Foscam FI9821PB HD Wireless Camera User Manual

Introduction

The Foscam FI9821P V2 is a "Plug and Play" HD H.264 Wireless Camera designed for easy setup and reliable surveillance. It features smartphone connectivity via QR code scanning, high-definition video, and advanced features for home or office security.

This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your Foscam FI9821P camera.

Package Contents

Before proceeding, please verify that all components are included in your package:

• Foscam FI9821P IP Camera
• Power Adapter
• User Manual (this document)
• Ethernet Cable (if included in your specific model variant)

Setup

1. Physical Installation

Place the camera in your desired location. The camera supports surface mounting. Ensure the camera is within range of your Wi-Fi network or can be connected via an Ethernet cable.

1. Connect the Antenna: Screw the provided antenna into the ANT port at the back of the camera.
2. Power Connection: Connect the power adapter to the DC 5V input port on the back of the camera and plug it into a power outlet.
3. Network Connection (Optional for initial setup or wired connection): For initial setup or a wired connection, connect an Ethernet cable from your router to the Ethernet port on the camera.
4. MicroSD Card Installation (Optional): Insert a MicroSD card (up to 64 GB) into the MicroSD slot for local video storage. Ensure the camera is powered off before inserting or removing the card.

2. Network Configuration

The Foscam FI9821P supports both wired and wireless (Wi-Fi) connections. For wireless setup, it supports IEEE 802.11n and various encryption methods (WEP, WPA, WPA2).

• Plug and Play Setup (Recommended): Download the "Foscam Viewer" app from your smartphone's app store (available for iOS and Android). Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to add your camera by scanning the QR code located on the underside of the camera. This method simplifies network configuration.
• Manual Setup: If the Plug and Play method is not preferred, you can connect the camera to your network via Ethernet first. Then, use the Foscam client software on a computer to discover the camera and configure its Wi-Fi settings. Refer to the Foscam support website for detailed instructions on manual setup.

Operating Instructions

Viewing Live Feed

Access your camera's live video feed through the "Foscam Viewer" mobile app or via a web browser on your computer. The camera provides 1280 x 720 (720p) HD resolution video with H.264 compression for efficient streaming.

Audio Features

The camera includes a built-in microphone and speaker, enabling two-way audio communication. You can also connect external microphones and speakers using the audio input and output jacks on the back of the camera.

Night Vision

Equipped with IR lights, the camera provides clear night vision up to 8 meters. It automatically switches between day and night surveillance modes based on ambient light conditions.

Motion Detection and Alarms

Configure motion detection settings through the app or web interface. When motion is detected, the camera can send alarm notifications via email or upload images/video to an FTP server. The alert type is configurable for motion only.

Recording and Storage

The Foscam FI9821P supports local recording to a MicroSD card (up to 64 GB). Additionally, an optional Foscam cloud service is available for off-site video storage.

Remote Access

Utilize the free Foscam DDNS service for dynamic IP addresses, allowing you to access your camera remotely even if your internet service provider assigns a changing IP address. The camera works over most private networks without requiring a static or public IP address.

Maintenance

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the camera lens and body. Avoid using liquid cleaners or abrasive materials.
• Firmware Updates: Periodically check the official Foscam website for firmware updates. Keeping your camera's firmware up-to-date ensures optimal performance, security, and access to new features.
• SD Card Management: If using a MicroSD card for local storage, regularly back up important recordings and format the card periodically to maintain performance.

Troubleshooting

• Camera Not Connecting to Wi-Fi:
  • Ensure the camera is within range of your Wi-Fi router.
  • Verify the Wi-Fi password and network name (SSID) are entered correctly.
  • If using WPS, ensure your router supports it and is activated. Some users report WPS not working reliably; try manual Wi-Fi configuration via Ethernet connection.
  • Check for any MAC address filtering on your router that might block new devices.
• Cannot Access Camera via Web Browser:
  • Ensure your browser is up-to-date. Some older Foscam models might require specific browser plugins (e.g., ActiveX for Internet Explorer) which may not be supported by modern browsers like Chrome or Firefox. Try using the Foscam client software or the mobile app for more reliable access.
  • Verify the camera's IP address is correct and accessible from your network.
• Poor Video Quality:
  • Check your network bandwidth. A slow internet connection can affect streaming quality.
  • Ensure the camera lens is clean and free from obstructions.
  • Adjust video settings within the app or web interface (e.g., resolution, bitrate).
• Night Vision Not Working:
  • Ensure the IR lights are not obstructed.
  • Check if the day/night mode is set to automatic or if it's manually stuck in day mode.
• Motion Detection Not Triggering:
  • Review motion detection sensitivity settings.
  • Ensure the detection area is correctly configured and not too small or excluded.
  • Verify email or FTP settings are correct for alarm notifications.

Specifications

Warranty Information

This Foscam FI9821P camera comes with a 1 Year Warranty from the date of purchase. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims. The warranty covers manufacturing defects and malfunctions under normal use. It does not cover damage caused by misuse, accidents, unauthorized modifications, or natural disasters.

For detailed warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the official Foscam website or contact Foscam customer support.

Support and Resources

For further assistance, updated manuals, software downloads, and frequently asked questions, please visit the official Foscam support website:

www.foscam.com/support

You can also find the "Foscam Viewer" app on your device's app store for mobile access and control.