SEON Explorer Assembly instructions

700-0159 R003 1
*700-0159*
Explorer®MX-HDBasicandPlusMobileDVR
Install and Setup Guide
Use this guide to install and configure the Seon Explorer MX-HD DVR. The DVR requires configuration
as part of the install process.
The Explorer MX-HD DVR is secured with a locking front cover and a cable cover. Two cable grommets
(and two knockouts) on the cable cover allow for wiring to enter from the left side, right side, or back of
the unit. The DVR can be installed horizontally or vertically.

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Guide Contents
Tools and Equipment, on page 2
MX-HD Basic System Package Contents (typical), on page 3
MX-HD Plus System Package Contents (typical), on page 4
Installation Diagrams, on page 5
Installation Best Practices, on page 7
DVR and Component Installation, on page 8
Other Accessories, on page 13
Hardware Installation Final Checklist, on page 14
DVR Menu Access, on page 15
Typical DVR Configuration Settings, on page 15
vMax Web Laptop Configuration, on page 26
DVR Configuration Uploads, on page 30
Updating the Firmware, on page 38
Configuring DVR Email Notifications, on page 39
Configuration Menu Descriptions, on page 41
Dimensions, on page 67
Related Documents, on page 68
Customer Service Contact Information, on page 68
Tools and Equipment
This DVR system must be installed by a professional installer. A professional installer has the experience
and equipment to install and configure this DVR system to run properly.
Check that you have all the system components and inspect the units for any scratches or damage before
installing.
Keys included in package contents:
• DVR keys for securing the removable hard drive
• Front cover keys for securing the removable front cover
Configuration equipment:
• For on-screen configuration: portable video monitor and trackball mouse
•ForvMax
®Web configuration: laptop and an Ethernet cable.

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MX-HD Basic System Package Contents (typical)
The contents of a typical Basic installation package are listed below. The actual contents of your
installation package may vary, depending on the options selected.
Explorer MX-HD DVR with locking
front cover and cable cover, drive, and
mounting plate
Cameras (up to 5) and extension cables Ignition harness wire
Alarm button and cable Power over Ethernet Injector POE (optional) Control Cable (Smart-Link to POE,
optional)
Portable video monitor (optional)

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MX-HD Plus System Package Contents (typical)
The additional items for a typical Plus installation package are shown below. The actual contents of your
installation package may vary, depending on the options selected.
Smart-Link™ module for signal interfaces Smart-Link-to-DVRconnectionharness
(identical connectors) GPS receiver
Alarm input harness Signal harness Control Cable (XELR-8 to POE Injector,
optional).
RGY Illuminator (optional, and expansion
cable, not shown) Diagnostic Button (optional, and expansion cable, not shown) XELR-8 Inertia sensor (optional)
Smart-Reach Lite (optional) Portable video monitor (optional)

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Installation Diagrams
To install the typical MX-HD Basic system, see Figure 1.
To install the typical MX-HD Plus system, see Figure 2.
Figure 1 Typical Basic System Setup
Explorer® MX-HD
Typical Basic System Setup
Vehicle Electrical Interface
Peripherals Seon System
Alarm Button
Portable Video Monitor *1
Supports Four
Analog Cameras
3 wires
Vehicle + 12V (red)
Battery Negative (black)
POWER
Vehicle Switched + 12V (yellow)
5A
1A
MX-HD DVR Rear Panel
*1 The portable video monitor can be used from the front or back panel DVR connectors.
CHW HD Camera
Power over Ethernet
Injector
Laptop
Config
(Optional)

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Figure 2 Typical Plus System Setup
Laptop
Configuration
Explorer® MX-HD
Typical Plus System Setup
Vehicle Electrical Interface
Peripherals Seon System
Smart-Link
Supports Four
Analog Cameras
GPS Receiver *1
3 wires
Red - Not used
Green - Speed sensor high
Black - Speed sensor low
SPEED
5 wires
XELR-8 Inertia Sensor
Portable Video Monitor*2
Left Turn (black)
Stop (green)
Brake Signal (red)
Warning (brown)
Right Turn (white)
SIGNALS
Alarm 1 (orange)
Alarm 2 (blue)
Alarm 3 (violet)
Alarm 4 (gray)
Alarm 1-4 Ground (black)
4 wires
ALARMS
MX-HD DVR Rear Panel
3 wires
Vehicle + 12V (red)
5A
Vehicle Switched + 12V (yellow)
Battery Negative (black)
POWER
1A
Optional Accessories
*1 For ease of installation and better speed tracking, Seon recommends using a GPS receiver.
*2 The portable video monitor can be used from the front or back panel DVR connectors.
8 wires
Smart-Reach Lite
(Wi-fi)
CHW HD Camera
Power over Ethernet
Switch
Diagnostic Indicator/
Alarm Button
RGY Illuminator
To DVR
ETHERNET
Input
To DVR
VIDEO OUT
To DVR
CONTROL Input
or
*3 The Diagnostic Indicator/Alarm Button and RGY Illuminator Display are not interchangeable, a different Smart-Link unit is required to use either one.
*3
*3

