First Alert A-575 User manual

Indoor Analog Wireless Camera
with Receiver
Model A-575
USER'S MANUAL

©2010 Lehigh Consumer Products, LLC
All rights reserved. Distributed by Lehigh Consumer Products, LLC, Macungie, PA 18062. Due to
continuing product development, the product inside the packaging may look slightly different than
the one on the package.
Lehigh Consumer Products, LLC is a subsidiary of Jarden Corporation (NYSE: JAH). To obtain
warranty service, contact the Consumer Affairs Division at 1-800-323-9005, Monday through
Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Central Standard Time.
Made in China
M08-0258-002

Safety ...............................................................................................................................1
Safety Precautions ........................................................................................................................... 1
FCC Compliance ............................................................................................................................. 1
Getting to Know Your A-575 System .............................................................................2
Check Package Contents.................................................................................................................. 2
About the Camera............................................................................................................................ 2
About the Receiver/Recorder .......................................................................................................... 3
Installing the Camera and DVR......................................................................................4
Safety and Installation Tips ............................................................................................................. 4
Camera Placement........................................................................................................................... 4
Device Operating Range.................................................................................................................. 5
Connecting the Wireless Camera..................................................................................................... 5
Connecting a Wired Camera............................................................................................................ 6
Attaching the Wireless DVR to a Television................................................................................... 7
Setting Up Your A-575 System.......................................................................................8
Motion Detection............................................................................................................................. 8
Viewing Live Images....................................................................................................................... 8
Capture Format................................................................................................................................ 9
Advanced Settings ……………………………………………………………………………….10
Photo Quality......................................................................................................................... 10
Movie Quality........................................................................................................................ 11
TV Output Standard ………………………………………………………………………..11
File Overwrite………………………………………………………………………………11
Set Date/Time ……………………………………………………………………………...12
Wireless Cameras and Interference ...............................................................................................12
Motion Detection Settings............................................................................................................. 13
Enabling / Disabling Motion Detection................................................................................. 14
Detection Area ....................................................................................................................... 14
Capture Mode ........................................................................................................................ 14
Sensitivity .............................................................................................................................. 15
Playing Back Images and Videos................................................................................................... 15
Accessing Images/Videos via a Computer..................................................................................... 17
Troubleshooting............................................................................................................18
Technical Information ...................................................................................................20
Wireless DVR................................................................................................................................ 20
Wireless Camera............................................................................................................................ 21
Warranty.........................................................................................................................22
Product Limited Warranty.............................................................................................................. 22
Warranty Exclusions...................................................................................................................... 22
Obtaining Service .......................................................................................................................... 23

Safety
Model A-575 User's Manual
Safety
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Do not drop, puncture, or disassemble the camera.
Never tug on the power adapter. Use the plug to remove it from the wall.
Do not expose the camera to high temperatures.
For your own safety, avoid using the camera when there is a storm or lightening.
Use the device with care. Avoid pressing hard on the camera body.
Do not crush or damage the power cable.
FCC COMPLIANCE
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subjected to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may cause harmful interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in residential installations. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television equipment reception, which
can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
received is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experience radio/TV technician for help.
Notice: Changes or modifications to the product could void the user's
authority to operate the product.
1

Getting to Know Your
A-575 System
Congratulations on purchasing your First Alert Security Camera product. First Alert has
been helping families and businesses stay safe for over 50 years. By having a First Alert
Security Camera, you’re taking the first step in protecting your home or business from
damage or theft. We’re watching, even when you’re not.
CHECK PACKAGE CONTENTS
After unpacking the carton, check the contents for damage. Contact your supplier or dealer
immediately if any part is missing or damaged.
Wireless DVR Receiver/Recorder (1)
Wireless Camera (1)
9V Power Supply (1)
12V Power Supply (1)
AV Cable (2)
Camera Stand (1)
Mounting Kit (1)
2 GB SD Card (1)
DIP Switch (1)
User's Manual (1)
ABOUT THE CAMERA
2
antenna
T-bolt
11 LEDs for B&W
night vision
6mm lens with
35-degree viewing angle
camera stand and
mounting bracket

Getting to Know Your A-575
Model A-575 User's Manual
ABOUT THE RECEIVER/RECORDER
CH1, CH2,
CH3, CH4 Displays which channel the wireless DVR is configured to receive. The DVR receives images from one camera at a time. To change the
channel, press the SW button.
SW Press to change the wireless channel.
MODE Press to change mode: Recording or Playback.
REC In Recording Mode: Press to record a still image or video.
In Playback Mode: Press to Play/Pause video.
DISP Press to change viewing mode between wired and wireless cameras.
Engages PIP mode.
ZOOM Press to increase the magnification of the image. Press multiple times to
scroll through magnification options.
In Playback Mode: Press to stop video.
ARROWS Press to move the displayed image when viewing or use to navigate
through Menus.
Press to access the Main Menu and make a selection in a submenu.
3

