First Alert DWS-401 User manual

USER’S MANUAL
Model
DWS-401 1 Camera Included
SECURITY SYSTEM
CAMERAS INCLUDED
4gb

Page 2
WELCOME
Thank you for choosing First Alert for your security needs!
For more than half a century, First Alert has made the home-safety and security products that make
your job easier. Our products are built to the highest standard which has earned us a leadership role
in the home-safety and security product categories. We are committed to serving our customers,
from the professionals who install our products, to the families and businesses who count on them.
First Alert has been helping families and businesses stay safe for over 50 years. By having a First
Alert Security System, you’re taking the first step in protecting your home or business from damage
or theft. We’re watching, even when you’re not.
This manual is written for the DWS-401Wireless DVR system. It was accurate at the time it was completed.
However, because of our ongoing effort to constantly improve our products, additional features and
functions may have been added since that time and on-screen displays may change. We encourage you to
visit our website at www.brkelectronics.com to check for the latest manuals (English and Spanish), firmware
updates, downloads, other security camera products and announcements. You’ll find this product line under
Products >> Security Cameras >> Wireless Cameras.
THANK YOU
©2012 BRK Brands, Inc.
a Jarden Corporation company (NYSE:JAH)
www.brkelectronics.com
All rights reserved. Distributed by BRK Brands, Inc. 3901 Liberty Street Road, Aurora, IL 60504-8122. Due to continuing product development, the
product inside the packaging may look slightly different than the one on the package.
BRK Brands, Inc. is a subsidiary of Jarden Corporation (NYSE: JAH). First Alert® is a registered trademark of the First Alert Trust. To obtain warranty
service, contact the Consumer Affairs Division at 1-800-323-9005, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Central Standard Time.
Made in China
IntrOduCtIOn
1

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MAIndESCrIPtIOn
Four channel MPEG-4 wireless digital video recorder suitable for applications
such as high-end residential - new or remodel, light commercial, small busi-
ness/retail, small warehouse or small grocery.
PrOduCtFEA turES
• 2.4 GHz Digital Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) Technology
• MPEG-4 Compression
• Supports real-time AV preview and recording up to VGA@25 FPS(Single Camera
Mode) or QVGA@25fps/CH (Multiple camera mode)
• 4GB Micro SD Card Included. Supports a maximum of 32GB SDHC memory card.
• Simultaneously preview & record from all 4 wireless cameras
• Independent motion-detect recording with adjustable mask zone on any of 4
cameras
• Multiple recording mode selectable (Manual/ Motion-detect/Scheduling)
• User-friendly interface: true color, semi-transparent GUI with notes for selected
menu items
• 2X digital zoom
• Audio surveillance cameras
• 24/7 Scheduled Recording
• CMOS Color cameras with 25 IR LED’s for up to 60’ night vision
• Camera has built-in IR cut filter for truer color representation
• IP66 weather rating
KEY PRODUCT FEATURES
IntrOduCtIOn 1

