Foscam FI8918W Wireless/Wired Pan & Tilt IP/Network Camera User Manual

1. Introduction

The Foscam FI8918W is an advanced wireless and wired Pan & Tilt IP camera designed for indoor surveillance. It integrates a high-quality digital video camera with remote pan/tilt capabilities, network connectivity, and a powerful web server. This allows for clear video streaming to your desktop or smartphone from any location on your local network or over the Internet. The camera delivers 640 x 480 resolution (300k Pixels) video at 30 frames per second using MJPEG hardware compression. Its control, management, and firmware upgrades are performed remotely via a web browser. Equipped with 11 infrared LEDs, the FI8918W provides up to 8 meters (26 feet) of night vision in complete darkness.

2. Package Contents

• FI8918W Indoor Pan/Tilt Wireless IP Camera (Black)
• Power Adapter
• Ethernet Cable
• Mounting Bracket
• Installation CD (may not be compatible with all systems)

3. Product Overview

The Foscam FI8918W features pan and tilt functionality, allowing for a wide viewing area. It includes infrared LEDs for night vision and supports two-way audio.

Key Features:

• Pan & Tilt Wireless IP Camera
• 480TVL Resolution
• 26ft Night Vision (8 meters)
• 3.6mm Lens with 67° Viewing Angle
• 2-way Audio

4. Setup

4.1 Initial Basic Setup (Wired Connection)

1. Connect the Camera: Plug the provided Ethernet cable from the camera to your network router.
2. Install IP Camera Tool: Use the IP Camera Tool program (from the included CD or Foscam website) to locate the camera's LAN address on your network.
   • For iMac users, download the program from the Foscam website as the mini-disk may not be compatible.
3. Access Web Interface: Double-click the camera entry (often named "Anonymous") in the IP Camera Tool to open the camera's login page in your web browser.
4. Login: Use the appropriate login for your browser.
   • Internet Explorer uses ActiveX Mode.
   • Chrome, Firefox, or Safari use Server Push Mode.
   • Default User Name: admin
   • Default Password: (leave blank)
5. Configure Device Settings: Navigate to the Device Management tab.
   • Alias: Click on "Alias" to give the camera a name, then click "Submit".
   • Date & Time: Configure the camera's date and time stamp, then click "Submit".
   • Users: Click on "Users" to change the default user name and password. The first user should be an administrator. Click "Submit". A new login window will appear; enter your new credentials. For security, subsequent users should be operators or visitors only.
   • Wireless LAN: To set up wireless communication:
     1. Click "Scan" to find your network. If not found, ensure your router is broadcasting its SSID.
     2. Select your network name when it appears.
     3. Choose the encryption type used by your router (WPA2 (AES) is recommended for security).
     4. Enter your router's wireless security key (password).
     5. Click "Submit" to reboot the camera. After reboot, unplug the Ethernet cable.
6. Verify Wireless Operation: After reboot, click on "Live Video" to ensure you have an image.
7. Hide SSID (Optional): Re-enter your router's setup utility to hide your network's SSID for enhanced security.

4.2 Advanced Setup for Remote Access (Internet)

1. Establish Dynamic DNS (DDNS) Account:
   • Create an account with a DDNS service provider (e.g., dyndns.com, no-ip.com).
   • Note your chosen domain name (e.g., username.dyndns.ws or username.no-ip.com). One domain name is sufficient for multiple cameras on the same local network.
2. Configure Camera for DDNS:
   • Go to the Device Management tab in the camera's web interface.
   • Click on DDNS Service.
   • Select your service type (e.g., dyndns.org, no-ip.com).
   • Enter your DDNS account username and password.
   • Enter your DDNS host name.
   • Click "Submit" to reboot the camera.
3. Configure Basic Network Settings (Static IP):
   • Return to the Device Management tab.
   • Click on Basic Network.
   • Uncheck "Obtain IP from DHCP Server" to manually assign a local IP address. This will reveal additional fields.
   • Enter the IP Address: Each camera needs a unique IP (e.g., 10.0.1.101 for Apple, 192.168.2.101 for Belkin, 192.168.1.101 for Linksys, 192.168.0.101 for Dlink/Netgear).
   • Enter the Subnet Mask: Always 255.255.255.0.
   • Enter the Gateway: This is your router's local IP address (e.g., 10.0.1.1, 192.168.2.1, 192.168.1.1, or 192.168.0.1).
   • Enter the DNS Server: This is also your router's local IP address.
   • Enter the HTTP Port: This specifies the port for remote access. Each camera needs a unique port (e.g., 8001, 8002, 8003).
   • Optionally, uncheck "Network Lamp" if you do not want the network indicator LED to glow.
   • Click "Submit" to reboot the camera.
4. Configure Router for Port Forwarding:
   • Access your router's setup utility via a web browser (e.g., enter 192.168.1.1 in the URL bar).
   • Login with your router's username and password.
   • Locate the "Port Forwarding" or "Virtual Servers" section.
   • Create a new port forwarding rule:
     • Enable: Check this box.
     • Description/Service: Enter a name for the camera.
     • Port Type/Protocol: Select TCP.
     • Private/Service IP Address: Enter the static IP address you assigned to the camera (e.g., 192.168.1.101).
     • Public/Private/Starting/Ending Port: Enter the HTTP Port number you assigned to the camera (e.g., 8001) in all relevant port fields.
   • Save the settings and reboot your router if prompted.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Viewing the Camera (Local Network)

