SEON Explorer TX8 User Manual
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SEON Explorer TX8 User Manual

Mobile digital video recording system
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*700-0117*
Document Part Number 700-0158 R001

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  • Page 1 *700-0117* Document Part Number 700-0158 R001...

  • Page 3: About This Guide

    TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet Protocol H.264 H.264 video compression Universal Serial Bus Infrared Universal Time Coordinated Finding Information Online You can find more information about Seon Design Inc. as well as its products and services at www.seon.com. 700-0158 R001...

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Contents Chapter 1 Introduction 1.1. Overview - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–2 1.2.
  • Page 6 5.2. Troubleshooting the Explorer TX8 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–2...
  • Page 7 Typical Explorer TX8 System - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–7...
  • Page 8 Figures Figure 3-11 One-Touch Progress - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–12 Figure 4-1 Internet Explorer Protected Mode: Off - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–2 Figure 4-2...
  • Page 9 Tables Table 1-1 Estimated Recording Time for 1 TB DVR Hard Drive, 8 Cameras - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–4 Table 1-2 Trackball Mouse Features - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–9 Table 1-3 Remote Control Features - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–10 Table 1-4...
  • Page 10 Tables 700-0158 R001...
  • Page 11 Introduction HAPTER Introduction This chapter describes the product features and components of the Explorer TX8 Mobile DVR System. This chapter contains the following sections: • Overview, on page 1–2 • TX8 DVR Product Features, on page 1–3 • Installation Diagram, on page 1–7 •...

  • Page 12: Overview

    Introduction 1.1. Overview This section introduces the product features of the Explorer TX8 Plus Mobile Digital Video Recording (DVR) System. The Explorer TX8 DVR integrates with the optional Smart-Reach Mobile wireless technology and works with optional vMax Commander and vMax View video management software for on-board video data management, as shown in Figure 1-1.

  • Page 13: Tx8 Dvr Product Features

    Introduction 1.2. TX8 DVR Product Features The Explorer TX8 has the following product features: • supports up to 8 video channels and 8 audio channels • records up to 15 frames per second (FPS) at 720 × 480 D1 resolution on all video channels simultaneously •...

  • Page 14: Recording Capacity For Dvr Hard Drive Storage

    Introduction 1.2.1. Recording Capacity for DVR Hard Drive Storage The Explorer TX8 uses H.264 video compression to extend the recording time on the DVR hard drive. The recording time varies, depending on the FPS, resolution (horizontal x vertical pixel count), and picture quality settings. Lower picture quality results in higher compression and a lower memory requirement.

  • Page 15: Front Panel Features

    Introduction 1.2.3. Front Panel Features Figure 1-3 shows the front panel features followed by a short description. For a full description of the features, see Operation, on page 3–1. Figure 1-3 Front Panel Item Feature Feature DVR hard drive Requires the DVR Hard Drive key to unlock and remove the DVR. lock See Remove and Replace the DVR Hard Drive, on page 3–2 for hard drive removal details.

  • Page 16: Back Panel Features

    Introduction 1.2.4. Back Panel Features Figure 1-4 shows the back panel features followed by a short a description. POWER ALARM OUTPUT CONTROL INPUT VIDEO OUTPUT ETHERNET SIGNALS POWER Figure 1-4 Back Panel Features Item Feature Description ALARM INPUT Alarm input connector for the alarm button and cable (2-pin). CONTROL Control connector (2-pin) for controlling the Smart-Reach Mobile wireless bridge equipment.

  • Page 17: Installation Diagram

    To DVR VIDEO OUTPUT *1 For speed tracking, use a GPS receiver or speed harness. For ease of installation and better speed tracking, Seon recommends using a GPS receiver. *2 The Diagnostic Button and alarm input harness are optional and require the adapter harness.

  • Page 18: Dvr Configuration, Video Playback And Archiving

    Introduction 1.4. DVR Configuration, Video Playback and Archiving Here is an introductory overview of the configuration, playback, and archiving methods available on the TX8. The TX8 DVR can be configured in two ways: • locally via OSD and LCD monitor. See On-Screen Display Access, on page 1–11.

