March 3204 User manual

TRANSFORMING THE WAY YOU VIEW YOUR BUSINESS
3204 DVR
Installation Guide

About March Networks
March Networks™(TSX:MN; AIM:MNW) is a leading provider of innovative video and
data applications used for security surveillance, monitoring, analysis and business
optimization. The company’s software and IP-based hardware solutions allow businesses
to increase operational efficiencies, address risk, and manage assets with an integrated
set of video-based intelligence tools and business intelligence applications. The ISO
9001:2000 certified company serves the needs of leading financial institutions, retailers,
transportation authorities, commercial/industrial organizations and government/homeland
security agencies in approximately 50 countries throughout the world. For more infor-
mation, please visit www.marchnetworks.com.
Accessing Customer Care
For technical support and assistance, contact us at:
Telephone: [phone]
Toll free: 1-800-472-0116
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
If you purchased this product from a third-party organization, such as a March Networks
certified reseller, please contact the organization’s technical support staff.
Providing Documentation Feedback
At March Networks, our goal is to produce documentation that is technically accurate
and informative. If you have comments or suggestions about our interactive Help and
documentation, you can e-mail us at: [e-mail]

© 2007. March Networks Corporation. All rights reserved. MC-14762 Rev 4.0
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. MARCH NETWORKS and the
MARCH NETWORKS logo are trademarks of March Networks Corporation. Windows® is a registered
trademark of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
The software described in this document is furnished under a license agreement or nondisclosure
agreement. The software may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of those agreements.
The contents of this manual and accompanying software are protected by copyright. No part of this
publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means,
electronic, mechanical, recording, or otherwise without the prior written permission of March Networks
Corporation.

Contents
ii
Mandatory Regulations ....................................................................................................................... iii
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Information ................................................................................................ iii
Battery Notices ...................................................................................................................................................... iii
Power Cord Notice ................................................................................................................................................ iv
Servicing Notice ..................................................................................................................................................... iv
Shipping Notice ..................................................................................................................................................... iv
Environmental Directive Compliance ................................................................................................................... iv
3204 DVR Setup ..................................................................................................................................... 1
DVR Dimensions, Weight, Power Consumption, and Temperature Ranges ....................................................... 2
DVR LEDs ................................................................................................................................................................. 3
DVR Connections — Video Input and Alarm/Switch ............................................................................................ 4
DVR Connections — Expansion Port ..................................................................................................................... 5
DVR Connection — Grounding ............................................................................................................................. 7
DVR Connections — Power, Video Output, and Network ................................................................................... 8
DVR Connections — Provisioning Port and USB Port ........................................................................................... 9
DVR Hard Drive Specifications and Installation ................................................................................................. 10
DVR NiCd Battery Pack Specifications and Replacement ................................................................................... 13
DVR Mounting ...................................................................................................................................................... 15

3204 DVR Installation Guide
iii
Mandatory Regulations
You must adhere to the following mandatory regulations to ensure you meet regulatory compliance
requirements.
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Information
Canada - Industry Canada This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations. Cet équipement a été testé et certifié conformément aux
limites imposées par la réglementation en vigueur pour un équipement numérique de classe A.
United States - Federal Communications Commission This equipment has been tested and
found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a commercial
environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not
installed and used in accordance with the installation guide, is liable to cause harmful interference to
radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference, in which case users will be required to correct the interference at their own expense.
Europe This equipment complies with the following EU directives: 89/336/EEC, 73/23/EEC, and
their amending directives. A Declaration of Conformity is available upon request.
Battery Notices
NiCd Battery Pack
The DVR contains an internal NiCd battery pack. The NiCd battery pack may explode, leak, or get hot,
causing personal injury if the following precautions are not followed:
Do not remove the NiCd battery pack and use it in a device other than the DVR.
The DVR has a built-in battery charger. Do not attempt to charge the NiCd battery pack using
another battery charger.
Replace only with an approved NiCd battery pack.
Do not disassemble or open the NiCd battery pack.
Do not dispose of the NiCd battery pack in fire.
Do not short circuit the NiCd battery pack terminals.
Dispose of the NiCd battery pack in accordance with all applicable federal, state, provincial, and local
regulations. Inquire with your local recycling office for recycling guidelines.
Lithium Battery
The DVR also contains a lithium battery. Ensure you consider the lithium battery when disposing of
the DVR. Dispose of the lithium battery in accordance with all applicable federal, state, provincial, and
local regulations. Inquire with your local recycling office for recycling guidelines.

