Cobra 63890 Owner's Manual & Safety Instructions
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Owner’s Manual & Safety Instructions
Save This Manual Keep this manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly,
operating, inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures. Write the product’s serial number in the
back of the manual near the assembly diagram (or month and year of purchase if product has no number).
Keep this manual and the receipt in a safe and dry place for future reference. 17g
When unpacking, make sure that the product is intact
and undamaged. If any parts are missing or broken,
please call 1-888-866-5797 as soon as possible.
Copyright© 2017 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved.
No portion of this manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in
any shape or form without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools.
Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally. Due to continuing
improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein.
To ol s re q u ir e d f o r a s s e mb l y a n d s e r vi c e m a y n o t b e in c l ud e d .
Read this material before using this product.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
SAVE THIS MANUAL.
Page 2 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 63890
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Read all safety warnings and instructions.
Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.
Installation Precautions
1. Check federal, state and local surveillance laws
before installing video
and/or audio surveillance equipment.
2. Install only according to these instructions.
Improper installation can create hazards.
3. Do not overreach when installing this product.
Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
This enables better control in unexpected situations.
4. Wear ANSI-approved safety goggles
during installation.
5. Keep installation area clean and well lit.
6. Keep children and bystanders out of
the area during installation.
7. Do not install when tired or when under the
influence of alcohol, drugs or medication.
Use Precautions
1. This product is not a toy. Do not allow
children to play with or near this item.
2. Use as intended only.
3. Do not modify.
4. Maintain product labels and nameplates.
These carry important safety information.
If unreadable or missing, contact
Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION .........................2
Installation Precautions ...............................................2
Use Precautions ..........................................................2
Service ........................................................................3
Camera Safety Warnings ............................................3
DVR Safety Warnings .................................................3
Grounding .....................................................................4
Extension Cords ..........................................................4
Symbology ..................................................................4
Specifications ...............................................................5
Components and Controls ..........................................6
Setup ..............................................................................8
Operation ......................................................................9
Startup Wizard ............................................................9
Live Screen .................................................................11
Network Settings .........................................................17
Alarm Settings .............................................................20
Record Search & Backup ............................................22
Device .........................................................................27
System ........................................................................29
Advanced ....................................................................32
Shutdown ....................................................................33
Remote Access ...........................................................34
Web Client Manager ....................................................35
Remote Access from Mobile Devices ..........................37
Troubleshooting ...........................................................39
Maintenance and Servicing .........................................40
Limited 90 Day Warranty ..............................................42
Page 3For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 63890
Service
Have your DVR equipment serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts.
This will ensure that the safety of the equipment is maintained.
Camera Safety Warnings
1. To prevent electric shock, do not attempt
to disassemble Camera. There are
no serviceable parts inside.
2. Do not expose the Power Adapter to rain
or wet conditions. Water entering the Power
Adapter will increase the risk of electric shock.
3. Do not abuse the Power Adapter cord. Never
use the cord for unplugging the plug from the
outlet. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp
edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled
cords increase the risk of electric shock.
4. Handle Camera with care. Camera could be
damaged by improper handling or storage.
DVR Safety Warnings
1. Maintain adequate airflow around DVR.
2. Use supplied Power Adapter only.
3. To prevent electric shock, do not
attempt to disassemble DVR. There
are no serviceable parts inside.
4. Do not expose the Power Adapter or DVR
console to rain or wet conditions. Water
entering the Power Adapter or DVR console
will increase the risk of electric shock.
5. Do not abuse the Power Adapter cord. Never
use the cord for unplugging the plug from the
outlet. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp
edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled
cords increase the risk of electric shock.
6. Maintain labels and nameplates on the unit.
These carry important safety information.
If unreadable or missing, contact
Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.
7. The warnings, precautions, and instructions
discussed in this instruction manual cannot
cover all possible conditions and situations
that may occur. It must be understood by the
operator that common sense and caution are
factors which cannot be built into this product,
but must be supplied by the operator.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
Page 4 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 63890
Grounding
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK AND DEATH FROM
INCORRECT GROUNDING WIRE CONNECTION:
Check with a qualified electrician if you are in doubt as to whether the outlet is properly grounded.
