Vicon AurorAcord User manual

XX091
Digital Recorder
Instruction Manual
Vicon Part No. 8009-8091-01-01Rev 902 Section 5
VICON INDUSTRIES INC., 89 ARKAY DRIVE, HAUPPAUGE, NEW YORK 11788
TEL: 631-952-CCTV (2288) FAX: 631-951-CCTV (2288) TOLL FREE: 800-645-9116
24-Hour Technical Support: 800-34-VICON (800-348-4266)
UK: 44/(0) 1489-566300 INFOFAX: 800-287-1207 WEB: www.vicon-cctv.com
Vicon Industries Inc. does not warrant that the functions contained in this
equipment will meet your requirements or that the operation will be entirely
error free or perform precisely as described in the documentation. This
system has not been designed to be used in life-critical situations and
must not be used for this purpose.
Copyright © 2002 Vicon Industries Inc. All rights reserved.
Product specifications subject to change without notice.
Vicon and its logo are registered trademarks of Vicon Industries Inc.
Warning: To reduce a risk of fire or electric shock, do not
expose this product to rain or moisture.

XX091-01-01 Rev 902 AurorAcorD Contents •i
Contents
Quick Installation ...............................................................................................................iii
Quick Programming: Easy Setup.......................................................................................v
Quick Programming: Using Loopback Mode to Optimize Parameters.........................vii
Quick Operation .................................................................................................................ix
Introduction .........................................................................................................................1
Installation ...........................................................................................................................3
Programming.......................................................................................................................6
Organization....................................................................................................................................................6
Preliminary Steps ...........................................................................................................................................7
Accessing the Menu Selection Screen & Main Menu...................................................................................7
Using the Help System .................................................................................................................................7
Screen Navigation Keys ...............................................................................................................................7
Using Passwords ..........................................................................................................................................8
Setting the Time and Date Display ...............................................................................................................9
Defining Colors and Grid Thickness ...........................................................................................................11
Optimizing Display Parameters ..................................................................................................................13
Saving Current Settings or Using Factory Defaults....................................................................................14
Cameras, Receivers and Motion Detection ...............................................................................................14
Defining Camera Titles ...............................................................................................................................14
Enabling Communication Failure Messages ..............................................................................................15
Setting Receiver Type and Status Display .................................................................................................16
Defining Update Priority for Live Display ....................................................................................................17
Defining the Camera Lock List ...................................................................................................................18
Motion Detection.........................................................................................................................................18
Alarms ...........................................................................................................................................................20
Alarm Inputs................................................................................................................................................20
Alarm Outputs .............................................................................................................................................21
Alarm Format, Sequencing and Messages ................................................................................................22
Alarm Acknowledgement ............................................................................................................................23
Preset and Macro Functions Activated on Alarm .......................................................................................24
Record Function...........................................................................................................................................25
Playback ........................................................................................................................................................30
Selecting Playback Source and Audio Parameters....................................................................................30
Starting and Stopping Playback from the Menu System ............................................................................30
Motion “Museum” Search ...........................................................................................................................31
Schedules......................................................................................................................................................32
Disk Functions..............................................................................................................................................35
Serial Ports....................................................................................................................................................35
Operation ...........................................................................................................................37
Organization..................................................................................................................................................37
Applying Power ............................................................................................................................................37
Entering Passcodes .....................................................................................................................................38
Checking Available Disk Space ..................................................................................................................38

ii •XX091-01-01 Rev 902 AurorAcorD
Defining & Selecting Display Formats....................................................................................................... 38
Viewing Disk Status..................................................................................................................................... 40
Inserting/Ejecting a CD or Floppy .............................................................................................................. 41
Archiving....................................................................................................................................................... 41
Erasing the CD-RW or Hard Disk ............................................................................................................... 42
Running a Schedule Manually.................................................................................................................... 42
Clearing Receiver Communication Failures ............................................................................................. 43
Acknowledging Alarms ............................................................................................................................... 43
Displaying Alarm History & Status............................................................................................................. 43
Messages...................................................................................................................................................... 44
Selecting a Monitor...................................................................................................................................... 44
Controlling Digital Pan, Tilt, Zoom Functions........................................................................................... 44
Freezing and Restoring Video Images....................................................................................................... 45
Controlling Mechanical Pan, Tilt, Zoom Functions .................................................................................. 45
Sequencing Video........................................................................................................................................ 45
Viewing Live Video ...................................................................................................................................... 46
Viewing Video Images from Floppy Disk................................................................................................... 46
Recording Video & Audio............................................................................................................................ 46
Playing Back Video & Audio ....................................................................................................................... 47
Defining and Running Macros.................................................................................................................... 48
Using the PC Keyboard ............................................................................................................................... 49
AurorANet ......................................................................................................................... 50
Host PC Configurations ................................................................................................... 52
Maintenance...................................................................................................................... 58
Troubleshooting & FAQs ................................................................................................. 59
Resetting the AurorAcorD .......................................................................................................................... 59
Testing Front Panel Keys & LEDs.............................................................................................................. 59
Additional System Setup & Reset History................................................................................................. 60
Fine Tuning Cameras .................................................................................................................................. 60
Calibrating Cameras .................................................................................................................................... 61
Frequently Asked Questions ...................................................................................................................... 62
Reference .......................................................................................................................... 63
Shipping Instructions....................................................................................................... 76