iv
Mandatory Regulations
Power Cord Notice
A power cord is provided with a grounded attachment plug. To avoid electrical shock, always use the
power cord and plug with a properly grounded outlet. To maintain safety compliance, ensure the power
cord has the appropriate safety approvals for the country in which the equipment is to be installed.
Servicing Notice
The procedures contained in this publication outline how to install or service components located
inside the DVR. Installation and maintenance procedures requiring internal unit access are to be
performed by qualified service personnel only.
Shipping Notice
Shipment of the DVR and components may expose the unit to temperature extremes. We recommend
you allow the DVR to return to room temperature prior to operation.
Environmental Directive Compliance
March Networks is committed to doing our part to protect the environment. As a result, we have
embraced the RoHS and WEEE Directives in the design and manufacture of our products. You can
review further details at the following location on our corporate Web site:
http://www.marchnetworks.com/User_Files/Downloads/Products/RoHS-WEEE_Compliance_Statement_EN.pdf

1Section
1
3204 DVR Setup
The 3204 DVR is a compact digital video recorder (DVR) that lets you record and monitor continuous
or event-driven audio/video from cameras, microphones, and other connected devices.
The DVR incorporates the following features:
Customized Linux operating system, which boots from a protected flash memory system
Minimal moving parts (for example, fans are not required in most installations)
Internal battery backup system that ensures continuous operation through power disturbances
and systematic shutdown sequences when power blackouts occur
Hard drive management system that ensures reliable hard drive operation and early detection of
possible hard drive faults. For example, the DVR incorporates automatic hard drive formatting
and uses Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology (SMART).
This publication provides an overview of the preliminary DVR setup requirements, which include
instructions for connecting relevant devices, replacing batteries and hard drives, as well as mounting
the unit.
Please note that once the preliminary setup is complete, the DVR’s initial configurations are to be
specified using the unit’s provisioning interface. Details for working with the provisioning interface can
be found on page 9.
Then, the unit must be fully configured using the administration and configuration software
applications included on the provided software CD.

2
3204 DVR Setup
DVR Dimensions, Weight, Power Consumption, and Temperature
Ranges
The following table outlines the DVR’s dimensions, weight, power consumption specifications, as well
as operating and storage temperature ranges:
Ta b l e 1 : DVR Dimensions, Weight, Power Consumption, and Temperature Ranges
Feature Specifications
Dimensions (overall unit) Height:
2.2 inches/5.5 centimeters
Width:
10.4 inches/26.4 centimeters
Length:
10.3 inches/26.2 centimeters
Weight (with hard drive
installed) 5.0 pounds/2.3 kilograms
Power consumption •DVR (no hard drive): Less than 20 watts
•DVR (with hard drive): Less than 30 watts
Operating and storage
temperature
•Operating temperature: 50 to 104° Fahrenheit/10 to 40° Celsius
(no fan required); an optional fan module is available to support
environments where the operating temperature may reach up to
113° Fahrenheit/ 45° Celsius
•Storage temperature: -40 to 158° Fahrenheit/-40 to 70° Celsius
•DVR must be mounted in accordance with the mounting
guidelines in this publication to ensure it remains within the
recommended operating temperature range. For more
information, see “DVR Mounting” on page 15.
10.3 inches /
26.2 centimeters
10.4 inches /
26.4 centimeters
2.2 inches /
5.5 centimeters