Do not modify the power cord plug provided with the tool. Never remove the grounding prong from the
plug. Do not use the tool if the power cord or plug is damaged. If damaged, have it repaired by a service
facility before use. If the plug will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician.
Figure A: Outlets for 2-Prong Plug
1. The included Power Adapters do
not require grounding.
2. The Power Adapters may be used in
either of the 120 volt outlets shown in the
preceding illustration. (See Figure A.)
Extension Cords
Note: Do not use an extension cord with the Power Adapters.
Symbology
Double Insulated
Canadian Standards Association
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
V
Volts
~
Alternating Current
A
Amperes
Page 5For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 63890
Specifications
DVR
Hard Drive 1TB
Video Standard NTSC
Video Codec H.264
Operating System Linux
Video I/O Input: 8 BNC
Output: 1 HDMI / 1 VGA
Audio Codec G.711
Audio I/O Input: 4 RCA
Output: 1 RCA
Recording Resolution 2048 x 1536 (3MP)
1920 x 1080 (1080P)
1280 x 720 (720P)
960 x 480 (960H)
Recording Mode Normal / Motion / Alarm
Motion Detection Selectable Area and Sensitivity Detection
PTZ Interface RS485
Network Interface RJ-45
USB Interface USB 2.0
DVR Input Rating 12V DC / 2A
Power Adapter
Rating
12V DC / 2A
Camera
Lens Type Fixed 3.6mm
Horizontal Resolution 1080P
Effective Pixels 1920H x 1080V
Night Vision Type Infrared LEDs with Low Light Sensor
Image Type Daylight: Color
Infrared: Black & White
Infrared Distance 100 ft. (Under ideal conditions. Objects may be partially or
completely obscured depending on camera position.)
Ingress Protection
Rating
IP 66 - Protected from low-pressure water jets
Video Connector BNC
Camera Input Rating 12V DC / 300 mA
Power Adapter Rating 12V DC / 2A - To power included 4 cameras.
Cable Length 60 ft.
Operating
Temperature
14°-122° F
Page 6 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 63890
Components and Controls
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION section at the beginning of this
manual including all text under subheadings therein before set up or use of this product.
DVR Front Panel
1 2
3
1 Green Power Indicator - glows when power is on
2 Red Hard Drive Light - flashes when recording
3 USB Port
Figure B
DVR Back Panel
1
2
3
4
5
7
8
6
9
1 BNC Video Input 8
2 RCA Audio Input 4
3 RCA Audio Output 1
4 RJ45 LAN Ethernet Port 1
5 12VDC Power Input 1
6 USB 2.0 Port 1
7 HDMI Video Output 1
8 VGA Video Output 1
9 RS485 PTZ Connector 1
Figure C
Page 7For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 63890
Part Description Qty
1 8-channel H.264 DVR 1
2 Hard Drive (pre-installed) 1
3 3.6mm wide-angle indoor/
outdoor color camera with
infrared night vision
4
4 60 ft. camera cable 4
5 1-to-4 way splitter power cable 1
6 12V/2A power adapter for DVR 1
Part Description Qty
7 12V/2A power adapter
for 4pc camera
1
8 Mouse w/ USB cable 1
9 Remote Control 1
10 AAA battery 2
11 Mounting Screw 12
12 Mounting Anchor 12
12VDC/2A Power Adapter
Power
(to DVR)
Use the Mouse to
navigate the DVR
Mouse
Note: 2 AAA
batteries included
Remote
Remote Control Functions
1 - 8 Select Channel
0 Lock and Unlock Controls
ALL
Toggle between single, 4
and 8 Screen Displays
MENU Open Menu
MUTE Mute
SUBMENU Open Pop-Up Menu
▲ Menu Up
▼ Menu Down
◄ Menu Left
► Menu Right
SEL Confirm Selected Operation
◄◄ Rewind
► Play / Search Records
►► Fast Forward
● Record
ll Pause
■
Stop
Video
(from Camera)
Video
(to DVR)
Power
(to Camera)
Power
(from Splitter)
Cable - 60 ft.
