DW VMAX A1 Series Setup Guide, Since its initial release, the VMAX A1 Series (2.1 MP) has since been improved upon and now features a second generation model as well. However, a common issue with the first generation VMAX A1 is that when connected cameras are using different video signals and are not organized by signal type, video loss will occur, affecting the archived video as well.

Changing Video Signals (VMAX A1)

DVR Video Signal

With the increased implementation of high definition (HD) video for analog cameras, the VMAX A1 recorder series features video signal options of HD-Analog (AHD), HD-TVI, HD-CVI, and CVBS (960H).

When connecting a camera to the VMAX A1, it is important to know what video signal that camera uses to stream its video. If the DVR is not assigned to use the same video signal as the camera, it may result in video display issues such as:

• Distorted images

• Discolored images

• Video Loss

This article will outline how to change the VMAX A1 DVR’s video signal by camera channel.

Note: Make sure that the camera’s BNC connector is securely attached to the DVR.

DW VMAX A1 Series Setup Guide

Supported/Affected Devices

• VMAX A1 Series (2.1 MP)

• DW Starlight Camera Series (2.1 MP)

Changing Video Signals

To change the video signal of the DVR, you will need a display monitor and USB mouse directly connected to the VMAX A1 unit. Without these peripheral devices, you will not be able to manage the system.

1.Log in to the DVR as the admin.

• Default ID: admin

• Default Password: — (blank)

Note: If your DVR is no longer using the default login credentials and you have forgotten your password, you may submit a password recovery request for instructions to reset the password.

2.Right-click with the mouse, then select Setup Menu.

3.Select the Device menu, then click on Camera.

4.The Camera menu will display.

Select the Channel that the camera is connected to.

Change the Video Type to match the same video output signal as the camera.

Note: The DVR is set to automatically detect and use the video type of the camera, by default. However, it may be necessary to change the Video Type manually, depending on the camera model.

First Generation VMAX A1 Series (2.1 MP) Camera Connection

First Generation VMAX A1 DVRs

Since its initial release, the VMAX A1 Series (2.1 MP) has since been improved upon and now features a second generation model as well. However, a common issue with the first generation VMAX A1 is that when connected cameras are using different video signals and are not organized by signal type, video loss will occur, affecting the archived video as well.

This article will outline how to organize the camera BNC connections for a first generation VMAX A1 (2.1 MP) recording unit to avoid video signal conflicts.

Note: This article focuses on camera connection setup with the first generation of the VMAX A1 analog recording unit. You can determine if you are using a First Generation (VAH) or Second Generation (HDR) unit by inspecting the first three letters of the Serial Number, located on the sticker, on top of the DVR.

Supported/Affected Devices

• VMAX A1 Series (2.1 MP)

• DW Star-Light Analog Camera Series

Camera Connections

When connecting cameras to a first generation VMAX A1 DVR, you will need to consider the video type that the camera is using.

The recording unit supports the following video signal types:

• HD-TVI

• HD-CVI

• HD-A (AHD)

• CVBS (960H)

In order to prevent video loss within the DVR, the BNC connections of the cameras to the DVR must be organized by video type.

When looking at the back of the VMAX A1, imagine that the BNC connectors are grouped into ‘blocks’ of four (4) BNC connectors. As long as the cameras in each group of four are using the same signal type, video will display.

For example, in images Example 1 and Example 2 below, the connected cameras are all using the same signal type, resulting in successfully displayed video.

In image Example 3, the connected cameras are using two different video types, but are grouped into ‘blocks’ of four, so that each group is comprised of the same video type. However, if you were to mix an AHD camera in with the TVI camera group, there would be video display issues.

It is worth noting that rather than having to figure out how to organize a camera into a group, you may be able to change the camera’s video signal instead, depending on the camera model. This may be particularly useful if the new camera is not using the same signal as the cameras that are already grouped together.

For more information regarding analog camera issues, please read Troubleshooting Video Loss For Analog Cameras.

