Vicon AurorAcord User manual

Digital Recorder
Quick Guide
This Vicon Quick Guide is intended to get you up and running quickly.
See the complete manual for in-depth information on the AurorAcorD.
1
A World Leader in Digital Video Communications Systems

Quick Guide
Connections
ALARM
COM1 COM2
LOOPING 2
OUTPUT ONLY
12 10
9
11
16 14
13
15
Up to 9
units per
IDL.
V1400X-IDL
V1400X-IDL
Dome
Rcvr.
A2K-KBD
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)
A2K-KBD Termination Box
(Supplied with A2K-KBD)
AurorANetTermination Box
(part # 1298-3190-01-00)
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)
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
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 of Instruction Manual XX091. Jumpers
may or may not need to be changed as discussed in the Reference
chapter of Instruction Manual XX091. 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 of Instruction Manual XX091.
Alarm Devices
VIDEO OUT
Camera
Cable supplied
by installer.
120VAC and 230VAC
cables supplied
in accessory kit.
Total loop resistance
of this cable must be
less than 1 K
Ω .
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.
2Vicon Industries Inc. 89 Arkay Drive, Hauppauge, NY 11788

Quick Guide
Connections
3
Visit our home page at: http://www.vicon-cctv.com
For complete instructions, see Instruction Manual XX091.
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 Ω impedance
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.

Selecting a Monitor
Viewing Video in Multi-Picture Display Format
Viewing Video in Full
Screen Display Format
Press Spot Monitor to toggle the
monitor selection between the
spot and main display monitors.
There are three monitors for the AurorAcorD system, the spot monitor and two main display monitors. The spot monitor is used as a monitoring station
and does not have the capability of multi-picture display. Use the main display monitors to take advantage of all AurorAcorD features.
The video will sequence or
remain fixed, depending upon
your programming choices.
Note: Multi-picture display
formats are not available
on the spot monitor.
Press to toggle through the
available display formats. Formats
available in Playback mode are
shown across the top. All formats
are available in Live mode.
Recording Video
The AurorAcorD continuously
records unless halted using
the Record Control screen.
Outer "Shuttle" Ring Functions Inner "Jog"
Ring Functions
For complete instructions, see Instruction Manual XX091.
SPOT
MONITOR
DISPLAY
Playing Back Video
PLAY PLAY
To pause:
PLAY
To resume:
Freezing and Restoring Video
For multi-picture display, press the
window number key to unfreeze/freeze
the video in that window.
FREEZE
To restore:
FREEZE
Press a camera
number key.
1-16
Phone: [phone] • 800-645-9116 • U.K.: [phone]
Erasing the CD-RW or Hard Drive
MENU
8
For Hard
Drive: For CD-RW:
1
AUX1
1
AUX1AUX8
2
AUX2
2
AUX2
3
AUX3
Set the AurorANet remote
address to the address of the
AurorAcorD you wish to control.
Hold
MENU
AurorANet Remote Control
ENTER
In Playback or Pause Mode:
Use the shuttle ring to move
forward and reverse. Twist the
ring faster or slower to control
the speed.
In Playback Mode only:
Use the shuttle lock feature to set a fixed rate for
playback by adjusting the speed to the desired
rate and then pressing . Press
again to resume normal playback speed.
ENTER ENTER
In Pause mode:
Use the jog feature to
advance frame by frame
through the video.
4
Quick GuideOperation

