Red Hen Systems sDVR User manual

Red Hen Systems, Inc.
2850 McClelland Drive, Suite 3900
F rt C llins, CO 80525
http://www.redhensystems.c m
Spatial Digital Video Recorder (sDVR) User’s Guide
Part Number 1600-0260
Versi n 2.0 - N vember 2008

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Thank you for purchasing Red Hen’s sDVR. The sDVR is a culmination of years
of experience and product development in the video mapping field. We are proud
to ring you this revolutionary design allowing you to record and manage large
video collection projects, save time in data processing and save money making
more informed decisions quicker.
What’s included in this User’s Guide?
sDVR ase unit, parts and accessories ............................................ pages 2-5
sDVR installation and GPS antenna placement ................................ pages 6-10
sDVR power options ........................................................................ pages 11-12
sDVR configuration ........................................................................... pages 13-23
LCD/Keypad ...................................................................................... pages 24-30
LanC Sony Remote control ............................................................... pages 31-32
VMS Feature Trigger ......................................................................... pages 33
Auxiliary Port Connection and Video Recorder Connection .............. pages 34-42
General Information, Hints, Trou leshooting, FAQs .......................... pages 43-49
Appendices ...................................................................................... pages 50-67
Appendix A:
Configuring your Computer to use Static IP Address
Appendix B:
Connecting to the sDVR via Microsoft’s Remote Desktop
Appendix C:
Using Microsoft Check Disk
Support & Warranty ........................................................................... 68-70

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sDVR Base Unit, Parts and Accessories
sDVR Unit
The sDVR unit is uilt to accept up to 4 channels of NTSC or PAL video. The num er of
video channel inputs, from 1 to 4 channels in, can e adjusted y accessing the set-up
module (as discussed on PAGE 13)
Figure 1. sDVR Base Unit Front View
Figure . sDVR Unit Back View
The front panel provides visual feed ack on the status of the unit as well as a remova le
hard drive ay and inputs for power, audio input, feature trigger input, internal GPS
input. The rear panel is primarily used for video input or external GPS input. Ports are
also availa le to interface the sDVR with an external computer or hardware to adjust the
default operating settings of the system.

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sDVR Parts and Accessories
There are a variety of parts and accessories that come with your sDVR unit. It is
important that you familiarize yourself with them to understand the set up and to ensure
a successful data collection mission in the field.
Standard accessories that come with your sDVR are pictured elow. Your exact undle
may vary from the items displayed if you have purchased additional items or an
international power supply.
Figure 3. sDVR Standard Parts and Accessories
a) 110-240V AC power supply (or international adapter if ordered)
) Sony remote feature trigger
c) U-174 audio intercom ca le
d) Plantronics headset microphone (earpiece not pictured)
e) GPS magnetic mount antenna
f) RCA to BN/C adaptor (4 included with undle)
g) External Remova le Drive with power ca le and USB data transfer ca le
Additional accessories included but not pictured are:
sDVR User’s Guide manual
DC power ca le ( ayonet to wire ends for power connection)
Comm crossover ca le for polarity switch
Category 6 network crossover ca le
Bag of feet with instructions for installation
Pelican 1550 hardshell case with TSA luggage lock
Silica Dessicant pack

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Optional Accessories
There are also optional accessories which can e purchased as spare parts or feature
enhancements to your sDVR unit. This list is fluid and could change over time. Contact
Red Hen Systems for a current list and full explanation of the options availa le to you.
• GPS magnetic mount antenna
• Garmin GA-56 aerial permanent mount GPS antenna
• Sony remote feature trigger 5’ ca le – standard
• Sony remote feature trigger 10’ ca le
• sDVR international power rick end (4 options availa le)
- North American AC power – standard
- British Type GS/363
- European Type CEE7/7 Schunko
- Australian AS3112
• VMS feature trigger
• Plantronics headset
• U-174 audio intercom ca le 12’
• Comm crossover ca le for polarity switch
• DC Power ca le are end
• Pelican case 1550
• Crossover network ca le
• RCA to BNC video adapter
• Extended hardware warranty up to 3 yrs total
• Additional 80 GB ExDrive hard drive
• Addonics hard drive ay
• Extra remova le drive power ca le
• Extra remova le drive USB ca le

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Identification of sDVR Ports and Controls
Front View
Figure 4. sDVR Front Panel
Back View
Figure 5. sDVR Back Panel