  • Page 19: Trackball Mouse

    Introduction 1.4.1. Trackball mouse Figure 1-6 Trackball Mouse Pointing Device Table 1-2 Trackball Mouse Features To do this… Item Select the highlighted menu option by pressing the middle button. Select the highlighted menu option by pressing the left button with your thumb. •...

  • Page 20: Table 1-3 Remote Control Features

    Remote Control Features Table 1-3 Item Button Description Menu navigation In the Menu system: • Up arrow • Scrolls up one line of text or increases a selected value. • Back arrow • Navigates to a previous item. • Down arrow •...

  • Page 21: On-Screen Display Access

    TX8 DVR LCD Monitor Figure 1-8 LCD Monitor Connected to DVR When the on-screen display starts up, the Seon Explorer TX8 splash screen (see Figure 1-9) appears briefly before the DVR enters live view. Figure 1-9 TX8 Splash Screen During recording and live viewing, the screen information is dynamic and can include the items shown in Figure 1-10 and described in Table 1-4.

  • Page 22: Table 1-4 On-Screen Display Information

    Introduction Table 1-4 On-Screen Display Information Feature Description Camera 1 to Camera 8 Camera titles, maximum 8 characters each. Main_Title Main title of the DVR, maximum 32 characters. HD Size Formatted size of the DVR hard drive, in gigabytes (GB). HD Used Percentage of recorded video on the DVR hard drive.

  • Page 23: Vmax Web Access

    Tip: The default network settings allow for connection to a laptop computer for configuration of the DVR only. For remote network access, consult with your IT staff or Seon Design to configure the DVR to be on the same subnet as the laptop.

  • Page 24: Figure 1-12 Vmax Web Live Tab

    Introduction The vMax Web browser opens with the live tab selected. Figure 1-12 vMax Web Live Tab 3. Use the computer’s keyboard and mouse controls to access the DVR’s configuration, playback, and archiving menu settings as required. 4. Proceed to the Configuration or Operation and Operation with vMax Web chapters for details on the TX8 DVR features and functions.

  • Page 25: Hapter

    Configuration HAPTER Configuration This chapter provides information and procedures for configuring the DVR. CAUTION: Video Loss Events When A DVR is installed with less than the full complement of cameras connected, unused camera input settings must be disabled to prevent the DVR from generating Video Loss (VLoss) events for those camera inputs.

  • Page 26: Dvr Configuration Options

    Configuration 2.1. DVR Configuration Options The Explorer TX8 can be configured using two methods: • On Screen Display (OSD) Configuration and Playback See “On-Screen Display Access” on page 1–11 • vMax Web Configuration and Playback See “vMax Web Access” on page 1–13.

  • Page 27: Configuration Menu Diagram

    Configuration 2.1.1. Configuration Menu Diagram The following diagram shows the TX8 DVR configuration menus. Figure 2-1 Configuration Main Menu for On Screen Display and vMax Web 700-0158 R001 2–3...

  • Page 28: Updating The Firmware

    The firmware version is displayed on the top right corner of every menu. The firmware update must be obtained from Seon Design. To install a firmware update, a USB memory device must be formatted by a Windows®-based computer using the FAT file format.

  • Page 29: Dvr Configuration Uploads

    1. Copy the configuration file at the root of the USB memory device folder. Important: For USB uploading, the configuration file name can have no more than four characters. Example: *TX8.seon. 2. Power up the DVR using the vehicle ignition. 3. Connect the LCD monitor and USB mouse.

  • Page 30: Figure 2-4 Program Update Menu

    Configuration 6. In the System Settings menu click Program Update. Figure 2-4 Program Update Menu 7. From the Load Configuration menu, select the file to upload. Figure 2-5 Program Update Menu Important: The Load Configuration drop down list only displays the ten most recent configuration files on the USB drive.

  • Page 31: Figure 2-6 Program Update Menu

    Configuration 8. From Include Network, select whether or not to overwrite the existing DVR network settings with the new configuration settings. The default setting of NO keeps your existing network settings. CAUTION: DVR Communication Disruption Risk Avoid unintentionally changing the DVR network settings when uploading a new configuration.