Replacing A Hard Drive For A VMAX A1 32-Channel (2.1 MP)

Hard Drive Replacement

The VMAX® A1 allows users to monitor live camera video and to archive footage to a local storage drive. This internally installed hard drive permits users to store and review previously recorded footage, regardless of Internet connection status.

In the event of an issue, the recording unit can be troubleshot to resolve most recording problems. However, in the rare event of a hard drive failure, the internal storage drive may need to be replaced.

DISCLAIMER: If you are opening a VMAX® A1 Plus unit to replace a pre-installed HDD, the warranty for the unit will become voided. Digital Watchdog will not be liable for the loss of data or consequential damages (including without limitation, damage to recording media) resulting from this process.

Supported/Affected Devices

• VMAX® A1 32-Channel (2.1 MP)

Replacing the Drive:

Prior to replacing the hard drive, make sure that you will be using an approved hard drive model as the replacement.

HDD Model Number	Hard Drive Description
ST1000VX005	Seagate SkyHawk 1TB SATA 6Gb/s 64MB Cache 3.5″
ST2000VX008	Seagate SkyHawk 2TB SATA 6Gb/s 64MB Cache 3.5″
ST3000VX009	Seagate SkyHawk 3TB SATA 6Gb/s 256MB Cache 3.5″
ST4000VX007	Seagate SkyHawk 4TB SATA 6Gb/s 64MB Cache 3.5″
ST6000VX001	Seagate SkyHawk 6TB SATA 6Gb/s 256MB Cache 3.5″
ST8000VX0022	Seagate SkyHawk 8TB SATA 6Gb/s 256MB Cache 3.5″
ST8000VE0004	Seagate SkyHawk 8TB AI SATA 6Gb/s 256MB Cache 3.5″
ST10000VX0004	Seagate SkyHawk 10TB SATA 6Gb/s 256MB Cache 3.5″
ST10000VE0008	Seagate SkyHawk AI 10TB SATA 6Gb/s 256MB Cache 3.5″

To replace the hard drive, follow the steps below:

1.Confirm that the DVR is completely powered off.

There should be no LED lights illuminated on the front panel of the DVR. If there is still power, soft-shutdown or disconnect the power cable from the DVR.

**Note: For a soft-shutdown, if you are currently logged in at the DVR, click on the power icon on the toolbar at the bottom of the Live View screen, then select Shutdown.

Alternatively, right-click on Live View screen, then select Shutdown.

2.To access the interior of the DVR:

• Remove the three (3) screws from the back panel of the DVR.

• Remove the six (6) screws from the left and right side of the DVR – three (3) screws on either side.

• Remove the two (2) screws from the top of the DVR.

3.To open the unit, slide the top cover off of the DVR case.

4.Disconnect the power supply and SATA cable connection from the hard drive.

5.Remove the four (4) screws securing the hard drive to its mounting bracket.

Remove the hard drive from its mounting bracket.

6.Insert the replacement hard drive to the HDD mounting bracket and replace the four (4) mounting bracket screws to secure the new hard drive to the DVR.

7.Connect the power supply and SATA cable to the new hard drive and replace the top cover of the unit.

8.To close the DVR:

• Replace the three (3) screws to the back panel of the DVR.

• Replace the six (6) screws to the left and right side of the DVR – three (3) screws on either side.

• Replace the two (2) screws to the top of the DVR.

9.Reconnect the DVR’s power cable and power the unit on.

Once the DVR has finished booting, right-click with the mouse and log in as the Administrator.

• Default ID: admin

• Default Password: <no password>

10. Right-click with the mouse, then select Setup Menu.

Select System, then select HDD.

11. The Hard Drive menu will display.

Click the check box next to your new hard drive, as it appears in the menu, then click the HDD Clear button.

Confirm the message inquiring if you wish to proceed with formatting the hard drive.

The progress bar at the bottom of the menu will show you the status of the format.

**Note: If your VMAX® A1 32-channel unit has more than one hard drive, it is recommended to format one drive at a time.

12. Once the hard drive is done formatting, a confirmation message will appear.

Confirm the message and reboot the DVR. Once the DVR is done rebooting, you may use your VMAX® A1 normally.