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Installation Best Practices
The MX-HD DVR is secured with a security front cover and a cable cover. Two cable grommets (and two
knockouts) on the cable cover allow wiring to enter from the left side, right side, or back of the unit.
The DVR can be installed either horizontally or vertically but not upside down.
Before installing the MX-HD DVR, keep in mind that a well-ventilated location and sufficient clearance
around the unit are key factors in performance and maintenance. See Table 1 for information on
installation requirements.
CAUTION: Heat or Moisture Damage Risk
Do not install the DVR in a location where the unit is exposed to excessive heat or moisture.
Installation close to extreme heat or moisture will void the product warranty.
Route the wiring and cables away from sharp edges that might damage the insulation. Avoid
sharp bends in the cable.
Contact Seon before attaching the DVR to other equipment in the vehicle.
Table 1 Choosing a Location and Other Installation Requirements
Ventilated
location Install the DVR away from any sort of heat outlet, heater, or AC blower. Do not operate the DVR in a
closed-in area or restrict ventilation in any way. The DVR requires air circulation to maintain optimum
operating temperature and provide best performance.
Mount to secure
surfaces only Do not mount the DVR to a plastic panel or other surface that is subject to constant vibration. Avoid
exposing the DVR to excessive heat and moisture.
Mounting
orientation Mount the DVR in either a horizontal or vertical orientation, or hung right side up but not upside down.
Clearance
around the DVR Allow sufficient clearance of at least six (6) inches in front of the DVR and two (2) inches on each side
for removal of the security front cover and easy access to the hard drives and USB ports.
Allow sufficient clearance behind the DVR for camera cables, mounting cables, Ethernet cables, and
power cables.
Mounting cables The radius for the mounting cables will be dictated by the cable cover. The rearmost surface of the
cable cover will be about 3 inches from the back of the DVR to allow camera cables to bend over each
other.
Ethernet cables Avoid right angle bends in the Ethernet cables.
Power cables Provide enough slack on the power cable to prevent any force from being exerted on the connectors. A
single 4-inch diameter loop is sufficient.

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DVR and Component Installation
DVR Installation
The DVR typically ships with the locking front cover on and the mounting plate and cable cover off.
To install the MX-HD DVR:
1Select an appropriate mounting location and orientation, either horizontal or vertical but not upside
down. For the dimensions and location of the mounting holes, see Figure 87, Dimensions, on page 67.
2Unlock the door lock and remove the front cover from the unit to access the front panel. Verify there is
a hard drive inside the DVR.
3Determine where the wiring and camera cables will enter the unit: on the left side, right side, or back.
4Remove the necessary knockout (s), insert plugs and cable grommets.
5Use the mounting plate to mark the desired position of the DVR and drill the four mounting holes. The
flange secures to the front of the DVR, the tray spring tab attaches to rear.
6Fasten the mounting plate to the mounting surface with the four #10 × ¾ sheet metal screws or #10 × 1"
self-drilling screws. See Figure 4.
Figure 3 MX-HD DVR components
DVR hard drive Door lock Locking front cover
(reversible) Mounting plate Cable cover
Cable grommets Knockouts

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7Secure the DVR to the mounting plate with the two screws.
8Connect the necessary components.
Camera Installation
Install the cameras according to the product documentation that is included with the camera.
Feed the cables through the large cable grommets one at a time, or cut a space from the edge of the cable
cover to the grommet and slide the cables into the grommet.
The Seon CHW HD camera requires power over Ethernet and that power is supplied by the Seon POE
Injector or Switch. See the Seon POE Injector Installation Guide 700-0166 or the Seon POE Switch
Installation Guide 700-0193 for details on connecting the POE to the camera and DVR.
Figure 4 DVR Attaching to Mounting Plate
CAUTION: Wiring Damage
Route the wiring and cables away from sharp edges that might damage the insulation. Avoid
sharp bends in the cable.
CAUTION: POE Damage
The Seon POE Injector or Switch is designed for SEON Smart-Reach Lite and CHW Series
HD camera products only. Connecting other devices to the Seon POE Injector/Switch will
void the warranty and damage the POE Injector/Switch, the device, or both. The POE Injector/
Switch supports only 12VDC.
Seon is not responsible for any damage caused by product misuse.

