Vicon VN-NVR Shadow XX221-00-02 User manual

www.vicon-security.com
Installation and Operation Manual
XX221-00-02
ViconNet VN-NVR Shadow with
Internal RAID
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.
Vicon Industries Inc., 89 Arkay Drive, Hauppauge, New York 11788
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Toll Free: 800-645-9116
24-Hour Technical Support: 800-34-VICON (800-348-4266) UK: 44/(0) 1489-566300
Document Number: 8009-8221-00-02
Product specications subject to change without notice.
Issued: 512
Copyright © 2012 Vicon Industries Inc. All rights reserved.

2| ViconNet VN-NVR Shadow Installation and Configuration Guide
NVR Shadow Installation & Configuration Guide
Topic Page
General 3
Hardware Installation 4
Accessory Kit 4
Unpacking and Inspection 5
Unpacking the Unit 5
Required Items for Installation 5
Unit Components 6
Mounting 8
Installing the VN-NVR 9
Operation 12
Powering On the Unit 12
Powering Off the Unit 12
Final Installation 12
Using ViconNet 13
Accessing the Configuration Functions 13
Registering Your Unit 15
Connecting to the Network 16
Setting up the Storage Database 17
Monitoring the RAID System 20
Replacing a Bad Database Drive 22
Replacing the OS Hard Drive 25
Shipping Instructions 29
Technical Information 30
Vicon Standard Equipment Warranty 32
Vicon, ViconNet, and their logos are registered trademarks of Vicon Industries Inc.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Other company and brand products and service names
are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders

ViconNet VN-NVR Shadow Installation and Configuration Guide | 3
General
This manual provides information for installing and setting up the ViconNet®
VN-NVR Shadow with internal RAIDs.
The NVR Shadow is a high-capacity Network Video Recorder that can
simultaneously capture, view and store high-quality, high-resolution voice,
video and data. It provides scalable, internal RAID-5 storage for medium and
large-scale installations. The 8-bay removable drive configuration makes it
easy to hot-swap drives without having to remove the unit from the rack.

4| ViconNet VN-NVR Shadow Installation and Configuration Guide
Hardware Installation
This unit should only be installed by a qualified technician using common
hand tools and approved materials in accordance with the National Electrical
Code ANSI/NFPA 70, state and local wiring codes. These units meet
requirements for an FCC Class A computing device and CE.
The rack-mount VN-NVR is a 2 RU unit that installs into a standard 19-inch
racking system.
Vicon requires the use of line conditioners, voltage regulators and
uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems in the electrical power service.
Note
Read all instructions before beginning the installation.
Accessory Kit
The provided accessory kit contains necessary items needed to install and
wire the unit during installation:
Table 1: Accessory Kit
Part Description
CD and Manuals Provides documentation and software (including current
drivers)
Front Cover and Key Protects hard drives and releases the front cover
Keyboard (with USB
adapter) Used for GUI operation of the ViconNet software
Optical Mouse (with USB
adapter) Used for GUI operation of the ViconNet software
Power Cord Used for power connection
Rail Kit For rack mounting the VN-NVR; includes hardware

ViconNet VN-NVR Shadow Installation and Configuration Guide | 5
Unpacking and Inspection
All Vicon equipment is tested and inspected before leaving the factory. It is
the carrier’s responsibility to provide suitable delivery.
Inspect the cartons upon delivery and, if damage is present, make detailed
notes on the carrier’s bill. Then, obtain the carrier agent’s signature and file a
damage claim as soon as possible.
Open the cartons and inspect the equipment for damage. Save the cartons
and packing material. If damage is present, contact the carrier and file a
damage claim immediately. If the equipment must be returned for repair,
follow the Shipping Instructions at the end of this manual.
Unpacking the Unit
Carefully open the cartons. The RAID drives are preconfigured at the factory
but are removed from the unit for shipping. Remove the accessory kit and the
VN-NVR from the box and place them on a large, flat working surface. Open
the accessory kit and verify the contents against the list in Table 1.
Required Items for Installation
To setup for operation there must be a keyboard and a mouse available to
operate the GUI.

6| ViconNet VN-NVR Shadow Installation and Configuration Guide
Unit Components
This section describes the VN-NVR front and rear panels.
Front Panel Controls and Connections
•Network LED Indicators: Blue LED used to display the network connection
status (ON means unit on and OFF means unit off).
•HDD LED: Amber LED, blinks when disk is in use.
•Power LED Indicator: Green LED used to display the power status (ON
means unit on and OFF means unit off).
•Power Button:Used to power on the unit.
•Reset Button: Used to only in the case when the unit locks up.
•DVD Drive: Used as a high-capacity removable data drive.
•Front Cover: Used to protect the front panel from unauthorized use.
•Keyed Locks: Used with the provided key to lock the front cover.
•USB Port: Used for optional devices.