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Section DeScription page
number
1Introduction 2-4
2Safety 5
3
Product Overview 6-8
What is in the Box 6
DVR Controls
Top Panel 7
Side Panel & Display Indicators 8
4Installation 9
Installing Cameras & Setting up the Wireless Receiver 9
5
System Operation 10-24
Main Menu Screens 10
Camera Setup 11-12
Camera Pairing 11
Camera Brightness Adjustment 12
Camera Activation 12
Recorder Setup Menu 13-18
Record Schedule 13-14
Motion Detection Sensitivity 15
Format Memory Card 15
Setup Mask Area 16
Record Time 16
Playback 17-18
System Setup 19-22
Date and Time Setup 19
Power Saving 20
Multi-channel Idle Display 21
TV Out Setup (NTSC/PAL) 22
Language 22
Alarm Buzzer 23
Zoom 23
Scan Activated Channels 24
Memory Card Overwrite 24
6PC Playback Software and Installation 25-27
7
Appendix 28-31
Connecting to DVR System 28
Troubleshooting 29
System Map 30
Specifications 31
Warranty 32
CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
IntrOduCtIOn
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SAFEtY PrECAutIOnS
• Do not drop, puncture, or disassemble the cameras or DVR.
• Do not tug on the power adapter. Use the plug to remove it from the wall.
• Do not expose the cameras or DVR to high temperatures.
• For your own safety, avoid using the DVR when there is a storm or lightning in your area.
• Use the cameras and DVR with care. Avoid pressing hard on the cameras or DVR body.
• Do not crush or damage the power cable
FCC COMPLIAnCE
FCC Compliance Class C Intentional Radiator
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class C Intentional Radiator,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. 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 the interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment
does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that of the receiver.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio or TV technician for help.
Notice: Only peripherals complying with FCC limits may be attached to this equipment. Operation with non-
compliant peripherals or peripherals not recommended by First Alert / BRK Brands, Inc. is likely to result in
interference to radio and TV reception. Changes or modications to the product, not expressly approved by
First Alert / BRK Brands, Inc., could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
We, First Alert / BRK Brands, Inc. declare under our sole responsibility that the device to which this declaration
relates: Complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1)
this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
FCC Certification
This device contains a radio transmitter. Accordingly, it has been certied as compliant with 47 CFR Part 15 of
the FCC Rules for intentional radiators. Products that contain a radio transmitter are labeled with an FCC ID.
dISPOSAL
CAUTION STATEMENTS
SAFEtY 2
This symbol indicates that it is prohibited to dispose of these batteries in the household waste. Take
spent batteries that can no longer be charged to the designated collection points in your community.

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WARNING
PROTECTED BY
THESE PREMISES ARE UNDER
24 HOUR VIDEO SURVEILLANCE
2 Window
Warning Decals
PACKAGE CONTENTS
PrOduCtOVErVIEW
3
WHAt’S IntHE BOX
Digital Wireless Camera,
Antenna and Stand
Digital Wireless Receiver
SEC24 Media Playback
Software and Manuals
Power Supplies for
DVR and Cameras
2 total
AV Cable
Mounting Hardware
(3 screws and 3 plastic
anchors per Camera)
User’s Manual
4GB Micro SD Memory
Card with Adaptor
(Brand may vary)
Wireless System
RCA cable
connector
NIGHT
VISION
INDOOR/OUTDOOR
CAMERAS
MICRO SD
CARD INCLUDED
4GBMPEG-4
VIDEO
COMPRESSION
USER’S MANUAL
Model
DWS-401 1 Camera Included
SECURITY SYSTEM
CAMERAS INCLUDED
AUDIO
SURVEILLANCE
4gb
IR Remote

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DVR CONTROLS
PrOduCtOVErVIEW 3
item Function DeScription
1Power/Mute Button Power unit On and Off or enable “Mute” Feature. Hold button for several seconds to
turn unit On or Off. Briefly press button to toggle “Mute” On or Off.
2Link & Power Indicators Shows status of signal strength and Power On/Off
3Menu Center Button brings up Main Menu. In menus, press to confirm selections
4
Navigation Ring Display: Switch Channel
Menu: Cursor Up
Playback: Fast Forward
Display: Switch Channel
Menu: Cursor Down
Playback: Fast Reverse
Display: Volume Up
Menu: Cursor Right
Playback: Volume Up, Switch Display Channel
Display: Volume Down
Menu: Cursor Left
Playback: Volume Down, Switch Display Channel
5ESC Display & Menu: Exit or previous screen
Playback: Previous
6ZOOM Zooms 2X
7ALARM Turns alarm On and Off
8REC/DEL Playback: Next Record, REC Mode: Stops Recording
CONTROLS
tOP PAnEL
3
4
1
5 7
8
2
6
Receiver
IR Remote
7
3
68
4
5