Screws
Anchors
Mounting Hardware
12VDC/1A Power Adapter
Power
(to Splitter)
Power Splitter
Power
(from Adapter)
Power
(to Cables)
Record Serial Number Here:
Note: If product has no serial
number, record month and
year of purchase instead.
Note: Some parts are listed and
shown for illustration purposes
only, and are not available
individually as replacement parts.
Power
(from Cable)
Video
(to Cable)
Camera
Hood
Lens
Page 8 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 63890
Setup
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION section at the beginning of this document
including all text under subheadings therein before set up or use of this product.
NOTICE: CHECK FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL SURVEILLANCE LAWS BEFORE
INSTALLING VIDEO AND/OR AUDIO SURVEILLANCE EQUIPMENT.
Note: Date and Time are set automatically only when system is connected to the Internet. Otherwise, Date and
Time Format can be set manually during the Startup Wizard process.
B2
D2
D3
D4
B5
D5
D1
Video Input
A
C
USB Port
Power
Input
Video Output
D
Note:
Surge Protector
sold separately
Use Mouse to
navigate the DVR
VGAHDMI
Note: Computer Monitor
or TV and Surge Protector
sold separately
B1
B4
B
E
Connect and test all
equipment and camera
locations BEFORE
mounting cameras
Mount Under
Eave
Protect connections from
moisture with electrical tape
Push together and twist yellow
connectors clockwise to secure
Connect
more
Cameras
F
Audio Input
B3
Audio
Output
Refer to Monitor or TV's owner's
manual to set the Input Source
If adding extra cameras,
use Item 63891.
A
Connect
Monitor
B
Connect
Cameras
C
Connect
Mouse
D
Connect
Power
E
Mount
Cameras
F
Connect
Remotely
Internet connectivity
required for remote viewing
F1
LAN
A1
A2
This DVR system can be remotely
monitored by a smartphone via
the RXCamView app, available
through Google Play and Apple’s
App Store.
F2
Note: Router sold
separately
Page 9For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.Item 63890
Operation
Startup Wizard
Note: After DVR startup is completed, the Startup
Wizard will be displayed. Wizard setting menu
includes: Homepage, HDD Management, Network
Configuration, Email Configuration, Record
Schedule, and General System Configuration.
Note: You can click Cancel to skip Startup Wizard.
Check the box labeled Don’t show this window next
time if you don’t want to display Startup Wizard.
1. If the HDD is installed in the DVR for the first
time, it will be need to be formatted. Select
the HDD which you want to format, and
then click Format HDD. See Figure D
Figure D
Note: Use Overwrite option to overwrite the old
recordings on the HDD when HDD is full. For
example, if you choose the option 7 days then
only the last 7 days’ recordings are kept on the
HDD. To prevent overwriting any old recordings,
select Disable. If you have disabled this function,
please check HDD status regularly,
to make sure it is not full.
Network Configuration
Note: This menu allows you to configure network
parameters, such as PPPoE, DHCP, Static, and 3G.
The most common types are DHCP or Static. Most
likely your network type is DHCP, unless the network
is manually addressed (usually called Static).
1. If you need an authentication username
and password to the internet, then choose
PPPoE. If you want to use a mobile network
connection, then choose 3G. See Figure E.
Figure E
Email Configuration
Note: This menu allows you to configure email settings.
Go through these settings if you want to receive sytem
notifications via email when a motion is detected, HDD
becomes full, HDD is in error state, or Video Loss occurs.
Full account information for the account the emails will be
sent FROM will need to be entered, as well as the email
addresses where the emails will be sent to. See Figure F.