XX091-01-01 Rev 902 AurorAcorD •iii
Quick Installation
Warning: Do not connect any unit to a power source until installation is complete.
ALARM
COM1 COM2
LOOPING 2
OUTPUT ONLY
12 10
9
11
16 14
13
15

VIDEO OUT
Up to 9
units per
IDL.
V1400X-IDL
V1400X-IDL
Dome
Rcvr.
Upgrade Cable
(product code 7721,
sold separately)
Host PC
Serial Port
RD
BK
OR
BL W
BR
YL
G
Ground
Keyboard
Clock
+5 V Out
Keyboard
Data
RS-422
Comm Out –
RS-422
Resp In – RS-422 Resp In +
or RS-232 RxD
RS-422 Comm Out +
or RS-232TxD
Pin No. Signal
Alarm 1-16
Normally open dry contact alarm
Ground
Dry contact alarm common
Normally closed dry contact alarm


1-16
19
20-35
36
37
RS-232/RS-422
Termination Box
(part # 1298-3140-01-00)
RD
BK
OR
BL W
BR
YL
G
RS-485
Data +
N.C.
Ground
Keyboard
Clock
+5 V Out
Keyboard
Data
N.C.
RS-485
Data–
AurorANet Termination Box
(part # 1298-3190-01-00)
RS-232/RS-422 Termination Box 
(part # 1298-3140-01-00)
NOTE: Internal jumpers and menu settings are set at
the factory for RS-232 on com1 and RS-422 on com2.
These defaults may be changed to use RS-232, RS-422
or RS-485 (2-wire AurorANet or 4-wire) on com1 or
com2. Menu settings must be changed as discussed in
the Programming chapter. Jumpers may or may not
need to be changed as discussed in the Reference
chapter. If you have not changed the factory default
jumper settings, you can use the AurorANet termination
box on com1 without changing jumpers. Otherwise,
remove appropriate jumpers before using the AurorANet
termination box as discussed in the Reference chapter.
Camera
Alarm Devices
Cable supplied
by installer.
120VAC and 230VAC
cables supplied
in accessory kit.
Total loop resistance
of this cable must be
less than 1 KΩ.
Connector and
pins supplied in
accessory kit.
Cable included in 
AurorAcorD
Pre Pac

TO MONITORS 

A2K
Video
1/9
A2K
Video
2/10 A2K
Video
3/11
A2K
Video
4/12 A2K
Video
5/13
A2K
Video
6/14 A2K
Video
7/15
A2K
Video
8/16
Terminate with 75 ohms at the destination devices. The Looping 2
connector provides outputs 9-16. Use the "A2K Video" labels for
outputs 9-16. Do not refer to the "Video" label.
For 230 VAC units, you must replace the two
1.25 A fuses with the two 0.63 A fuses from the
accessory kit. Use 1.25 A fuses for 120 VAC
units onl
y
.

iv •XX091-01-01 Rev 902 AurorAcorD
Note: Depending upon your programming choices, the AurorAcorD immediately begins recording to the hard
drive when power is applied.
LOOPING 1
OUTPUT ONLY
42
1
3
86
5
7
MAIN DISPLAY
AUDIO
VGA CVBS
IN OUT
SPOT MONITOR
IN
IN
Spot monitor used to
view images from any
camera, acknowledge
alarms or display
menus.
IN
Spot Monitor

Main Display Monitors

Microphone
Single Channel Audio
Speaker
Cable included in 
AurorAcorD
Pre Pac

TO MONITORS 

A2K
Video
1/9
A2K
Video
2/10 A2K
Video
3/11
A2K
Video
4/12 A2K
Video
5/13
A2K
Video
6/14 A2K
Video
7/15
A2K
Video
8/16
Monitors used to
freeze video, zoom,
display menus and
multi-picture formats
as well as other
digital functions.
3.5 mm phono type plug
powered type
Max input 1.5 V rms
3.5 mm phono type plug
passive type
8 Ωimpedance
Max handling power 1 W
Terminate with 75 ohms at the destination devices. The Looping 1
connector provides outputs 1-8. Use the "A2K Video" labels for
outputs 1-8. Do not refer to the "Video" label.

