Velleman DVR4QA User manual

DVR4QA - 1 - GB
DVR4QA – DIGITAL 4-CHANNEL RECORDER
1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the DVR4QA. It converts analogue NTSC or PAL video to digital images and records them
on a removable hard disk drive. Digitally recorded video has several advantages over analogue video recorded on
tape. There is no need to adjust tracking. Digital video can be indexed by time schedule or events and you can
instantly view video after selecting the time or event. You can freeze frames, fast-forward, fast-reverse, slow-forward
and slow-reverse without image streaking or tearing. It can be used as a replacement for both a time-lapse VCR and
a quad in a security installation. Read the manual carefully before bringing this device into service.
a) Safety Prescriptions
•Handle this device with care.
•Do not expose this device to direct sunlight.
•Do not use this device near water and protect it against any possible contact with water.
•Do not unplug the power connector before you've correctly switched the device off.
•Use this device solely with the included power adapter.
•Unauthorised attempts to repair may result in fire, electroshock or other hazards.
•This device should be installed and serviced by a qualified person and conform to all local codes.
•Do not switch the power ON and immediately (± 3 sec.) OFF again.
•Use a type of power source as indicated on the manufacturer's label.
b) Features
•Thanks to the wavelet compression format, this device replaces both a time-lapse VCR + a quad.
•4 audio inputs ; 1 audio output (left-right).
•OSD (on-screen display) and RTC (real-time clock) functions
•Multi screen display mode (available during both surveillance and recording/playback):
Mode
full screen quad
NTSC resolution 704x468 (HxV) 352x234 (HxV)
PAL resolution 704x564 (HxV) 352x282 (HxV)
•4 channels ; each channel has its own name (max. 10 characters).
•Video quality adjustable on each channel.
•4 channels alarm input, ALARM display & 1 alarm output.
•Video loss detection on each channel
•Power loss memory function: set-up will be memorized in case of power failure.
•Supports 1 removable HDD, IDE type
•Timer for scheduled recording
•Display and record refresh rate up to 60 IPS NTSC / 50 IPS PAL
•Quick-search mode: search a fragment by time, event or alarm list.
•Fast forward or reverse from 2X up to 32X and slow forward or reverse from 1/2X to 1/32X.
•Password protection
•RS232 and RS485 communication protocol.

DVR4QA - 2 - GB
c) Specifications
Video Format NTSC/EIA or PAL/CCIR
HDD Storage IDE type, UDMA 66 or above, 1 removable HDD supported
Record Mode manual / alarm / timer / external
Search Function Date & time / event / alarm searching
Camera Input Signal Composite video signal 1Vp-p/75ΩBNC, 4 channels
Monitor Output Composite video signal 1Vp-p/75ΩBNC
Audio Input 4 RCA audio inputs
Audio Output 1 RCA audio output (L/R)
Video Loss Detection yes
Display/Record Refresh Rate 60ips (NTSC), 50ips (PAL)
Dwell Time programmable (1~10 sec)
Key Lock yes
Camera Title 10 characters max.
Video adjustable Colour/contrast/brightness
Alarm Input TTL input, high (5V), low (GND)
Alarm Output COM, NO/N.C.
Remote Control RS232 or RS485
Time Display Format YY/MM/DD ; DD/MM/YY ; MM/DD/YY ; OFF
Power Source AC 90-240V ±10% switching adapter
Power Consumption < 27W
Operating Temperature 10 – 40°C
RS232C / RS485 (bps) 115200 ; 57600 ; 19200 ; 9600 ; 4800 ; 3600 ; 2400 ; 1200
Dimensions 380 x 270 x 65mm (W x D x H)
Weight 5.2kg
Display Types Full Screen / Quad
2. Installation
a) Contents
Your DVR4QA should come with the following items:
•a digital quad recorder
•HDD tray
•tray key
•power cable
•user manual
•rack mounting kit (optional)
•mounting screws
•demounted 15-pin connector

