Super Circuits MDVR18 User manual

Advanced Micro DVR
User Manual
Product: MDVR18
Please read this manual before using your recorder, and always follow the
instructions for safety and proper use. Save this manual for future reference.
LE_MDVR18_RM

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CAUTION

Operate this recorder only in environments where the temperature and humidity is within
the recommended range. Operation in extreme temperatures or humidity levels may cause
electric shock and shorten the life of the product.
Avoid use in direct sunlight or within strong magnetic elds.
CAUTION

Severe vibration may damage the hard disc or other components inside the unit, especially
during recording.
Data stored in the device may be corrupted by excessive impact, lightning, power surges,
etc. Warranty does not cover damage caused by the conditions mentioned above. Back up
the data in the device properly.
CAUTION
Do not apply excessive pressure onto the device. It may become damaged.
LEGAL NOTICE
Supercircuits products are designed to meet safety and performance standards with the use of specic
Supercircuits authorized accessories. Supercircuits disclaims liability associated with the use of non-
Supercircuits authorized accessories.
The recording, transmission, or broadcast of any person’s voice without their consent or a court order is
strictly prohibited by law.
Supercircuits makes no representations concerning the legality of certain product applications such as
the making, transmission, or recording of video and/or audio signals of others without their knowledge
and/or consent. We encourage you to check and comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws
and regulations before engaging in any form of surveillance or any transmission of radio frequencies.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming
the marks and names or their products. Supercircuits, Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in
trademarks and trade names other than its own.
No part of this document may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means without the
express written permission of Supercircuits, Inc.
© 2010 Supercircuits, Inc. All rights reserved.
11000 N. Mopac Expressway, Building 300, Austin, TX 78759
Sales/Support: 1.800.335.9777 | Fax: [phone]

iiiAdvanced Micro DVR User Manual
Table of Contents
SECTION 1 Features .......................................................1
1.1 DVR Controls ...............................................1
1.2 Remote Control .............................................2
1.3 Wire control ................................................3
1.4 What’s in the box ............................................3
1.5 Accessories ................................................4
SECTION 2 Connecting DVR System Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.1 DVR connection to a camera ...................................5
2.2 DVR connection to a monitor ...................................5
2.3 DVR connection to a PC .......................................6
2.4 DVR connection to a wire control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.4.1 Wire control switch and cables assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.5 Installing the DVR battery .....................................7
2.5.1 Charging the battery .....................................8
2.6 Using an SD card ............................................8
SECTION 3 Operation ......................................................9
3.1 Turn ON/OFF the DVR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.2 DVR Main Menu function modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.2.1 Navigating menus ......................................10
3.2.2 Setup ................................................10
3.2.3 Adjust volume .........................................12
3.2.4 REC button ............................................13
SECTION 4 Setting Functions ...............................................14
4.1 Program Setting parameter definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
SECTION 5 Video Playback .................................................19
5.1 Play a video file ............................................19
5.2 Fast playback ..............................................19
5.3 Pause playback ............................................20
5.4 Slow motion playback .......................................20
5.5 Exit playback mode .........................................20
5.6 Capture image during playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
SECTION 6 Video Playback Settings ..........................................22
6.1 During video playback .......................................22
6.2 In the file list ..............................................22
SECTION 7 Audio Playback ................................................23
7.1 Play an audio file ...........................................23

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7.2 Fast playback ..............................................23
7.3 Reverse playback ...........................................24
7.4 Pause playback ............................................24
7.5 Stop playback .............................................25
SECTION 8 Audio File Settings ..............................................26
8.1 During audio playback .......................................26
8.2 In the file list ..............................................26
SECTION 9 Photo Browsing ................................................27
9.1 Opening a photo ............................................27
9.2 Browse photos .............................................27
9.3 Photo zoom ...............................................28
SECTION 10 Slide Show + Audio .............................................29
SECTION 11 Photo Editing ..................................................30
11.1 While browsing photos ......................................30
11.2 In the file list ..............................................30
SECTION 12 Record .......................................................31
12.1 Audio Line In REC ..........................................31
12.2 Video Line In REC ..........................................32
SECTION 13 Specifications ..................................................34

