Videoswitch Ai150 User manual

Ai150 Digital Recorder
User Manual
Models covered by this manual
Hard Drive Capacity 4 Cameras 9 Cameras
300 Gbytes Ai150-G300-4
300 Gbytes Ai150-G300-9
Document Reference Date Firmware
Vi606c.doc 21/10/2009 From Vi015B09/F
Videoswitch Telephone [phone]
Ocean House, Redfields Industrial Park Fax [phone]
Redfields Lane, Church Crookham Email [email protected]
Hants GU52 0RD Web www.videoswitch.co.uk

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Digital Recorder
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Contents:
1Start Here ..................................................................1
1.1 Connecting Up .......................................................................................................................2
1.2 Setting Date/Time ..................................................................................................................3
1.3 Recording...............................................................................................................................4
1.4 Routine Checks......................................................................................................................4
1.5 Care of the Hard Drive...........................................................................................................4
1.6 Critical Alerts..........................................................................................................................5
2LIVE ...........................................................................6
2.1 Viewing Full Screen Images ..................................................................................................6
2.2 Quad Display..........................................................................................................................6
2.3 9-way Multi-Screen ................................................................................................................6
3FIND...........................................................................7
3.1 FIND-1 Date/Time..................................................................................................................7
3.2 FIND-2 Sweep........................................................................................................................8
3.3 FIND-3 Event List...................................................................................................................9
4PLAY........................................................................10
5BURN.......................................................................11
6PSW .........................................................................12
6.1 Log-On.................................................................................................................................12
6.2 Log-Off.................................................................................................................................13
7FN.............................................................................14
7.1 Auto sequence - Yes............................................................................................................14
7.2 Auto sequence - No .............................................................................................................14
8INFO.........................................................................15
9MENU.......................................................................16
9.1 Date/Time.............................................................................................................................17
9.1.1 Date/Time ........................................................................................................................17
9.1.2 Summer/Winter Time.......................................................................................................18
9.2 Record..................................................................................................................................18
9.2.1 Days.................................................................................................................................18
9.2.2 Quality..............................................................................................................................19
9.2.3 Image Size Control ..........................................................................................................19
9.3 Display .................................................................................................................................19
9.3.1 Keypad Brightness...........................................................................................................19
9.3.2 Auto Seq Dwell ................................................................................................................19
9.3.3 Camera Titles...................................................................................................................19
9.4 Configuration........................................................................................................................20
9.4.1 User Password.................................................................................................................20
9.4.2 Camera Inputs .................................................................................................................20
9.4.2.1 Record Brightness 20
9.4.2.2 Record Colour Boost 20
9.4.3 Restore Factory Config....................................................................................................20
9.4.4 Erase Hard Drive .............................................................................................................20
9.4.5 Unit Address ....................................................................................................................20
10 Dial-Up Access .......................................................21
10.1 Vi-PSTN...............................................................................................................................21
11 Technical Data........................................................22

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11.1 Power-On Reset ..................................................................................................................22
11.2 Changing the Hard Drive .....................................................................................................22
11.3 Accessories Included...........................................................................................................22
11.4 Connector Pin-Outs .............................................................................................................23
11.4.1 Alarms..............................................................................................................................23
11.4.2 Remote Keyboard............................................................................................................24
11.4.3 PSTN/ISDN Modem.........................................................................................................25
11.5 Image Capture and Storage.................................................................................................25
11.6 Physical and Environmental.................................................................................................26
11.6.1 Power Requirements .......................................................................................................26
11.6.2 CE Marking......................................................................................................................26
11.6.3 Dimensions and Weight...................................................................................................26
11.6.4 Temperature and Humidity ..............................................................................................26
11.6.5 Ventilation........................................................................................................................26
11.6.6 Safety...............................................................................................................................26
12 Warranty Fax-Back.................................................28