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MX-HD Basic: Alarm Button Installation
To install the alarm button:
1Mount the alarm button into a ½" hole and attach to the alarm input harness using the micro-fit
connectors.
2Attach the black wire of the alarm button to the black wire of the alarm input harness.
3Attach the blue wire of the alarm button to the red wire in the alarm input harness.
4Connect the alarm input connector to the ALARM input on the DVR.
MX-HD Plus: Smart-Link Installation
To mount the Smart-Link:
1Mount the Smart-Link using the four #10 × ¾" sheet metal screws or the four #10 × ¾" self-drilling
screws. For the Smart-Link’s dimensions, see Figure 88, Smart-Link Module, on page 68.
2
Connect the constant (red), switched (yellow) 12 VDC lines, fuses, and ground wires as shown in Figure 1.
3Connect all other optional items such as GPS, G Sensor, alarms, signals, or speed to Smart-Link.
Figure 5 Alarm Button and Alarm Input Harness
Important:
• Choose a dry location with easy access to the electrical panel and cable connections to mount the Smart-Link.
• Always use the supplied fuses to provide over-current protection on the system wiring. The harness kit includes
two fuses for the two 12 VDC lines required to complete this installation.
CAUTION: Power Connections
Connect the constant power and ground wires as close to the battery as possible. Ensure the
connections are safe and secure to reduce potential corrosion or wear that may compromise
performance.

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Wake on Alarm Feature Wiring (Optional)
When the Wake on Alarm function is enabled, if alarm 0 is triggered, the system powers up and starts
recording. The system takes about one minute to power up and start recording, depending on environment
conditions. This circuit activates with the application of 12 volts to the red wire in the two pin Alarm 0
socket on the back of the DVR.
To wire the Wake on Alarm feature:
1Connect the DVR’s back panel alarm input harness connection (2 pin) so that pin 1 (red wire) is toggled
to a 12-to-24 VDC source to trigger power.
2Connect or remove the black wire of the alarm input harness.
3In the DVR Alarm Settings configuration menu, configure as follows:
• Select Alarm 0
• Set the Alarm Duration (1, 5, or 10 minutes)
• Set the Alarm Input:
• If programming this line as normally open (N.O.), the red wire can attach directly to the 12V
trigger, no further connections are required.
For example, if the alarm input was connected to interior lights of the vehicle, the wake
function would occur if the lights were turned on. If the lights remain on, the DVR will still
only record for the duration specified in the Alarm menu.
• If programming this line as normally closed (N.C.) the red wire must remain at ground when
off and trigger on with 12V.
For example, if the alarm input was connected to interior lights of the vehicle, the wake
function would occur if the lights were turned on. If the lights remain on, the DVR will
continue to record, repeatedly triggering Alarm 0. Do not use this setting if e-mails are to be
sent based on Alarm 0.
This input CANNOT be left floating, and must be pulled back to a 0 VDC low condition via
external resistor or relay.
• Set the pre-alarm record duration (Off, 5 sec, 10 sec.)
• Set the Email option (On, Off)
• Set the Wake option to On
CAUTION
The Wake on Alarm starts booting up the DVR when an alarm is detected. The DVR takes about 1
minute to boot up before it can begin recording. It cannot instantly capture the alarm event.

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To wire the Wake on Alarm feature with a Diagnostic Button:
1On the Diagnostic Button cable, cut the green wire just before it enters the socket. See Figure 7.
2Extend and connect the green wire to an input wire on the Signal harness.
3Configure the DVR Alarm settings as described above.
Figure 6 Configuring Alarm 1 for Wake on Alarm
Important: If you are using the Diagnostic Button and cable, and require the Wake on Alarm feature, the
Diagnostic Button cable must be rewired as shown in Figure 7.
Figure 7 Wiring the Alarm Button and Signal harnesses for the Wake on Alarm