1Advanced Micro DVR User Manual
SECTION 1: FEATURES
SECTION 1
Features
The MDVR18 advanced micro digital video recorder is ideally suited for concealment in objects or as
a covert body-worn DVR. It records audio and video, with video resolutions up to 720 x 480 @ 30 fps
and a sequential coded stamp overlay on each frame. You can-off load video evidence to an SD card, to
PC via USB, or playback video on the unit itself. It comes with two lithium ion batteries, cables, carrying
case, remote control, power supply, headphones, easy to use instructions and a 1 year warranty.
Features include:
• Manual, scheduled, auto, and motion triggered recording modes
• MPEG4 compression at resolutions up to 720 x 480 @ 30 fps
• High quality 2.5” LCD display for immediate review of captured video
• Vibration alert when the battery charge is low
• Dual output power supply – DC5V, DC12V (through wire control)
• Easy to conceal, measuring 3.7” x 2.16” x 0.98”
1.1 DVR Controls
OFF/TV/LCD SwitchDC 5V In Jack
USB
Port
A/V Out
Port
Vibration
On/Off
Switch*
IR Sensor
Increase +/-
ENTER
Button
STOP
Navigation
Buttons
SETUP
Reset
Switch

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SECTION 1: FEATURES
* WIth the Vibration Switch ON, the unit will produce vibration alerts during:
• Power on – the DVR will produce a vibration alert for 2 seconds and the power status LED will be
blue.
• Record – the DVR will produce two 0.5 second vibration alerts
• Low power alert – When low battery power is sensed, the DVR will produce ve 0.5 second
vibration alerts. Also, an empty battery icon will appear on the display and any video/audio le
being recorded will be saved.
• Power off – the DVR will produce ve 0.5 second vibration alerts. Also, the power status LED will
be off.
A/V IN /
DC12V Out
Jack
SD Card
Slot
A/V IN /
DC5V Out
Jack
Wired /
RF Wireless
Remote
Control Port
Power On/Off/Record
1.2 Remote Control
Power
Button
LCD/TV Switch
Record
Button
Navigation
and
Pause/Play
Buttons
Volume
Controls
ESC/Stop
Setup
Button

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SECTION 1: FEATURES
1.3 Wire control
Switch**
A/V In
DC 12V Out
Wire Control Port Pwr/Rec LEDs
A/V In / DC 12V Out Jack
** The wire control includes a single switch for powering on/off the DVR and starting/stopping a
recording.
• Power Off – Slide the switch to Off to power off the device.
• Power On – Slide the switch to On to power on the device.
• Record – Slide the switch to Rec to record.
1.4 What’s in the box
Your DVR includes:
• MDVR18 recorder unit
• Earbud style earphone
• A/V cable to monitor – 2.5 mm TRRS Y-cable to 3 RCA male
• A/V cable – stereo Y-cable mini-male (2) to 2 RCA female
• A/V/power cable to camera– 3.5 mm TRRS (3 conductor) to 2 RCA female and power connector
• DC 5V power adapter/charger with power jack adapter
• Li-ion batteries (2)

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SECTION 1: FEATURES
• Documentation CD
• USB cable with type A and mini-B plugs
• Remote control
• Pouch
• Wire control (remote power on) switch with control cable
1.5 Accessories

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SECTION 2: CONNECTING DVR SYSTEM COMPONENTS
SECTION 2
Connecting DVR System Components
2.1 DVR connection to a camera
To connect the DVR to a camera, plug the A/V power cable into camera, and then plug the cable mini-
jack into the A/V IN/DC5V Out or A/V IN /DC12V Out connector (whichever applies) on the side
of the DVR.
A/V IN/DC5V Out
A/V IN /DC12V Out
2.2 DVR connection to a monitor
To connect the DVR to a monitor or TV, plug the A/V cable 3 RCA connectors into the monitor audio in
left (white), audio in right (red) and video in (yellow) connectors, and then plug the cable mini-jack into
the A/V Out port on the DVR. Video output is enabled in the conguration menus.

