Swann RedAlert2, SW341-RA2 Operating Instructions Manual
TM
™
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Advanced security made easy
RedAlert2
Single Channel Security
Monitoring System
SW341-RA2
www.swannsecurity.com
Operating Instructions
MRA2070410E
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Before You Begin
FCC Verification:
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for
Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
· Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
· Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver
· Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected
· Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
IMPORTANT NOTE: Prohibition against eavesdropping
Except for the operations of law enforcement officers conducted under lawful
authority, no person shall use, either directly or indirectly, a device operated pursuant to the provisions of this Part for the purpose of overhearing or recording the
private conversations of others unless such use is authorized by all of the parties
engaging in the conversation.
WARNING: Modifications not approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void user’s authority to operate the equipment.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS:
· Make sure product is fixed correctly and stable if fastened in place
· Do not operate if wires and terminals are exposed
WARNING: IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT CORRECT USE OF POWER ADAPTOR
The correct orientation for the enclosed power adaptor is a vertical or floor mount
position. Orienting the power adaptor in any other way will jeopardize the performance of the unit and/or create a high risk of malfunction and damage to surrounding environment.
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Table of Contents
Before you Begin 2
Package Contents 3
Overview 4
Layout of the RedAlert2 5
Connecting a Camera 6
Attaching the RedAlert2 to a Television 7
Motion Detection 8
Setting the Time and Date 8
Capture Format 9
Viewing Live Images 9
Advanced Settings 10
Wireless Cameras and Interference 11
Motion Detection Settings 12 - 13
Manual Recording 13
Playing Back Images and Videos 14
Accessing Images/Videos via a Computer 15
Troubleshooting 16 - 17
Tips and Tricks 18
Technical Specifications 19
Package Contents
INCLUDED:
RedAlert2 Receiver/Recorder
Antenna
Instruction Manual
DVR Power Supply (9V)
Video In Cable
Video Out Cable
Theft Deterrent Stickers x 4
SD Card (Optional)
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Overview
Congratulations on your purchase of the RedAlert2! This single channel video
recorder is a terrific value for money security solution, as well as being easy to
install, use and transport from location to location. Practically fitting into the palm
of your hand is a neat feature as well!
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of learning how to install, configure and use the
RedAlert2, let’s just take a moment to discuss its features, strengths and limitations,
so you can get the most out of your RedAlert2.
How it Works
The RedAlert2 will record video or still images directly to an SD card, and it can be
configured to do this whenever it detects motion in the view of its camera.
It is an ideal monitoring solution for guarding specific security vulnerabilities
around the home or small office. Some suggested applications include monitoring
the front or back door, a main hallway, or a courtyard or balcony. If there is a single,
specific location that you wish to safeguard, the RedAlert2 is the perfect solution.
By correctly configuring the motion detection settings, and using a large SD card
you can get the RedAlert2 to function autonomously for up to months at a time!
A few key points to remember:
The • RedAlert2 requires high-quality, high-speed SD cards to function
correctly. Cheaper SD cards have slower write speeds, and can’t keep up with
the RedAlert2. Digital video requires a massive amount of data - so make sure
you use the highest quality, highest speed cards available. The RedAlert2 is
compatible with the SD and SDHC standards.
The • RedAlert2 can monitor a maximum of two cameras at once (one of
which must be wired, the other one wireless) but can record only one
at a time. Savvy users might have already noticed that the RedAlert2 has four wireless
channels – the RedAlert2 is not recommended for multiple wireless cameras! See page
11 for more information about why we’ve included multiple camera channels.
Though it is remarkably efficient hardware for its size and cost, the • RedAlert2 is a
miniature, self contained, entry-level video recording unit. It will (unfortunately)
not operate like the mythical technology shown on television shows like CSI
or 24 (we really wanted it to, but it turns out that sort of technology costs
millions of dollars and doesn’t really work that well in real life, anyway). Bear
this is mind when placing your camera(s): the closer the camera is to the
action you want to capture, the more detail you’re going to get. For
example, if you want to capture a vehicle registration tag, you’ll have to have
the camera within about a dozen feet (about 4 meters) from the vehicle to
capture the required detail.
