Digital Watchdog VMAX A1 Plus™ HD over Coax™ DVRs - Quick Start Guide

Product Lineup

The VMAX A1 Plus™ series offers HD over Coax™ DVRs in various channel configurations:

Default Login Information: Username: admin, Password: no password

What's in the Box

• 1 Set: VMAX A1 Plus™ HD over Coax™ DVRs
• 1 Set: DC 12V power adapter
• 1 Set: IR remote control (optional)
• 1 Set: USB mouse
• 1 Set: Rubber mounts - 4pcs

Step 1: Connecting the DVR

Follow these steps to connect your DVR:

1. Mount and install all necessary cameras and external devices. Refer to their individual manuals for additional information.
2. The DVR supports the following analog signals:
   • HD-Analog
   • HD-TVI
   • Analog signal up to 960H
   The DVR supports cameras up to 5MP in resolution. Refer to the product's data sheet and full manual for recording specifications.
3. The DVR supports automatic signal detection. No additional steps are needed to assign signals to each BNC input; the DVR detects the proper signal automatically.
4. Place the DVR in its final position. See installation tips below.
5. Connect all necessary cables to the DVR.
6. Once all additional devices are properly connected, connect the DVR to an appropriate power supply. The DVR will boot up automatically.

Connection Diagram Description: An Analog/TVI/AHD Camera connects to the DVR's BNC input. The DVR connects to an HD Monitor via HDMI and to a VGA Monitor via VGA. A Network Cable connects to the DVR for network connectivity. The DVR has an Audio Out port. Power is supplied via a DC 12V power adapter. A USB mouse connects to the DVR for control. An IR remote control is optional. The unit also features connections for SPOT MONITOR and ALARM IN/OUT, and includes a POWER ON/OFF SWITCH.

Model Power Consumption:

Step 2: Powering Up the DVR

After connecting power, the DVR will boot up:

1. When the DVR boots up, it will be in protective mode. Access to the setup menu requires login.
2. To unlock the DVR, right-click anywhere on the screen. The login screen will appear. (Default Username: admin / Password: no password)
3. Upon first boot, a Startup Wizard will guide you through initial setup.

Login Screen Description: A screen displays fields for "USER" (default: admin) and "PASSWORD" (default: no password), with "OK" and "CANCEL" buttons.

Safety Tips ?

• Ensure cameras and monitors are properly connected to the DVR.
• Place the DVR in a dust and moisture-free environment, away from direct sunlight. Room temperature (68-78°F / 20-26°C) is recommended to prevent overheating and instability.
• Do not interrupt the boot-up process by pressing mouse buttons, unplugging the power adapter, or turning off the DVR.
• A UPS (uninterrupted power supply) is highly recommended to protect the DVR during power outages.

Note: HD Monitor output and VGA output cannot be used simultaneously for dual monitoring.

To prevent overheating, do not operate the DVR in ambient temperatures exceeding 104°F (40°C). Allow at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) of clearance around ventilation openings to prevent airflow restriction.

Step 3: Startup Wizard

The Startup Wizard helps configure basic settings:

1. Follow the wizard's instructions for basic settings like language, date/time, and network. Default settings may be sufficient. You can skip steps, go back, or exit the wizard to set up manually at any time.
2. Configure network settings to match your network requirements. It is recommended to set the network type to "AUTO CONN." for auto-detection, then change to static. Consult your network administrator for details. Press "APPLY" to save and "NEXT" to proceed. Adjust DDNS settings as needed or use the PathFinder™ option after initial setup (See Step 6).
3. If this is your first time powering up the DVR, using the setup wizard is encouraged. You can exit the wizard at any time to configure settings manually.

Step 4: UTC and PTZ Camera Control

The DVR supports full camera control via the coaxial connection (UTC), eliminating the need for a separate RS485 connection, provided the camera also supports this feature.

Diagram Description: An existing coaxial cable connects a camera to the DVR. The DVR interface shows Camera Settings (Exposure, Color, Day/Night, Motion, OSD) and Control options.

To add a UTC or PTZ camera:

1. Right-click anywhere on the screen and navigate to "MENU" > "DEVICE" > "PTZ".
2. Camera type is auto-detected and displayed. The protocol should match the detected type:
   • HD-A(C): Legacy HD-Analog signal type camera.
   • HD-A/HD-TVI: HD-Analog and HD-TVI signal type camera.
   • HD-TVI: HD-TVI signal type camera (DW default).
3. Note: Baudrate and address settings are disabled when using the UTC protocol.
4. To control the camera's menu and settings, press the "PROGRAM" button under "CONTROL". Refer to the user manual for more information.

Step 5: Monitor Your System

Navigate and manage your DVR system using the included USB mouse:

1. Navigation:
   • To access the menu bar, move the mouse cursor to the bottom of the display area. It can also be displayed constantly by pressing the pin icon on the right side.
   • To access quick menu options, right-click anywhere on the screen. These options include:
     • "DISPLAY MODE" options
     • "DIGITAL ZOOM", "PTZ" control, and "FREEZE" image (on supported cameras)
     • "ADD BOOKMARK" for video
     • Instant "PLAYBACK", "SEARCH", and "THUMBNAIL SEARCH"
     • Recording status and analysis system monitoring
     • Access to "HEALTH CHECK" and the main "MENU"
2. Help: The help button, located at the bottom left of setup screens, provides basic information and explanations for features and settings on that page.

Step 6: Mobile App Remote Monitoring

Monitor your system remotely using the DW Mobile Plus™ app without complex port forwarding.

To enable the QR code on your DVR:

1. Right-click anywhere on the DVR's screen and go to "MENU" > "NETWORK" > "PATHFINDER™".
2. Check the box next to 'USE PATHFINDER'. Click Save.
3. A mobile access QR code will appear on the right side of the screen. The status at the bottom should indicate "PATHFINDER™ SERVICE ACTIVATED".

To view the DVR on your mobile app:

1. Download the latest DW Mobile Plus™ app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Launch the DW Mobile Plus™ application on your Android® or Apple® smartphone or tablet.
3. Go to the Site menu to register a new site using the QR code scan.
4. Press the QR icon next to the Host field.
5. Aim your mobile device's camera at the QR code on the DVR. The camera will capture the QR code automatically when all four corners are within the frame.
6. Once the QR code is registered, the IP address field will display the DVR's MAC address information.
7. Complete the new device's registration by adding a device name, port number, username, and password. Select "SAVE" to finish.
8. The new site will appear in your sites list.

Support and Resources

Download all support materials and tools from one place:

1. Visit: http://www.digital-watchdog.com/support-download/

2. Search for your product by entering the part number in the "Search by Product" bar. Applicable results will populate automatically.

3. Click "Search". All supported materials, including manuals, Quick Start Guides (QSG), software, and firmware, will appear.

Contact Information:

Tel: +1 (866) 446-3595 / (813) 888-9555

Technical Support Hours: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM EST, Monday thru Friday

Website: digital-watchdog.com

Attention: This document is a quick reference for initial setup. It is recommended to read the full instruction manual for complete and proper installation and usage.

Rev Date: 06/19

Copyright © Digital Watchdog. All rights reserved. Specifications and pricing are subject to change without notice.