Introduction
tinyCam PRO is an advanced application designed for monitoring and managing IP cameras, DVRs, and NVRs. It provides a comprehensive solution for live video surveillance, recording, and motion detection directly from your Android device. This manual provides instructions for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting the tinyCam PRO application.
Setup
1. Installation
Download and install the tinyCam PRO application from your device's official app store (e.g., Google Play Store). Ensure your device meets the minimum system requirements for the application.
2. Initial Launch and Permissions
Upon first launch, the application may request certain permissions, such as access to the camera, microphone, storage, and network. Grant all necessary permissions for full functionality. Denying permissions may limit the app's capabilities.
3. Adding Cameras
To add an IP camera:
- Ensure your Android device is connected to the same local Wi-Fi network as your IP cameras.
- Open tinyCam PRO and navigate to the camera management section (often indicated by a '+' icon or 'Manage Cameras').
- Automatic Scan: Select the option to scan your local network for compatible cameras. The app will attempt to discover devices like Foscam, Swann, and other ONVIF-compliant cameras.
- Manual Addition: If automatic scan fails or for specific configurations, select 'Add Camera Manually'. You will need to input the camera's IP address, port number, manufacturer/model, username, and password. Refer to your camera's documentation for these details.
- After adding, test the connection to ensure the live feed is displayed correctly.
Note: For remote access outside your local network, additional network configuration (e.g., port forwarding on your router) may be required. Consult your router's manual or network administrator for assistance.
Operating
1. Live View
From the main screen, tap on a camera thumbnail to view its live feed. You can switch between single-camera view and multi-camera grid view to monitor several feeds simultaneously.
2. Camera Controls
- Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ): If your camera supports PTZ, controls will appear on the live view screen. Use these to adjust the camera's direction and zoom level.
- Recording: Tap the record icon to manually start or stop video recording. Recorded footage is saved to your device's storage or a configured cloud service.
- Audio: Tap the speaker icon to listen to audio from the camera. If your camera supports two-way audio, a microphone icon will allow you to speak through the camera.
- Snapshots: Capture still images from the live feed using the snapshot icon.
3. Motion and Audio Detection
tinyCam PRO can be configured to detect motion or audio events. Navigate to the camera settings to enable and customize detection zones, sensitivity, and actions (e.g., start recording, send notifications, upload to cloud).
4. Playback
Access recorded footage through the 'Playback' or 'Recordings' section of the app. You can browse by date and time, and play back specific events.
Maintenance
1. App Updates
Regularly check for and install updates for tinyCam PRO from your app store. Updates often include bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features.
2. Storage Management
Monitor the storage space used by recorded videos and snapshots on your device. Configure automatic deletion policies or manually delete old footage to free up space.
3. Backup and Restore Settings
tinyCam PRO offers an export/import feature for camera settings. Utilize this to back up your configurations and restore them if you reinstall the app or switch devices.
Troubleshooting
- Camera Not Found/Offline:
- Ensure the camera is powered on and connected to the network.
- Verify your Android device is on the correct Wi-Fi network.
- Check camera IP address, port, username, and password for accuracy.
- Ensure no firewall settings on your router or camera are blocking the connection.
- Video Lag/Poor Quality:
- Check your network bandwidth. A slow Wi-Fi or mobile data connection can cause lag.
- Reduce the camera's video resolution or frame rate in its settings, if possible.
- Ensure your device has sufficient processing power and memory.
- App Crashing/Freezing:
- Clear the app's cache and data from your device's settings.
- Ensure your device's operating system is up to date.
- Reinstall the application.
- Note: Some devices, such as older Kindle Fire models, have reported compatibility issues.
- Remote Access Issues:
- Verify that port forwarding is correctly configured on your router for each camera.
- Ensure your camera's external IP address or dynamic DNS (DDNS) service is correctly configured and updated.
Specifications
tinyCam PRO is an application for Android devices, offering:
- Multi-camera live viewing.
- Video recording (manual, scheduled, motion/audio triggered).
- Motion and audio detection with customizable alerts.
- Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) control for compatible cameras.
- Two-way audio support.
- Support for a wide range of IP camera brands and ONVIF standard.
- Secure access features (e.g., SSL, encrypted passwords).
Minimum requirements may vary; refer to the app store listing for the latest information.
Warranty
As a software application, tinyCam PRO does not come with a traditional hardware warranty. Its functionality is subject to the terms of service agreed upon during installation and is continuously improved through updates. The developer is committed to addressing bugs and providing functional updates.
Support
For technical assistance, bug reports, or feature requests, please visit the official tinyCam Monitor website or contact the developer directly through the contact information provided in the app store listing. You can also find a changelog and support resources at http://tinycammonitor.com/changelog.html.
Media Integration Note
No product images or official product videos were provided in the source data for embedding within this manual.