ViconNet VN-NVR Shadow Installation and Configuration Guide | 7
Rear Panel Controls and Connections
•Speaker Output: Mini phono-type connector used for audio output.
•Power Receptacle: Used to connect the provided power cable.
•Keyboard Port: connector used to connect a standard PC keyboard
(included).
•Mouse Port: connector used to connect the provided optical mouse
(included).
•USB Connectors: Used for optional devices (4).
•Network Port:RJ-45 connectors; use to connect to a LAN/WAN (100/1000
Base T).

8| ViconNet VN-NVR Shadow Installation and Configuration Guide
Mounting
Rack
The NVR Shadow was designed to be mounted in a standard 19-inch
(483 mm) wide vertical rack. A rail kit is installed onto the NVR to connect it
to the rack. Hardware and installation instructions on how to use this kit are
provided with the rail kit. The rail mounting kit is included to provide extra
support for the unit in the rack. This rail kit MUST be used.
Note
Rack mount ears and handles are installed on the NVR Shadow for ease of
installation.
It is recommended that at least 1 RU of space [1.75 in. (44.45 mm)] be left in
between multiple units mounted in the same rack for cooling purposes.
Warning
Failure to leave space for cooling between recorders may result in
malfunctioning and possible failure of the unit.
Install the two (2) rail kit mounting brackets onto the sides of the NVR
Shadow. Use the instructions supplied with the rail kit. The brackets have
slots and holes that fit directly onto the hardware on the sides of the unit.
Refer to figure below.
Note
Use the square holes in the rail kit for mounting. If this is not convenient, it
may be necessary to use a square hole to round hole adapter.

ViconNet VN-NVR Shadow Installation and Configuration Guide | 9
Installing the VN-NVR
After the unit is mounted permanently, follow the steps in this section to
install the hardware.
•Step 1: Installing the Drives
•Step 2: Connecting the Hardware
•Step 3: Connecting the Power Supply
Important Notes
Do not apply power or plug-in the unit to any outlet until instructed to do so.
Disable the AC power to prevent installer injury and damage to the unit.
Before beginning the hardware installation, ensure that the room or area
designated for the ViconNet hardware installation is well ventilated.
Step 1: Installing the Drives
The NVR Shadow is delivered with the 8 RAID drives packaged in the
accessory kit; some units may have the OS drive also packaged in the
accessory kit. Each of the drives (8 or 9) must be installed into the unit in the
correct bay for proper operation. Refer to the Front Panel figure for Bay
numbers.
Caution
The OS and RAID drives are configured at the factory and have to be
installed back into the correct bay.
Push the lock button to release the arm on the drive. Insert each tray into the
corresponding bay number. Secure the arm back into place.
Caution
Make sure that the serial number on the tray matches the serial number on
the VN-NVR Shadow. Each tray has a label indicating the serial number and
the bay number.

10 | ViconNet VN-NVR Shadow Installation and Configuration Guide
Step 2: Connecting the Hardware
This procedure describes the various hardware connections that must be
performed in order to operate the system.
1. Perform the following connections: (refer to Rear Panel diagram).
1.1 Locate the keyboard on a flat surface near the unit. Connect the
keyboard by inserting its connector into the correct port.
1.2 Locate the mouse on a flat surface near the unit. Connect the mouse by
inserting its connector into the correct port.
1.3 Position the monitor in a permanent fixed location near the unit. Connect
the monitor by inserting its VGA, DVI or HDMI connector into the
appropriate Monitor Output port.
1.4 Insert one side of a standard LAN cable to the Network Port’s RJ-45
connector. Insert the other RJ-45 connector into the LAN side of the
network.
1.5 Connect external hardware devices to the relevant terminal.
1.6 Insert the female end of the provided 120 VAC power cable into the unit's
power receptacle. Do not connect the remaining end to a power
receptacle until instructed. If using 230 VAC power, it is necessary to
obtain a suitable power cord for use. This cable is a standard computer
230 VAC power cord.
2. Connect the monitor to the power source and power on.

ViconNet VN-NVR Shadow Installation and Configuration Guide | 11
Step 2: Connecting the Power Supply
To ensure that the unit is protected during a power failure and that no
important data is lost, it must be connected to an uninterruptible power
source (UPS) before use.
To connect the UPS:
1. Connect the power cord to the UPS power receptacle.
2. Connect the UPS power cord to the wall outlet.
3. Power on the UPS and ensure that it is working properly.
Note
Refer to your UPS device’s User Manual for a more detailed explanation of
how to connect it properly.

