours.  signed in by iphone greater 10 times, zoomed multiple cameras.  wasn't using it when it crashed.

crash reports sent to support.

[Stefan]

2.3.4.1 crashed instantly when I signed in on icam on iphone.

2.3.4 remained stable most of the day yesterday, finally crashed after about 12 hours.  signed in by iphone greater 10 times, zoomed multiple cameras.  wasn't using it when it crashed.

crash reports sent to support.

Thank you for that additional information.

I have uploaded a new version (2.3.4.3 BETA) to the server for you to try out: http://skjm.com/icam/iCamSource2.3.4.3.dmg

Hopefully it will be more stable than 2.3.4.1 and 2.3.4.2, but if this new version also crashes when you connect with iCam please e-mail us the crash logs and we will continue troubleshooting this problem.

Thanks!

[shadowboxer]

2.3.4.3 beta rock solid x 24 hrs.  

Looking good.

thanks.

will keep you appraised.

dale

wow, just noticed I can't spell "repeated"!

UPDATE:  36 hours and still rock solid!  Great work!

[Stefan]

UPDATE:  36 hours and still rock solid!  Great work!

Excellent news ... And thanks!