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1 Start Here
Please fill in the warranty fax-back form on page 28 and return it to Videoswitch
Removable Hard Drive
Hard drive drawer handle
Hard Drive Lock
Open CD drawer
button
CD Writer
Keypad
Disc Power LED
Disc Activity LED
The Ai150 is designed to be easy to use whilst offering high quality digital video recording
and playback, primarily for CCTV security applications.
The video images from all connected cameras are continuously recorded onto the built-in
hard disc. When the disc is full, the Ai150 keeps on recording, overwriting the oldest
images.
Images are retained for a specified user programmable number of days, typically 14 or 31.
All images recorded within the period will be available for replay. Older image are no longer
available.
Several methods are provided for finding the recorded images you want quickly.
The built-in CD writer allows a selected part of the recorded information to be written onto a
CD, typically to back-up an incident for use as evidence by the Police.
The recording process continues all the time, even when playing back or writing to CD.
An optional dial-up module allows images to be viewed on a PC (with a modem) via a
telephone line.

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1.1 Connecting Up
For a standard digital recording system you will need
 The Ai150 recorder
 Some cameras with lenses
 A video monitor (with BNC composite video input).
 BNC cables
Rear View
 Connect the monitor output (MAIN) of the Ai150 to a Video Monitor to the using a BNC
cable
 Make sure that the monitor termination is switched on (i.e. to 75 Ohms)
 Connect the a camera to Camera Input 1 on the Ai150 using a BNC cable
 Connect further cameras to Inputs 2,3,4 etc
 Make sure that the voltage select switch is set to suit the mains supply. The setting
required in UK and Europe is 230Vac.
 Connect the mains power using main cable provided

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1.2 Setting Date/Time
For proper operation of the Ai150 Digital Recorder it is essential that the date and
time are set correctly.
If the system clock has an invalid date or time when the Ai150 is powered up (or at any time
during operation), the date and time setting window will be automatically displayed
If this occurs, use the number keys to enter the date and time.
1
4
7
2
5
8
0
3
6
9
The format for the date and time is DD/MM/YY HH:MM:SS
where:
•DD is the day of the month (00 to 31),
•MM is the month (01 to 12),
•YY is the year (e.g. 04 for the year 2004),
•HH is the hour in 24-hour format (00 to 23),
•MM is the number of minutes past the hour (00 to
59) and
•SS is the number of seconds past the minute (00 to
59).
The arrow keys may be used to move the cursor to different positions if only some digits
need changing:
Í
Í
Press OK to finish:
OK
If you need to adjust the time and date at any other time, refer to section 9.1. Note that the
time is automatically adjusted forwards or backwards by an hour at the appropriate dates to
take account of British Summertime so no user action is required.

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1.3 Recording
The Ai150 Digital Recorder should now be fully operational and recording images from all
cameras. The default image retention period is 31 days.
1.4 Routine Checks
If the Ai150 is not recording, the message STOP will be displayed on top right of the video
monitor. This should only happen if no hard drive is fitted or if it is faulty.
Although the system is intended for continuous un-attended operation, it is recommended
that the user regularly check that images from all cameras replay correctly. Any
potential problems with the cameras or recording system will then be detected as soon a
possible, rather than continuing un-noticed until a critical incident needs to be recalled from
the system.
Similarly, when a CD has been created you should check that it plays back correctly,
before the images on the hard drive in the Ai150 become over-written. The CD may be
checked by either by playing it on the Ai150 or on a PC.
1.5 Care of the Hard Drive
The hard drive is a delicate mechanical item that should be handled with care. Before
moving a Ai150 that has been powered up, remove power and wait for 30 seconds for the
drive to stop spinning. This is a precaution to avoid possible damage to the hard drive.