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sDVR Environmental and GPS Specifications
Operating:
Temperature 5C to 50C
Humidity 10% to 90% non-condensing
Non-Operating:
Temperature: -10C to 60C
Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing
Elevation: 60,000 ft
(GPS dynamic performance reduced at altitudes greater than 60,000 ft)
GPS Specifications:
12 Channel, WAAS ena led, GPS Standard Positioning Service (SPS)
Position accuracy:
Autonomous: < 15 meters, 95% typical
WAAS: < 3 meters, 95% typical
Acquisition Times:
Reacquisition: Less than 2 seconds
Warm: Approx 15 seconds (all data known)
Cold: Approx 45 seconds (ephemeris unknown)
Sky Search: 5 minutes (no data known)
Antenna requirements:
Gain: 10 dB to 30 dB
Voltage: 3.3 V
Connector: SMA
Installing the sDVR
The sDVR should e installed in a location with easy operator access to the front panel
for LCD feed ack and disk accessi ility and where ca les can e connected at the rear
panel without ecoming crimped or strained. (Detailed dimensions of the sDVR are in
Figure 6.)
Depending on the mode of transportation used for data collection, you will need to
consider how you want to mount and secure the sDVR. Even in porta le situations
where a permanent mount is not required, it is important to sta ilize and isolate the
sDVR to reduce the impact of shock or adverse vi ration on the unit.

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Rack-Mount Installation
If specified at the time of purchase the sDVR will come with rack-mount handles. Do
not use the feet that come with your undle when completing a rack mount installation.
NOTE: Particularly in an aircraft environment, the sDVR must be shock mounted or
securely attached to a vibration isolation equipment tray to minimize vi rations
eing transferred to the sDVR. To reduce shock and vi ration, wire rope, floating
isolators or ru er vi ration dampeners and a mounting tray or mounting rackets must
e used. If a mounting tray has een included with your sDVR it must e used in the
installation of the sDVR.
Figure 5 – Possible Shock Mount Solutions
Mounting Brackets
Red Hen provides 2 triangular mounting rackets (if ordered) that are to e used,
in conjunction with the vi ration dampening / shock mounts. The vi ration dampeners
must e used when installing the sDVR in an aircraft, or in vehicles that will e traveling
in off-road (or off lack-top) conditions. Please work with your aviation maintenance

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facility to prepare the appropriate mechanical modifications and required documentation
for use of the sDVR in your aircraft.
NOTE: Auxiliary safety harnesses can e connected to the unit only if they do not
impede the operation of the anti-shock mounts.

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Detailed Dimensions for sDVR
Figure 6. Detailed Dimensions for sDVR with Rack Mount Handles (millimeters)
Front: 70mm wide x 13 .5 mm tall
Rear: 35mm wide x 13 .5 mm tall
Length: 63.5 mm long
GPS Antenna Placement
The GPS antenna needs to e mounted in a location that has a clear view of the sky
when using either the internal gps receiver or an external gps receiver. It is important
that the antenna not have any o structions around it or e placed such that when the
vehicle turns or the aircraft ank, a clear view of the sky is compromised. The est

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placement is in the center of the vehicle or aircraft at the highest point possi le. In
addition, it is important not to crimp the GPS antenna ca le in a door or window. Over
time, this can cause damage to the ca le resulting in intermittent data or loss of data
entirely.
A permanent mount GPS antenna is availa le for approved aircraft installations. This is
a separate item and can e ordered from Red Hen Systems.

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Power Options for the sDVR
It is important that the sDVR e provided with a clean and consistent power source. If
you have question a out how to power the unit, please contact Red Hen Systems.
Power Connections
An external 110VAC power supply is included with your sDVR. However, under
mo ile operation of the sDVR, a DC power supply is typically more convenient. The
sDVR will accept 11 to 30 VDC across it’s power input. Power consumed is less than
60W (5A @ 12V or 2.5A @ 24V).
When looking at the power connector on the sDVR front panel, you’ll see this
style of plug:
This is ased on an Amphenol Panel Mount connector
[Part Num er: 97-3102A-14S-1S (621)]
http://www.amphenol-aerospace.com/index.asp?page=dispcatalog.asp?catalog=12-022
Pin A: IGN (for external sDVR power control in aircraft or automotive installations
ena ling safe ooting and shutdown procedures)
Pin B: Ground
Pin C: V+ (11 to 30 VDC)
NOTE: Pins A, B, and C are la eled on the are wire ends.
sDVR undle include a DC power wire harness for your installation.

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Connections for external ignition switch control (Recomended):
Utilizing the “External Ignition” option
ena les controlled ooting and shutdown of
the sDVR from an external ignition switch.
Closing the switch will oot the sDVR.
Opening the switch will initiate the sDVR
shutdown. For oth ooting and shutdown,
it is critical that continuous power is
maintained on the power input.
The sDVR will turn on 5 seconds after IGN is connected to V+ y the ignition switch.
The system will initiate a safe shutdown when the ignition switch is opened, shutdown
can take up to 2 minutes. The front panel silver utton can also e used to initiate a safe
shutdown. To restart the sDVR the ignition must e switched from off to on. If the
ignition switch is left on, the sDVR will consume power from the source and can drain
your attery.
Connections for external power switching:
If an external ignition switch is not used,
the main power to the sDVR must e
switched off when the sDVR is not in use.
In this case pins A and C of the power
connector must e wired together. The
sDVR will turn on 5 seconds after power is
applied.