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SECTION 2: CONNECTING DVR SYSTEM COMPONENTS
2.3 DVR connection to a PC
To connect the DVR to a PC, plug the USB A-type connector into the PC, then plug the USB mini-B
connector into the USB port on the DVR. The PC connection can be used for transferring les to and from
the DVR and defragmenting the DVR HDD through a Windows operating system.
NOTE When it is necessary to reformat the MDVR18 hard drive, reformat only in FAT32 format.
When the USB connection between the DVR and PC is established, the message USB mode will appear
on the DVR screen for 5 seconds.

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SECTION 2: CONNECTING DVR SYSTEM COMPONENTS
2.4 DVR connection to a wire control
To connect the DVR to a wire control, plug the wire control cable into the wire control port on the DVR,
and then plug the cable into the wire control. Note that the wire control includes a port to which a
12VDC camera can be attached.
When the wire control cable is plugged into the recorder, the buttons on the recorder are disabled. Use
wire control switch to power on and power off the system, and to record.
2.4.1 Wire control switch and cables assembly
The wire control and cables, with the A/V power cable provided, can be used to connect a camera to the
DVR and provide power to it. See the following illustration.
A/V and Power
Connectors to
Camera
2.5 Installing the DVR battery
To install the battery in the DVR:
1. Remove the battery compartment cover on the back of the DVR.
CAUTION
When installing the battery in the MDVR18, ensure that the three contacts on the battery
align with the pins in the battery compartment. Improper installation can damage the unit.

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SECTION 2: CONNECTING DVR SYSTEM COMPONENTS
3. Align the golden contacts of the battery supplied with the corresponding connectors in the battery
compartment, then slide the battery into place.
4. Replace the battery compartment cover.
2.5.1 Charging the battery
Before using the DVR for the rst time, charge the battery for 12 continuous hours.
When the battery needs recharging, the DVR will vibrate and the display will show an empty battery icon.
To charge the battery:
1. Plug the power adapter into the DC IN jack on the side of the MDVR18, then plug it into an AC
outlet. When the battery is charging, the Pwr LED will be orange.
2. When the Pwr LED extinguishes, the battery is fully charged. Disconnect the power adapter
promptly.
2.6 Using an SD card
SD cards provide removable storage for video, audio, and log les. The SD card is enabled through the
Storage Medium option in the setup menus. See the Operations section for more information.
SD Card Slot
Left side of the DVR
CAUTION
The SD card should slide smoothly into the card slot. Forcing the card into the slot can
damage the card and the DVR. Make sure it is installed properly.

9Advanced Micro DVR User Manual
SECTION 3: OPERATION
SECTION 3
Operation
NOTE Depending on the software version level of your DVR, the screens may appear different from
those shown below.
3.1 Turn ON/OFF the DVR
• Turn ON: Press the Power ON/OFF button on the DVR or remote control to power on the DVR.
• Turn OFF: Press the Power ON/OFF button again to power off the DVR. A system shutdown
message will appear.
3.2 DVR Main Menu function modes
Main Menu function modes include:
• Video Files: Browse and playback video with audio recordings
• Audio Files: Browse and playback audio recordings
• Photo Files: Browse images and pictures
• Recorder Settings: Specify recording schedules, triggering, resolution, and external video sources