Installing the Camera and DVR
SAFETY AND INSTALLATION TIPS
Do not attempt to open the camera. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Refer
servicing to qualified service personnel.
When installing this camera, follow manufacturer’s advice when using power tools,
steps, ladders, etc. and wear suitable protective equipment (e.g., safety goggles)
when drilling holes. Before drilling holes through a ceiling, check for hidden
electricity cables and water pipes. The use of a cable/pipe detector is advisable.
When installing cameras on an external wall, pass the power cable through the wall
as close as possible to the cameras to reduce the chance of tampering with the
cables. After drilling any hole though an external wall for cable, make sure the hole
is sealed up around the cable using a sealant.
CAMERA PLACEMENT
Three important things to consider when placing your camera are:
Decide what you want to survey and how much detail you want – The camera has
a fixed lens and fixed field of view. What the camera sees is determined by where it
is placed. The closer the camera is to the action you want to see, the more detail
there will be in your images.
Protect the camera from heat and moisture – Install the camera in a sheltered
location, where it will be protected from the majority of moisture and sunlight. The
camera is weather resistant, not weatherproof. Long term exposure to moisture (rain
or condensation) or direct sunlight will have a negative impact on the camera's
performance. The power adapter and cables are not weather resistant and should not
be exposed to any moisture.
Test the system installation for interference – In much the same way that a mobile
phone loses its signal in some locations, the wireless transmitter in your camera can
have a hard time communicating with the DVR from some locations. Test the
reception from the location before permanently fixing the camera in place.
4

Installing the Camera and DVR
Model A-575 User's Manual
DEVICE OPERATING RANGE
This wireless camera is capable of transmitting up to 330 ft in open field conditions.
However, when installed around your property, any solid objects (e.g., walls, ceiling,
reinforced PVC doors, etc.) placed between the camera and receiver will reduce the range. For
best transmission, avoid installations where there are very thick walls or major obstructions
between the wireless camera and receiver. Avoid installing the camera or receiver next to a
metal radiator, wireless router, or microwave oven.
If this camera is used with a digital video recorder (DVR) to record or view video on a TV,
ensure the signal reception is the best possible reception (i.e., no interference lines on the
TV). If necessary, reduce the distance between the camera and receiver. Eliminating
interference is important when the DVR is set to motion record. You may find that if the
wireless camera is installed outside, the maximum operating range without interference may
be less than 50 ft.
CONNECTING THE WIRELESS CAMERA
1Select the position for your camera. Secure the camera bracket.
Screws and anchors are supplied. Use an appropriate screw type for the
mounting surface.
2Loose the T-bolt. Mount the camera.
3Make sure the lens is upright relative to your subject (antenna should be
relatively upright).
4Connect the camera to power using the supplied power cable and adapter.
The power adapter and cables are not weather resistant, and need to be sheltered
from moisture, rain, and sunlight.
5Lift the small tab on the side of the camera power cable. Locate the two dip
switches located underneath the tab.
5
T-bolt
camera stand
and bracket

Installing the Camera and DVR
Model A-575 User's Manual
6 Use a toothpick or similar implement to flip the dip switches to the desired
configuration.
CONNECTING A WIRED CAMERA
In addition to the supplied wireless camera, the system DVR also can monitor and record
from a wired camera.
1Make sure you have enough cable to install the camera in the desired location.
2Connect the Video-Out cable from the camera to the A/V-In cable.
3Attach the other end of the AV-In cable to the port marked A/V IN on the rear of
the wireless DVR.
4Connect the camera to power using the power adapter supplied with the camera.
5Press DISP to change between viewing the wired and the wireless channels.
example of a
wired camera setup
6

Installing the Camera and DVR
Model A-575 User's Manual
ATTACHING THE WIRELESS DVR TO A TELEVISION
1Make sure the wireless DVR is connected to the power using the supplied power
adapter (9V).
2 Connect the supplied RCA A/V-Out cable to the port marked AV OUT on the
rear of the wireless DVR.
3Connect the yellow Video plug and white Audio plug to the corresponding inputs
on your television.
7