12 | ViconNet VN-NVR Shadow Installation and Configuration Guide
Operation
Powering On the Unit
To power on the system:
With the unit set up as shown in Installation, press the front panel pushbutton
Power Switch.
Important
Do not press any keyboard buttons at this time.
When the unit completes booting, the Main Screen is displayed.
Powering Off the Unit
To power off the system:
With the unit booted and operational, press the Shutdown button in the Site
Setup window. Follow the screen prompts and the system returns to the
ViconNet desktop. Use the Start button to completely shutdown the system.
OR (this is not recommended, due to the possibility of data loss)
Momentarily press the power switch. The unit switches off.
Final Installation
After the installation is complete, the front cover that protects the drives is
installed. The ears must be left on the unit, as the cover latches on to them.
Using the key(s) provided, turn the latch inside the front cover so that is
hooks onto the rack ear; use the key to lock it in place. Repeat on the other
side.

ViconNet VN-NVR Shadow Installation and Configuration Guide | 13
Using ViconNet
The NVR Shadow is delivered with the ViconNet application preloaded.
Accessing the Configuration Functions
The configuration functions are performed via the System Settings window
applicable to a selected site. The Shadow must first be registered before the
storage database drives can be configured.
To access the System Settings window:
1. From the ViconNet Main window, click . The Setup Site
Selection window is displayed:
The local site always appears at the top of the list. The Nucleus site is listed
second, displayed as (Nucleus).
The Exit to O.S. button enables you to exit to the Operating System and to
close the ViconNet application.
Note
There is a limit to the amount of time you can leave the setup screen open
without working in it. Therefore it is important to save your settings each time
you make a change. Before ViconNet will shutdown in this situation, the
following warning screen will display.

14 | ViconNet VN-NVR Shadow Installation and Configuration Guide
2. Select the VN-NVR Shadow site to configure and click . The
System Settings window is displayed.
Note
The System Settings window has the following options:
When the function is not supported, the associated button is disabled (grayed
out).

ViconNet VN-NVR Shadow Installation and Configuration Guide | 15
Registering Your Unit
The full functionality of the VN-NVR is available only after it is registered.
Before the registration procedure is performed, it will function with limited
"Viewer" functionality only.
To register your unit:
1. In the ViconNet application, navigate to the System Settings window,
click
. The Registration window appears.
2. Fill in your company details.
3. Fill in your user name.
4. Make note of the two user codes that are on the ViconNet Registration
screen. You will need these to complete registration.
Note
Licensing is done through Vicon’s website. On www.vicon-security.com, go to
the Support tab and select Software Registration and follow those
instructions. Be sure to have the License ID and password that is on the label
of the software CD jewel case. You will need these to register. Follow the
prompts.

16 | ViconNet VN-NVR Shadow Installation and Configuration Guide
5. Enter the six license numbers generated from the registration process into
the six License Number fields of the Registration window, and click
The application automatically restarts in order to implement the
new registration and enable the functionality of your purchased application.
Connecting to the Network
Next the VN-NVR Shadow has to be added to the network. In this step, you
will configure the IP address of this site in the network.
1. Go to the VN-NVR Shadow to set the IP address. Then, from the ViconNet
Main window, click . The Setup Site Selection window is
displayed, showing a list of all currently connected transmitters and
Workstations.
2. Select the VN-NVR Shadow to configure the network setup and click
. The System Settings window is displayed, as previously shown.
3. Click . The Network Settings window is displayed.

ViconNet VN-NVR Shadow Installation and Configuration Guide | 17
4. In the Nucleus Settings area, deselect the This Site is the Master Nucleus
checkbox.
5. In the Nucleus Settings area, select the Nucleus IP radio button and enter
the IP address.
6. Click . The application will reboot and the Nucleus name will appear
in the top-left corner of the application.
Setting up the Storage Database
1. Return to the System Settings screen. Select button. The
following screen displays.
2. Click the button.
3. In the Add Video-Audio Storage Disk area, select the next drive letter from
the Select Disk dropdown list. In the Directory Size field, enter the same

18 | ViconNet VN-NVR Shadow Installation and Configuration Guide
number displayed in the Maximum available size field. Click Apply. As a drive
is configured, it is added to the list at top. Repeat until all the drives are
configured.
4. Delete the storage drive listed as the “C” drive from the Video-Audio Storage
list.
5. Click OK. A message will display to confirm the save. Click Yes.
Note:
If Yes is not clicked, the unit will automatically save the storage settings after
30 seconds. The saving procedure may take a few minutes.

ViconNet VN-NVR Shadow Installation and Configuration Guide | 19
6. After the storage database changes are saved, the system will reboot.
The following message displays.
7. After reboot the following screen might display. This is normal and just let
the restart continue.
8. ViconNet can now be used as required The VN-NVR Shadow will
function as any other Workstation. Refer to the ViconNet manual, XX113,
as required.