  • Page 32: Figure 2-9 Click Back To Save Configuration

    Configuration 11. Click Back in the Program Update and then System Settings menus to save and exit the menus. Figure 2-9 Click Back to Save Configuration 12. From the Configuration menu, click Title/Display, and in the Titles and Display menu, update the text in the Main_Title field. Figure 2-10 Titles and Display Menus 13.

  • Page 33: Uploading Configuration Files To Dvr Via Vmax Web

    Configuration 2.2.2. Uploading Configuration Files to DVR via vMax Web To remotely install a configuration update, the configuration file (received from Seon or created and saved from a DVR in your network) must be on a computer with network access to the DVR and with Internet Explorer 8 or 9 (32 bit version only) to access vMax Web.

  • Page 34: Figure 2-13 Vmax Web System Settings

    Configuration 8. On the Configuration tab, click the System icon. Figure 2-13 vMax Web System Settings 9. In the Program Update Settings area, select the Include Network Settings check box to overwrite the existing DVR network settings with the new configuration settings.

  • Page 35: Figure 2-16 Windows File Search

    Important: For consistency, Seon recommends that the configuration upload file name should be kept to four characters maximum (****.seon) in the event that the file needs to be loaded to the DVR from the USB port. The DVR USB upload interface supports only four characters in the file name.

  • Page 36: Figure 2-19 Loading Complete

    Configuration 15. When the progress bar shows the update is 100% complete, click OK. Figure 2-19 Loading Complete 16. In the Titles/Display menu, update the text in the Main_Title field. Figure 2-20 Titles and Display Menu 17. Click Save to save the settings to the DVR. 18.
  • Page 37 Operation HAPTER Operation This This chapter provides information and procedures for operating the Explorer TX8. chapter contains the following sections: • Remove and Replace the DVR Hard Drive, on page 3–2 • Search, Playback, and Archive Video, on page 3–2 •...

  • Page 38: Remove And Replace The Dvr Hard Drive

    Operation 3.1. Remove and Replace the DVR Hard Drive The DVR has a removable hard drive that is contained in a drive tray. A hard drive lock secures the cartridge during operation. Use the hard drive key to lock and unlock the hard drive.

  • Page 39: Vmax View And Dvr Hard Drive Interface

    Operation 3.3. vMax View and DVR Hard Drive Interface The TX8 hard drive interface is provided with vMax View software to accommodate the TX8 dual hard drives. It requires AC power to read the TX8 dual hard drives. To access video from the hard drive using vMax View: 1.

  • Page 40: On Screen Display Menus

    Operation 3.4. On Screen Display Menus For local video access, connect an LCD monitor to the VIDEO OUT RCA jack on the front of the TX8 DVR. Use the trackball mouse or remote control to navigate the OSD menus. TX8 DVR LCD Monitor Figure 3-2 Local Playback of Video using LCD Monitor To search, playback, and archive video from the OSD menus:...

  • Page 41: Table 3-1 Playback Tool Bar Items

    Operation Table 3-1 Playback Tool Bar Items Tool Bar Icon Description Start of clip/End of clip Click to set the start of clip and the end of clip points for archiving. See page 3–8. Search Click to search by Date, Time, Alarm, Signals, or System Event.

  • Page 42: Using The Search Function

    Operation 3.4.1. Using the Search Function The TX8 includes a powerful search function that lets you quickly find recorded information by Date and Time, Alarm, Signals, and by System Event. To view the Search menu: 1. From the Main Menu, click on Playback and press Enter. See Figure 3-3. 2.

  • Page 43: Table 3-2 Search Configuration Items

    Operation Table 3-2 Search Configuration Items Menu Item Description Value [Default] Start Date Set the start date for the search. Time Set the start time for the search. Search Only Select the desired search • [Time] type. • Alarm • Alm1, Alm2, Alm3, Alm4, All •...