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CONNECTIONS & INDICATORS
PrOduCtOVErVIEW
3
dISPLAY IndICA tOrS
SIdE PAnEL
item Function DeScription
1DC 5V /1A Power Port Connect Power Adaptor.
2AV Out Connect to a Monitor or TV through RCA inputs
3Reset Powers unit off
4Memory Card Slot Insert 2GB to 32GB Micro SD Memory Card (4GB Micro SD Card w/adaptor included)
CONNECTIONS
item inDicator name icon DeScription
1Channel Indicator Shows camera channel being viewed
2Audio Indicator Shows whether Audio is turned On/Off for system
3Signal Indicator Shows status of signal strength
4Display Mode Shows Quad, Scan or Single Display mode
5Volume Indicator Audio volume 1 through 7
6System Date & Time System Date and Time
7Zoom Indicates Zoom 1X or 2X
8Recording Indicator Shows Recording is in Progress
9Mute Indicator Indicates recording mute feature is enabled
INDICATORS
100%
75%
50%
0%
25%
Battery
Strength
Chart
2 34
6
71
8
5
4
RESET
AV OUT
DC 5V/1A
MUTE
1
2
3
9

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CAMERAS & WIRELESS RECEIVER
InSt ALLAtIOn 4
SEttInGuPtHE WIrELESSrECEIVEr
1. Connect the power cable to the DC IN of the receiver.
2. Plug the power supply into the electrical outlet.
VIEW ON TELEVISION OR OTHER MONITOR
1. Connecting to a monitor such as a TV: Connect the AV cable into the AV OUT of the receiver.
2. Connect the two RCA jacks to the TV AV IN. Yellow = Video; White = Audio
3. Press POWER button to turn on the receiver.
4. Once the receiver is connected, see Camera Setup, Pairing (Operating Menus) to link the
camera(s) to the receiver.
TV
Video
Audio
LINK
PWR.
RESET
AV OUT
DC 5V/1A
MUTE
InSt ALLInG CAMErAS
1. Select the position for the camera and secure the camera stand.
(Screws and anchors are supplied. Use an appropriate screw type
for the mounting surface.)
2. Screw the camera onto the bracket.
3. Adjust camera to the proper view angle Make
sure the lens is upright relative to your subject.
Tighten the thumb bolt.
4. Screw the antenna into place on the rear of
the camera. Adjust the antenna to an upright
position.
5. Connect the power cable to the DC IN of the
camera.
6. Plug the power supply into the electrical outlet.
7. Once the camera is connected, see Camera
Setup, Camera Pairing to link the camera(s) to
the receiver.
Camera Orientation
It’s important the camera is mounted correctly
to ensure the image is not upside down as the
camera lens can only be positioned one way.

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MAIN MENU
SYStEM OPErA tIOn
5
MAInMEnu
The Main Menu screen is used to control the various functions of the DVR system. It contains the
following sub menu icons: Camera Setup, Record Setup, Event List, System Setup, Alarm Buzzer, Zoom,
Scan Activated Cameras and Memory Card Overwrite.
Zoom-Main Menu
System Setup-Main Menu
Scan Activated Cameras-Main Menu
Record Setup-Main Menu
Memory Card Overwrite-Main Menu
Event List-Main Menu
Camera Setup-Main Menu
Alarm Buzzer-Main Menu

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CAMERA SETUP
SYStEM OPErA tIOn 5
CAMErA SEtuP MEnu
Select CAMERA SETUP, press MENU key once to enter sub-menu.
Use to select the camera to set up (1-4).
Use to select PAIRING, BRIGHTNESS and CAMERA ON/OFF
settings.
With PAIRING section highlighted, press MENU key once to
begin camera pairing. Press Pairing Key button on Camera cord.
Pairing LED on camera will blink once then will begin blinking
continuously indicating data transmission is in process.
System will confirm pairing process is successful with “PAIRED”
displaying on screen. System will indicate pairing process failed
with “PAIRING FAIL” displaying on screen.
Press ESC to return to main menu.
CAMERA PAIRING
Camera Setup-Main Menu
Camera Setup-Sub Menu Camera Setup-Pairing
Pairing Key

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CAMERA SETUP
SYStEM OPErA tIOn
5
With BRIGHTNESS section highlighted, use to to adjust camera brightness.
With ACTIVATION section highlighted, use to enable or disable camera.
Press ESC to return to main menu.
NOTE: Ensure the cameras are paired to the receiver for SCAN or QUAD to function properly camera “ON”
can only be selected when camera has been paired to system.
CAMERA BRIGHTNESS ADJUSTMENT
CAMERA ACTIVATION
Camera Setup-Adjust Brightness
Camera Setup-Camera Activation