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sDVR Configuration Page
Your sDVR comes set up with a default configuration: the unit is set to record (1)
one channel of video. The sDVR is configura le through the sDVR Configuration Page
(see page 13) which is a we form launched upon oot-up of the sDVR. There are three
different methods that ena le viewing and changing of the configuration page settings.
These methods are descri ed elow.
Accessing the sDVR Configuration Page
To change the default settings or re-configure the sDVR, you need to access the sDVR
Web Configuration Page in one of the following three ways:
1. Connect a monitor, key oard and mouse to the rear of the sDVR ase unit
and access the Configuration page directly.
2. Connect the sDVR to a laptop with a crossover ca le using the sDVR LAN
port configured for Static IP (see Figure 4, sDVR Back Panel View, la el 3.)
A crossover ca le is included in the sDVR undle.
Access Configuration Page with Monitor and Keyboard
The monitor, key oard and mouse must e plugged into the sDVR prior to
powering on the unit. Shortly after the oot up process, the sDVR Web Configuration
Page will e automatically launched and displayed in an Internet Explorer rowser.
Since the sDVR comes with a limited version of Microsoft Em edded XP
, you do have
access to some Microsoft functionality. Although you can rowse the hard drives and
adjust the Windows settings, we strongly recommend that you limit PC activities to
viewing and editing the settings in the sDVR Web Configuration Page. Making
changes to any other settings on the sDVR in a location other than the We
Configuration Page may result in poor operating conditions.
For access to your mission data, remove the External Remova le disk drive from
the sDVR ase unit and use the supplied USB / power ca les or the optional hard drive
ay to connect it to a computer.

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Access Configuration Page through Static IP and Laptop
The sDVR right LAN port (page 5, Figure 4, #3) has the static IP address
19 .168.1.100 and su net mask 55. 55. 55.0. To access the configuration page using
a laptop:
Detailed instructions for configuring a Static IP are located in Appendix A.
If the Laptop uses DHCP, set the laptop’s LAN port to static IP with the address
192.168.1.109 and su net mask 255.255.255.0
Connect one end of the crossover ca le to the sDVR static IP LAN port (Figure 4,
#3) and the other end of the crossover ca le to the LAN port configured to a
static IP on the laptop.
From the laptop, using a we rowser, connect to the sDVR using it’s IP address:
http://192.168.1.100/default.asp.
The sDVR we configuration page will e displayed facilitating configuration
option settings
NOTE: If the Laptop was originally set to DHCP, you must set it ack to DHCP
efore you can re-gain access to your network.
sDVR Configuration Page

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Your sDVR is configura le through the sDVR Configuration page. To make
changes, modify the settings and click the [ Submit ] utton.
When you click the [ Submit ] utton changes will e saved and the system will
automatically reset itself. While the system is saving the changes, the LCD on the sDVR
displays "Resetting System" and the status ar of your rowser will display "Saving
data...". Settings are saved successfully when the LCD display changes and the status
ar of your rowser displays ‘Done’.
If you click the [ Submit ] utton and there is a formatting pro lem with any of the
text in a field, an error message will e displayed. The cursor will e set on the field that
needs to e corrected, and you will e prevented from saving any data as long as there
is an error in any field on this page.
Channel Settings Section:
The Channel Settings section allows you to configure settings of each video
channel individually.
This section applies to each video channel separately.

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Channel # This field correlates to the video channel on the ack of your sDVR unit. Although
always visi le, Channels 2, 3 and 4 are activated y selecting the desired channel
using the “enable?” check ox.
Enabled Use this check ox to mark the associated channel as activated or not activated for
recording. Channel 1 must always e ena led. If the Enabled column for Channel
1 is unchecked an error message will display upon [ Su mit ].
Checking this ox sets the associated Status column to "Ready" and ena les the
associated Filename Prefix, Filename Suffix, Video Quality and Video
Standard columns for that channel.
Unchecking this ox changes the associated Status column to "Disa led", and disa les the
associated Filename Prefix, Filename Suffix, Video Quality and Video Standard
columns for that channel.
Status This field displays whether or not the associated Video Channel is ena led or not.
If the associated Enabled ox is checked, this field displays "Ready". If the
associated Enabled ox is not checked, this field displays "Disa led" for the
respective channel.
Filename
Prefix
This field allows you to prefix a string to the filename of the recorded video file for
the associated channel. Filename prefixes must e unique. By default this field is
lank and the system will include the channel num er plus an underscore
character (i.e., “1_” ) as the prefix to the filename.
For example: 1_<UTC>.mpg
Where UTC is the filename of recorded video file.
If you have not provided a filename prefix the system will assign a prefix num er to
the channel filename.
For example:
1_<UTC>.mpg
2_<UTC>.mpg
3_<UTC>.mpg
4_<UTC>.mpg
Helpful Hints:
Filename prefixes are helpful if you want to easily identify files ased on a sensor
type or orientation.
For example:
R_ for Infrared
TC_ for True Color
LV_ for Left View
RV_ for Right View