XX091-01-01 Rev 902 AurorAcorD •v
Quick Programming: Easy Setup
Note: The AurorAcorD is shipped with preprogrammed factory defaults. Programming the AurorAcorD customizes it to your
specific requirements but is not mandatory.
1 Easy Setup Menu
2 Main Menu
3 Camera Calibration
4 Save/Restore Menu
5 Language
6 FAQ Screen
7 About AurorAcorD
MENU SELECTION
to Choose. MENU to Exit.
or 1-16 to Select.
1 Next Easy Menu
2 Time Display: Always On
3 Date Display: Always On
4 Camera Title: 3 sec fade
5 Rcvr Status: Always On

SPOT MONITOR EASY SETUP
to Choose. to Go Back.
or 1-16 to Select.
1 Next Easy Menu
2 Time Display: Always On
3 Date Display: Always On
4 Camera Title: 3 sec fade
5 Rcvr Status: Always On
6 Zoom Window: 3 sec fade
7 Optimized for: BNC
MAIN DISPLAY EASY SETUP
to Choose. to Go Back.
or 1-16 to Select.
09:27:39 AM 02/22/00 Tue
EASY TIME/DATE MENU
to Change.
Previous Next
1 Next Easy Menu
2 Title: CAMERA 16
3 Alarm Pin: In/Norm. Open
4 Update Priority: High 
5 Motion Setup
CAMERA 1 EASY MENU
to Choose. to Go Back.
or 1-16 to Select.
1 Next Easy Menu
2 Title: CAMERA 01
3 Alarm Contact: In/Norm. Open
4 Update Priority: High 
5 Camera Motion Setup
CAMERA 1 EASY MENU
to Choose. to Go Back.
or 1-16 to Select.
PLAY
PLAY
PLAY
PLAY
PLAY
Follow these instructions to use the Easy Setup menus to quickly and easily perform
basic programming procedures.
1. Press Menu after applying power to your AurorAcorD to display the Menu Selection
screen, as shown to the right. Then press Play to access the Easy Time/Date Setup
screen.
Note: Use the Time/Date Setup menus to define the date format (European, American
or Asian) and whether the time is Daylight Saving Time or Standard Time. You
may not make these changes using the Easy Setup menus. Factory defaults are
American format (month/day/year) and Auto DST Adjust set to No, which means
that you would have to adjust the time for daylight saving instead of having the
AurorAcorD adjust the time automatically.
2. Use the onscreen instructions to correct the time, AM or PM, and the date. The day
of the week will change automatically to reflect the date that you set.
3. All settings on the screen to the left refer to the Main Display Monitors. Set the time,
date, camera titles, receiver status message and zoom window to always display
(Always On), never display (Always Off) or to disappear from the screen after a
specified number of seconds (1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60 Second Fade). Zoom
window refers to an area that displays in the lower right hand side of the screen, to
indicate which part of the image is being digitally zoomed in or out. Factory defaults
are Always On for Time Display, Date Display and Receiver Status and 3 Second
Fade for Camera Title and Zoom Window.
One VGA and one BNC connector are provided for the two Main Display Monitors.
For NTSC, select the connector on which you want to optimize the video output (not
applicable for PAL) using the Optimized For setting. Optimization for VGA will use
720 pixels; optimization for BNC will use 640 pixels. The factory default is
Optimized For BNC.
Use the applicable information in this step (disregard Zoom Window Status and
Optimized For settings) to set the date, time, camera title and receiver status
message displays on the Spot Monitor.
4. Continuing through the menus to the Camera 1 Easy Setup menu, define the
Camera Title or leave the default title of Camera X, where “X” refers to the camera
number. Each camera title may be up to 12 characters long. The screen shown
here is available from the Title line of the Camera Easy Setup menu. Use the
onscreen instructions to define the title.
#$%&'()*+,-./0123456789:
;<=>?@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQR
STUVWXYZ[\]^_`abcdefghij
Title: CAMERA 04
to Move Cursor in Title
to Change a Character
SEQ MPTZ to Select a Row
ZOOM+/- to Insert/Delete
Press ENTER when done.
5. Define the Alarm Contact for camera to be an input or output and define the alarm
device state as normally open (alarm activates when contacts close), normally
closed (alarm activates when contacts open), active high (alarm activates at +5 V
TTL) or active low (alarm activates at TTL level 0 V). Select High for the Update
Priority field to update video more quickly relative to the Normal setting. Use High
for more critical viewing locations. The Normal setting should be chosen for less
important viewing areas.
6. Select the Camera Motion Setu
p
field as shown in the menu
p
ath below.