  • Page 44: Using The Archive Function

    Operation 3.4.2. Using the Archive Function An archive dialog box lets you specify the start and end date and time of the video clip to be archived to a USB memory device. To view the Archive menu: 1. From the Main Menu, click on Playback and press Enter. 2.

  • Page 45: Figure 3-8 One-Touch Settings: Clip

    Operation To establish an archive clip: 1. In the System Settings menu, select One-Touch and configure the setting for One- Touch Download to clip. See Figure 3-8. Figure 3-8 One-Touch Settings: clip 2. Use the video playback or search controls to view the start date and time of the video you want to archive.

  • Page 46: Copy To Usb

    3.4.3. Copy to USB To copy video files to a USB memory device: 1. Insert a USB memory device into the USB port on the DVR front panel. 2. In the Playback tool bar, click the archive icon to display the Archive screen. 3.

  • Page 47: Using One-Touch Download

    Use the ONE TOUCH button on the DVR or the COPY button on the remote control. Video is downloaded in the Seon proprietary DVR hard drive format and can be viewed and archived with the vMax View application. See the vMax View User Guide, 700-0137.

  • Page 48: Figure 3-11 One-Touch Progress

    Operation Figure 3-11 One-Touch Progress When transfer is complete, the on-screen display closes. 5. Remove the USB drive. The DVR will power off automatically after 5 minutes. 6. To power off the DVR immediately, press STOP/TEMP PWR for five seconds. The DVR will power off automatically after 5 minutes.

  • Page 49: Vmax Web Operation

    The following minimum system requirements are necessary to access DVRs with vMax Web: Table 4-1 Minimum System Requirements Computer/Processor • Dual Core CPU or higher recommended ® (for TX8, Seon recommends Intel Core I5 or greater) • 1024 × 768 monitor resolution • 32 bit color quality •...

  • Page 50: Accessing Vmax Web

    vMax Web Operation 4.2. Accessing vMax Web When the TX8 DVR is connected to the network, users can remotely access the DVR over the web to view, playback, and archive video as well as configure the DVR. CAUTION: System Access Restriction DVR menu access is restricted to persons with system access permission.

  • Page 51: Figure 4-2 Vmax Web Dvr Login Prompt

    Login data can be edited in the DVR Configuration > Network> User Levels menu. CAUTION: System Access Restriction DVR user names and passwords are provided by Seon Design with specific permissions assigned depending on user requirements. If you require permission to access DVRs, contact your system administrator.

  • Page 52: Vmax Web User Interface

    vMax Web Operation 4.3. vMax Web User Interface vMax Web opens with the Live tab selected and live video from the TX8 and cameras displaying. vMax Web User Interface Figure 4-4 Table 5 User Interface Components Description Tab area. • Live tab —...

  • Page 53: Vmax Web Live Tab

    To setup the Live tab view 1. In the Select drop down menu, the Record video stream is selected. The Explorer TX8 DVR Record video stream is 15fps maximum for each of up to 8 cameras. Video speed, quality, and resolution settings will provide clearer pictures and will require more storage space and longer archiving time.

  • Page 54: Vmax Web Configuration Tab

    Configuration Menu Diagram, on page 2–3 for specific details when configuring DVR function settings. CAUTION: System Access Restriction DVR user names and passwords are provided by Seon Design with specific permissions assigned depending on user requirements. If you require permission to access DVR configuration settings, contact your system administrator.

  • Page 55: Vmax Web Playback Tab

    vMax Web Operation 4.3.3. vMax Web Playback Tab To search the recorded video, select the Playback tab as shown in Figure 4-7. Playback tab views, searching by Time or Event Figure 4-7 Table 4-2 Time Search Fields Menu Item Description Value [Default] Select Only the Record video stream is available on TX8 DVRs.