Acknowledging Alarms
When an alarm is active, the LED of
the camera number key will flash and
the buzzer will sound if it is enabled.
Press to switch to a full
screen display of the first
camera with an alarm.
Digital Pan, Tilt and Zoom
Press a camera number
key to select a camera in
full screen format.
Press once
to enter digital
PTZ mode.
When you are completely
zoomed out on a scene,
press to exit digital
PTZ mode.
Zoom In/Out
For complete instructions, see Instruction Manual XX091.
ALARM Press a second time to acknowledge this alarm and
switch to the next camera with an alarm. When the last alarm is
acknowledged, the original screen display will be restored.
ALARM
ZOOM+
ZOOM–
ZOOM+ZOOM–
RECORD
LIVE PLAY
SPOT
MONITOR
Pan/Tilt
1-16
To search by a
user-defined
time and date:
Searching Through Recorded Video (Museum Search)
MENU
2 1
To search by motion
detected in specified
zones per camera:
3
To search
alarm video:
6 2 24
AUX2 AUX1 AUX3AUX6 AUX2 AUX2AUX4
Select the start
time and date. Create archive.
Archiving to CD-RW
MENU
2 8 3 36
AUX2 PAN/TILT
SPEED AUX3 AUX3AUX6
Select the start
time and date.
Select a
camera. Create archive.
Archiving to Floppy Disk
MENU
2 8 2 3
AUX2 PAN/TILT
SPEED AUX2 AUX3
1-16
Fax: [phone] • U.K.: [phone]
Quick GuideOperation

1
AUX1
9
FOCUS +
2
AUX2
10
FOCUS –
3
AUX3
11
IRIS +
4
AUX4
12
IRIS –
DISPLAY
ZOOM+
ALARM
ZOOM–
SEQUENCE
MECH
P/T ZOOM
MACRO
FREEZE
Digital Video Multiplexer & Recorder
5
AUX5
13
AUTO
IRIS
6
AUX6
14
AUTO
PAN
RECORD
LIVE PLAY
SPOT
MONITOR
7
LENS
SPEED
15
HOME
MECHANICAL PAN TILT ZOOM
8
PAN/TILT
SPEED
16
PRESET
Telemetry Control
MECH
P/T ZOOM
Use to control
zoom function. Press to invoke
mechanical ptz.
If in multi-picture
display mode,
choose a window.
Press again to
leave mptz mode.
•
•
•
MECH
P/T ZOOM
Press to toggle
through
available lens
speeds.
Press to start/stop
autopanning.
To change autopan
speed: press and
hold and
then press .
•
•
AUTO
PAN
PAN/TILT
SPEED
Lens
Control
Note: To access the telemetry features, press as described below.
Quick GuideOperation
Use to tilt up
and down.
Use to pan
left and right.
Press and hold for 5
seconds to access pan/tilt
speed settings table.
Press to step through
choices 1-4.
Press to activate
auxiliary receiver
devices. Press
again to deactivate
latching devices.
6
•
•
Press to go to
p/t drive's home
(preset 1)
position.
Press then
enter preset number.
Use "10" for "0".
Press to start.
Pan or tilt to interrupt
movement to preset
position.
Press then
to store a preset.
PRESET
PRESET
ENTER
•
•
•
•
•
PLAY
Phone: [phone] • 800-645-9116 • U.K.: [phone]

AurorAcorD Digital Recorder Front Panel
Configuring Multi-Picture Display Formats
Toggle display to
choose a display
format.
For complete instructions, see Instruction Manual XX091.
Defining Macros
To select
camera for
this window.
At each window
to define
configuration.
SETUP
ENTER
For assistance with
configuration
settings.
HELP
DISPLAY
The next window will
be automatically
selected.
1-16
To select
camera for
this window.
1-16
Repeat last two
steps for all
windows.
Define whether
to hide or show
menus if they
are included in
your macros.
MACRO
1
Define the number
of the macro to
automatically play
after a reboot. Use
"0" to disable.
2
Define the
macro title.
Choose the
macro
number to
record.
3 4
Record
the
macro.
5
7
Note: The instructions for choosing a setting are on the bottom of each menu. Because of space constraints, they are not repeated
in the programming procedures in this quick guide.
PLAY
AUX1 AUX2 AUX3 AUX4 AUX5
Quick Guide
Programming
1
AUX1
9
FOCUS +
2
AUX2
10
FOCUS –
3
AUX3
11
IRIS +
4
AUX4
12
IRIS –
DISPLAY
ZOOM+
ALARM
ZOOM–
SEQUENCE
MECH
P/T ZOOM
MACRO
FREEZE SETUP
JOG
Digital Video Multiplexer & Recorder
REW FF
SHUTTLE
ENTER
5
AUX5
13
AUTO
IRIS
6
AUX6
14
AUTO
PAN
RECORD
LIVE PLAY
SPOT
MONITOR
7
LENS
SPEED
15
HOME
MECHANICAL PAN TILT ZOOM
8
PAN/TILT
SPEED
16
PRESET
COM1/KEYBOARD
AUDIO OUT
MENU HELP
Fax: [phone] • U.K.: [phone]