**Note: If your DVR continues to experience recording issues, please consult with Digital Watchdog Technical Support as there may be additional hardware or software issues occurring with the unit.

Connecting to VMAX A1 (2.1 MP) Using Pathfinder

Pathfinder

The P2P PathFinder™ function lets you securely view your system on your iOS® devices by scanning a QR code in the recorder’s settings menu. PathFinder™ allows users to connect, view, playback and search video from their DW® video surveillance solutions with no need for complicated port forwarding.

This article will outline how to enable Pathfinder on your VMAX® A1 recording unit and how to connect with DW Mobile (iOS).

**NOTE: Pathfinder is a P2P (peer-to-peer) service which requires a strong Internet connection. If your Internet connection is slow, you are using a Firewall or SonicWall, or are using a VPN, you may encounter connection issues through the Pathfinder function.

If you are using a Firewall or SonicWall, use of a direct connection or DDNS, outlined in Network Setup For A VMAX A1 (2.1 MP), is recommended instead.

**NOTE: Pathfinder is only available for the 2nd generation VMAX® A1. You can identify if your model is from the supported generation by locating the product label on top of the unit and confirming that the serial number starts with “HDR”.

PathFinder™ End-of-Life (EOL)

Please be aware that the previous PathFinder v1.0 utility in the VMAX A1 models will have been replaced as of January 17, 2022.

PathFinder v1.0 remained available for use up until January 2022. The newer PathFinder v2.0 service ONLY supports the VMAX A1 Plus (5 MP) and VMAX IP Plus recorder models. VMAX A1 (2 MP) legacy models may still use direct-connection (IP address, DDNS) for remote connections through a mobile device.

Supported/Affected Devices

• VMAX® A1 Series (2.1 MP)

Activating Pathfinder

To enable Pathfinder:

1.At the VMAX® A1, log in as the Administrator

◦ Default ID: admin

◦ Default Password: <no password>

2.Right-click with the mouse and select Setup Menu.

Select Network, then select Pathfinder.

3.Click on the Pathfinder Use dropdown and select On.

Click the Save button to apply the change.

**NOTE: If the Pathfinder Status does not show that the status is successful, confirm that the firmware of the VMAX® A1 is up-to-date and check the Network settings for any errors.

If your network is using a Firewall or SonicWall, the Pathfinder service will not be able to communicate with the P2P service.

Setting Up DW Mobile (iOS)

To connect your DW Mobile (iOS) application to the VMAX® A1 through Pathfinder:

1.If you have not already done so, download and install DW Mobile from the App Store.

**NOTE: Legacy VMAX Mobile (DW Mobile for Android) does not support Pathfinder.

2.Launch the DW Mobile application.

The Home screen will display your created sites.

Click on the Add button to create a new site.

3.The Site Info window will display.

Click on the QR button.

If prompted, allow the application access to your device’s camera.

Scan the Pathfinder QR code from the Pathfinder menu on the VMAX® A1. The Pathfinder ID will autofill in the IP/Address field.

4.Fill out the remaining fields for the site.

• Device Name: how the site will be labeled in the application

• Network Port: TCP/IP Port of the recording unit (default – 80)

• User ID: the user ID of the recording unit (default – admin)

• Password: the password of the recording unit (default – <no password>)

• Location Address: optional setting; has no effect on connectivity and can be left blank

5.Click the Save button to apply the changes.

If there are no connection issues with the VMAX® A1, a confirmation message will display and your site will display in the Sites List.

6.Click the Home button.

Click on Monitoring. At first you may not see any cameras and must connect with the site you have just created. To do so, swipe from left to right at the left edge of the screen to prompt the Sites List to display.

Drag and drop your site into the viewing area to display video.

Network Setup For A VMAX A1 (2.1 MP)

Installation and Setup

The benefits of having your VMAX A1 recorder connected to your router include the ability to monitor the DVR from your phone or computer, access to the FTP server for firmware updates, and access to other functions of the DVR (Email Notification, Pathfinder, Push-Notifications, etc).