3204 DVR Installation Guide
3
DVR LEDs
The following table outlines the DVR’s light emitting diodes (LEDs):
Ta b l e 2 : DVR LEDs
Feature Specifications
LEDs Indicate the DVR’s status as outlined below:
UNIT
•Green: DVR is operating properly
•Yellow: DVR is powering up, powering down, or operating on
internal battery
•Red: DVR detects a hardware problem
OPERATION
•Green: DVR is operating properly (solid); DVR is powering up
(flashes)
•Yellow: DVR is functional but status information is available for
review. This information can be retrieved using the
administration and configuration software applications included
on the provided software CD. The LED turns off when the status
is acknowledged.
•Red: DVR software is not operational
HD
•Green: LED flashes while the DVR is accessing the hard drive
LEDs

4
3204 DVR Setup
DVR Connections — Video Input and Alarm/Switch
The following table outlines the video input and alarm/switch connection specifications:
Ta b l e 3 : DVR Connections — Video Input and Alarm/Switch
Feature Specifications
1 Video input Connector: Video inputs on BNC coaxial connector
Details:
•Video input connections for up to four cameras
•Terminated to 75 ohms
2 Alarm/switch Alarm
Connector: Four alarm loops on terminal block connection
Details:
•Detects open, closed, or cut connections as configured by the
administration and configuration software applications
•Dry contact alarm device is connected between the alarm
terminal and the ground terminal
•Detects cut state when a 200-ohm resistor is installed across the
alarm device terminals
•Low current interface (less than 10 mA)
Switch
Connector: Programmable switch relay output on terminal block
connection
Details:
•Provides a normally open (NO) or normally closed (NC)
connection to the common terminal
WARNING: Do not exceed 30 volts DC or a current of 1 A
21
COM NO

3204 DVR Installation Guide
5
DVR Connections — Expansion Port
The following table outlines the connections that can be made using the expansion port and provides
specifications for those connections:
Ta b l e 4 : DVR Connections — Expansion Port
Feature Specifications
3 Expansion port
Reference:
Audio
Connector: DB-25 connector provides an interface for the
connection of an audio device. Or, connect a 3204 DVR I/O
Expansion Module Option to the DB-25 connector to provide
interfaces for multiple audio and dataport devices.*
Details:
•Provides connection for an audio input and audio output device
•Supports line-level audio
•Requires pre-amplified microphone connection and amplified
speaker
•The pinout for this functionality on the DVR’s DB-25 connector is:
• DB-25 Pin 25 — Audio In
• DB-25 Pin 12 — Audio Out
• DB-25 Pin 24 — Audio GND
External RS-232 dataport with full modem signaling
support (hardware flow control)
Connector: RS-232 dataport on DB-25 connector provides an
interface for the connection of a dataport device. Or, connect a
3204 DVR I/O Expansion Module Option to the DB-25 connector to
provide interfaces for multiple audio and dataport devices.*
Details:
•Provides an RS-232 interface for connection of a passthrough
device, ATM device, or PTZ camera
•The pinout for this functionality on the DVR’s DB-25 connector is:
• DB-25 Pin 2 — TX
• DB-25 Pin 3 — RX
• DB-25 Pin 4 — RTS
• DB-25 Pin 5 — CTS
• DB-25 Pin 6 — DSR
• DB-25 Pin 7 — GND
• DB-25 Pin 8 — DCD
• DB-25 Pin 20 — DTR
• DB-25 Pin 22 — RI
WARNING: Ensure that no other pins on this connector are used
for this interface — other pins contain signals for other unit
functions
3
3204 DVR I/O Expansion Module
Option