vi •XX091-01-01 Rev 902 AurorAcorD
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
to choose a row.
1-16 to turn zone On/Off.
ZOOM+/ZOOM– row On/Off.
to test zone activity.
to Go Back.
MOTION ZONE SETUP
1 Next Easy Menu
2 Title: CAMERA 01
3 Alarm Pin: In/Norm. Open
4 Update Priority: High 
5 Camera Motion Setup
CAMERA 1 EASY MENU
to Choose. to Go Back.
or 1-16 to Select.
1 Camera Number: 1
2 Camera Title: Camera 01
3 Motion: Higher Update
4 Detection Threshold: 2
5 Min Active Zones: 8
6 Motion Zone Setup
CAMERA MOTION SETUP
to Choose. to Go Back.
or 1-16 to Select.
LIVE
PLAY
PLAY
7. The Motion field on the Camera Motion Setup is used to
define what will happen when motion is detected: Alarm
+ Higher Update (update rate for the live video on the
main display monitors increases and an alarm is
activated), Disabled: (no action occurs), Alarm (an alarm
is activated), Higher Update (update rate for live video on
the main display monitors increases). Decide which
choice above is required for detected motion on this
camera and make the selection using the onscreen
instructions.
8. The detection threshold defines the change in video level
required before motion is detected. The settings are 1 to
9. At a setting of 9, a dramatic change in video level is
required to trigger motion detection. The most sensitive
setting is 1. Each camera has its own detection threshold,
so that cameras in high security areas may be set to
detect movement by more stringent guidelines than
cameras in less important viewing areas. Define the
Detection Threshold for this camera.
9. The Minimum Active Zones field defines the minimum
number of zones that must be active before motion is
detected. For example, if the minimum number of active
zones is set to 14, then 14 zones must pass the detection
threshold before the AurorAcorD has detected motion.
Make your selection and then access the Motion Zone
Setup screen.
10. This screen is used to turn on (enable) or turn of
f
(disable) motion detection in each of the zones in a
camera’s field of view. For example, it would be practical
to disable the motion detection zones corresponding to
trees blowing outside a window, a fan on the wall or a TV
screen. The first step in setting the zones is to direct the
camera to its normal position. Viewing the scene on the
monitor, decide which zones should be enabled o
r
disabled. Zones are represented onscreen by individual
boxes on the grid. An asterisk represents an enabled
zone; blank zones are disabled. Use the up/down arro
w
keys to select a row and then use the 1-16 keys to
enable/disable the zones in that row. Use the Zoom +/-
keys to enable/disable entire rows at once.
11. After defining the zones, press Play to test your zones b
y
activating alarms in the active areas. The detection
threshold number for each zone will display onscreen fo
r
detected motion. This allows you to decide if the detection
threshold that you set in the previous screen is
appropriate. If you are satisfied with the results of this
test, use the left arrow key to return to the Camera Motion
Setup screen. Repeat this procedure for each camera in
your system. If the results of this simulation do not satisf
y
the requirements of motion detection for this camera,
redefine your detection threshold (and enable/disable
more zones, if necessary) and then test again.
12. Press the Live key twice to return to the Camera 1 Eas
y
Setup Menu. Select Next Easy Menu and repeat the
camera configuration procedure to define the next
camera until all cameras are defined.

XX091-01-01 Rev 902 AurorAcorD •vii
Quick Programming: Using Loopback Mode to Optimize Parameters
1 Easy Setup Menu
2 Main Menu
3 Camera Calibration
4 Save/Restore Menu
5 Language
6 FAQ Screen
7 About AurorAcorD
MENU SELECTION
to Choose. MENU to Exit.
or 1-16 to Select.
1 Setup Record Cameras
2 Modify Camera Sequence
3 Start Record
4 Stop Record
5 Normal Rate: 15 fps
6 Alarm Quality: Highest
7 Alarm Rate: Maximum
Sensitivity: Highest
RECORD CONTROL
to Choose. to Go Back.
or 1-16 to Select.
1 Setup Record Cameras
2 Modify Camera Sequence
3 Start Record
4 Stop Record
5 Normal Rate: 15 fps
6 Alarm Quality: Highest
7 Alarm Rate: Maximum
Sensitivity: Highest
RECORD CONTROL
to Choose. to Go Back.
or 1-16 to Select.
1 Loopback Mode: Enabled
2 Adjust Record Cameras
SETUP RECORD CAMERA
to Choose. to Go Back.
or 1-16 to Select.
1 Camera 1: Highest
2 Camera 2: Normal
3 Camera 3: Normal
4 Camera 4: Normal
5 Camera 5: Normal
6 Camera 6: Normal
7 Camera 7: Normal
Camera 8: Normal