DVR4QA - 3 - GB
b) Connection with cameras
c) Rack Mount Installation
The device can be mounted in a rack with the optional mounting equipment. Fix the smallest side of the mounting
plates (with the small holes) to the device (screw holes are provided at the sides) and then fix the device to the rack.
d) RS232 Remote Protocol
You can use the PC keyboard to simulate the DMR keypad.
DATA: REMOTE PROTOCOL using 8-bit data – 1 start bit – 1 stop bit
FUNCTION CODE ASCII FUNCTION CODE ASCII
MENU 0 x 4D M KEY_PLAY 0 x 50 P
ENTER 0 x 0D ENTER KEY_REC 0 x 72 r
SEARCH 0 x 48 H CH1 0 x 31 1
SLOW 0 x 53 S CH2 0 x 32 2
UP 0 x 55 U CH3 0 x 33 3
DOWN 0 x 4E N CH4 0 x 34 4
LEFT 0 x 4C L QUAD 0 x 51 Q
RIGHT 0 x 52 R AUTO 0 x 41 A

DVR4QA - 4 - GB
3. Configuration
a) Installing HDD
1) HDD Description
1. Handle of the HDD tray
2. Tray lock:
In position A (cf. drawing on the right), the tray is locked and cannot be removed.
In position B, the tray is unlocked and can be removed.
The key lock must be in position A before you switch on the device,
if not the hard disk drive cannot be used in a regular way.
3. Power indicator (green LED): lights up when the device is switched on.
4. HDD access indicator (yellow LED).
2) Installing the Hard Drive into the Tray
•Unlock the tray lock of the tray, pull out the handle and pull the tray out of the device.
•Push the release latch at the left ("OPEN") to slide the top cover backwards and remove it.
•Connect the DC power cable and IDE cable to the HDD.
•Insert the HDD in the tray and secure the HDD through the screw holes in the sides.
•Put the top cover back on the tray and slide it forward to secure it.
•Slide the tray back into the device and lock the tray lock.
3) Max. Recording Time
The recording time depends on the recording speed and quality. Please refer to the tables below:
Note: these data are the results of a test during which regular TV programs were recorded
NTSC SYSTEM
IPS 60 30 15 8 4 2 1
Best 12hr 24hr 48hr 90hr 180hr 360hr 720hr
High 15hr 30hr 60hr 112.5hr 225hr 450hr 900hr
Normal 24hr 48hr 96hr 180hr 360hr 720hr 1440hr
rec.
quality
Basic 40hr 80hr 160hr 300hr 600hr 1200hr 2400hr
HDD type 120GB
PAL SYSTEM
IPS 50 25 12 6 3 2 1
Best 12hr 24hr 50hr 101hr 203hr 304hr 608hr
High 15hr 30hr 63hr 127hr 253hr 380hr 760hr
Normal 24hr 49hr 101hr 203hr 405hr 608hr 1220hr
rec.
quality
Basic 41hr 81hr 168hr 338hr 675hr 1013hr 2025hr
HDD type 120GB

DVR4QA - 5 - GB
b) Control Panel Description
1. LEDs: HDD FULL: HDD is full
ALARM: alarm is armed (when alarm is triggered, LED is flashing)
TIMER: the device is programmed to record
PLAY: recorded material is being reproduced
REC: the device is recording
AUTO: the 4 channels will be displayed in full in a loop
2. MENU: Press this key and enter the password (default: 0000) to access the main menu.
3. ENTER: to confirm data or a selection.
4. SEARCH: opens the search menu
5. SLOW: slows down the play speed.
6. AUTO: displays the 4 channels in full in a loop
7. REW / Left: to rewind in PLAY and PAUSE mode. In setup mode it works as a left button.
8. PLAY: to play recorded video.
9. PAUSE/Up: pauses the fragment. In setup mode it works as an up button.
10. FF / Right: to wind forward in PLAY and PAUSE mode. In setup mode it works as a right button.
11. (CH1): displays CH1 full screen
12. (CH2): displays CH2 full screen
13. (CH3): displays CH3 full screen
14. (CH4): displays CH4 full screen
15. QUAD: displays all 4 channels simultaneously (quad mode).
16. STOP/Down: stops playback or recording. In setup mode it works as a down button.
17. REC: to start recording immediately.
18. POWER: Press this button to power on, and press it again to power off.
c) Back Panel Description
19. POWER: connect the provided adapter to this connector and plug it into the mains.
20. VIDEO inputs 1-4: to connect video sources such as cameras.
21. MONITOR: to connect the monitor.
22. AUDIO part: 4 inputs + 1 L/R output (only available when IPS>30 for NTSC and IPS>25 for PAL).
23. External I/O: the device can be controlled remotely by an external device or trigger mechanism.