For complete instructions, see Instruction Manual XX091.
Visit our home page at: http://www.vicon-cctv.com
8
Creating a List of Cameras to be Recorded
To define which
cameras will be
recorded.
RECORD
1-16
Defining Camera Priority
Set update priorities.
Use "High" for high
update rate on live
main display.
MENU
2 2 3 1
AUX2 AUX2 AUX3 AUX1
Selecting the Playback Source
MENU
2 6 2 3
Select hard drive, CD-
RW or floppy disk.
AUX2 AUX6 AUX2 AUX3
Using Loopback Mode to Define Recorded Image Quality
MENU
2 6 1 1 1 2
Enable Loopback Mode.
Note: Recording and playback
stops. Recording is simulated
during loopback mode so that
you can set record quality.
Define quality for each
camera. Higher quality
means more data stored
on the hard disk.
Note: Refer to "Choosing Sensitivity & Quality Settings for Most Recording Time and/or Least Hard Drive Usage" for more information.
Return to the
previous screen
and disable
Loopback Mode.
AUX2 AUX6 AUX1 AUX1 AUX1 AUX2
Quick Guide
Programming
Enabling Motion Detection
Define camera
number.
Define detection threshold. 1=
most sensitive setting. 9= dramatic
change needed for detection.
Each window is divided into
detection zones. Define the
number of zones.
Use trial and error to define
which zones should be enabled
for motion detection.
Define
title.
MENU
2 2 2
Use to define
motion settings.
35
6
11
4 5
1-16
HELP
AUX2
AUX4 AUX5 AUX6
AUX2 AUX5 AUX1 AUX1 AUX2 AUX3

Phone: [phone] • 800-645-9116 • U.K.: [phone]
For complete instructions, see Instruction Manual XX091.
9
8
PAN/TILT
SPEED
Choosing Sensitivity & Quality Settings for Most Recording Time and/or Least Hard Drive Usage
MENU
6 1
Set Sensitivity to Highest. This will
enable you to test the Quality settings
more effectively, as the update will not
be dependent upon motion.
Change the quality
for camera 1 and
observe the quality
of the camera video.
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.
Select the next camera and
repeat the procedure.
Continue until Quality is set
for all cameras.
The following tables 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.
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 settings 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.
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
Highest
(30 Kb) 7 10 12 25 50
Set Loopback Mode to Enabled.
Note: Recording and playback stops.
Recording is simulated during loopback
mode so that you can set record quality.
2
AUX2
2
AUX2
AUX6 AUX1
1
AUX1
Sensitivity was set to Highest in a previous step.
Observe the video update with motion in the
field of view of any camera. Note that
Sensitivity is a global, not per camera, setting.
Change the Sensitivity setting
and observe the video again.
Repeat for all settings and
choose the optimal setting.
Note: Disable Loopback Mode after you have made
Quality and Sensitivity settings. It is important to realize
that if Sensitivity is set to Highest and Normal Rate is
not set to Off, recording will take place continuously.
Quick Guide
Programming
Image Quality
Sensitivity
Hard Drive Usage (Estimated Gigabytes/Day)
Lowest Low Normal High Highest
Estimated Number of Days Recording
Lowest Normal
24 Hours
Highest
9 18 30
Max
Image Quality
Recording Time
File Size (Kb/f)
Hard
Drive
Max 16
Max Max Max
Max Max Max
Max
40
80
120
160 Max Max
Lowest Normal
72 Hours
Highest
9 18 30
18 9 5
Max 18 11
Max Max 16
Max Max Max
Lowest Normal
168 Hours (7 days)
Highest
9 18 30
8 4 2
15 8 4
Max 12 7
Max 15 9
Lowest Normal
336 Hours (14 days) 744 Hours (31 days)
Highest
9 18 30
4 2 1
8 4 2
11 5 3
15 7 4
Lowest Normal Highest
9 18 30
2 – –
3 1 1
5 3 1
7 3 2
LIVE LIVE

