Sensor Setup For A VMAX A1 Plus (5 MP)

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Affected Roles:  Administrator

Complexity:  Medium to High

Last Edit:  July 30, 2024

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Sensor Input

The VMAX A1 Plus features sensor support for users that wish to connect an external sensor to the DVR. By using this feature, users can configure their standalone system to notify when the external sensor trips. For example, when a door opens or closes.

This article will outline how to configure the alarm settings of the VMAX A1 Plus recording unit when connecting an external sensor through an RS-485 connection.

 

Note:  Use of an external sensor will be required for this setup.

 

Supported/Affected Devices

• VMAX A1 Plus Series (5 MP)

 

Connecting the Sensor

 

1. At the rear panel of the VMAX A1 Plus, locate the Alarm In/Out terminal.

 

2. Connect the external sensor to an available Alarm In port and Ground (G) port in the Alarm In/Out terminal.  It is recommended to use RS-485 cable for the connection.

 

Note:  Relay contact can withstand up to 24V/1A.  The system can potentially be damaged if connected to an external circuit which is over 24V/1A.

 

Configuration Setup

To configure the settings on the VMAX A1 Plus:

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

 

2. From the Setup Menu, select Alarm, then select Sensor.

 

3. The Sensor menu will display.

From the On/Off column, set the sensor to ON for the port of the Alarm In/Out terminal that the external sensor has been connected to. 

For example, if the external sensor is connected to Alarm Port-1, you will utilize row No. 1.

 

4. Configure the remaining settings to your preferences.
   • CAM:  Select a camera to associate with the sensor relay.
   • PRESET:  If the associated camera is a PTZ camera, you can set the system to move the camera to a preset position (requires additional setup) when the sensor is triggered.
   • DWELL (post alarm):  Set the recording period from when the sensor is activated.  During this period, the associated camera will record according to its Recording Schedule.  The recording will stop and alarm output will deactivate when the set period is complete.
   • TYPE:  Set the sensor type as N/O (Normal Open) or N/C (Normal Close).  An N/O setting, for example, means that the sensor circuit is normally open and will trip when the circuit closes.

Check the sensor type of the external sensor.  It is recommended to use a “dry contact type”, where a “wet contact type” may cause damage to the system.

• • NOTIFY:  Enable and select if you want the system to emit a temporary alarm (Buzzer) and/or to display the associated camera when the sensor is triggered.

 

Recording Schedule Setup

To change the system’s Recording Schedule when implementing an external sensor:

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

 

2. From the Setup Menu, select Record, then select Recording Schedule.

 

3. Set a recording schedule for the camera associated with the external sensor connection to use either S (Sensor), M+S (Motion & Sensor), or C+S (Continuous & Sensor).

 

Note:  For more information regarding Recording Schedules, check out Setting Up Recording Schedules for the VMAX A1 Plus Series.