Setting Up Your
A-575 System
MOTION DETECTION
To save storage space, the wireless DVR is designed to record short videos (5 or
10 seconds in length) or take a series of still images whenever something moves in
view of the camera.
To turn motion detection On or Off:
1Press to enter the Main Menu.
2Use the arrows to navigate to the Motion Detection menu.
3Press to toggle motion detection to ON or OFF.
The motion detection icon displays when the feature is enabled.
VIEWING LIVE IMAGES
The DVR is capable of displaying images from two cameras at a time. To achieve this, one
of the cameras must be wired, the other wireless. As the picture from one camera is
displayed in miniature within the other camera’s picture – Picture-In-Picture mode (PIP).
Note: By default, the wireless DVR will boot up to Live Viewing Mode.
8

Setting Up Your A-575 System
Model A-575 User's Manual
To view PIP mode:
1Press DISP once to switch between the wired and wireless cameras.
2Press DISP again to activate PIP Mode.
3Press DISP a third time to swap the positions of the main and miniature images.
Although the DVR can display two images at once, it can only record one at a time. When
the DVR is recording, the channel being shown full-screen is the one being recorded.
You may experience a drop in frame-rate when using PIP mode. This is due to the extra
processing power that displaying two images at once requires. This frame-rate reduction
can affect both live monitoring and video recording.
CAPTURE FORMAT
The wireless DVR can record in one of two formats: photo or movie.
Photos will be in JPEG format (still images). JPEG (or JPG) is the standard compression
format used for images distributed via the Internet. The high compression ratio allows
hundreds of images to be stored on a SD card.
Movies (video) will be recorded in 5- or 10-second lengths in AVI. AVI is compatible with
most computers and mobile phones. AVI is a popular video generic "container" (a type of
file which holds video data rather than specifying exactly what kind of video data it should
hold).
To change the Capture Format:
1Press to enter the Main Menu.
2Use the left/right arrow buttons to navigate to the Motion Detection menu.
3Use the up/down arrow buttons to select Capture Mode.
4Press Choose the desired format. Press to confirm.
5Press EXIT to leave the menu.
9

Setting Up Your A-575 System
Model A-575 User's Manual
ADVANCED SETTINGS
Advanced Settings offers ability to adjust camera quality, TV Output Standard and the File
Overwrite option.
PHOTO QUALITY
Three photo quality settings can be selected: Low, Standard, or High.
Low quality conserves SD card space at the expense of image quality. High quality
provides crisper images at the expense of storage space. Standard quality offers a balance
between the two.
To change Photo Quality settings:
1Press to enter the Main Menu.
2Use the left/right arrow buttons to access the Advanced Settings menu.
3Use the up/down arrow buttons to select the Photo Quality or Movie Quality
menu.
4 Use the up/down arrow buttons to select the desired quality and press .
5Select EXIT to leave the menu and save your changes.
10

Setting Up Your A-575 System
Model A-575 User's Manual
MOVIE QUALITY
Two movie quality settings can be selected: D1 or QVGA.
D1 quality records a full-frame analog TV signal at 720 x 480 pixels (NTSC) or 720 x 576
pixels (PAL). QVGA quality records an image with half the vertical and horizontal
resolution.
TV OUTPUT STANDARD
Always have your TV Output Standard set to NTSC, the U.S. television standard. PAL can only be
used in Europe.
FILE OVERWRITE
Once your disk is full, File Overwrite allows you to record over existing files beginning with the
oldest first.
11

Setting Up Your A-575 System
Model A-575 User's Manual
SET TIME/DATE
Set Time/Date allows you to adjust the recording time and date as well as the Photo and Movie
Timestamp.
Wireless Cameras and Interference
The wireless camera transmits its images on a radio frequency of 2.4 GHz. Although above
the range of the average radio, some devices (e.g., wireless computer networks, cordless
phones, baby monitors, car alarms, and Bluetooth) transmit signals at or around this
frequency. Other devices (e.g., microwaves) create radio “noise” at this frequency as well.
Placing your wireless cameras or DVR near these devices, or having any of these devices
in between your cameras and receiver, can cause interference and affect picture quality.
This happens because the signals are so similar, that they get mixed up with one another,
and your receiver has trouble figuring out which is which.
To reduce interference, try the following:
Disconnect all other wireless devices, one at a time, to find out which one is causing
the problem, and adjust your setup accordingly.
Move the camera to a different location, or change the orientation of the antenna on
the camera and the wireless DVR.
Adjust or aim the DVR receiver antenna.
Limit the number of walls and floors between the camera and DVR.
Move the camera and/or DVR away from dense materials, such as concrete or metal,
which impedes the wireless signal.
If you are still having problems with your analog wireless system, consider changing to a
wired camera or to a digital wireless system. These units are not subject to interference in
the same way as analog wireless systems.
12

