Summary of Contents for Red Hen Systems sDVR
- Page 1 Red Hen Systems, Inc. 2850 McClelland Drive, Suite 3900 Fort Collins, CO 80525 http://www.redhensystems.com Spatial Digital Video Recorder (sDVR) User’s Guide Part Number 1600-0260 Version 2.0 - November 2008...
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
Thank you for purchasing Red Hen’s sDVR. The sDVR is a culmination of years of experience and product development in the video mapping field. We are proud to bring you this revolutionary design allowing you to record and manage large video collection projects, save time in data processing and save money making more informed decisions quicker. -
Page 3: Sdvr Base Unit, Parts And Accessories
Base Unit, Parts and Accessories sDVR Unit The sDVR unit is built to accept up to 4 channels of NTSC or PAL video. The number of video channel inputs, from 1 to 4 channels in, can be adjusted by accessing the set-up module (as discussed on PAGE 13) Figure 1. - Page 4 Parts and Accessories There are a variety of parts and accessories that come with your sDVR unit. It is important that you familiarize yourself with them to understand the set up and to ensure a successful data collection mission in the field.
- Page 5 There are also optional accessories which can be purchased as spare parts or feature enhancements to your sDVR unit. This list is fluid and could change over time. Contact Red Hen Systems for a current list and full explanation of the options available to you.
- Page 6 Identification of sDVR Ports and Controls Front View Figure 4. sDVR Front Panel Back View Figure 5. sDVR Back Panel...
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Page 7: Sdvr Installation And Gps Antenna Placement
Connector: SMA Installing the sDVR The sDVR should be installed in a location with easy operator access to the front panel for LCD feedback and disk accessibility and where cables can be connected at the rear panel without becoming crimped or strained. (Detailed dimensions of the sDVR are in Figure 6.) - Page 8 To reduce shock and vibration, wire rope, floating isolators or rubber vibration dampeners and a mounting tray or mounting brackets must be used. If a mounting tray has been included with your sDVR it must be used in the installation of the sDVR.
- Page 9 NOTE: Auxiliary safety harnesses can be connected to the unit only if they do not impede the operation of the anti-shock mounts.
- Page 10 Detailed Dimensions for sDVR Figure 6. Detailed Dimensions for sDVR with Rack Mount Handles (millimeters) Front: 270mm wide x 132.5 mm tall Rear: 235mm wide x 132.5 mm tall Length: 263.5 mm long GPS Antenna Placement The GPS antenna needs to be mounted in a location that has a clear view of the sky when using either the internal gps receiver or an external gps receiver.
- Page 11 A permanent mount GPS antenna is available for approved aircraft installations. This is a separate item and can be ordered from Red Hen Systems.
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Page 12: Sdvr Power Options
Power Options for the sDVR It is important that the sDVR be provided with a clean and consistent power source. If you have question about how to power the unit, please contact Red Hen Systems. Power Connections An external 110VAC power supply is included with your sDVR. However, under mobile operation of the sDVR, a DC power supply is typically more convenient. - Page 13 The sDVR will turn on 5 seconds after IGN is connected to V+ by the ignition switch. The system will initiate a safe shutdown when the ignition switch is opened, shutdown can take up to 2 minutes.
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Page 14: Sdvr Configuration
The sDVR is configurable through the sDVR Configuration Page (see page 13) which is a web form launched upon boot-up of the sDVR. There are three different methods that enable viewing and changing of the configuration page settings. - Page 15 If the Laptop uses DHCP, set the laptop’s LAN port to static IP with the address 192.168.1.109 and subnet mask 255.255.255.0 Connect one end of the crossover cable to the sDVR static IP LAN port (Figure 4, #3) and the other end of the crossover cable to the LAN port configured to a static IP on the laptop.
- Page 16 When you click the [ Submit ] button changes will be saved and the system will automatically reset itself. While the system is saving the changes, the LCD on the sDVR displays "Resetting System" and the status bar of your browser will display "Saving data...".
- Page 17 This field correlates to the video channel on the back of your sDVR unit. Although Channel # always visible, Channels 2, 3 and 4 are activated by selecting the desired channel using the “enable?” check box. Use this checkbox to mark the associated channel as activated or not activated for Enabled recording.