This guide will explain the basic steps for connecting the VMAX A1 to a network for LAN connection and for WAN connection.

Supported/Affected Devices

• VMAX A1 Series (2.1 MP)

Local Area Network (LAN) Setup

The first portion of the Network Setup is to configure the DVR to communicate over the Local Area Network (LAN), so that you can view your system remotely when you are onsite.

1.Connect the VMAX A1 to the router with ethernet cable. The Network Cable port (LAN/ethernet port) can be found near the USB port on the rear panel of the DVR.

2.Next, we will need to have the DVR retrieve an IP Address from your router, so that it can identify on your network and talk with your local computers, phones, tablets, etc.

At the DVR, log in as an Admin, right-click with your mouse, and select Setup Menu > Network > Network.

3.On the Network menu, set the DVR to a Dynamic IP (DHCP) Network Type. By default, the DVR is set to IP Address – 192.168.1.160 and Gateway – 192.168.1.1.

To have the DVR request an IP Address from the router, click the IP Detect button and allow the progress to complete.

4.Once the progress bar has reached 100%, change the Network Type to Static, so that you will not need to worry about the address automatically changing.

The DVR’s IP Address will have changed as a result of running the IP Detect function. This is an indicator that the DVR can successfully communicate through your router with other devices.

If there is another DVR on the network, make sure that neither DVR is assigned to the same IP Address or Network Port to avoid a network conflict.

Click Save to apply the settings. The DVR is now set up on the Local Network.

Note: Network information in the included images may appear differently than what displays at your DVR. This information is determined by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and the router that you are using.

Testing LAN Connection (Optional)

It is recommended to test the communication between the DVR and a local device over the Local Area Network (LAN).

If you have a computer connected to the same LAN as the DVR, open a web browser and enter the DVR’s IP Address into the address bar. If the DVR has been assigned a Network Port value of anything other than 80, you will also need to specify the Network Port value in the address bar.

Example:

DVR IP: 192.168.1.90

Network Port: 8245

Example URL for connecting from a browser: http://192.168.1.90:8245

If the address is entered correctly and the DVR is communicating over the LAN, the DVR’s Web Viewer will display. The User ID and Password will be the same login that is used at the DVR as well (Default: admin/— (no password)).

Note: Please be aware that the Web Viewer requires the use of the ActiveX plugin “WebACS” to stream video to your browser. Use of Internet Explorer is recommended viewing streams from your browser is intended. Otherwise, you should still have access to the DVR’s menus and settings.

Alternatively, you may test the LAN connection from a mobile application (DW VMAX or DW Mobile).

Wide Area Network (WAN) Setup

If your DVR communicates successful over LAN, the next step is to set up the network for Wide Area Network (WAN) connection, so that you can view your system when you are offsite.

Port Forwarding Example

Custom settings in your router called “Port Forwarding Rules” will need to be created for remote connection over WAN. If you prefer to DIY, there are different self-help guides and websites that will walk you through the process. For example, PortForward.com (https://portforward.com/router.htm) has a variety of guides available for different router manufacturers and models.

Note: If you are unfamiliar with router networking, we recommend that you contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or camera Installer for assistance.

To create Port Forwarding Rules, you will want to have the DVR’s IP Address, Gateway, and the Network Port handy, as the port rule will be specified by device.

1.To set up Port Forwarding, you will need to access your router’s user interface on a local computer. Use the Gateway address found in the DVR’s Network menu. In our example, we are using 192.168.1 as the Gateway address.

2.On a local computer, enter the Gateway address into the address bar of a web browser.

3.By connecting with the Gateway address of the router, a prompt will display asking for the router’s login information. This information is most commonly found physically on the router. Enter the login information to access the router.

Note: The login information is not your Wi-Fi information.

4.Depending on the router, this next step may be found in a different location in the router interface. Locate the Port Forwarding section of the router. In our example, this function is found under the Applications & Gaming > Advanced Routing section.

Note: Depending on the router, Port Forwarding may also be referred to as “Pinholes”, “Single-Port”, or “Port Range Forwarding”.

