Night Owl IC8 Series User manual

IC8 SERIES
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USER’S MANUAL
www.NightOwlSP.com

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Thank you for choosing Night Owl Security Products!
By purchasing a Night Owl product, you receive a one (1) year warranty covering manufacturing defects in
material and workmanship. In addition to warranty and technical support benefits, you have access to our
vast library of free instructional “How to Videos.” You can also view our instructional videos by clicking the
“How to Videos” tab within your product’s page on our website.
Night Owl’s IC8 Series Camera Compatibility:
Please see the warranty section of this manual for exclusions and additional details. Not all features and
capabilities are shared across all models so you may see features which are not applicable. Additionally,
you may see screen images that do not exactly match those on your TV/Monitor/Smart Device.
Night Owl’s NVRs are compatible with the following camera model number: CM-IC8-BU
Connect one end of the included Ethernet cable into the LAN port on the back of your NVR. Connect the other
end into your Modem/Router to establish an Internet connection.
Next, connect the NVR to your TV/Monitor using the provided HDMI cable. If your TV/Monitor does not have an
HDMI port, you may use a VGA cable (not provided).
Using the provided NVR power adapter, power on the NVR.
Once the NVR is powered on, the Startup Wizard will begin. Follow the steps within the Startup Wizard to
upgrade your system’s firmware.
Before setting up your system, you MUST update your NVR’s firmware. Please follow these steps:
1
2
3
4
NOTE: Your NVR must be connected to the Internet in order to upgrade the firmware.
Quick Setup Guide
Use a QR Code scanner on your Smart Device to scan the QR Code to
the left to access the Quick Setup Guide for assistance in configuring
Night Owl Security system.
THIS MANUAL WAS ACCURATE AT THE TIME IT WAS COMPLETED. DUE TO OUR ONGOING EFFORT TO
CONSTANTLY IMPROVE OUR PRODUCTS, FUNCTIONS MAY HAVE BEEN ADDED OR CHANGED.

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TABLE
OF CONTENTS

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Chapter 1: FCC Warnings.........................................................................................7
Chapter 2: Safety Instructions..................................................................................9
Chapter 3: Specifications ......................................................................................11
3.1 System Requirements ...................................................................11
3.2 Package Contents .........................................................................11
3.2.1 NVR Diagram ........................................................................12
3.2.2 Camera Diagram ....................................................................13
3.2.3 Mouse Diagram .....................................................................13
Chapter 4: Camera Installation...............................................................................15
4.1 Power ..........................................................................................15
4.2 Mounting the Cameras ..................................................................16
Chapter 5: NVR Installation ...................................................................................19
5.1 Connecting Your NVR ....................................................................19
Chapter 6: Getting Started.....................................................................................22
6.1 Startup Wizard .............................................................................22
6.1.1 Camera Test ..........................................................................23
6.1.2 Password Creation .................................................................25
6.1.3 Date and Time Setup .............................................................27
6.1.4 Night Owl Connect App ..........................................................28
6.1.4 (a) Using Night Owl Connect............................................30
6.1.4 (b) App Overview ............................................................33
6.1.5 Password Verification .............................................................34
6.1.6 Camera/Channel Settings........................................................34
6.1.7 Camera Positioning ................................................................35
6.1.8 Channel Configuration............................................................35
6.1.9 Default View..........................................................................38
6.1.10 Helpful Links ......................................................................39
6.1.11 Wizard Complete .................................................................39
6.2 Live View (Login and Icons) ...........................................................40
6.2.1 Live View (All Channels) .........................................................40
6.2.2 Right Click Menu...................................................................41
6.2.3 Login/Forgot Password............................................................42
6.3 Video Playback .............................................................................43
Chapter 7: Menus and Settings ..............................................................................45
7.1 General Menu...............................................................................47
7.1.1 Network.................................................................................47
7.1.2 DDNS....................................................................................48
7.1.3 Video Alarm ...........................................................................49
7.1.3 (a) Notification Schedule..................................................50
Table of Contents