- Page 18 Filename This field allows you to append a string to the filename of the recorded video file for the associated channel. Suffix Default is blank Filename suffixes are helpful to easily identify a particular mission. We recommend that you begin the filename suffix with a dash or an underscore. Video This field allows you to set the quality of the video being recorded for each associated channel.
- Page 19 Recording Options Section This Section applies to all channels globally. Limit File This field dictates how often the sDVR will switch to a new file while it is recording. Although the removable disk drive can record several hours of Length To...
- Page 20 Selections in this drop down list refer to the input label that appears on the sDVR unit. Valid Values are: COM (on front of unit) (default) for Aerial Intercom systems...
- Page 21 Diskspace When the removable disk drive has less than 30 minutes of recording space available, the sDVR will display “Low Disk Space!” on the second line of the alert LCD, and will sound an audio alert.
- Page 22 This setting applies to all active channels globally. If this setting has been turned on, you will NOT be able to utilize the keypad on the sDVR unit for anything. Consult the Auxiliary Port Connection Interface section for information on how the AUX port is configured on the front of the sDVR for custom applications.
- Page 23 If External GPS is selected, the Use for drop down list under COM1 Port Settings, is automatically set to GPS In. If you will be using the internal GPS unit in the sDVR, select the Internal GPS radio button. In this case, note that the Use for drop down list under the COM1 Port Settings group is enabled to connect other devices besides a gps receiver.
- Page 24 When clicked, this button validates the fields on the page, and submits the data to the sDVR. If there are no errors in the settings, it will save the data and reset the sDVR. If there are errors in the data, the system displays an error message informing you of what needs to be fixed and takes you to the offending field.
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Page 25: Lcd/Keypad
GPS signal is found, and if the system is recording. For example “C1+ C2 C3 C4” indicates that the sDVR is in the Recording state for channel one and is used as a menu selection. The display refreshes text... - Page 26 Start Up / Shut Down Mode To Power on the sDVR: o Power on the sDVR through the ignition switch or by connecting to the power o If the system was shut down with the ‘Red X’, press the green checkmark...
- Page 27 LCD Display Description The sDVR is booting up. To boot up the system if the power Booting… supply has not been removed press the green checkmark. If the power supply has been removed, restore power supply and the system will automatically boot up.
- Page 28 • From the Keypad, if LCD displays ‘Start Recording?’, tap the green check mark, next tap the up arrow • From the Keypad, if the sDVR is recording or in an error state, tap the up arrow • From the Sony LanC Remote, press the rocker switch on the ‘T’ side.
- Page 29 Keypad Arrow up Right Arrow Down Arrow Red X Left Arrow Green Checkmark The LCD Keypad utilizes menu options. By default the menu is in the Recording State and will return to the Recording State. The menu state is entered by tapping the green check mark.
- Page 30 Key behavior is based on the menu selection, the sDVR state, and whether or not the key is pressed or tapped. Menu Selections Start Recording Menu Selection Green Checkmark If not recording tapped, enters menu selection pressed starts recording ‘Red X’...
- Page 31 Set Volume Menu Selection: Up Arrow – turns volume up Down Arrow – turns volume down Right arrow – nothing Left Arrow - nothing Green Check Mark – nothing Red ‘X’ – exits Set Volume menu selection, and returns to Start Recording Menu Selection.
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Page 32: Lanc Sony Remote Control
Configuration page, the Sony Remote LanC activates audio recording as well. Figure 1 - Sony RM-VD1 Photo Light Light is orange if the LanC Remote Control is plugged in to the sDVR. Button Press the button to leave a point feature (i.e., initiate trigger feature) - Page 33 If the sDVR is not recording, when photo button is pressed it will start recording and leave a point feature. The sDVR will remain recording until you stop recording by pressing the ‘Video’ button or pressing the red ‘X’ on the keypad.