• Web Browser: Use the IP Camera Tool to open the camera's web interface, or directly enter the camera's local IP address in your browser's URL field. Bookmark for future access.
  • Internet Explorer with ActiveX installed supports two-way audio.
  • Chrome, Firefox, and Safari users will not have two-way audio directly through the browser.
• Security Software: Utilize third-party security camera software (e.g., Evocam for Mac, Blue Iris for Windows) for more robust features like motion detection and alarm capabilities. When adding, use the camera's local IP address.
• Mobile Apps: Various third-party applications are available for iOS (iPod/iPhone/iPad) and Android devices to view and control the camera's feed.

5.2 Viewing the Camera (Over the Internet)

• Web Browser: Enter the camera's DDNS domain name followed by a colon and the HTTP port number (e.g., username.dyndns.ws:8001) in your browser's URL field. Bookmark this address.
  • Similar to local access, Internet Explorer with ActiveX supports two-way audio, while other browsers typically do not.
• Security Software: When configuring third-party software for internet viewing, use the camera's DDNS domain name and port number.
• Mobile Apps: Many mobile applications support DDNS for remote access, allowing you to view and control the camera from anywhere with an internet connection.

5.3 Camera Controls

• Pan/Tilt: Use the directional arrows in the web interface or mobile app to remotely control the camera's horizontal (pan) and vertical (tilt) movement.
• Patrol: The camera supports vertical and horizontal patrol functions, which can be activated from the interface.
• Night Vision: The infrared LEDs can be toggled on/off to enable or disable night vision mode.
• Audio: Controls for two-way audio (listen and talk) are available in compatible interfaces.
• Presets: Program up to 8 specific viewing locations for quick navigation.

6. Maintenance

• Cleaning: Gently wipe the camera lens and body with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents.
• Firmware Updates: Periodically check the Foscam website for firmware updates.Important: ALWAYS update camera firmware using a wired Ethernet connection. NEVER update wirelessly, as communication interruptions can damage the device.
• Placement: Ensure the camera is placed in a location protected from extreme temperatures and direct moisture, especially if used outdoors (even if shielded from rain).

7. Troubleshooting

• Camera Not Found on Network:
  • Ensure the Ethernet cable is securely connected to both the camera and the router.
  • Verify that the IP Camera Tool is running and your computer is on the same network segment as the camera.
  • Temporarily disable any firewalls on your computer during initial setup.
• Cannot Access Web Interface:
  • Confirm the camera's IP address is correct.
  • Try a different web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox) if Internet Explorer causes issues.
  • Ensure the camera is powered on and connected to the network.
• Poor Video Quality / Grainy Image:
  • Adjust the focus ring on the lens manually. This may require two hands (one to brace, one to twist).
  • Ensure adequate lighting. Night vision performance is optimal in complete darkness.
  • The camera has VGA resolution (640x480), which may appear grainy compared to higher-resolution cameras.
• Video Glitches / Spontaneous Reboots:
  • Ensure the camera has a stable power supply.
  • Check for and install the latest firmware updates (via wired connection).
  • These can sometimes be minor software anomalies.
• Email Alerts Not Useful:
  • The camera's built-in email alert functionality provides snapshots at the beginning of an event. For more comprehensive video recording on motion detection, consider using third-party security software (e.g., Zoneminder for Linux, Blue Iris for Windows) that can monitor the video feed and record.
• No Two-Way Audio (Non-IE Browsers):
  • Two-way audio is primarily supported through Internet Explorer with ActiveX. For other browsers or mobile devices, specific third-party applications may offer this functionality.
• Remote Access Issues:
  • Verify your DDNS service is active and correctly configured on the camera.
  • Double-check your router's port forwarding settings to ensure the correct internal IP and external port are mapped.
  • Ensure your internet service provider does not block the chosen port.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

This product comes with a limited 2-year warranty. Returns are accepted if the product is not as described; the buyer pays return shipping, or a refund can be agreed upon with the seller while keeping the product.

For further support, please refer to the official Foscam website or contact their customer service.