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7.1.3 (b) Area Setup................................................................51
7.1.4 Time Setup ...........................................................................52
7.2 Cameras Menu .............................................................................53
7.2.1 Status ..................................................................................53
7.2.2 Add Camera ..........................................................................54
7.2.2 (a) Manual Edit ..............................................................55
7.2.3 Channel OSD ........................................................................56
7.2.3 (a) Image Settings ..........................................................55
7.2.4 Video Quality.........................................................................58
7.2.5 IPC Upgrade .........................................................................59
7.3 Record ........................................................................................60
7.3.1 Status ..................................................................................60
7.3.2 Export Recordings..................................................................61
7.4 Hard Drive ...................................................................................62
7.5 System ........................................................................................63
7.5.1 System Settings ....................................................................63
7.5.2 User Management..................................................................64
7.5.3 Device Info ...........................................................................65
7.5.4 Log ......................................................................................66
7.5.5 Camera Speed.......................................................................67
7.6 Maintenance ................................................................................68
7.6.1 Sys Maintenance ...................................................................68
7.6.2 Firmware Update ...................................................................69
7.6.3 Factory Default......................................................................70
Chapter 8: Glossary..............................................................................................72
Chapter 9: Warranty .............................................................................................74
Chapter 10: Troubleshooting .................................................................................77
Chapter 11: User Information ...............................................................................80
Customer Support................................................................................... Back Cover
Night Owl’s NVRs are manufactured for quality and ease of use. As such, our NVRs contain menus designed
for advanced users that should not be adjusted without having enhanced knowledge regarding the menu. In
most cases the default settings allow for optimal functionality. The menus that should maintain the default
settings are indicated with this icon.
ADVANCED

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CHAPTER 1
FCC WARNINGS

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Chapter 1: FCC Warnings
FCC
This device 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 Compliance Statement
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against frequency interference in residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed
or used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communication.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on. The user is encouraged to try and correct the interference
by one or more of 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 receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The Federal Communications Commission warns the user that changes or modifications
to the unit not expressly approved by the part responsible for compliance could void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
CAUTION!

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CHAPTER 2
SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS

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Chapter 2: Safety Instructions
USE THE PROVIDED POWER ADAPTER.
Do not use this product with a power source that applies more than the specified voltage.
NEVER INSERT METAL INTO THE NVR CASE OR ITS OPENINGS.
Inserting metal into the NVR case may cause electric shock.
DO NOT OPERATE IN WET OR DUSTY AREAS.
Avoid placing the NVR in areas such as a damp basement or dusty attic.
DO NOT EXPOSE THE NVR TO RAIN OR USE NEAR WATER.
If the NVR accidentally gets wet, unplug it and contact technical support immediately.
KEEP PRODUCT SURFACES CLEAN AND DRY.
To clean the outside case of the NVR, use a lightly dampened cloth. Do not use cleaning solutions or solvents.
DO NOT INSTALL NEAR ANY HEAT SOURCES.
Do not install the NVR near any heat sources such as stoves, heat registers, radiators or electronics (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.
UNPLUG THE NVR WHEN MOVING IT.
Make sure that the NVR is unplugged before you move it. When moving this device, be sure to
handle it with care.
MAKE SURE THERE IS GOOD AIR CIRCULATION AROUND THE NVR.
This NVR uses an internal hard drive, which generates heat during operation for video storage. Do not block
vents on the NVR, as these vents reduce the generated heat while the system is running. Place this product
in well-ventilated area.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE TOP COVER.
If you observe any abnormal operation, unplug the NVR immediately and contact technical support.
Do not attempt to open the NVR to diagnose the cause of the problem.
HANDLE THE NVR CAREFULLY.
If you drop the NVR on any hard surface, it may damage the device. If the NVR doesn’t work properly due
to physical damage, contact an authorized dealer for repair.
IT IS RECOMMENDED TO USE YOUR NVR WITH AN UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLY (UPS).
Connecting your NVR and cameras to a UPS allows continuous operation even during power outages.
The run-time duration will depend on the rating of the UPS used.
You may be subjected to severe electrical shock if you remove the cover of the NVR.
CAUTION!