RECORD CAMERA QUALITY
to Choose. to Go Back.
or 1-16 to Select.
1 Display Setup
2 Camera Setup
3 Alarm Setup
4 Serial Port Setup
5 Time/Date Setup
6 Record/Playback Setup
7 System Setup
8 Disk Functions
MAIN MENU
to Choose. to Go Back.
or 1-16 to Select.
PLAY
PLAY
PLAY
PLAY
LIVE LIVE
Note: If Sensitivity is Highest, recording will take place continuously (the Normal Rate must not be set to Off).
Note: Use the AurorAcorD Calculator, available on the AurorAcorD CD, to see how
changing recording settings will change your recording duration.
Quality for each camera and Sensitivity are set to Normal at the factory. Use
the tables following this procedure to choose the best Quality and Sensitivity
setting to maximize recording duration or hard drive usage.
1. If desired, use the spot monitor to display menus so that you can view video on
the main display monitor without the text overlaid on the video.
2. Press the Menu key to display the Menu Selection screen. Select Main Menu.
3. Select Record/Playback Setup.
4. Set the Sensitivity setting to Highest. This will enable you to test the Quality
settings more effectively, as the update will not be dependent upon motion.
5. Select Setup Record Cameras.
6. Set the Loopback Mode to Enabled. Loopback mode is a special mode that
allows you to view video as it will look when recorded, but without recording the
video.
7. Select Adjust Record Cameras, which will display the Record Camera Quality
screen.
8. Change the quality for camera 1 using the onscreen instructions and observe the
quality of the camera video.
9. Change the quality setting and view the video at the new setting. Repeat for all
five settings: Lowest, Low, Normal, High, Highest and choose a setting for this
camera. The Normal setting is the factory default.
10. Select the next camera and repeat this procedure. Continue until quality has
been set for all cameras. Press Live twice to return to Record Control.
11. The sensitivity setting defines how much motion is required before recording
takes place. The sensitivity was set to Highest in a previous step. Observe the
video update with motion in the field of view of any camera (sensitivity is a
global, not per camera setting).
12. Change the Sensitivity setting and observe the video again. Repeat for all
tti (L L t N l Hi h Hi h t) d h th ti l tti

viii •XX091-01-01 Rev 902 AurorAcorD
13. The tables below illustrate the ramifications of each Quality and Sensitivity setting on record duration and hard drive
usage. The first table provides a consumption rate in GB/day based on assumptions of 8 hours of non-continuous
scene activity and a frame rate of 15 fps. The numbers listed in the tables are guidelines only and can vary greatly
based on the amount of scene activity.
Sensitivity
Lowest Low Normal High Highest
Lowest
(9 Kb)
2 3 4 7 15
Low
(12 Kb)
3 4 5 10 20
Normal
(18 Kb)
4 6 7 15 30
High
(25 Kb)
6 9 10 21 42
Image
Quality
Highest
(30 Kb)
7 10 12 25 50
The second table shows the estimated number of days that the AurorAcorD can be expected to record before hard drives
of various sizes are filled. “Max” frame rate changes from 18 fps to 24 fps, depending upon the synchronization of all
cameras in the system. All setting in this table are based on a Sensitivity setting of “Highest” and are worst case. By
changing Sensitivity from “Highest” to “Normal”, you may experience significantly longer recording durations in areas of
little or no activity. “Activity” is defined as any motion in the scene; for example, moving people or vehicles, swaying trees,
moving or swinging signs or CRT monitor scan.
Recording Time 24 Hours 72 Hours 168 Hours (7 days) 336 Hours (14 days) 744 Hours (31days)
Image Quality Lowest Normal Highest Lowest Normal Highest Lowest Normal Highest Lowest Normal Highest Lowest Normal Highest
File Size (Kb/f) 9 18 30 9 18 30 9 18 30 9 18 30 9 18 30
40 Max Max 16 18 9 5 8 4 2 4 2 1 2 - -
80 Max Max Max Max 18 11 15 8 4 8 4 2 3 1 1
120 Max Max Max Max Max 16 Max 12 7 11 5 3 5 3 1
Hard
Drive
160 Max Max Max Max Max Max Max 15 9 15 7 4 7 3 2
Note: Use the Calculator on the AurorAcorD CD to determine recording duration quickly and easily from a
PC.
14. The following steps are used to customize the AGC level of the recorded video. If you will not record audio, disable
loopback mode and disregard the following steps.
15. From the Record Control screen, use the
SPOT
MONITOR
key to select Record Audio (this menu item is normally hidden from
view at the bottom of the menu item list). Set Record Audio to Enabled.
16. Headphones (or speakers) and a microphone should be connected as shown in Quick Installation. With the noise at a
typical level for your environment, set the Audio AGC to Enabled and listen to the audio. Then set the Audio AGC to
Disabled and repeat. AGC will usually be set to Enabled for a quiet environment and Disabled for a noisy
environment. Set the Audio AGC to the appropriate setting.
17. Return to the Setup Record Camera screen and set Loopback Mode to Disabled.
Estimated Hard Drive Usage
(GB/Day)
Estimated Number of Da
y
s Recordin
g

