Helm PTZSupport
Questions, problems or ideas. We read every message.
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Tell us your device, your switcher and your camera models. A screenshot helps.
Get started
- Put your iPhone, iPad or Mac on the same network as your switcher and cameras.
- Open Helm and allow Local Network access when asked. Helm uses it to find and control your gear.
- Pick a mode: Cameras + Switcher, Cameras, or Switcher.
- Tap the switcher and cameras Helm finds. You can also add one by its IP address.
Common questions
Which switchers work with Helm?
Blackmagic Design ATEM switchers on your network, and OBS Studio 28 or later.
For OBS, open Tools, WebSocket Server Settings. Turn on the server, then use Show Connect Info. In Helm, scan the code or type the address and password.
Which cameras work with Helm?
PTZ cameras that use VISCA over IP, ONVIF, Canon's IP control or NDI®. That includes cameras from Sony, PTZOptics, BirdDog, Canon, AVer, Lumens, Marshall and many others.
Some cameras ship with remote control turned off. If Helm can't move a camera, turn on VISCA over IP, ONVIF or IP control in the camera's web page.
Helm can't find my camera or switcher.
Check that your device is on the same network and subnet as your gear. Guest Wi-Fi often blocks devices from seeing each other.
Make sure Local Network access is on: on iPhone and iPad, Settings, Privacy and Security, Local Network, Helm. You can always add a device by typing its IP address.
Why don't I see a picture for a camera?
Live pictures come from NDI®, from the built in video stream of Canon cameras, or on iPad and Mac from your switcher's USB output. If your camera has NDI®, turn it on and Helm shows the picture.
How do I save and recall shots?
Frame the camera, then tap the plus button under Shots. Tap a shot to send the camera there. To rename, replace or clear a shot, hold it, or right click it on Mac.
What are Workspaces?
A Workspace saves a whole setup: the switcher, the cameras, their shots and settings. Make one for each room or event. Tap the Helm icon in the top left to see them all and switch.
Do I need an account?
No. Helm has nothing to sign up for. Your Workspaces and settings stay on your device.
Why can't I move the live camera?
Lock live camera keeps the camera that is on air still, so a bumped joystick never ruins the shot. Tap Unlock to move it. It locks again when you tap Lock, or on its own 15 seconds after your last move. You can turn the lock off in Settings.
What does Hot Cut do?
With Hot Cut on, tapping a scene sends it straight to Program, skipping Preview. Turn it off to line up a shot in Preview first.
Can I try Helm without any hardware?
Yes. Tap Try Demo on the first screen. The demo runs four cameras and a switcher so you can learn every control before going live.
Why does Helm ask for the camera?
Only to scan the connect code from OBS, and on iPad and Mac to show your switcher's video when it is plugged in over USB. The picture stays on your device.
What do I need to run Helm?
iPhone with iOS 17 or later, iPad with iPadOS 17 or later, or a Mac with macOS 14 or later.
How do I get a refund?
Apple handles App Store purchases. Request a refund at reportaproblem.apple.com.