  • Page 56: Table 4-3 Event Search Fields

    vMax Web Operation Table 4-3 Event Search Fields Menu Item Description Value [Default] Select Only Record is available in the TX8 DVR [Record] Search By Choose whether to search by the time the event occurred [Time], Event or by specific event. Event Type Enabled when Event is selected in Search By.
  • Page 57 12 display buttons. 2. In the Select drop down menu, the Record video stream is selected. The Explorer TX8 DVR’s Record stream of video at a maximum 15 fps per camera. Higher video speed, quality, and resolution settings will provide clearer pictures and will require more storage space and longer archiving time.
  • Page 58 To Search Video from an Event Marker 1. Select Event in the Search By drop down menu. The Event Type and Event Filter menus appear, as shown in Figure 4-7. 2. From the Event type menu, select an event type. 3.

  • Page 59: Figure 4-8 Playback Event Search Results

    vMax Web Operation 6. From the list that appears in the View area, select an event and click Play. Windows may request to download an Active X control.. Playback Event Search Results Figure 4-8 7. On the Playback tab area, use the play, pause, fast forward or reverse (up to 32x speed) controls to locate the video loss event.

  • Page 60: Vmax Web Archive Tab

    vMax Web Operation 4.3.1. vMax Web Archive Tab To archive the specific recorded video, select the Archive tab as shown in Figure 4-9. Archive tab Figure 4-9 Table 4-5 Archive Tab Fields Menu Item Description Value [Default] Select Choose which recording stream to search. Record, Log File •...

  • Page 61: Archive Segmentation

    To Archive Video Segments 1. In the Select drop down menu, the Record video stream is selected. The Explorer TX8 DVR’s Record stream of video is a maximum of 15fps per camera. Higher video speed, quality, and resolution settings will provide clearer pictures and will require more storage space and longer archiving time.
  • Page 62 vMax Web Operation 4–14 700-0158 R001...

  • Page 63: Chapter 5 Maintenance And Service

    Replacing the fan Seon recommends that the fan filter is checked for excess dirt on a regular basis, and is replaced when filter the filter restricts airflow. Failure to replace a blocked filter may result in the DVR shutting down on a hot day due to inadequate air circulation.

  • Page 64: Troubleshooting The Explorer Tx8

    Maintenance and Service Please refer to the “Seon Design Inc.® Product Warranty” on page W–1 to review the terms of warranty service, contact, and shipping information, as well as other important issues regarding the service and operation of your system.

  • Page 65: Appendix A Specifications

    Specifications This appendix provides the product specifications for the Explorer® TX8 Mobile Digital Video Recording (DVR) System. Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice. A.3. Explorer TX8 Video Input/Output 75 Ohm NTSC video Video Resolution 720 × 480, 720 × 240, or 360 × 240 pixels Video Compression H.264...

  • Page 66: Advanced Smart-Temp

    Playback Speed Image-by-Image, 1×, 2×, 4×, 8×, 16×, 32×, step USB Memory Device USB 2.0 compatible A.3.3. Explorer TX8 Front Cover, Cable Cover Main Enclosure 18 GA cold rolled steel (CRS), powder coated black paint Door Lock Industrial cam lock, keyed alike.

  • Page 67: Legal Notice

    Design Inc. that are the property of their respective owners. They are used in this User Manual for identification purposes only. User Manual Revision This is the R001 revision for this User Manual and is copyright, Febuary 2012 of Seon Design Inc. All rights reserved. Exclusion of Liability...
  • Page 68 L–2...

  • Page 69: Seon Design Inc.® Product Warranty

    Products returned will be tested to verify the defect. Upon verification of the defect, the product will be repaired or exchanged, or the purchase price will be refunded or credited to the customer’s account, at the sole option of Seon. In the event of replacement, the returned product will be credited to the customer’s account and a new invoice issued for the replacement item.
  • Page 70 Provisions Applicable to American Customers For those customers whose mailing address is in the United States, Seon’s offer and any agreement of sale resulting therefrom shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal and domestic laws of the State of...
  • Page 72 Seon Design Inc. Unit 111, 3B Burbidge Street Coquitlam, BC Canada V3K 7B2 Telephone 604.941.0880 Toll Free Telephone 1.877.630.7366 604.941.0870 Toll Free Fax 1.866.664.3677 Email sales@seon.com Web site www.seon.com 700-0158 R001 Printed in Canada...

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