XX091-01-01 Rev 902 AurorAcorD •ix
Quick Operation
Note: The figure below includes the most commonly used operational procedures. Refer to the Operation
chapter for additional procedures.
1
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
AUX1
FOCUS
+
AUX2
FOCUS
–
AUX3
IRIS
+
AUX4
IRIS
–
DISPLAY
ZOOM +
ALARM
ZOOM
–
SEQUENCE
MECH
P/T ZOOM
MACRO
FREEZE SETUP
JOG
Digital Video Multiplexer & Recorder
REW FF
SHUTTLE
ENTER
AUX5
AUTO
IRIS
AUX6
AUTO
PAN
RECORD
LIVE
PLAY
SPOT
MONITOR
LENS
SPEED
HOME
MECHANICAL PAN TILT ZOOM
PAN/TILT
SPEED
PRESET
COM1/KEYBOARD
AUDIO OUT
MENU HELP
ZOOM +
Digital PTZ (full screen display only):
to invoke
ZOOM +
to zoom in
ZOOM–
to zoom out
ZOOM–
to exit PTZ
Arrow keys to pan/tilt
Recalling and storing presets:
To recall a preset, press , enter the preset number, and then press
again to recall (run) presets. This will return you to a predefined pan-and-tilt setting
(and zoom/focus setting, if your lens is motorized).
To store a preset, move to the desired pan-and-tilt position and then press
then press . This saves the pan-and-tilt position in memory for future recall. It
will also save zoom and focus settings if you have a motorized lens on the camera.
ENTER
PRESET PRESET
PLAY
Shuttle:
(Playback or pause mode)
Use the shuttle ring to
move forward and reverse.
Twist the ring faster or
slower to control the speed.
Jog:
Use the jog feature (pause
mode only) to advance frame
by frame through the video.
Selecting multi-picture or
full screen display:
DISPLAY
to toggle through
the available
display formats
Freeze or restore video:
FREEZE
Toggle the key.
Playback:
Press
PLAY
View live
camera video:
Press
LIVE
Mechanical PTZ (MPTZ)
ZOOM–
to invoke
to zoom in
to pan
and tilt
to zoom out
RECORD
LIVE
PLAY
SPOT
MONITOR
ZOOM +
MECH
P/T ZOOM
Note: The figure above includes a CD-RW drive. Your AurorAcorD may or may not include this feature,
depending upon the model.

x •XX091-01-01 Rev 902 AurorAcorD
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XX091-01-01 Rev 902 AurorAcorD Introduction •1
Introduction
Overview
Vicon's AurorAcord Digital Recorder is an innovative combination of multiplexer and digital time lapse
video/audio recorder. The multiplexer portion is based on Vicon's AurorA2000 and the digital recorder portion
is a new addition targeted to replace the current requirement for system VCRs. The AurorAcorD is a powerful
surveillance tool applicable for large and small CCTV installations. It is available in the models described in
the next section. The AurorAcorD allows you to perform these and other functions quickly and easily:
• view multi-picture display of camera video • control camera receivers from the front panel
• select cameras for the multi-picture display • print reports to a serial line printer
• record, view or archive video simultaneously • use a PC keyboard for titling cameras and
alarms or system operation
• electronic and mechanical pan, tilt, zoom
• export video images to floppy disk
• archive to floppy or CD
• playback from floppy, hard drive or CD-RW
• control multiple AurorAcorDs with a host
computer
• create a network of AurorAcorDs with
AurorAnet and control any AurorAcorD from
any other AurorAcorD
• define and run macros

2 •Introduction XX091-01-01 Rev 902 AurorAcorD
AurorAcorD Models and Configurations
All AurorAcorD models are 16-channel, color, duplex (duplex units are always recording and you may view
live video or play back video) and include one floppy drive. The amount of hard drive space, typical number of
days that you may record to the hard drive and the inclusion of a rewritable CD-RW drive depends upon
which model you choose. The recording time may vary depending on the scene activity. You may refer to the
tables in the Reference chapter for more recording duration data.
Model Number Hard Drive Capacity (GB) CD-RW UL Listed
AURC-F40 40 (1 hard drive) No No
AURC-F80 80 (1 hard drive) No No
AURC-F120 120 (two hard drives; one 40 GB
and one 80 GB hard drive)
No Yes
AURC-F160 160 (two 80 GB hard drives) No No
AURC-FCD40 40 Yes Yes
AURC-FCD80 80 Yes Yes
AURC-FCD160 160 (one 160 GB hard drive) Yes Yes
The installation procedures should only be performed by a qualified technician using approved materials in
accordance with national, state and local wiring codes. The unit complies with FCC standards for a Class A
device.
System Maximums
• 1 PC keyboard • 16 local alarms
• 16 cameras (receivers) • 1 speaker and 1 microphone for single channel audio
• 2 main display monitors • 2 printers
• 1 spot monitor • 2 host computers
Note: With AurorANet, you may connect up to 32 AurorAcorDs on a 2-wire RS-485 bus.
Using a host computer and Vicon’s serial port commands, you may connect up to 999 AurorAcorDs various configurations.