DVR4QA - 6 - GB
25-pin COM port 9-pin COM port
PIN 1: RS232-TX + PIN 2: RS232-RX: This device can be controlled remotely by an external device or control
system, such as a control keyboard, using RS-232 serial communications signals.
PIN 3: ALARM INPUT 1: By connecting ALARM INPUT 1 (pin 3) to GND (pin 9), the DVR4QA will start recording
and the buzzer will be on. Triggering depends on the set level (high/low) under Menu/Camera/Alarm.
PIN 4: ALARM INPUT 2: By connecting ALARM INPUT 2 (pin 4) to GND (pin 9), the DVR4QA will start recording
and the buzzer will be on. Triggering depends on the set level (high/low) under Menu/Camera/Alarm.
PIN 5: ALARM INPUT 3: By connecting ALARM INPUT 3 (pin 5) to GND (pin 9), the DVR4QA will start recording
and the buzzer will be on. Triggering depends on the set level (high/low) under Menu/Camera/Alarm.
PIN 6: ALARM INPUT 4: By connecting ALARM INPUT 4 (pin 6) to GND (pin 9), the DVR4QA will start recording
and the buzzer will be on. Triggering depends on the set level (high/low) under Menu/Camera/Alarm.
PIN 7: EXTERNAL ALARM NC + PIN 8: EXT. ALARM NO: During normal functioning COM is connected with NC
and not with NO. When there is an alarm trigger, COM disconnects from NC and connects with NO.
PIN 9: GND: GROUND
PIN 10: RS485-B + PIN 11: RS485-A: This device can be controlled remotely by an external device or control
system, such as a control keyboard, using RS-485 serial communications signals.
PIN 12: DISK FULL: When the HDD is full, it sends a trigger signal to a possible next DVR4QA. Normally this signal
is high ; when the disk is full it becomes low.
PIN 13: REC START: this pin allows recording triggering from an external device. Normally this signal is high. When
it becomes low, the device will start recording. When it becomes high again, the device will stop recording.
PIN 14: ALARM RESET: An alarm can be disabled by connecting pin 14 to pin 9 (GND). An external signal to this
pin can reset both the alarm output signal and the internal buzzer. Normally this signal is high.
PIN 15: EXTERNAL ALARM COM: During normal functioning COM is connected with NC and not with NO. When
there is an alarm trigger, COM disconnects from NC and connects with NO.