Figure F
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Record Schedule
Note: This menu allows you to specify when the
DVR records video and define the recording mode
for each channel. The recording schedule allows for
Normal (continuous) recording, Motion recording, and
Alarm recording. To set the recording mode, click
first on the mode button (Normal, Motion, or Alarm),
then drag the cursor to mark the slots. See Figure G.
Figure G
General System Configuration
Note: This menu allows you to configure
the general parameters of the system such
as Date, Time, Date Format, Time Format,
Language, Menu Timeouts, and Mode.
Figure H
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R
M
M
I
H
Live Screen
System Date and Time
Pop-up
Menu Bar
Camera Title
Status Icons
Figure I
Camera Icons
System Date & Time
Displays current system date & time
Camera Title
A-: Indicates that the camera
connected is an AHD camera
T-: Indicates that the camera connected is a TVI camera
C-: Indicates that the camera connected is a CVI camera
Status Icons
= DVR is currently recording.
(Green) = DVR is detecting motion
from the camera but not
recording.
(Red) = Camera has detected
motion and triggers recording.
(Green) = Indicates that the external
sensor device is triggered but not
recording.
(Red) = Indicates that the external sensor
device is triggered for recording.
= Indicates that the DVR cannot detect
an HDD or the HDD is not formatted.
VIDEO LOSS: Connection to the camera has been lost.
No Camera: Camera has not been
connected to the DVR.
No HDD: HDD is not installed.
Camera Quick Toolbar
PTZ control panel
Zoom In Channel color settings
Playback the recent 5 minutes recording
Record the channel manually
Manually capture an image
Pop-up Menu Bar
Click to open the Main Menu.
Click to lock/unlock the screen operation.
Click to switch to different camera views.
Click to view more layout options.
Click to switch between real time, balanced,
or smooth view. These modes influence
the displayed video quality by bit rate and
frame rate but not the recording quality.
Click to start viewing channels in a sequence.
Click to adjust volume.
Click this to start/stop cruise for a PTZ camera.
Click to playback videos.
Click to view system information.
Page 12 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 63890
Live
Note: This menu allows you to
configure channel parameters.
Figure J
Channel: Select the channel you want to modify.
Channel Name: Enter the name of the channel.
Show Name: Enable to display the
channel name on the live screen.
Record Time: Disable if you do not want to
see the recording time on the channel.
OSD Position: Click Setup to determine where
you want the channel name and current date to
be displayed when you are viewing the channel.
Drag the channel name box and the date/time box
to the desired location on the channel view.
Covert: Enable if you want to hide this channel
from appearing on the Live Viewing screen.
Disabling or enabling this option does not
affect video recording on the HDD.
AHD EQ: Enable or disable AHD EQ
(Enhanced Quality) function. Configure this
parameter if you are an advanced user.
Show Time: Disable if you do not want the
current time to appear on the channel.
1. Click Setup in the Color row from Figure J
to configure video color settings. You
will see the screen shown below.
Figure K
HUE: Changes the color mix of the image.
BRIGHT: Defines how bright the
image appears on the display.
CONTRAST: Increases the difference between the
darkest black and the whitest white in the image. Modify
the contrast if the sections of the image look “greyed out”.
SATURATION: Alters how much color is displayed
in the image. The higher the saturation, the brighter
and vivid colors will appear to be. Setting this
parameter too high can degrade the image quality.
Output
Note: This menu allows you to configure
video output parameters.
Figure L
Video Output: This is the monitor that
you use for live view display.
Sequence Mode: Choose your favorite
layout from the drop-down menu for viewing
channels in a sequence on live view.
SEQ Dwell Time: Set how long you want the live
view from a channel to be displayed in a sequence.
VGA/HDMI Resolution: Select the highest resolution
your monitor/TV supports. The higher the resolution,
the more details you will see on your images. The
DVR will restart after you change the resolution.
Transparency: Decide how transparent you want
the menus to be. Choose partially transparent
(see-through) if you need to keep an eye on
happenings while adjusting settings.
Support Overscan: Check to adjust the position
of the video image on the live viewing screen.
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