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CHAPTER 3
SPECIFICATIONS

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3.1 System Requirements
3.2 Package Contents
Please be sure that your PC/MAC®complies with the following specifications:
Please be sure that your mobile device complies with the following specifications:
• PC Operating System: Windows®10 and above
• MAC Operating System: MAC OS X®10.9 and above
• Android™: 6 and above
• iOS®: 10 and above
THIS MANUAL WAS ACCURATE AT THE TIME IT WAS COMPLETED. DUE TO OUR ONGOING EFFORT TO
CONSTANTLY IMPROVE OUR PRODUCTS, SPECIFICATIONS MAY HAVE BEEN ADDED OR CHANGED.
Chapter 3: Specications
NOTE: For best results, use the included Night Owl accessories. Third party accessories may not work properly.
NVR Camera(s)
USB Mouse (x1)
Safety Stickers Mounting Hardware
6 ft. RJ-45 Cable
(Ethernet) (x1)
6 ft. HDMI
(x1)
DISCLAIMER: The exact components of your system, images and quantities may vary depending on your model
number. While these may vary, this manual will address the setup and initial configuration of your NVR and cameras.
TV / Monitor
Router
Items Not Included
NOTE: Monitor is required for initial setup.
RESET LAN1 LAN2 LAN3 LAN4 WA N
NVR Power
Adapter (x1)
100 ft. Ethernet Cable(s)
(1 per camera)
NVR Power
Cord

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3.2.1 NVR Diagram
FRONT VIEW
QR Code
REAR VIEW
12345 6 7
Video Inputs – Allows for the connection of IP cameras.
RJ-45 (Ethernet) Port – Used to connect the NVR to your router/modem via the included Ethernet cable.
USB Ports – Allow for the connection of a USB mouse and/or a USB flash drive. Connect the
included USB mouse to assist you in navigating the NVR’s menu interface. You can use a USB flash
drive to download video files from the NVR for long term storage or sharing.
Power Input – Used to connect the included 12V DC power supply.
Audio Output – Allows for the connection of an amplified speaker using a TRS 3.5mm / 1/8 inch
commonly known as a phone/headphone jack.
HDMI Output – Allows for a video connection. If the TV/Monitor has an HDMI input, connect the HDMI
cable from the HDMI output port on the NVR to the HDMI input port on your TV/Monitor.
1
4
2
3
5
VGA Output – Allows for a video connection. If the TV/Monitor does not have an HDMI input but does
have a VGA input, connect the VGA cable from the VGA output port on the NVR to the VGA input port
on your TV/Monitor. (VGA cable not included)
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NOTE: The maximum number of cameras you can connect to your NVR will be determined by the number of channels.

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3.2.2 Camera Diagram
3.2.3 Mouse Diagram
IR LED
Night Vision up to 130 ft.
Wide Viewing Angle 88º
4K Resolution
3-Axis Mounting Bracket
(Vandal-Proof Wire Camera Protection)
CAMERA
Connect all cameras locally before final placement to ensure that all components function properly.
MOUSE
Left/Select Button Scroll Wheel
Right/Menu Button
Live Viewing:
Double-click the left button on any camera view in split-screen mode to bring it to full screen display.
Double-click again to return to split-screen mode. Right-click to show the control bar at the bottom of
the screen. Right-clicking again will hide the control bar.
In Setup:
Left-click to make a selection. Right-click to cancel setup or return to previous screen.
To Enter Values:
Move the cursor to a blank field and click the mouse. A virtual keyboard will appear which supports
numbers, letters and symbols. The Shift function will access symbols in addition to upper case letters.
Connect all cameras locally before final placement to ensure that all components function properly.