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Filename
Suffix
This field allows you to append a string to the filename of the recorded video file
for the associated channel.
Default is lank
Filename suffixes are helpful to easily identify a particular mission. We
recommend that you egin the filename suffix with a dash or an underscore.
Video
Quality
This field allows you to set the quality of the video eing recorded for each
associated channel.
Valid Values are:
High ~4GB/hr)
Med. ~2GB/hr)
Low ~.5GB/hr)
The "~" (tilde) denotes "approximate". If your video quality is set to High, you will
use approximately 4 Giga ytes of space on the remova le hard drive per hour
depending on the sensor type and visual content eing recorded.
Content with high motion su ject matter will consume closer to the 4 Giga yte
estimate, while those with little or no motion will consume less. Similarly, lack and
white video sensors will consume less storage space than true color composite
video sensors.
Video
Standard
This field allows you to select the video standard to use for the camera(s) you will
use to record. Selecting a standard will set the value of the Video Size.
Selecting "NTSC" sets the value of the Video Size to "720 X 480"pixels.
Selecting "PAL" sets the value of the Video Size to "720 X 576" pixels.
Selecting a video standard different from the camera you will e using results in
distorted recorded video.
Valid Values are:
NTSC
(National Television System Committee)
(default)
PAL (Phase Alternating Line)
Video Size
The
Video Size
column is determined y the value set in the
Video Standard
column.
Video Standard of "NTSC" sets Video Size to 720 X 480 (default)
Video Standard of "PAL" sets Video Size to 720 X 576
Video
Format
This is always set to MPEG2 and is the only video format currently supported.

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Recording Options Section
This Section applies to all channels glo ally.
Limit File
Length To
(minutes)
This field dictates how often the sDVR will switch to a new file while it is
recording. Although the remova le disk drive can record several hours of
video, it is a good practice to record shorter length files to aid in data
editing and to minimize the possi ility of data loss should something go
wrong during the data collection process. RHS strongly recommends a file
length of 20 minutes or less.
Valid Values are:
Numeric values ranging from 1-60 minutes.
The default length is 0 minutes.
Record at
startup
If checked, the unit will egin recording automatically when it starts up. The
unit will also start recording whenever the sDVR is re ooted or su mit is
selected on the configuration page. If unchecked, you must start recording
yourself y tapping the green checkmark on the Keypad of sDVR unit, or
y pressing the "Video" utton on the LanC remote.
The default is unchecked.
'Push to Talk'
Mode
If checked, the 'Push to talk Mode' allows you to record voice notes only
while the feature trigger is pushed down. This works with oth the Sony
LanC remote and the VMS Trigger. Push to talk is also activated when you
start a segment feature and will e recording until you stop the segment
feature (i.e., the slider on the Sony LanC remote or the left arrow on the
sDVR Keypad).
If unchecked, you will record voice notes while the video is recording. This
includes all communications through the intercom if using the COM
headset to record voice notes.
The default is unchecked.

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Record upon
Feature
Trigger if not
already
If you have not started recording, and you initiate a Feature Trigger, this
setting is provided as a safeguard, and will start recording for you
automatically efore initiating the Feature Trigger.
This feature is always enabled and you can not turn it off.
Record to
folder
Use this to specify a su folder to record to on the remova le drive (la eled
"sdvr_data"). The folder must e on the root of the drive. Invalid characters
(*, ", /, <, >, ;, \,? ) will cause an error upon [ Su mit ].
Default value is "video".
Audio Input
Use this to indicate which audio input to use for recording voice notes. You
may record voice notes with an aerial intercommunication headset or a
cellular telephone microphone headset. Selections in this drop down list
refer to the input la el that appears on the sDVR unit.
Valid Values are:
COM (on front of unit) (default) for Aerial Intercom systems
MIC (on front of unit) for approved cellular headsets
Line In (on ack of unit)
NOTE: Selecting the wrong value will result in no audio voice notes
recorded.
Audio Levels
Use these controls to set the audio recording level of the input device eing
used to record your voice notes.
Valid Values for all three devices are 1 thru 10 where 1 is the lowest and
10 is the highest.
Defaults and recommended levels are:
COM - 5
MIC - 7
Line In - 3
We recommend that you test your microphone device and the settings y
recording some test data and listening to audio play ack.
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