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RECORDER SETUP
SYStEM OPErA tIOn 5
rECOrdErSEtuP MEnu
Select RECORDER SETUP, press MENU key once to enter sub-menu.
Record Setup-Main Menu
RECORD SCHEDULE
Use to select time block.
Record Schedule Setup Menu

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RECORDER SETUP
SYStEM OPErA tIOn
5
Recorder Schedule Setup - Options Set
Audio/Video Recording
Caution: Audio surveillance in some states is illegal or requires permission from one or both par-
ties to record someone’s voice. Laws are also different from residential vs. commercial applications.
Some federal, state, and local laws prohibit certain surveillance activities and/or the use or distribution of the
information obtained from such activities. Prior to using this system, you should become familiar with the per-
tinent laws to ensure compliance with those applicable to surveillance activities.
RECORD SCHEDULE - CONTINUED
There are three different recording options available to chose from. Press MENU key to switch
between different recording mode.
M: MOTION (REC only when motion detected)
S: SCHEDULE (record between selected times for each day)
X: MANUAL (manual REC)
The system will record video from all 4 channels simultaneously with MOTION, SCHEDULE and MANUAL
record modes. One of the four channels will have audio available. Note: To toggle between recording and
not recording sound with the video image press the “Power” button once briefly. The icon will show
on the screen when the sound is muted. See Audio/Video Recording Caution Statement below. The time
slot boxes in the diagram above each represent hourly slots, e.g., selecting AM 10:00 means recording
will occur from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Also if for example, boxes AM 10:00 and AM 11:00 are set to “S”
(Schedule) recording, please note that a continuous 2 hour video file will not be recorded but separate files
depending on the recording time for each file setup, i.e., if set to 2 minutes then 60 clips will be recorded
in a 2 hour schedule recording slot.
While the system is performing MOTION recording, audio will automatically switch to the channel
triggering by motion. Recording cannot be stopped until 30 seconds after recording has started. This
mandatory system operation is designed to prolong the overall life of memory card. To stop recording,
press REC/DEL once. To remove the memory card, please power off the system first.
If SCHEDULE recording mode is set, the system will automatically resume recording 60 seconds after
recording is stopped manually. If MOTION record mode is set, the system will resume motion detection
function 60 seconds after recording is stopped manually.
Recording must be stopped before entering the system main menu and the system will resume the mode
selected in the IDLE DISPLAY SETUP.
NOTE: Recording will not work if there is no memory card inserted into the DVR.

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Use to select MOTION DETECTION SENSITIVITY section. Use to highlight camera for setup.
Use to adjust sensitivity level: OFF / LV1 / LV2 / LV3 (LV3 is most sensitive). Press ESC to save and exit.
Use to select FORMAT STORAGE, press
MENU to enter. Press MENU again to confirm
and begin formatting memory card. Press ESC to
exit. NOTE: If a new memory card is used then it
must be formatted first here before use.
MOTION DETECTION SENSITIVITY
FORMAT MEMORY CARD
Recorder Setup-Motion Detection Sensitivity
Recorder Setup-Format Memory Card
RECORDER SETUP
SYStEM OPErA tIOn 5
Formatting the Memory Card
When you install a new memory card, you must
format it before it can be used. Clicking the FOR-
MAT STORAGE button will begin the formatting
process. WARNING! Formatting an existing SD
Card erases all data. This step cannot be undone.