DVR4QA - 7 - GB
4. System Set-up
a) Open Main Menu
Press the MENU button on the front of the device. The screen
you see on the right will be displayed. You will need to enter a
password to access the main menu. Press !or"(left/right) to
change digits and#or$(up/down) to change the value of the
digit. Press ENTER to confirm the password.
e.g.: password: 0000 (default: 0000)
After entering the correct password and confirming it by pressing
ENTER, this display will appear:
b) System Menu
Press the MENU button on the front of the device, enter the
password and confirm it by pressing ENTER (cf. "4a: Open Main
Menu" on p.7)
Press#or$until 'SYSTEM' is selected (cf. figure on the right).
Press ENTER to enter the system set-up menu.
A screen as shown on the right will be displayed.
All instructions below start from this point.
1) AUDIO INPUT Set-Up
1. Press#or$to choose 'AUDIO INPUT' and the ENTER button to open the audio input menu.
2. Press#or$to set the audio input channel 1~4.
3. Press MENU to confirm the current set-up and return to the previous menu.
4. Press MENU again to exit and close the system set-up menu.
2) BUZZER Set-Up
1. Press#or$to choose BUZZER and the ENTER button to open the menu.
2. Press#or$to choose BUZZER: ON/OFF
3. Press MENU to confirm the current set-up and return to the previous menu.
4. Press MENU again to exit and close the system set-up menu.
3) HDD OVERWRITE Set-Up
1. Press#or$to choose HDD OVERWRITE and the ENTER button to open the menu.
2. Press#or$to choose YES (HDD is overwritten when full) or NO (recording stops when HDD is full)
3. Press MENU to confirm the current set-up and return to the previous menu.
4. Press MENU again to exit and close the system set-up menu.
PASSWORD: 0000
(MENU)
►TIMER
CAMERA
RECORD
ALARM
DWELL
REMOTE
SYSTEM
EVENT
(MENU)
TIMER
CAMERA
RECORD
ALARM
DWELL
REMOTE
►SYSTEM
EVENT
(System)
►AUDIO INPUT: 1
BUZZER: ON
HDD OVERWIRTE: NO
MESSAGE LATCH: NO
DATE DISPLAY: Y-M-D
DATE: 2003-MAY-21 (WED)
TIME: 22:38:29
NEW PASSWORD: xxxx
CLEAR HDD: MASTER
SYSTEM RESET: NO

DVR4QA - 8 - GB
4) MESSAGE LATCH Set-Up
The user can decide whether or not the External Alarm graph should appear on the monitor.
1. Press#or$to choose MESSAGE LATCH and the ENTER button to open the menu.
2. Press#or$to set MESSAGE LATCH: YES/NO.
3. Press MENU to confirm the current set-up and return to the previous menu.
4. Press MENU again to exit and close the system set-up menu.
5) DATE DISPLAY Set-Up
1. Press#or$to choose DATE DISPLAY and the ENTER button to open the menu.
2. Select a format with#or$: Y-M-D, M-D-Y, D-M-Y (D=day ; M=month ; Y=year) or OFF (date is not displayed).
3. Press MENU to confirm the current set-up and return to the previous menu.
4. Press MENU again to exit and close the system set-up menu.
6) DATE Set-Up
1. Press#or$to choose DATE and the ENTER button to open the menu.
2. Press#or$to change the value and !or"to move to the previous or next value.
3. Press MENU to confirm the current set-up and return to the previous menu.
4. Press MENU again to exit and close the system set-up menu.
7) TIME Set-Up
1. Press#or$to choose TIME and the ENTER button to open the menu.
2. Press#or$to change the value and !or"to move to the previous or next value.
3. Press MENU to confirm the current set-up and return to the previous menu.
4. Press MENU again to exit and close the system set-up menu.
8) Change Password (default password : 0000)
1. Press#or$to choose NEW PASSWORD and the ENTER button to open the menu.
2. Press#or$to change the value and !or"to move to the previous or next value.
3. Press MENU to confirm the current set-up and return to the previous menu.
4. Press MENU again to exit and close the system set-up menu.
9) CLEAR HDD Set-Up
1. Press#or$to choose CLEAR HDD and the ENTER button.
2. Press "or !to choose between Yes and No:
Yes: press "to clear the HDD.
No: press !NOT to clear the HDD.
3. Press MENU to confirm the current set-up and return to the previous menu.
4. Press MENU again to exit and close the system set-up menu.
10) SYSTEM RESET Set-Up
1. Press#or$to choose SYSTEM RESET and the ENTER button.
2. Press#or$to choose SYSTEM RESET: YES/NO.
Yes: to reset the system.
No: not to reset the system.
3. Press MENU to confirm the current set-up and return to the previous menu.
4. Press MENU again to exit and close the system set-up menu.
All Data in HDD
Will Be Cleared
Are you sure?
(◄: No ►: Yes)