XX091-01-01 Rev 902 AurorAcorD Installation •3
Installation
Warning: Do not connect any unit to a power source until installation is complete.
ALARM
COM1 COM2
LOOPING 2
OUTPUT ONLY
12 10
9
11
16 14
13
15

VIDEO OUT
Up to 9
units per
IDL.
V1400X-IDL
V1400X-IDL
Dome
Rcvr.
Upgrade Cable
(product code 7721,
sold separately)
Host PC
Serial Port
RD
BK
OR
BL W
BR
YL
G
Ground
Keyboard
Clock
+5 V Out
Keyboard
Data
RS-422
Comm Out –
RS-422
Resp In – RS-422 Resp In +
or RS-232 RxD
RS-422 Comm Out +
or RS-232TxD
Pin No. Signal
Alarm 1-16
Normally open dry contact alarm
Ground
Dry contact alarm common
Normally closed dry contact alarm


1-16
19
20-35
36
37
RS-232/RS-422
Termination Box
(part # 1298-3140-01-00)
RD
BK
OR
BL W
BR
YL
G
RS-485
Data +
N.C.
Ground
Keyboard
Clock
+5 V Out
Keyboard
Data
N.C.
RS-485
Data–
AurorANet Termination Box
(part # 1298-3190-01-00)
RS-232/RS-422 Termination Box
(part # 1298-3140-01-00)
NOTE: Internal jumpers and menu settings are set at
the factory for RS-232 on com1 and RS-422 on com2.
These defaults may be changed to use RS-232, RS-422
or RS-485 (2-wire AurorANet or 4-wire) on com1 or
com2. Menu settings must be changed as discussed in
the Programming chapter. Jumpers may or may not
need to be changed as discussed in the Reference
chapter. If you have not changed the factory default
jumper settings, you can use the AurorANet termination
box on com1 without changing jumpers. Otherwise,
remove appropriate jumpers before using the AurorANet
termination box as discussed in the Reference chapter.
Camera
Alarm Devices
Cable supplied
by installer.
120VAC and 230VAC
cables supplied
in accessory kit.
Total loop resistance
of this cable must be
less than 1 KΩ.
Connector and
pins supplied in
accessory kit.
Cable included in 
AurorAcorD
Pre Pac

TO MONITORS 

A2K
Video
1/9
A2K
Video
2/10 A2K
Video
3/11
A2K
Video
4/12 A2K
Video
5/13
A2K
Video
6/14 A2K
Video
7/15
A2K
Video
8/16
Terminate with 75 ohms at the destination devices. The Looping 2
connector provides outputs 9-16. Use the "A2K Video" labels for
outputs 9-16. Do not refer to the "Video" label.
For 230 VAC units, you
must replace the two 1.25 A
fuses with the two 0.63 A
fuses from the accessory kit.
Use 1.25 A fuses for 120
VAC units only.

4 •Installation XX091-01-01 Rev 902 AurorAcorD
Note: Depending upon programming choices, the AurorAcorD immediately begins recording to the hard drive when power is applied.
For RS-232 or RS-422, use the supplied RS-232/RS-422 termination box or the upgrade/RS-232 cable (purchased
separately by calling Vicon at 1-800-645-9116, product code 7721).
LOOPING 1
OUTPUT ONLY
42
1
3
86
5
7
MAIN DISPLAY
AUDIO
VGA CVBS
IN OUT
SPOT MONITOR
IN
IN
Spot monitor used to
view images from any
camera, acknowledge
alarms or display
menus.
IN
Spot Monitor

Main Display Monitors

Microphone
Single Channel Audio
Speaker
Cable included in 
AurorAcorD
Pre Pac

TO MONITORS 

A2K
Video
1/9
A2K
Video
2/10 A2K
Video
3/11
A2K
Video
4/12 A2K
Video
5/13
A2K
Video
6/14 A2K
Video
7/15
A2K
Video
8/16
Monitors used to
freeze video, zoom,
display menus and
multi-picture formats
as well as other
digital functions.
3.5 mm phono type plug
powered type
Max input 1.5 V rms
3.5 mm phono type plug
passive type
8 Ωimpedance
Max handling power 1 W
Terminate with 75 ohms at the destination devices. The Looping 1
connector provides outputs 1-8. Use the "A2K Video" labels for
outputs 1-8. Do not refer to the "Video" label.

XX091-01-01 Rev 902 AurorAcorD Installation •5
AurorANet Configurations
When using AurorANet RS-485 protocol, you must establish which AurorANet devices are at the end of the
communications line and which devices are in the middle. You may use the Vicon-supplied RJ-45 termination
box labeled “AurorANet” in both cases. If you choose not to use the AurorANet termination box, jumpers must
be installed as discussed in the Reference chapter. Jumpers must be removed for both end-of-line and not
end-of-line conditions if you use the AurorANet termination box (note that jumpers are already removed at the
factory for com1, making it convenient to use com1 if factory jumper settings have been retained).
The following figure shows a typical AurorANet installation, with resistors removed from the AurorANet
termination boxes for all AurorAcorDs that are in the middle of the communications line. The box is used as
supplied (resistors intact) for the last AurorAcorD in the line. Jumpers must be set in the first A2K-KBD
Keyboard to define it as end-of-line, as discussed in Instruction Manual XX081.
A
urorANet Termination Box Termination Box Schematic
Three resistors have been added to the
A
urorANet termination box, as shown to
the left. The box will be modified when the
device is not end-of-line by removing the
resistors, and used as supplied for the end-
of-line device. The schematic shown to the
right is for your reference only and is not
required during installation.
Connect from DATA+ to
DATA+ on all AurorAcorDs.
Connect from DATA– to
DATA– on all AurorAcorDs.
In this example, jumpers
are removed from each
AurorAcorD (as discussed
in the Reference cha
p
ter
)
.