6
3204 DVR Setup
*For details about the 3204 DVR I/O Expansion Module Option, see the Installing a 3204 DVR Custom
Expansion Module Technical Instructions, accompanying the device.
Feature Specifications
3 Expansion port (cont’d)
Reference:
RS-232 dataport (passthrough and ATM)
Connector: RS-232 dataport on DB-25 connector provides an
interface for the connection of a dataport device. Or, connect a
3204 DVR I/O Expansion Module Option to the DB-25 connector to
provide interfaces for multiple audio and dataport devices.*
Details:
•Provides an additional RS-232 interface for connection of a
passthrough device, ATM device, or PTZ camera
•The pinout for this functionality on the DVR’s DB-25 connector is:
• DB-25 Pin 23 — TX
• DB-25 Pin 11 — RX
• DB-25 Pin 10 — GND
RS-485 dataport (PTZ)
Connector: RS-485 dataport on DB-25 connector provides an
interface for the connection of a dataport device. Or, connect a
3204 DVR I/O Expansion Module Option to the DB-25 connector to
provide interfaces for multiple audio and dataport devices.*
Details:
•Provides an RS-485 interface for connection of a passthrough
device, ATM device, or PTZ camera
•Supports the daisy chain method, letting you daisy chain and
address up to seven devices
•The pinout for this functionality on the DVR’s DB-25 connector is:
• DB-25 Pin 14 — TX-
• DB-25 Pin 15 — TX+
• DB-25 Pin 16 — RX-
• DB-25 Pin 17 — RX+
3204 DVR Expansion Module
Option

3204 DVR Installation Guide
7
DVR Connection — Grounding
The following table outlines the ground connection. Details on the other connections available at the
rear of the DVR are available on page 8.
Ta b l e 5 : DVR Connection — Grounding
Feature Specifications
Ground Connection Connector: Grounding stud
Details:
•Protects the DVR from electrostatic discharge.
•The preferred grounding method, described here, is to connect a
ground wire between the DVR and an earth ground source.
•Prepare an earth ground wire using a proper ground wire and a
solderless ring connector:
• Strip 1/2 inch of insulation from the end of the wire and
then crimp the ring connector onto the wire.
•Connect the ground wire to the DVR ground stud by applying
the parts in the order shown below.
•Connect the other end of the ground wire to an earth ground
source.
•Note: You can use the grounding stud to ground yourself to the
DVR chassis with an anti-static wriststrap (only if the DVR has
been properly grounded as outlined above). This is useful when
you are working inside the DVR and need to ensure anti-static
precautions are taken.
Ground Connection
DVR Ground
Ground Wire
From Earth Ground Source
(18 Gauge)
Keps Nut
Stud

8
3204 DVR Setup
DVR Connections — Power, Video Output, and Network
The following table outlines the power, video output, and network connection specifications:
Ta b l e 6 : DVR Connections — Power, Video Output, and Network
Feature Specifications
4 12 VDC Input Connector: 12 volts DC input
Details:
•Power adapter supplies 12 volts DC at up to 3.3 A maximum
•Hook prevents unintentional removal of power adapter from the
DVR
•Internal NiCd backup battery provides power during power
interruptions and powers down the DVR if 12 volts DC input is
not restored within 15 seconds
•Plug in the 12 volts DC input cord to turn on the DVR
•Unplug the 12 volts DC input cord from the inlet to turn off the
DVR
5 Video output Connector: Video output on BNC coaxial connector
Details:
•Directly drives a video monitor
•Software programmable, using the administration and
configuration software applications included on the provided
software CD, to cycle between multiple cameras or display video
on alarm event
•Provides NTSC/PAL levels (matches input format)
6 Network Connector: Network port on RJ-45 connector
Details:
•10/100 BaseT auto-negotiated network connection on a standard
network pinout
•Provides LED indicators (located beside the network port) as
follows:
• Green: Turns on solid when a link is established with the
network point of presence (POP) and flashes to indicate
network activity
• Yellow: Turns on solid when a 100 BaseT link is negotiated
on the network port. Turns off when a 10 BaseT link is
negotiated on the network port.
45
6
Hook