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1.6 Critical Alerts
The Ai150 constantly monitors the hard drive, camera inputs and system so that detected
fault conditions will be reported to the user as soon as possible by means of a “critical alert”
message on the screen. Alerts are also added to the event list.
•FailTest This alert indicates that the self-test has failed – try the following
oPress the INFO key to call up the “FIND-2 Status” screen.
The positions of any solid blocks displayed on the “Self Test” row
indicate various fault conditions.
oEnter the menu, change any setting and return to LIVE mode so
that settings are saved.
oSwitch off the Ai150, wait 10 seconds and switch on again.
oTry a power-on reset (See section 0).
oIf the problem persists, contact your supplier.
•HD1 Fail This alert indicates that the hard drive is not working.
oCheck that the drive drawer is correctly fitted
oCheck the lock in the drive drawer is turned full counter-
clockwise
oCheck the DISC ACTIVITY LED is flickering (see diagram in
section 1)
oCheck that the red DISC POWER led it lit.
•HD1 SMART This alert indicates that the hard drive may stop working soon
oThe SMART monitoring detects imminent failure of a hard drive,
so if this warning occurs, the drive should be changed at the
earliest opportunity.
To cancel a critical alert, press the FIND key several times until the “FIND-3 Event”
screen is displayed.
FIND
The time of alert will be displayed on the list (see section 3) and the alert will be cancelled.
Note that if the alert condition persists, the alert message will re-appear.

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2 LIVE
Press this key to view live images:
LIVE
This key may be pressed at any time to exit from any other screen.
2.1 Viewing Full Screen Images
Select full screen views of different cameras by pressing the NUMBER keys:
1
4
7
2
5
8
0
3
6
9
2.2 Quad Display
Select quad display by pressing the QUAD key (live display only):
2.3 9-way Multi-Screen
Select x9 Multi-Screen display by pressing the MULTISCREEN key (live display only):
Note: this applies only to 9-camera model.

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3 FIND
If there is a CD in the CD drive with previously stored images on it, the Ai150 will
replay from the CD. Otherwise, the Ai150 will replay from the built-in hard drive.
3.1 FIND-1 Date/Time Sometimes it is useful to press the
DEF key when in search mode, to call
up the latest available recorded
images
This mode is finds images by date and time. Press
this key to enter the Date/Time search mode:
FIND
Use the NUMBER keys to enter
any date and time for which there
is still video available. The format for the date and time is DD/MM/YY
HH:MM:SS where:
•DD is the day of the month (00 to 31),
•MM is the month (01 to 12),
•YY is the year (e.g. 04 for the year 2004),
•HH is the hour in 24-hour format (00 to 23),
•MM is the number of minutes past the hour
(00 to 59) and
•SS is the number of seconds past the
minute (00 to 59).
1
4
7
2
5
8
0
3
6
9
Scroll through dates and times using the ARROW
keys: Note that as any digit of the date
and time is changed, the
corresponding image is
immediately found on the hard
drive and displayed.
This is the “active search”
facility.
Í
Í
Í
Í
When you have found what you want, use the play keys to view the video:

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3.2 FIND-2 Sweep
An alternative to the date/time search, is the sweep facility. Press this key until the sweep
mode is displayed:
FIND
Use these keys to scan through the whole
range of recorded images: To step in finer time increments, press the
OK key to access the fine mode.
Note that the slider changes from a solid
block to a diamond.
Press again to cancel.
Í
Í
To quickly step between start, middle and end, press this key:
DEF
When you have found what you want, use the play keys to view the video:

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3.3 FIND-3 Event List
If alarm contacts are being used, there may be events in the event list. Press FIND key
until the event screen is displayed:
Entering the EVENT screen clears
any critical alert conditions. If a critical
alert problem still exists, new alert
events will be created.
FIND
Use the up/down keys to scroll through events
and the left/right keys to select different pages
of events. Up to 480 events can be recorded
before older ones are over-written.
As events are highlighted, the
corresponding image will be
immediately recalled and displayed.
Í
Í
Í
Í
Press this key to go to the latest event:
DEF
When you have found what you want, use the play keys to view the video:

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4 PLAY
If there is a CD in the CD drive with previously stored images on it, the Ai150 will
replay from the CD. Otherwise, the Ai150 will replay from the built-in hard drive.
Having found what you want using the FIND key,
you can use these keys to move forwards and
backwards through the recorded video images. Press the forward or reverse play
keys repeatedly to increase the
replay speed.
The function of each key is:
Step backwards one image
Step forwards one image
Play backwards (press again to increase speed)
Play forwards (press again to increase speed)
Pause at currently displayed image
View different cameras by pressing the NUMBER keys:
1
4
7
2
5
8
0
3
6
9

