Connecting To VMAX A1 Plus (5 MP) Using Pathfinder

Connecting to VMAX A1 Plus (5 MP) Using Pathfinder

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Affected Roles:  Administrator

Related Digital Watchdog VMS Apps:  DW Mobile Plus (iOS only)

Complexity:  Medium

Software Version:  v1.0.1.19 or later

Last Edit:  May 5, 2020

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Pathfinder

The P2P PathFinder^™ function lets you securely view your system on your iOS^®devices by scanning a QR code in the recorder’s settings menu. PathFinder^™ allows users to connect, view, playback and search video from their DW^® video surveillance solutions with no need for complicated port forwarding.

This article will outline how to enable Pathfinder on your VMAX A1 Plus recording unit and how to connect with DW Mobile Plus (iOS).

Note:  Pathfinder for the VMAX A1 Plus is presently only supported by DW Mobile Plus (iOS) only.  Any other form of remote viewing will need to be facilitated through a direct connection or DDNS, outlined in Network Setup For A VMAX A1 Plus.

Note:  Pathfinder is a P2P (peer-to-peer) service which requires a strong Internet connection. If your Internet connection is slow, you are using a Firewall or SonicWall, or are using a VPN, you may encounter connection issues through the Pathfinder function.

Supported/Affected Devices

• VMAX A1 Plus Series (5 MP)

Activating Pathfinder

To enable Pathfinder:

1. At the VMAX A1 Plus, log in as the Administrator.
   • Default ID:  admin
   • Default Password:  <no password>

2. Right-click with the mouse and select Menu.

Select Network, then select Pathfinder.

3. Click on the Use Pathfinder checkbox to enable Pathfinder, then click the Save button to apply the change.

Note:  If the Pathfinder Status does not show that the function is activated, confirm that the firmware of the VMAX A1 Plus is up-to-date and check the Network settings for any errors.

If your network is using a Firewall or SonicWall, the Pathfinder service will not be able to communicate with the P2P service.

Setting Up DW Mobile Plus

To connect your DW Mobile Plus (iOS) application to the VMAX A1 Plus through Pathfinder:

1. If you have not already done so, download and install DW Mobile Plus (iOS) from the App Store.

2. Launch the application.

Click on Create a new site, then select Site.

3. The New Site window will display.

Click on the Scan icon and allow access to your iOS device’s camera.

Scan the Pathfinder QR code from the Pathfinder menu on the VMAX A1 Plus.  The Pathfinder ID will autofill in the Host field.

4. Fill out the remaining fields for the New Site.

• Name:  how the site will be labeled in the application
• Port:  TCP/IP Port of the recording unit (default – 9010)
• Login:  the user ID of the recording unit (default – admin)
• Password:  the password of the recording unit (default – <no password>)

5. Click the Save button to apply the changes.

Your site will display in the Site List.

Select your Site to connect with the VMAX A1 Plus.