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CHAPTER 4
CAMERA
INSTALLATION

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Chapter 4: Camera Installation
4.1 Power
1
3
2
4
DISCLAIMER: The exact components of your system, images and quantities may vary depending on your model
number. While these may vary, this manual will address the setup and initial configuration of your NVR and cameras.
Make sure all cameras are working prior to mounting by connecting them as described in the
section above. Once all cameras are confirmed to be fully operational, you can run the cables and
mount the cameras at their final locations.
Locate an included 100 foot Ethernet cable.
Insert one end of the Ethernet cable into the camera’s power cable.
Repeat for each camera, noting the channel number each camera is plugged into.
Insert the other end of the Ethernet cable into an open Ethernet port on the back of the NVR.
ETHERNET CABLE CAMERA CABLE
ETHERNET CABLE
ETHERNET
CABLE

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4.2 Mounting the Cameras
Connect all cameras locally before final placement
to ensure that all components function properly.
Camera distance from NVR.
The further the camera is from the NVR or monitor, the higher the chances of signal degradation. The
camera’s power supply should be located as near to the camera as possible when the distance exceeds
200 ft. as the power level will drop over extended distances resulting in video degradation.
Do NOT place near high voltage wires or other sources of electrical interference.
Electrical interference will degrade the quality of the signal.
Avoid direct exposure to weather.
Do not place the camera where rain or snow will hit the lens directly nor should the camera be placed
so that the sun or bright light shines directly into the lens. Your camera is weatherproof, but it will not
work when submerged in water. Ensure that all power and video connections are not directly exposed
to water and are protected from the elements.
Mounting surface.
The mounting surface must hold at least four times the camera’s total weight.
Place camera out of reach to avoid vandalism.

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1
4
2
3
5
6
7
Locate a camera and choose a location where you would like to mount the camera.
Insert the screw anchors.
Indicate screw positions by marking three holes on the surface where you plan to mount the camera,
using the holes in the camera base as a guide.
Using a drill bit slightly smaller than the included screw anchors, drill into the mounting surface
using the guide marks you placed in the previous step.
Line up the camera base holes with the screw anchors. Holding the base in place, insert screws and
tighten until secure.
Once the base is screwed in place, make sure that the camera is securely mounted by placing gentle
pressure on the mount.
Adjust the camera housing to point in the direction of the area you would like to monitor.
Follow these instructions to correctly install your cameras.

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CHAPTER 5
NVR
INSTALLATION

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Chapter 5: NVR Installation
5.1 Connecting Your NVR
1
2
3
If your TV/Monitor does not have an HDMI port, you will need to purchase a VGA video cable.
For VGA connection, attach one end of the VGA cable to the NVR VGA port and the other end
to your TV VGA port.
4
Locate the included HDMI cable.
Plug one end of the cable into the HDMI port on the back of the NVR.
Connect the other end of the cable to an available HDMI input on your TV or monitor.
Select the appropriate video input channel on your TV or monitor to view the NVR.
NVR
HDMI
TV / MONITOR

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4
5
6
7
8
9
Select the appropriate video input channel on your TV or monitor to view the NVR.
Plug one end of the included 6 ft. Ethernet cable into the LAN port on the back of the NVR.
Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into a port on the back of your router.
The Camera and NVR power adapters will be appropriately labeled. Ensure you are using the correct
power adapter when setting up your system.
Connect the NVR power adapter to the Power Input on the rear of the NVR.
Plug the other end of the power adapter cable into a wall outlet. If you are using an uninterruptible
power supply (UPS), plug the power adapter into one of its output sockets. Keep in mind, Night Owl
always recommends utilizing a surge protector to minimize the risk of damage caused to your NVR
in the event of a power surge.
You should see each camera appear on your TV/Monitor. You may now proceed to install your NVR
cameras in the desired location.
(Router not included)
ETHERNET
ETHERNET