5.The information required varies depending on the router. The port number should be the same value as the Network Port found on the DVR’s Network menu. In our example, we are using Port Number 80.

The address used is the DVR’s Local IP Address that was obtained during the IP Detect step of the LAN setup. In our example, we are using 192.168.1.190.

Enter the requested information, then Save the settings to apply the Port Forwarding rule.

Checking Port Forwarding Status

Once the Port Forwarding rule has been created, you can test the port status.

1.Visit CanYouSeeMe.org (https://canyouseeme.org) or another port checking website of your choice. In the Port to Check box, enter the port value that you created the Port Forwarding Rule for in the router. Then click Check Port.

This site pulls the Public IP Address of the router and allows you to test port forwarding rules. You will want your port to show successfully open. If the status shows an error or failure, make sure that your DVR is still communicating over LAN and that there are not typos in the Port Forwarding Rule.

DDNS Address Setup

Routers will typically change their Public IP Addresses regularly, unless you are paying for a subscribed Static IP Address service with your ISP (Internet Service Provider). Instead of having to regularly check that the Public IP Address of your network has not changed, we recommend the use of a DDNS address.

The DDNS is a static “stand-in” address for your router’s Public IP Address that can be configured through the DVR.

To set up a DDNS address for your DVR:

1.At the DVR, navigate Setup Menu > Network > DDNS.

2.Enable Use DDNS.

3.Select a DDNS Server. Please select dwddns2.net as the server. It is a free DDNS servers that is provided by Digital Watchdog.

Note: Use of dyndns.com as the server is for a special setup if a third-party DDNS service will be utilized for remote connection with the DVR.

4.To enter a Host Name, click the Edit button (pencil icon) and use the virtual keyboard to enter a name to identify the DVR with. Click Confirm on the virtual keyboard to apply the name.

For our example, we are using “digitalwatchdog2015” as our Host Name.

Note: The DDNS will accept alphanumeric characters only. Do not use spaces or special characters (!?$&#@) in the Host Name.

5. Do not enter an ID or Password if you are using either dwddns.net or dwddns2.net as the server. This information is for a special setup only.

6.Click the Request Start button to check if the Host Name that you selected is available on the DDNS Server that you selected. If the registration fails, edit or try a different Host Name or DDNS Server.

7.If the Request returns with DDNS Success, click the Save button. The DDNS address has been successfully created and registered.

The complete URL for connecting with the DVR remotely over WAN is <Host_Name>.<DDNS Server>.

For example: digitalwatchdog2015.dwddns2.net

Summary

Network Setup for the VMAX A1 is complete! Remember that the address used for connection with the DVR is dependent on the type of network that is being used.

• Local IP Address – used for connecting with the DVR when your device is connected to the same internal network as the DVR.

Example: 192.168.1.190

• DDNS – used for connecting with the DVR when your device is connected to an external network to the DVR. This address is statically assigned to the DVR.

Example: digitalwatchdog2015.dwddns.net

• Public IP Address – used for connecting with the DVR when your device is connected to an external network to the DVR. This address type is likely to change and will require requirement of the updated Public IP Address.

Example: 47.180.64.226

Upgrading Firmware For A VMAX A1 (2.1MP)

DISCONTINUED PRODUCT: As of October 2021, the VMAX A1 Plus (2.1 MP) DVR Series is a discontinued product and is no longer eligible for future firmware updates.

Firmware Upgrades

Firmware is a type of computing software that is used in the management and operation of nearly all electronics. The VMAX A1 Series DVRs utilize firmware versions to manage camera communication, user interface controls, display, and recording settings for every interaction by the user.

Periodically, the firmware version may need to be upgraded to apply new features, improvements, and other content to the DVR.

This article will explain the process for upgrading Firmware for the VMAX A1 Series DVRs using either File Transfer Protocol (FTP) or a USB stick.

Supported/Affected Devices

• VMAX A1 Series (2.1 MP)

Upgrading Firmware

Firmware upgrades for the VMAX A1 Series will need to be performed directly at the DVR. Connect a display monitor and USB mouse to the DVR, so that you can control the user interface of the recording unit.

