Location-based recording in SimCapture Cloud Pro refers to a flexible system that allows simulation centers to associate multiple physical spaces (like simulation rooms or beds) with a single recording device (called a "node"). This setup enables more efficient use of hardware and supports dynamic simulation environments.

Key Features

• Flexible Room-to-Node Mapping: One node can be linked to multiple rooms or locations, rather than requiring a 1:1 relationship.
• Selective Recording: You can choose to record from one location at a time, even if multiple are associated with the same node.
• IP Camera and Audio Integration: Each location can have its own set of IP cameras and audio modules.
• Ideal for Multi-Room Setups: Useful in environments like:
  • Multi-bed nursing skills labs
  • Multiple high-fidelity simulation rooms
  • Separate debriefing rooms

Use cases for location-based recording

Typical use cases for location-based recording are:

• Multi-bed Nursing Skills Lab
• Multiple High-Fidelity Sim Rooms
• Debriefing Rooms

Multi-bed nursing skills lab

You have a 6-bed lab with each bed having 2 cameras and an audio module but, you only want to ever record one bed at a time instead of associating 12 cameras with one node, which is not supported.

Location-based recording would allow the creation of 6 locations in SimCapture, with cameras and audio for each location, and the association of one node with all six locations.

Multiple high-fidelity sim rooms

You have four SIM rooms; each has a high-fidelity manikin. But, with current staffing, you can run only one SIM at a time.  

The location-based recording will let you use a single node with all four locations. However, you will be restricted to one SIM at a time. When your staffing levels increase, an additional can be added.

Debriefing rooms

You want to record a session and then record the debrief of that session in a separate location. However, to do this, only one room will ever be recording at a time. 

The location-based recording will allow you to set up two locations in SimCapture and associate one recording device to capture both locations.

Limitations

• No support for hot-swapping feeds during a session: Cameras can be moved between and shared with locations, but cannot be changed in the middle of a recording.
• Maximum of six video/audio feeds per location: If a node has two hardwired inputs plugged into it, only 4 IP feeds will be available to be added to that location.
• Exam rooms still require a 1:1 node-to-room setup: Exam rooms must always have a 1:1 relationship between a recording device and a location. 
• Hardwired inputs (like webcams) appear across all associated locations: Because webcams, epiphans, etc., are plugged directly into the node, they will appear for all locations associated with the node.

Steps to Set Up Location-Based Recording in SimCapture Cloud Pro

1. Plan Your Locations and Nodes

• Identify all the physical spaces (e.g., sim rooms, beds, debriefing areas).
• Determine how many recording nodes (hardware devices) you have.
• Decide which locations will share a node.

2. Configure Locations in SimCapture

• Go to Settings.
• Under Locations, click Edit and then click the "+ Add location" button to create a new location for each physical space.
• Assign IP cameras and audio devices to each location.

3. Associate Locations with a Node

• Click the kebab menu to access the Node Configuration, and assign multiple locations to a single node.
• Ensure each location has a unique name (e.g., “Bed 1”, “Sim Room A”).

4. Set Up Recording Preferences

• Only one location can be recorded at a time per node.
• Choose the active location before starting a session.
• You can switch locations between sessions, but not during a live recording.

5. Test Your Setup

• Run a test recording from each location.
• Verify that video and audio feeds are correctly routed and recorded.

Important

• Webcams and hardwired inputs will appear in all associated locations.
• Exam rooms still require a dedicated node.
• Max 6 video/audio feeds per location.

Hardware needed for setup

To set up location-based recording with SimCapture Cloud Pro, you'll need a combination of hardware components that support flexible, multi-location simulation environments. Here's a breakdown of the essential hardware:

Core Hardware Components

1. SimCapture Node

• A micro form factor PC that acts as the central recording device.
• Supports multiple locations (rooms or beds) per node.
• Compact size: approx. 4.5" x 4.5" (11.43 cm x 11.43 cm).
• Automatically uploads recordings to the cloud.
• Requires internet access to communicate with SimCapture servers.

2. IP Cameras

• Each location should have its own IP camera(s) for video capture.
• Compatible with most standard IP camera models.
• Up to 6 video/audio feeds per location are supported.

3. Audio Capture Devices

• Microphones or audio interfaces for each location.
• Can be ceiling-mounted, table-mounted, or wireless depending on room layout.

4. Network Infrastructure

• Stable wired or wireless network with internet access.
• Outbound access to:
  • *.simcapture.com (TCP 443, TCP/UDP 5000–5100)
  • *.amazonaws.com (TCP 443)

5. Displays and Monitors (Optional)

• For live monitoring or debriefing.
• Can be placed in control rooms or debriefing areas.

Optional: SimCapture Mobile Camera App

• Use mobile phones or tablets as additional capture devices.
• Ideal for in-situ or mobile simulations.
• Supports up to 6 mobile devices per session.

Other Accessories

• Mounting hardware for cameras and microphones.
• Cables and adapters (e.g., VGA to HDMI if needed).
• Power supplies and UPS for reliability.