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Page 34: Vms Feature Trigger
For a “simple” feature trigger remote, a standard VMS 300 feature trigger can be used in the auxiliary data port on the front of the sDVR. The standard VMS 300 feature trigger is sometimes preferred over the LanC Remote in aerial applications because the deep action of the switch which is “easier to feel”... -
Page 35: Auxiliary Port Connection And Video Recorder Connection
Auxiliary Port Connection Interface The Aux port on the front of the sDVR (see Figure 3, sDVR Front Panel View, label 2) has multiple uses. Typically it will be used to connect the VMS feature trigger. Custom applications can be set up to control the sDVR and special RJ-45 cabling is needed to make use of these functions. - Page 36 The COM Port on the back of your sDVR may be used to connect other devices, like an external GPS or a laser rangefinder to the sDVR. It may also be used to stream the internal sDVR GPS data out.
- Page 37 GPS unit. You may do this through the COM1 DB9 port located on the back of your sDVR. The sDVR must be configured to accept the External GPS through the Configuration Page.
- Page 38 Under the Com1 Port Settings group, the Use For box is automatically grayed out, since you are only able to use it for the External GPS. Under the Com1Port Settings group, Baudrate: , select the baudrate that the external GPS unit is set to. In the example above, 9600 has been selected.
- Page 39 The null modem needs to reverse pins 2 and 3, making pin 2 a receive in and pin 3 a transmit out. The sDVR must be configure to use the Internal GPS data with another device. Configure sDVR to use an Internal GPS with another device: Step 1.
- Page 40 Step 2. Set the sDVR to the COM1 Port Setting to GPS Out On the sDVR Configuration Page, General Options Section, select the Internal GPS radio button Under the Com1 Port Settings group, the Use For list select GPS Out...
- Page 41 An example of NMEA data string is: $PMDLA,HV,012.35,F,077.7,D,003.2,D,012.37,F*62 To configure the sDVR to use the laser rangefinder, you must set the sDVR to use the Internal GPS, set COM 1 Port Settings to accept Auxiliary Data In and set the Baud Rate to the same baud rate as the Laser Rangefinder.
- Page 42 Step 2. Set the sDVR to the COM1 port setting to accept auxiliary data On the sDVR Configuration Page, General Options Section, select the Internal GPS radio button Under the COM1 Port Settings | Use For: select ‘Aux Data In’ from the...
- Page 43 There is a set of four standard BNC connectors on the rear panel of the sDVR unit (see Figure 4, sDVR Back Panel View, label 2). Video inputs are labeled “1”, “2”, “3“and “4”, respectively. . An adapter is included with your sDVR bundle to convert the RCA connectors from the camera to BNC.
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Page 44: General Information, Hints, Troubleshooting, Faqs
“E:” drive and has the volume name sdvr_data. Since the sDVR is a computer, you should always attempt to properly shut it down by pressing the silver button on the face of the unit for 4 seconds or until “Power Down”... - Page 45 Data Collection If the sDVR reboots while recording it will resume recording as soon as it can, even if the “Record at Startup” is not checked. Always conduct a test run before your mission to verify the systems configuration and to verify expected mpeg visual quality and full geospatial data integrity.
- Page 46 This allows you to hear alerts, but will not record voice notes. The Reserved RS-232 port on the back of the sDVR (Figure 4, #1) is the audio input for the capture card which is not used. This port is reserved for Red Hen Systems diagnostics and future use.
- Page 47 Verify video from the external disk drive by importing it into MediaMapper or GeoVideo before removing files off of the external disk drive. Disk Drive Maintenance Process External disk drives do wear out. If you record video on to a bad drive, your video may not record properly.
- Page 48 - This can be caused by: o The sDVR services did not start correctly and need to be reset. o The sDVR is waiting for a response from the user. Since the sDVR uses the XP embedded operating system, it supports plug and play. Under rare circumstances, the sDVR erroneously tries to install a new device.
- Page 49 30 seconds and power back up. You should check the disk drive by running a scan disk verifying white space on the disk drive. - This is caused by turning on the sDVR too quickly after shutting down or cycling the power...
- Page 50 There are more powerful disk management tools that may be able to defrag your disk drive, like Norton Utilities Speed Disk. - If you have an sDVR-4, and do not follow our disk maintenance recommended process, disk drives can become fragmented to the point that the MS Windows defrag is not recognized.
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Page 51: Appendices
Appendix A Configuring your Computer to use Static IP Address To access the sDVR through a network connection, your computer must be setup with a static IP address. Follow Steps 1-4 to correctly configure the static IP settings. Set Static IP address on Windows XP or Windows 2000: Step 1. - Page 52 The Network Connections window displays. The network connections that display in the window are unique to your laptop setup. In the screen shot shown below there are only two connections, you may have several listed.