DVR4QA - 9 - GB
c) Timer Programming
1) Enter "Timer" Menu
Press the MENU button on the front of the device, enter the
password and confirm it by pressing ENTER (cf. "4a: Open Main
Menu" on p. 7)
Press#or$until 'TIMER' is selected (cf. figure on the right).
Press ENTER to enter the timer menu. The screen as shown on
the right will be displayed.
2) Timer Recording Set-Up
1. Press ENTER to set the day selection of the first line.
2. Press#or$to select the day set-up:
DAILY : every day
MON : Monday
TUE : Tuesday
WED : Wednesday
THU : Thursday
FRI : Friday
SAT : Saturday
SUN : Sunday
MO-FR : Monday to Friday
SA-SU : Saturday & Sunday
JAN-01 : specific date.
3. Press !or"to select the recording start time (HH:MM).
Press#or$to set the recording start time.
4. Press !or"to select the recording end time (HH:MM).
Press#or$to set the recording end time.
5. Press !or"to select the number of images per second (IPS).
Press#or$to set the number of IPS:
NTSC : 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30, 60
PAL: 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 25, 50
6. Press MENU to confirm current settings and ENTER to go to the next programming line.
7. Press#or$to select 'Timer Enable' and !or "to select yes or no:
Yes: to activate the programmed settings.
No: to ignore the programmed settings.
8. Press MENU to confirm the current set-up and return to the previous menu.
9. Press MENU again to exit and close the Timer menu.
(MENU)
►TIMER
CAMERA
RECORD
ALARM
DWELL
REMOTE
SYSTEM
EVENT
(TIMER)
DAY START END IPS
DAILY 00:00 00:00 15
DAILY 00:00 00:00 15
DAILY 00:00 00:00 15
DAILY 00:00 00:00 15
DAILY 00:00 00:00 15
DAILY 00:00 00:00 15
DAILY 00:00 00:00 15
TIMER ENABLE: NO

DVR4QA - 10 - GB
d) CAMERA Set-up
1) Enter CAMERA Menu
Press the MENU button on the front of the device, enter the
password and confirm it by pressing ENTER (cf. "4a: Open Main
Menu" on p. 7)
Press#or$until 'CAMERA' is selected (cf. figure on the right).
Press ENTER to enter the alarm menu. A screen as shown below will be displayed.
_ _ _ CH1_ _ _ _
BRIGHTNESS : 5
CONTRAST : 5
COLOR : 5
_ _ _ CH2_ _ _ _
BRIGHTNESS : 5
CONTRAST : 5
COLOR : 5
_ _ _ CH3_ _ _ _
BRIGHTNESS : 5
CONTRAST : 5
COLOR : 5
_ _ _ CH4_ _ _ _
BRIGHTNESS : 5
CONTRAST : 5
COLOR : 5
2) Title / Brightness / Contrast / Colour Set-Up
1. Press!or"or #or$to select the desired channel.
2. Press ENTER to enter the channel properties. The channel title is selected.
3. Press !or"to change digits and#or$to change the value of the digit (initial name is the channel number).
4. Press MENU to confirm the channel name.
5. Press #or$to select BRIGHTNESS, CONTRAST or COLOR.
6. Press !or"to change the value of the digit.
7. Press MENU to confirm the setting and return to the channel properties.
8. Press MENU to confirm the current set-up and return to the previous menu.
9. Press MENU again to exit and close the alarm menu.
e) Recording Mode Set-Up
1) Enter "RECORD" menu
Press the MENU button on the front of the device, enter the
password and confirm it by pressing ENTER (cf. "4a: Open Main
Menu" on p. 7)
Press#or$until 'RECORD' is selected (cf. figure on the right).
Press ENTER to enter the recording menu. A screen as shown on
the right will be displayed.
(MENU)
TIMER
►CAMERA
RECORD
ALARM
DWELL
REMOTE
SYSTEM
EVENT
(MENU)
TIMER
CAMERA
►RECORD
ALARM
DWELL
REMOTE
SYSTEM
EVENT
(RECORD)
►
RECORD IPS: 30
RECORD QUALITY: NORMAL
RECORD MODE: FRAME