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5 BURN
To burn a section of video recording to CD you must go to the middle the video that you
wish to backup, using the FIND and PLAY facilities as described in sections 3and 4. Then
do the following:
Call up the BURN screen by pressing this key. If there is a CD in the CD drive
that is not blank, the BURN
screen will not be displayed.
BURN
Create an “incident” by pressing this key.
DEF
Change the duration of the incident as
required using the left/right keys: The start and end times can also be
individually adjusted by using the UP and
DOWN arrow keys to highlight the start or
end times, and the LEFT and RIGHT keys to
adjust the time.
Alternatively if you highlight the start time and
press BACK it will be set to the current play
image. Similarly if you highlight the end time
and press BACK it will be set to the current
play image.
Í
Í
Press the “Open CD drawer” button on the CD drive and place a new CD-R in the CD drive.
Press the “Open CD drawer” button again to close the drawer.
Start writing to CD by pressing this key: Note that you can only write incidents to a
blank CD. When an important incident has
been written to a CD, always check that the
CD plays back correctly, either by playing it
on the AI150 or on a PC.
OK

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6 PSW
A password may be set in the menu to prevent unauthorised access to the menu (see
section 9.4.1).
6.1 Log-On
To log-on to the Ai150 and thereby gain access to the menus:
Press this key:
PSW
Enter the correct password using the NUMBER keys:
1
4
7
2
5
8
0
3
6
9
Press this key:
OK
A message on the screen will indicate whether user access has been granted. If it has, the
menus may now be entered.

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6.2 Log-Off
When you have finished accessing the menu, you should log-off again to prevent other
users gaining unauthorised access:
Press this key:
PSW
Press this key:
OK
The menus are now protected again.

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7 FN
The “FN” key provides additional functions as listed below:
7.1 Auto sequence - Yes
Press these keys to start auto-sequencing of all cameras on the monitor
FN
7
OK
7.2 Auto sequence - No
Press these keys to stop auto-sequencing of all cameras on the monitor
FN
8
OK

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8 INFO
A number of information screen are available to tell you about the Ai150 and to confirm that
it is operating in the way that you intend:
•INFO-1 Configuration
•INFO-2 Status
•INFO-3 Drives
•INFO-4 Record
•INFO-5 Play
Press this key to step through these various information screens:
INFO
To return to viewing live images, press this key:
LIVE

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9 MENU
To enter the menu, press this key:
MENU
Changes within the menu system require the use of the following keys:
The ARROW keys are used to move through the menus and to alter settings within the
menu:
Í
Í
Í
Í
If you are uncertain about a menu setting, the default option can be selected using this key:
DEF
In parts of the menu you may need to initiate an action by pressing the OK key:
OK
In parts of the menu you may need to enter numbers using the NUMBER keys:
1
4
7
2
5
8
0
3
6
9
To exit the menu, press this key:
LIVE

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9.1 Date/Time
For proper operation of the Ai150 Digital Recorder it is essential that the date and
time are set correctly.
9.1.1 Date/Time
When you have found this menu item (see start of section 9), press this key to start editing
the date and time:
OK
Use the NUMBER keys to
enter the date and time: The format for the date and time is DD/MM/YY
HH:MM:SS where:
•DD is the day of the month (00 to 31),
•MM is the month (01 to 12),
•YY is the year (e.g. 04 for the year 2004),
•HH is the hour in 24-hour format (00 to 23),
•MM is the number of minutes past the hour
(00 to 59) and
•SS is the number of seconds past the minute
(00 to 59).
1
4
7
2
5
8
0
3
6
9
The arrow keys may be used to move the cursor to different positions if only some digits
need changing:
Í
Í
Press OK to finish:
OK