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This screen allows you to setup areas where you do not want motion to be detected. Use to select
MASKING AREA SETUP menu. Use to highlight camera (1-4) for setup. Use to navigate
to the grid where no motion detection is desired. Press MENU key to toggle between mask/unmask
grid(s). Movements taking place inside masked area will be ignored. Continue selecting another grid for
setup or press ESC to save and exit.
Use this menu to set the amount of time you want to record
after motion is detected. Use to highlight recording
period: 2 Min / 5 Min / 10 MIN, press MENU to confirm.
Press ESC to save and exit.
SETUP MASKING AREA
RECORD TIME
Masking Area Setup Grid
Recorder Setup-Record Time
Masking Area Setup Menu
RECORDER SETUP
SYStEM OPErA tIOn
5
micro SD
carD capacity 640 x480 (Vga)
1GB 200 Minutes (8.3 hours)
2GB 400 Minutes (16.6 hours)
8GB 1,600 Minutes (66.7 hours)
16GB 3,200 Minutes (133.3 hours)
32GB 6,400 Minutes (266.7 hours)
CARD
CAPACITIES
RECORDING TIME FOR
MEMORY CARDS
Note: All numbers are approximate and
are for estimating only. Many factors
influence actual storage capacities
including size of data, quality, aspect
ratio and compression used.

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This screen allows you to playback recorded video. Use to select the Date folder you want to view.
Press MENU to confirm selection and enter selected folder.
PLAYBACK
PLAYBACK
SYStEM OPErA tIOn 5
Use to select Hour (each block represent one hour time), Press MENU to confirm selection and
enter selected folder. NOTE: Each RECORDED FILE folder is indicated with file start / end time and type of
file recorded.
Playback-Date Folder Menu
Playback-Time Grid Menu

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The type of recorded file (Schedule / Motion / Manual) is indicated by:
S - SCHEDULE Recording: channel selected by user.
M - MOTION channel triggered.
X - CONTINUOUS (Manual) Recording: channel selected by user.
To playback recorded file, use to highlight the RECORDED FILE. It will turn to red type. Press
MENU to confirm selection and playback selected file. NOTE: By default, playback display will be QUAD
(displaying images of all cameras paired).
14
32 = All channel playback
For single camera display, press MENU once after playback has started to PAUSE. Then use to
select from channel to channel. The channel indicator (bottom left screen) will show the channel number
selected. (See 1 below)
14
32 = Channel 1 playback in full screen
14
32 = Channel 2 playback in full screen
14
32 = Channel 3 playback in full screen
14
3
2= Channel 4
playback in full screen
Video progress indicator (See 2 at
right) is shown by a series of arrows
that turn from blue to red during
playback. Pressing the MENU
will pause playback, The red arrow
will turn to the pause symbol
=
. For
other control functions available during
playback mode, please refer to Section
3 - DVR CONTROLS - Front Face
(p.7). Software is included on the CD
provided for playing back the recorded
file(s) from the memory card on a PC.
Playback-Date Detail Events
2
1
Channel
Record
Indicators
NOTE: The
channel indicator
1, 2, 3, 4 in a SOLID square
indicates recording type for
that channel only. (See 1 at left).
The channel indicator 1, 2, 3, 4
all in Hollow squares indicate
recording type effects all four
channels. (See 2 at left)
PLAYBACK - CONTINUED
PLAYBACK
SYStEM OPErA tIOn
5
12 3 4
21

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Why Set a Date & Time?
It’s important to set the proper date and time before continuing so that you can easily locate recorded events.
Inaccurate dates and times on files may affect their admissibility as evidence in court. In addition, when changing
current time settings, to avoid possible confusion with the time stamps on recorded and currently recording files,
stop all ongoing recording processes before altering the system time and restart recording using the new settings.
DATE & TIME SETUP
SYStEM OPErA tIOn 5
SYStEM SEtuP
Date and Time Setup Menu
Select SYSTEM SETUP and press MENU to enter sub-menu. Use to highlight and adjust:
YEAR / MONTH / DATE / HOUR / MINUTE. Use adjust each section and press MENU to
confirm adjustment. Press ESC to save and exit.
System Setup Menu
DATE & TIME SETUP

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POWER SAVING
SYStEM OPErA tIOn
5
POWER SAVING
Power Saving Setup Menu
Select SYSTEM SETUP, press MENU to enter. Use to select POWER SAVING.
Use to highlight SCREEN OFF AFTER 5 MINUTES IDLE / SCREEN OFF AFTER
10 MINUTES IDEL / SCREEN ALWAYS ON. Press MENU to confirm selection. Press ESC to save and exit.
Power Saving - Always On
Power Saving - 5 Minutes Power Saving -10 Minutes