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SECTION 3: OPERATION
• Program Setting: Function settings
3.2.1 Navigating menus
After powering on the DVR, the Main Menu screen will appear.
NOTE
Throughout this document, menu navigation is performed with the p, q, t, and u arrows on
the DVR and remote control. For simplicity, the direction arrows and the term “navigation
keys” refer to the same buttons.
Pressing Enter on the DVR and pressing the u
; key on the remote control perform the
same function. In this document both are represented by the symbol u
;.
To open the main menu – Press SET UP on the DVR, or the SETUP button on remote control.
To enter submenu – Press u
; to enter the submenu.
To highlight item in the submenu – Use navigation keys to move to the item you want to select.
To conrm the setting – Press u
; to conrm the change of a setting.
To not save change and return to main menu or exit SETUP – Press STOP on the DVR or g on
remote control.
To switch to Video mode, Image and various standby modes – Press SET UP, or press SETUP on
remote control, to edit setting.
3.2.2 Setup
1. While in Video, Audio, Image, and other standby modes, press SETUP to edit settings.

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SECTION 3: OPERATION
2. Use the q and p keys to highlight an item in the menu.
3. Press the u or u; key to enter the submenu.
4. Use the q and p keys to select the item in the submenu you want to select.
5. Press u; to conrm your selection.

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SECTION 3: OPERATION
12
6. To return to the previous menu, press t or g.
7. To exit Setup, press the SETUP, or press g after returning to the previous menu.
3.2.3 Adjust volume
While playing video, audio, or slide+audio, you can adjust the volume with the volume adjust buttons.
These buttons are located to the right of the LCD display on the DVR, and on the remote control.

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SECTION 3: OPERATION
13
Volume Level
3.2.4 REC button
1. When the DVR is at the Main Menu, start recording immediately by pressing the REC button.
2. To stop recording, press STOP. The DVR will return to the Main Menu.

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SECTION 4: SETTING FUNCTIONS
14
SECTION 4
Setting Functions
The Main Menu screen provides two functions for setting up the conguration of your DVR: Recorder
Settings and Program Settings. Navigation and option selection in these menus is performed with the
navigation keys, u, q, p, and t. Conrm the option you select by pressing the u
; key.
1. Use the navigation keys and the u; key to open the Program Settings function menu.
2. The Program Settings menu includes four screens.

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SECTION 4: SETTING FUNCTIONS
15
4.1 Program Setting parameter denitions
Video Repeat – Allows you to repeat the playback of a selected Single video le or All video les, or
stop after the playback of video les.
Audio Repeat – Allows you to repeat the playback of a selected Single audio le or All audio les, or
stop after the playback of audio les.
Thumbnail Preview – Turn thumbnail preview ON or OFF.
Slide Show Repeat – Play a slideshow once or play repeatedly.
Slide Show Time – Sets the pause duration on each image in a slide show to 3, 5, 7, or 10 seconds.
Slide Show + Audio – Select this option to play audio tracks during a slide show.
Slide Show Effect – Set to ON or OFF.
Back Light OFF – Use this option to set the time delay to turn off the back light: 30 seconds, 1 minute,
3 minutes, or never turn off.
TV Format – Set to NTSC or PAL.
TVout Adjustment – Use this option to make Position or Zoom adjustments:
• TVout Position Adjustment – Use the u, q, p, and t keys to adjust the position of the image
on the screen.
• TVout Zoom Adjustment – Use the q or p keys to set the default (down) or zoom in (up).
Display Selection – Select TV or LCD.

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SECTION 4: SETTING FUNCTIONS
16
Language – Choose a language for the on-screen displays.
Format – Use this option to format the SD card. Formatting the SD card erases all les on the card.
Schedule Presetting – Use these submenus to preset a recording schedule:
• Press the t keys and u to select the items for recording, then press the u; key to conrm your
selection.
External Audio
Recording
External Video
Recording
• To set recording start and end times, refer to the Operations section for a description of how to use
the navigation keys to make these selections.
NOTE
• The Setting parameter must be ON for a recording to occur.
• If the unit is powered off when it is scheduled to record, it will power itself on, record during the
preset schedule, then power itself off.
• Recorded les are stored in the “MyRecord” folder under Video/Audio.
• If there is a conict in the recording time setting, or if le storage space is insufcient, a red
“forbidden” icon appears, warning that the recording will not be made with the current settings.