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Diagnostic Button Installation (Optional)
When installed, press the Diagnostic Button to cause an alarm event to be recorded by the DVR.
To install the Diagnostic Button, see the Diagnostic Button Installation Guide, part number 700-0142.
RGY Illuminator Installation (Optional)
When installed, the RGY Illuminator LED displays DVR status conditions.
To install the RGY Illuminator, see the
RGY Illuminator Installation Guide , document number 700-0139.
For 12 Volt Installations Only
Other Accessories
• GPS Receiver Installation – for more information, see the product documentation.
• XELR-8 Inertia Sensor – for more information, see the product documentation.
• Portable video monitor – for more information, see the product documentation.
• Smart-Reach Wireless Network – contact your sales representative at Seon Design for wireless
network options.
• CAN Network – contact your sales representative at Seon Design to discuss the CAN interface.
CAUTION: Adverse operation of the DVR
Seon does not recommend extending the power cable. Power drops created by additional
wiring can cause adverse operation of the DVR. However, if a power cable extension is
required, ensure that the voltage drop does not exceed 1.0 volt by using the correct cable size.
See Table 2.
Connections for power cables should be soldered and sealed to prevent corrosion and voltage
drop across connections.
Once complete, ensure the DVR’s voltage display is above 11 VDC with the vehicle off and
the DVR recording.
Important: Both the power and ground wires must be of increased gauge.
Table 2 12 Volt Installation Cable Length and Size
Cable length Cable size Voltage drop
20 ft. extension 12 AWG 0.65 VDC
20 ft. extension 10 AWG 0.50 VDC
40 ft. extension 10 AWG 0.79 VDC
40 ft. extension 8 AWG 0.52 VDC

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Hardware Installation Final Checklist
Harnesses (camera, recorder, and accessories)
Check that the cables and the harnesses are properly secured.
Check that sharp metal edges are not touching the cables or harnesses.
Check that the connections are solid (no shorts).
Cameras
Check for tight mount.
Check the internal harness connections.
Check that the lid is properly seated on the gasket and lens boot and secured tightly.
Check camera(s) field of view.
DVR
Check for tight mounting of hardware.
Confirm that the cable grommet is properly installed.
Check that all connections are tight.
System
Install the fuses.
Plug the portable video monitor into the DVR.
Power up the DVR from the vehicle ignition.
Configure the DVR to required specifications locally using the trackball mouse and monitor, or remotely by accessing
vMax Web over the internet using a PC.
See Typical DVR Configuration Settings, on page 15.
Confirm the LAN, HDD, and PWR status indicators on the DVR front panel work properly.
Confirm that all the cameras and audio sources are operating properly.
Test audio/video record and test audio/video playback.
Reformat the hard drives by navigating to Main Menu > Configuration > System > Program Update > Format.
A warning message appears, “Formatting the Hard Drive will erase all data. Do you wish to continue?” Click Yes.
Once formatting of the hard drive is completed, a confirmation message appears, “Hard drive format completed. Click
OK.” Exit the configuration setting menu and system setup is complete.
Fasten and lock the front cover. Secure the cable cover on the DVR using the screws provided.

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DVR Menu Access
The MX-HD can be configured in two ways:
• On Screen Display (OSD) Configuration and Playback
Connect to VIDEO OUT on the MX-HD front panel with a portable video monitor and use the trackball
mouse pointing device to set the configuration settings.
• Web Browser Configuration and Playback
Configure the network connection on the computer, then connect the DVR to a computer using an
RJ-45 cross-over Ethernet cable. (Newer laptops do not require a cross-over cable.) Configure the DVR
via the Web browser user interface.
To configure the laptop network settings to use vMax Web, See vMax Web Laptop Configuration, on
page 26.
Typical DVR Configuration Settings
Once the unit is installed and power and cabling settings are complete, set up the DVR in the configuration
menus. These are the typical DVR configuration settings. If the customer or installer wishes to further
modify the settings, see Configuration Menu Descriptions, on page 41 for a complete description of all
available menu options.
These steps cover configuration in the DVR OSD. Configuration can be done in the DVR OSD with a
monitor and USB mouse or remotely with vMax Web in Internet Explorer 8 or 9 (32 bit version only).
On power-up, with a monitor and USB mouse connected to the DVR, the Seon Explorer MX-HD splash
screen appears briefly before the DVR enters live view.
Important: The default network settings allow for connection to a laptop computer for configuration
and usage of the DVR only. For remote network access, consult with your IT staff or a
Seon Design representative to configure the DVR to be on the same subnet as the laptop.
Figure 8 MX-HD Splash Screen

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During recording and live viewing, the screen information is dynamic and can include the overlay text
items shown in Figure 9.
The high definition camera does not display on the analog camera output from the DVR to the monitor.
Recordings made with the high definition camera can be played back in 2 ways:
• in vMax Web, if the DVR is connected to a network via the POE Switch
• in vMax View, from the extracted hard drive
The screen items can be configured in the main menu.
Basic DVR configuration settings:
1In the live view, right click anywhere to show the DVR Main menu. Left click on Configuration.
Figure 9 On-Screen Display during Live Viewing and Recording
Figure 10 Main Menu

