Upgrading Firmware For A VMAX A1 Plus (5 MP)

How To Upgrade Firmware For A VMAX® A1 Plus (5 MP)

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Affected Roles:  Administrator

Complexity:  Low to Medium

Last Edit:  October 5, 2020

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Firmware Upgrades

Firmware is a type of computing software that is used in the management and operation of nearly all electronics.  The VMAX® A1 Plus Series DVRs utilize firmware versions to manage camera communication, user interface controls, display, and recording settings for every interaction by the user.

Periodically, the firmware version may need to be upgraded to apply new features, improvements, and other content to the DVR.

This article will outline the process for upgrading firmware for the VMAX® A1 Plus Series DVRs, using either File Transfer Protocol (FTP) or with a USB stick.

Supported/Affected Devices

• VMAX® A1 Plus Series (5 MP)

Upgrading Firmware

Firmware upgrades for the VMAX® A1 Plus Series will need to be performed directly at the DVR.  Connect a display monitor (HDMI or VGA) and USB mouse to the DVR, so that you can control the user interface of the recording unit.

Upgrade Using FTP Function

The FTP upgrade option permits users to upgrade DVR firmware by communicating with an external FTP server over the Internet.  New firmware versions can be downloaded and installed by communicating with the FTP server.

Note:  The FTP function requires a stable network and Internet connection.  If you have not set up the DVR Network settings, please read Network Setup For A VMAX A1 Plus (5 MP).

To upgrade using FTP:

1. Log in as the Admin or as a user with Administrator privileges.

2. Right-click with the mouse, then select Menu.

Navigate to the System Information menu.

3. In the System Information menu, click the Upgrade button, located next to the current Firmware Version.

4. Set the Method to FTP and confirm the following:
   • Host Address:  ftp.dwcc.tv
   • User/Password:  vmaxahd / vmaxahd

Click the Check button to check for available updates.

5. Once a new firmware version is detected, click the Start button.  The upgrade progress will display in the Progress bar.  Allow the DVR to download and install the update.  Once the upgrade is complete, the DVR will automatically reboot and begin using the new firmware.

Upgrade Using USB Stick

The USB upgrade option permits users to upgrade DVR firmware by inserting a USB stick and uploading the firmware file directly to the unit.

Note:  The USB stick must use FAT or FAT32 format and should not exceed 32 GB.

Note:  It is recommended to avoid the use of Kingston and San Disk brand USB sticks, as the DVR may experience an issue while allocating the firmware file from the USB.

Downloading the Firmware File

If you do not have a copy of the latest firmware file:

1. Open a web browser and visit https://digital-watchdog.com.

2. Enter the Model Number of your VMAX® A1 Plus unit into the search box (DW-VA1P4, DW-VA1P8, DW-VA1P16), then select your DVR model.

This information is located on the sticker, physically on top of the DVR.

3. Scroll down the product page and locate the Software tab.

4. Locate the latest Version of firmware for your DVR.

You may compare the current Firmware Version number of the DVR (in the System Information menu) to the version listed on the product page to determine which version you need.

5. Download the correct Version of firmware from the web page and copy it to a blank USB stick.

Applying the Firmware Upgrade

1. Insert the USB stick to the DVR.  There is a USB port on the front panel and on the rear panel of the DVR.

2. If you have not already done so, log into the DVR as the Admin or as a user with Administrator privileges.

3. Right-click with the mouse and select Menu.  Navigate to the System Information menu.

4. Click the Upgrade button, located next to the current Firmware Version.

5. Set the Method to USB, then click on the Scan button.  The DVR will detect the USB and display its model information in the Device box.

6. Click the Start button.  The upgrade progress will display in the Progress bar.  Allow the DVR to download and install the update.  Once the upgrade is complete, the DVR will automatically reboot and begin using the new firmware.

7. Remove the USB stick once the unit is done rebooting.