6 •XX091-01-01 Rev 902 AurorAcorD
PC Keyboard Connections
SEQUENCE
MECH
P/T ZOOM
MACRO
FREEZE SETUP
JOG
Digital Video Multiplexer & Recorder
REW FF
SHUTTLE
ENTER
COM1/KEYBOARD
AUDIO OUT
MENU HELP

Product Code
7194-00
Programming
Note: The AurorAcorD is shipped with preprogrammed factory defaults. Programming the AurorAcorD
customizes it to your specific requirements but is not mandatory.
Organization
The Programming chapter of this manual has been organized in the following order:
Preliminary Steps
Accessing the Menu Selection Screen & Main Menu
Using the Help System
System Navigation Keys
Using Passwords
Setting the Time and Date Display
Defining Colors and Grid Thickness
Optimizing Display Parameters
Saving Current Settings or Using Factory Defaults
Cameras, Receivers and Motion Detection
Alarms
Record Function
Playback Function
Schedules
Serial Ports
This section has been arranged in the
order of the most important steps first.
If setting up an AurorAcorD for the first
time, program the recorder in the orde
r
of this chapter. You may use the
A
urorAcord with the factory defaults o
r
customize your unit using the menus
discussed in this chapter.
You may use a PC keyboard to easily type titles fo
r
cameras and alarms and also to operate or program the
A
urorAcorD, just as you would from the AurorAcorD itself.
To do so, make the connection shown below or connect to
either COM1 or COM2 on the rear panel (a “Y-adapter”
may be used on any RJ-45 jack to use the jack for both a
serial port and the PC keyboard). You may purchase the
cable (product code 7194-00) from Vicon or create you
r
own cable using the pin-outs on the previous page. Then
refer to Using the PC Keyboard to map the AurorAcorD’s
keys to your PC keyboard’s keys.

XX091-01-01 Rev 902 AurorAcorD Programming •7
Preliminary Steps
Accessing the Menu Selection Screen & Main Menu
Note: Depending on programming settings, a password may be required before entering the menu system.
Perform the following procedure to access the Menu Selection Screen and Main Menu.
1. If you have not already done so, connect a monitor to the main display monitor BNC and apply power.
Using the Help System
Screen Navigation Keys
The AurorAcorD menus include all of the navigation instructions needed to move to, from and within a menu,
as well as how to scroll through and select parameters. In general, the arrow and number keys are the most
frequently used keys during programming:
PLAY
Used to go down a level to a submenu, select a menu item, make a parameter selection, etc.
RECORD
SPOT
MONITOR
Used to move up/down to a menu item, change a selection, scroll through HELP, etc.
LIVE
Used to cancel an edited parameter setting, move back a level in the menu system, etc.
PLAY
LIVE
Used to move cursor right and left on text edit and time/date menus.
1 Easy Setup Menu
2 Main Menu
3 Camera Calibration
4 Save/Restore Menu
5 Language
6 FAQ Screen
7 About AurorAcorD
MENU SELECTION
to Choose. MENU to Exit.
or 1-16 to Select.
1 Display Setup
2 Camera Setup
3 Alarm Setup
4 Serial Port Setup
5 Time/Date Setup
6 Record/Playback Setup
7 System Setup
8 Disk Setup
MAIN MENU
to Choose. to Go Back.
or 1-16 to Select.
2.
A
fter booting information is shown onscreen, the AurorAcorD logo will
display momentarily. Press
MENU
to display the Menu Selection screen,
shown to the right. This is your main access point to AurorAcorD
programming screens.
3. Use the onscreen instructions to select the Main Menu (shown below).
The AurorAcorD includes an extensive context-sensitive help system,
designed to answer common questions and provide quick reference to
needed information. Press
HELP
to access or exit the help system. Help is
available for any function (not just within the menu system).
Frequently asked questions are also answered using screens such as the
one shown to the left. These screens are accessed from the Menu
Selection screen.
How do I get Help Screens?
The Help Screens are con-
text sensitive. Press the
HELP key at any time to see
information about the keys
that are active and the
available menu choices.
Press the HELP key to exit
the Help screen.
FREQUENTLYASKED QUESTIONS
to view. to Go Back.