- Page 53 Step 2. Access Local Area Connections Properties dialog box Right Click on Local Area Connection network connection Select Properties...
- Page 54 The Local Area Connections Properties dialog box displays. Step 3. Verify the TCP/IP Properties uses a Static IP Address Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Click the Properties button...
- Page 55 The Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties dialog box displays. One of the following two actions will need to be taken: If your computer is set to dynamically obtain an IP address (i.e., the Obtain an IP address automatically radio button is selected) continue to Step 4. If your computer is set to obtain a static IP address (i.e., the Use the following IP address radio button is selected) and there is an IP address entered in the IP Address box,...
- Page 57 Step 4. Enter a static IP address in the IP Address field select the Use the following IP address radio button. Type in the following IP address and subnet mask: IP Address: 192.168.1.109 Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0 Click the OK button to save the settings...
- Page 58 If you change your computer from a dynamic IP address to a static IP address, when you are done accessing the sDVR, you MUST change your computer back to a dynamic IP address by selecting the Obtain an IP address automatically radio button.
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Page 59: Appendix B: Connecting To The Sdvr Via Microsoft's Remote Desktop
Remote Desktop to change the configuration, the sDVR will reset itself. You can not record from the sDVR while Remote Desktop is connected. If you do try to start recording while the sDVR is connected through Remote Desktop, the sDVR will reset itself. - Page 60 Note: Each sDVR has a unique name. The format for the name is “SDVR-serial number”, where “serial number” is the 4 digit serial number located on the silver label on the back panel of the sDVR unit. Enter your sDVR’s four-digit serial number after typing in SDVR-...
- Page 61 Type in the following information: Administrator User name: Password: admin SDVR-WORKGROUP Domain: SDVR-8000 Administrator SDVR-WORKGROUP...
- Page 62 Step 5. Optimize the connection speed between your computer and the sDVR. Click on the Experience tab, select LAN (10 Mbps or higher) from the list Leave all boxes checked...
- Page 63 Click the General tab | Save as… button The Save As dialog box displays Type in a descriptive name for the connection, like the name of the sDVR and save it to your desktop. In the future, to connect to the Remote Desktop Host you can double click on the saved icon on your desktop.
- Page 64 Step 8. Accessing files on the sDVR From the sDVR Remote Desktop window you Warning: Changing the settings on the sDVR Configuration Page may access the files located on the system and through Remote Desktop will cause the sDVR to reboot and RHS drive by clicking the Computer Icon in the could damage the sDVR.
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Page 65: Appendix C: Using Microsoft Check Disk
Appendix C Using Microsoft Check Disk To verify and fix errors on the external disk drive, you should regularly run the check disk command in Windows. Below are instructions on how to run Microsoft Check Disk. There are other Disk Management Applications, like Norton System Works or Norton Utilities that can be used as well. - Page 66 The Properties Window displays...
- Page 67 Step 3. Start the Check Disk Utility From the sdvr_data Properties window under the Tools tab click the Check Now button...
- Page 68 Step 4. When check disk is finishes a message displays notifying you the that process is complete. Click OK. If the problem remains, try a more advanced Disk Management Application, like Norton System Works or Norton Utilities or contact Red Hen Systems Technical Support.
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Page 69: Support & Warranty
Support & Warranty Support Your initial purchase of the sDVR includes one (1) year of technical support on both the hardware and software included in your bundle. The sDVR hardware base unit includes a standard one-year hardware warranty. An annual subscription renewal fee will extend... - Page 70 RED HEN SYSTEMS, INC., except that RED HEN SYSTEMS, INC. will, at its option, repair or replace any third party components contained within the sDVR unit for a one (1) year period following USER’s purchase of the Product; (ii) any Product which has been modified, repaired or altered, except by RED HEN SYSTEMS, INC.;...
- Page 71 Product shall be limited to the total payments to RED HEN SYSTEMS, INC. for the Product. In no event will RED HEN SYSTEMS, INC. be liable for the cost of procurement of substitute goods. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so such exclusions may not apply to USER.