What should I do if I forget my password?
If you forget your front panel password but you know your Menu/Setup password, use your Menu/Setup password to unlock
the front panel. Then overwrite the front panel password with a new front panel password.
If you forget your Menu/Setup password or you have set only the front panel password, press the key while the AurorAcorD
is in one of the following screens: Enter Menu/Setup Password screen, Front Panel Password or Menu/Setup Password. The help
system will display an encrypted version of your Menu/Setup password. Call Vicon Technical Support at 1-800-34-VICON
(1-800-348-4266) and give them the encrypted password so that they can determine the password for you.
Can I control a receiver on the spot and main display monitors?
Yes. A receiver can be controlled in a multi-picture display by pressing and then the button (1-16) corresponding to the
window/quadrant. In full screen mode, press the desired camera number button and then . On the spot monitor, press
, then the desired camera number, then .
Why can I select the various multi-screen displays, but I can't select individual full screen displays on the
main display monitor?
The spot monitor is selected. Press again (the spot monitor LED will be off) to re-select the main display monitor.
What is the live frame rate?
The unit has a system frame rate of 30 frames per second. The system frame rate must be divided by the number of active
cameras to calculate the per-camera frame rate.
How do I manually sequence video?
If the sequence mode is set to Manual in the programming screens, press to enable sequencing and then press to
step through the cameras. If the mode is set to Auto/Man, press to start automatic sequencing. Then press to
override the automatic sequence dwell time and step through the cameras.
Is it possible to input video images through the looping D-shells on the rear of the unit?
No. These D-shell connectors are video loop out only. Video loops in through the standard BNC connectors only.
I turned on Sequencing but I do not see any sequencing cameras. What should I do?
For a full screen display or for a window on the main display monitors to show sequencing video, two steps must be performed:
1) the sequence field must not be set to Off on the Window Configuration screen (press to access this screen) and
2) sequencing must be enabled by pressing the key.
Is the AurorAcorD capable of simultaneous record, playback and archive to floppy or CD-RW?
Yes.
For complete instructions, see Instruction Manual XX091.
Visit our home page at: http://www.vicon-cctv.com
SPOT
MONITOR
SPOT
MONITOR
ENTER
ENTER
HELP
SEQUENCE
SEQUENCE
SEQUENCE
SETUP
10
Quick Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
MECH
P/T ZOOM
MECH
P/T ZOOM
MECH
P/T ZOOM

How can I save my recorded data?
Data can be saved on the floppy (single camera) or CD (single or multiple cameras). These are both intended for storing short
duration events and not as a backup for the entire hard drive.
Can the AurorAcorD be controlled by the A2K-KBD Keyboard or System Console?
Yes, it can be controlled from up to 16 combined System Consoles or A2K-KBD Keypads. It is necessary to use the current model
of the System Console (V1400X-DVC-3), which has the ability to control up to 16 AurorAcorDs. Each AurorAcorD uses one
device address and one VCR address.
Can I review the CD-RW on a conventional PC?
No, the first generation of this product will not have a portable viewer for the CD-RW. It may only be reviewed on an
AurorAcorD.
Can I review the floppy on a conventional PC?
Yes. There is an AVI-codec driver supplied in the accessory kit. This driver must be loaded on the PC for review of the video using
Windows Media Player.
How much recording time is available on a floppy disk?
The floppy holds 1.4 MB. Typically, this will yield a single channel/5 minute video segment.
Does the AurorAcorD have the ability to only record cameras that are alarmed based on motion/activity?
Yes. By changing the parameters in the Record/Playback Setup submenus, the recorder can be set up to perform as an event
recorder only.
What type of authentication is used on the AurorAcorD?
It does a basic data validity check.
Can the hard drive be upgraded at the end-user's site?
No. The AurorAcorD must be returned to Vicon for this type of upgrade.
For complete instructions, see Instruction Manual XX091.
Visit our home page at: http://www.vicon-cctv.com
11
Quick Guide
Frequently Asked Questions