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2In the Configuration menu, click Time/Date.
3In the Time and Date menu, select the following fields to show time and date for the video overlays:
Figure 11 Configuration Main Menu
Note:To enter data in OSD fields, click with the mouse to display a keyboard. Use the on screen popup
keyboard to select letters or numbers to input to fields. Examples are shown in Figure 12.
Figure 12 On-screen Keyboard with Text or with Numbers
Time Format : Choose 12 or 24 hour time display format.
Time : Input the correct time.
Date Format : Select the date format.
Date : Input the correct date.
Note : If GPS is installed and GPS time is selected in the
Alarm/Signal Speed and GPS settings then the date and time
automatically update when the GPS detects satellites.
Auto Daylight Saving: should be left On and dates left as
default unless in a geographic area that does not subscribe
to daylight savings such as Arizona or Saskatchewan.
Click Back to save the menu settings.
Figure 13 Time and Date Menu

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4In the Configuration menu, click Titles/Display.
5In the Titles and Display menu, enter vehicle ID and camera output labels to display on overlay and
menus.
6In the Titles and Display menu, click Monitor Settings.
7In the Monitor Settings menu, select options to provide monitor display for the camera output.
8In the Titles and Display menu, click Diagnostic Display.
Main Title: Enter the bus number.
Main Title Display : Leave On to display.
Camera 1-4 : Select camera titles that reflect the views
they are recording. Typical camera titles are:
•Front
•Step
•Mid
•Rear
•StopArm
Click Back to save the menu settings.
Figure 14 Titles and Display Menu
Front Default Setting : Choose a monitor view setting
which will display all the cameras you have connected.
Rear Default Setting : If needed, c hoose a monitor view
setting which will display from the DVR’s rear Video
Out socket.
Display Switch : Leave On to display the time and date.
Switch To : If a rear view camera is installed, select the
channel that will display the rear camera view when the
following alarm or signal setting triggers the switch.
Switch On : Select the switch type (alarm or signal) that
will play the rear view camera in the selected channel.
Alarm : Select the specific alarm or signal that will
trigger the rear view camera display.
Click Back to save the menu settings.
Figure 15 Monitor Settings Menu

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9In the Diagnostic Display menu, select options to display as overlays in the play view.
10 In the Configuration menu, click Record.
11 In the Record menu, set up record and power delay timers.
The diagnostic display options are a customer preference.
Leave all these settings On.
Internal Temperature Display : For temperature
measurement display, leave on default F for Fahrenheit
(USA) or choose C for Celsius (Canada).
Click Back to save the menu settings.
Figure 16 Diagnostic Display Menu
Repeat Record : Leave at default for the hard drive to loop
and record over the first recordings when it is full.
Record Delay On Time : Leave at default to let the bus
voltage settle after the bus starts up to prevent voltage
drops affecting the DVR.
Record Delay Off Time : Set to 10-20 minutes to keep the
DVR and cameras on after the ignition turns off to record
the bus post-trip check.
Power Delay Off Time : This starts up after Record Delay
Off time ends. If Wi-fi is used, set to 2 hours or more. If no
Wi-fi, leave at default.
Alarm Partition Size : Leave Off unless instructed
otherwise.
Click Back to save the menu settings.
Figure 17 Recording Settings Menu

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12 In the Recording Settings menu, click Camera. This example has four interior cameras with
microphones.
13 In the Recording Settings menu, click Record2. Turn off the Camera Speed settings for any unused
cameras.
14 In the Recording Settings menu, click Timers only if you have a specific requirement for timers.
New titles will display here as well as in the play view
overlays.
Speed : Leave the channel speed at default settings unless
you have special requirements. Set any unused cameras’
speed to Off, so the DVR will not generate video loss
events.
Resolution : Leave the channel resolution at default
settings unless you have special requirements.
Quality : Leave the channel quality at default settings
unless you have special requirements
.
Audio: Leave audio settings On unless the camera is
mounted on the exterior of the vehicle.
Click Back to save the menu settings.
Figure 18 Camera Settings Menus
CAUTION: Video Loss Events
When a DVR is installed with less than the full complement of cameras connected, unused camera input
settings must be disabled to prevent the DVR from generating Video Loss (VLoss) events for those
camera inputs. In the DVR Configuration menus, disable unused camera inputs as follows:
• Record Settings menu: Camera Speed OFF, Camera Audio OFF (to save disk space)
• Record2 Settings menu: Camera Speed OFF
• Alarms/Signals menu: Channel Speed OFF
Leave the Enable Timers setting set to Off, unless
instructed otherwise and provided specific start and end
timer information.
The timer function can only operate when the ignition is
on. It cannot be set to record when the vehicle is off.
Figure 19 Timer Settings Menu