If you are unsure what type of display (HDMI or VGA) that your DVR supports, please consult the User Manual.

Upgrade Using FTP Function

The FTP upgrade option permits users to upgrade DVR firmware by communicating with an external FTP server over the Internet. The last firmware version (v8.2.0.2.13) can be downloaded and installed from the FTP server.

**NOTE: The FTP function requires a stable network and Internet connection. If you have not set up the DVR Network settings, please read Network Setup For A VMAX A1 (2.1 MP).

To Upgrade Using FTP:

1.Log in as the Admin or as a user with Administrator privileges.

2.Right-click with the mouse and select Setup Menu. Navigate to the System Information menu.

3.Click the Upgrade button, located next to the current firmware Version.

4.Set the Method to FTP and confirm the following:

• FTP Address: ftp.dwcc.tv

• User/Password: vmaxa1 (both boxes)

Click the Check button to check for available updates.

5.Once a new firmware version is detected, click the Start button. The upgrade progress will display in the Progress bar. Allow the DVR to download and install the update. Once the upgrade is complete, the DVR will automatically reboot and begin using the new firmware.

Upgrade Using USB Stick

The USB upgrade option permits users to upgrade DVR firmware by inserting a USB stick and uploading the firmware file directly to the System.

The USB stick must use FAT or FAT32 format and should not exceed 32 GB in capacity.

Downloading the Firmware File for USB Upgrade

If you are upgrading the DVR firmware using a USB stick, you must first prepare a new firmware file for uploading.

To download the latest DVR firmware file:

1.Open a web browser and visit the DW Resource Library.

2.Use the Resource Library and search for your DVR model:

a.Product Category – click in the drop-down and select “Recorders”, then enter the Part Number of the DVR into the search box. Select your DVR part number from the results.

b.Free Search – enter the product or model number of your DVR unit into the search box. Select your DVR part number from the results.

**NOTE: The DVR’s part number is located on the sticker located on top of the DVR.

3.After selecting the Part Number, click the Search button.

In the Results, scroll down and locate the “Firmware” section.

4.Download the correct Version of firmware for your DVR.

If you are performing a USB upgrade, copy the firmware file to a blank USB stick, formatted to either FAT format or FAT32 format.

**NOTE: DO NOT store the firmware file in a folder. If the new firmware is in a folder, on the USB at the time of upgrade, the DVR will not be able to detect the upgrade file.

Upgrade Using a USB Stick

1.Insert the USB stick to the DVR. There is a USB port on the front panel and on the rear panel of the DVR.

2.If you have not already done so, log into the DVR as the Admin or as a user with Administrator privileges.

3.Right-click with the mouse and select Setup Menu. Navigate to the System Information menu.

4.Click the Upgrade button, located next to the current firmware Version.

5.Set the Method to USB, then click on the Scan button. The DVR will detect the USB and display its model information in the Device box.

6.Click the Start button. The upgrade progress will display in the Progress bar. Allow the DVR to download and install the update. Once the upgrade is complete, the DVR will automatically reboot and begin using the new firmware.

7.Remove the USB stick once the unit is done rebooting.

Changing Video Signals (VMAX A1)

DVR Video Signal

DW VMAX A1 Series Setup Guide

Supported/Affected Devices

Changing Video Signals

First Generation VMAX A1 DVRs

Supported/Affected Devices

Camera Connections

Hard Drive Replacement

Supported/Affected Devices

Replacing the Drive:

Pathfinder

PathFinder™ End-of-Life (EOL)

Supported/Affected Devices

Activating Pathfinder

Setting Up DW Mobile (iOS)

Installation and Setup

Supported/Affected Devices

Local Area Network (LAN) Setup

Testing LAN Connection (Optional)

Wide Area Network (WAN) Setup

DDNS Address Setup

Summary

Firmware Upgrades

Supported/Affected Devices

Upgrading Firmware

Upgrade Using FTP Function

Upgrade Using USB Stick

Downloading the Firmware File for USB Upgrade

Upgrade Using a USB Stick

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