The • RedAlert2 is a single channel recorder. It will only record one video/
image at a time. When using motion detection and picture-in-picture mode,
the RedAlert2 will automatically switch between the wired and wireless
cameras to record whichever of the two cameras detects motion.
If you’re using your • RedAlert2 with a wireless camera, be sure to read the
section on page 11 on interference and how you can avoid it when you
configure your system.
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Layout of the RedAlert2
Power/
Record LED
A/V Out
(Power Input)
(to TV)
A/V In
(Camera Input)
Mode
Rec
DC 9V
Disp
(Select Display)
On / Off Switch
Enter
Zoom
Arrows
(Channel Switch)
SD Card Slot
CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4
(Wireless Channel Indicators)
SW
CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4: Displays which wireless channel the RedAlert2 is configured
to receive. This is in no way automated, and the RedAlert2 will only receive images
from one wireless camera at a time. To change the channel that the RedAlert2 is
monitoring, press the SW button.
SW: Changes the wireless channel that the RedAlert2 will monitor. This is the only
way to change the wireless channel – there is no function to cycle automatically, as
the RedAlert2 was, simply, not designed for use with multiple wireless cameras.
MODE: Switches between RECORDING MODE and PLAYBACK MODE.
REC: Commands the RedAlert2 to capture a still image or video immediately, using
the current recording mode and quality settings. In PLAYBACK MODE, it acts as
the play / pause button.
DISP: Changes the viewing mode between wired and wireless cameras, and engages PIP
MODE. More on PIP MODE can be found on page 9.
ZOOM: Increases the digital magnification of the image coming from the RedAlert2.
Press multiple times to scroll through magnification options. Use the arrow buttons
whilst zoomed in to move the view around the image. In PLAYBACK MODE, this
acts as the stop button.
ARROWS: Used to navigate when in the MENU, and as SHORTCUT buttons at
other times.
(Enter): Used to enter the MENU, and to select items whilst in the MENU.
SD CARD SLOT: Where you put the SD cards you want to record to. The RedAlert2
can record to cards conforming to the SD and SDHC standards. Be sure that the
write protection tab on the SD card inserted is set to off.
Power / Record LED: This LED will light up when the RedAlert2 is connected to
power. Whilst the RedAlert2 is recording, this LED will flash.
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Connecting a Camera
Your RedAlert2 can be connected to a single wired camera and/or a single wireless
camera. Note that it can only monitor and record from one of these at a time.
Connecting either type of camera is a simple operation.
The RedAlert2 is compatible with all wired cameras which output a composite
video signal at standard definition or lower. It is also compatible with most analog
wireless cameras which transmit in the 2.4GHz range. Note that the RedAlert2 is
NOT compatible with digital wireless cameras as these use a very different method
of wireless transmission.
Swann offer an extensive range of both types of cameras. They’ll typically available
from the same retailer from whom you purchased the RedAlert2.
Attaching a Wired Camera:
The basic setup for a wired
camera is quite simple. The
camera needs to be supplied
with power, and the video out
cable (typically using an RCA or
a BNC connection) needs to be
connected to the RedAlert2.
If the camera has a BNC output
plug, you’ll need to use a BNC
to RCA adaptor.
Attaching a Wireless Camera:
The basic setup for a wireless camera is even easier! A wireless camera simply
needs to be connected to power using it’s power supply (batteries don’t last very
long). You may need to change/set the wireless frequency on the camera - consult
the camera’s user manual for information on how to do this (typically, it’s done
with dip switches, but there are many methods).
The most important thing to remember when configuring a wireless setup is camera
placement relative to the RedAlert2. See page 11 for much more information about
wireless interference, and some common steps which help to avoid it.
Wireless cameras are not cordless, and do require power!
The term ‘wireless’ refers to there being no direct
connection between the camera and the RedAlert2.
TO REDALERT2
Example image of a Wired Camera Setup
Remember:
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