3204 DVR Installation Guide
9
DVR Connections — Provisioning Port and USB Port
The following table outlines the provisioning port and USB port specifications:
Ta b l e 7 : DVR Connections — Provisioning Port and USB Port
Feature Specifications
7 Provisioning port Connector: Provisioning port on DB-9 connector
Details:
•Provides an RS-232 interface for connection of a provisioning
device, such as a laptop computer or personal digital assistant
(PDA)
•Requires a null modem cable or file transfer cable
•Use a terminal emulation program, such as HyperTerminal or
VT100 to log on to the provisioning interface
•For more information about working with the provisioning
interface, see the Provisioning Interface Technical Instructions,
which accompany the unit
•Interface uses the following port settings:
• Bits per second: 9600
• Data bits: 8
• Parity: None
• Stop bits: 1
• Flow control: None
•The pinout for this functionality on the DVR’s DB-9 connector is:
• DB-9 pin 2 — RXD
• DB-9 pin 3 — TXD
• DB-9 pin 5 — GND
8 USB Connector: USB port
Details:
•Provides USB port for connection of external peripherals, such as
an external modem, external flash key fob, or CD burner
•Provides up to 500 mA to power peripherals using a USB cable
•Supports USB version 1.1
7 8
23 5

10
3204 DVR Setup
DVR Hard Drive Specifications and Installation
You can install one 3.5-inch ATA hard drive in the DVR.
Table 8 outlines the hard drive specifications. The steps for installing a hard drive are also outlined in
this section.
Ta b l e 8 : DVR Hard Drive Specifications
Feature Specifications
Hard drive •The DVR uses standard parallel ATA hard drive technology
•Supports large classification hard drives (>133 Mbytes)
•Utilizes hard drive SMART monitoring for hard drive health
status and early detection of possible faults
•Automatically detects and formats a new hard drive, or
automatically reuses a previously formatted hard drive
•Hard drives should consume less than 10 watts
Hard Drive
Hard Drive
Brackets

3204 DVR Installation Guide
11
To install a hard drive
1 Open the DVR’s lid by unscrewing the two screws located at the front left and right of the unit
with a Phillips screwdriver and flipping the lid backward.
2 Loosen the nylon thumbscrews from the two hard drive brackets as shown below.
A flat-head screwdriver may be required if the nylon thumbscrews are fastened too tightly.
3 Slide each bracket so that the nylon thumbscrews fit through the key slots, freeing the brackets
from the lid.
WARNING
Before you install the hard drive, unplug the 12 volts DC power adapter from the DVR and
wait until the LEDs at the front of the DVR turn off.
Do not operate the DVR with the lid open.
Screw
Nylon
Thumbscrews
Nylon
Thumbscrews

12
3204 DVR Setup
4 Install the hard drive brackets onto the hard drive exactly as shown below, using the provided
No. 6-32 x 0.25 inch screws and a Phillips screwdriver.
Ensure the edges of the hard drive and the hard drive brackets line up so they are flush.
NOTE You will not be able to install the hard drive to the inside of the lid unless this step is done
correctly.
5 Re-insert the hard drive with the hard drive brackets attached into the DVR by fitting the hard
drive brackets over the nylon thumbscrews and sliding the hard drive back into place.
The end of the hard drive with the cable connection should point to the left side of the DVR.
6 Tighten the nylon thumbscrews with a flat-head screwdriver onto the two hard drive brackets.
7 Connect the IDE cable and the power cable to the hard drive.
Do not uncrease the folds in the IDE cable as the folds ensure proper placement of the IDE cable
when you close the lid.
8 Close the DVR’s lid and replace the screws. Tighten the screws with a Phillips screwdriver.
Ensure the IDE cable and power cable are within the unit and do not get caught when you close
the DVR’s lid.
Screw
Hard Drive
Bracket
IDE Cable
Power Cable
IDE Cable
Connection
Power Cable
Connection