Setting Up Your A-575 System
Model A-575 User's Manual
MOTION DETECTION SETTINGS
Motion detection is a process undertaken by the wireless DVR based solely on the image it
receives from the camera. There are no external sensors to connect, nor does the camera
send a signal to the wireless DVR telling it to record. The DVR "watches" the image from
the camera, and detects differences between frames. A frame is one still image. A series of
frame, played quickly, one after another, gives the illusion of motion. A single frame is
displayed for between 1/25th and 1/30th of a second.
This means that when the wireless DVR is looking for motion, it is detecting a change in
the picture, specifically, counting how many pixels (the individual dots that make up an
image) change from one frame to the next. This includes pixels changing color, brightness,
or a combination of the two.
13

Setting Up Your A-575 System
Model A-575 User's Manual
ENABLING /DISABLING MOTION DETECTION
The first setting in the Motion Detection menu is to turn detection On or Off. When motion
detection is Off, the wireless DVR will only record when the REC button is pressed.
DETECTION AREA
If you have some continual motion in view of the camera, such as a busy road or a tree
blowing in the wind, then you will need to define which part of the screen you want to be
sensitive to motion. You can choose the whole screen (1/1), a quarter of the screen (1/4), r
a small section (1/16).
Once the size of the sensitive area is selected, press to go to the Detection Range
Placement screen. The area that is sensitive to motion will be represented by a green
square. Use the arrow buttons to move the green square to a position that suits your
situation.
CAPTURE MODE
Two modes of image capture are available: photo and movies. Photo is a single frame
image. Movies are videos segments which can be 5 seconds or 10 seconds in duration.
14

Setting Up Your A-575 System
Model A-575 User's Manual
SENSITIVITY
The amount of motion that the wireless DVR requires to trigger a recording can be
customized. There are 16 levels of sensitivity: 1 = most sensitive; 16 = least sensitive.
Typically, a value somewhere in the middle of the range is a good choice. This is usually
sensitive enough to pick up the majority of significant events, but not so sensitive that your
SD card will fill up with numerous false alarms.
The best way to tweak the sensitivity is by trial and error. Set the value and simulate the
action you want to trigger a recording. If the wireless DVR does not record, lower the
sensitivity value. If the wireless DVR starts recording before the action takes place, raise
the value.
PLAYING BACK IMAGES AND VIDEOS
There are two ways to view images and videos captured by the wireless DVR. One way is
to view them on the TV connected to the DVR and the other is to take the SD card out of
the DVR, and insert it into an SD card reader attached to your computer.
To playback images/videos using the wireless DVR:
1Press the MODE button on the DVR to access Playback Mode.
Note: The most recently recorded video/picture will display with the
date/time shown on the bottom left-hand corner of the screen. The
lower right-hand corner will show the folder name (determined by the
date) and the file name (determined by the time) of the recording.
2Press the REC button to Play/Pause the current recording.
3Press the ZOOM button to stop the current recording during playback and open a
thumbnail view.
4Navigate through recordings using the arrow buttons.
5Press to select a recording for playback.
15

Setting Up Your A-575 System
Model A-575 User's Manual
To change folders:
1Press the MODE button to access Playback Mode.
2Press the ZOOM button to access the thumbnail view to see folders listed by
date.
3Use the arrow buttons to navigate to the date that you want.
4Press to select the desired date.
To delete unwanted images/videos:
1Press the MODE button to access Playback Mode.
2Use the arrow buttons to navigate to the video/photo you want to delete.
3Press to select the file and access the Delete screen.
4Use the arrow buttons to select FILE DELETE.
Choose to delete a SINGLE FILE or delete ALL files.
5Press to display YES/NO delete confirmation screen.
6Select YES and press .
16

Setting Up Your A-575 System
Model A-575 User's Manual
ACCESSING IMAGES/VIDEOS VIA A COMPUTER
It is not possible to connect the wireless DVR directly to a computer. One of the most
convenient aspects of recording to an SD card is that you can put the card into a SD card
reader on your computer and open the images/videos directly.
To format the SD Card:
Note: Formatting the SD Card will erase all data, and re-write the file allocation
table (FAT). This is especially useful if your SD card is not detecting the
correct amount of free space.
1Press the MODE button to access Playback Mode.
2Select FORMAT and press .
3Select YES when asked to confirm and press .
Note: The wireless DVR will take a few moments to process this. Afterwards, your
SD card will be completely free of data, ready to begin recording.
To playback, copy and delete images using a computer:
1Place the SD card into your computer via an internal or external SD card reader.
2Open the SD card in your computer’s file browser.
Note: You will see a folder for each day the wireless DVR was operating. All
recorded images and videos are stored as separate files numbered in
chronological order. You can open, copy, paste, or delete these
images/videos in the same manner as any other file.
3To delete a file, drag it to the Trash/Recycle Bin or highlight it and press Delete.
A popup box will ask you to confirm the deletion.
17