thmaxxer

I have a re-branded Hikvision 16ch 4K NVR comparible to the DS-7608/7616NI-K2/8P. So far I like it coming from a Swann system, but my issue is the units internal power supply quit on me already. (4 months of 24/7 use) Typical ebay seller is beginning to give me the run around about the issues, etc. My plan is, once I get a new power supply for the NVR, I'm going to power as many cameras as I can with an AC adapter to ease the load on the internal PS of the NVR. I have a strange feeling that had something to do with the failure. (even though it shouldn't) I have mostly Swann and Hik domes, some with audio, and 4 mini PTZ's that get moderate use during night. Nonetheless, I do have 16 cams powered at all times, and almost all 16 have the IR on when it's dark. My question is about redundancy. My NVR is on an UPS, if I power cams externally (using AC adapter) unless I tie them all into the UPS as well, they will go dark if external power is lost. Obviously this is an issue. If I have the POE enabled in the NVR itself for those specific cams AND have them plugged into an external power supply which one would they pull power from when everything is normal? (POE and external power is present) Is there any way to know? Also if power was lost, would it switch over the the POE to stay on? TIA

It sure would be, but I already have about 20 power supply's all 12V 2 amp laying around, and last time I looked at a 16 port POE switch, it wasn't cheap. I'm just disappointed that the Hikvision PS already dumped. I went to Hikvision from Swann for flexibility and compatibility, but it can't be at the cost of reliability. Maybe I just got a bad one.

Man did I get myself in deep. Let me start off by saying I know just enough to get myself in big trouble. So I got my 4K HIK NVR today and decided to see if the Swann cams were compatible. Plugged them all in and I was good to go! Super happy about that. I then proceeded to change the password on the NVR to something a little more difficult, and it asked me if I wanted to apply the password to all connected cameras, so I did. BIG mistake. Then I hooked up my PTZ mini Hik. It didn't come up so I rebooted. Long story short all my new Swann turrets are now locked. I try and log in using the IP that shows up under camera config, no luck. Once I was able get to the login screen on one of them, I tried the passcode I set and the default - didn't work. So not only do I not know the IP anymore of these newer cams, I don't know the passcode. Not to fear, I still have my 4K Swann NVR. I thought, Ill just plug them back into the Swann and they will all be happy again and work. Nope, not one works. My only conclusion that I have come to is to re-flash the firmware, but I can't do that if I have no idea what the ip is or the password to log into it to get to the firmware page. Any other suggestions?

So I got everything working together finally! I had to use the back door HIK password reset tool built by a user on here (Thank you!!!!) and was able to reset the Swann cams back to a default state, but they still had the HIK system in them, because the SADP tool completely controlled them. Very strange. Nonetheless, It is all working well now and I am a happy camper with my 4K 16 ch HIK NVR and 14 Swann turret cams and 2 HIK mini PTZ's.

I did, and I can see the cams IP now through that tool. The HIK NVR must have done something to the Swann cams because when the cams were hooked up to the Swann NVR they wouldn't show up in that tool. Now my issue is figuring out how to get around the password issue on the affected swann cams. When I set the NVR to match the ip of the camera, it connects, but no stream because the cam needs a password.

Yes, that is what it does.

I currently have an IP Swann system, but my desire is growing for the smooth looking, non bandwidth hogging feed on SDI systems. I have a question though. Will this http://www.costco.com/Swann-1080p-SDI-PTZ-%2820x%29-Camera.product.100082844.html PTZ cam work with this http://www.costco.com/Swann-8-Channel-HD-SDI-Security-System-with-2TB-Hard-Drive-and-8-High-Resolution-Cameras.product.100037977.html NVR?

Thank you for your informative reply. Do you have any issues at all with your SDI cam setup? Pro's/Cons? I'm trying to talk myself into returning my IP system and get this SDI, because I REALLY want that PTZ cam, and they don't have one comparable at that price point. Not looking forward to re-running 8 100" cables either.

Costco has the 16 ch Swann http://www.costco.com/Swann-16-Channel-HD-NVR-Security-System-with-3TB-HDD-and-8-1080p-Cameras.product.100070310.html

Keep in mind the range of light emitted by these emitters. Most cams are happiest around 850nm wave length.

Does anyone know if these can be flashed with a different firmware version, Swann or Hik to enable 3MP viewing? Would the NVR need to be flashed as well? The firmware on NVR is: V2.3.2 build 130502 The firmware on my bullet is: V4.0.9 build 130419 The firmware on my vari-focal is: V5.0.0 build 130528 Thanks

This is the screenshots from my vari-focal Swann bullet. The first shot is in the afternoon, second is in the morning. You can see there is a bit of fuzziness and minor blur on the cars across the street in the afternoon shot, not terrible, but I just wanted to show an example. The regular bullets are razor sharp day and night, again, this is my swann vari-focal bullet. I don't have any experience with the vf dome as it is inside.

You need to realize I was starting at about 84 degrees. "In the sun" temp was about 96. I think I am going to return the bullet and get a pair of the fixed lens bullets.

Roughly 18 degrees.

So I guess the advantage of using 3 MP over 2.1 is better clarity? I guess better zoom capabilities? Not sure if I should pull the trigger and return my 2 week old swann system for the new one.

So if im understanding correctly your saying the plastic housing of the lens if most likely shifting do the heat? Thus causing the loss of focus? So would it be safe to assume the domes could have the same problem? Which in Arizona isn't going to work, not when its 120 out side! zikronix, its not terrible. I will see if I can get 2 different shots put together and post them.

I am curious if anyone is experiencing something similar or if I maybe got a lemon cam. When the heat of the day sets in, it almost looks like the cam is getting so hot that the focus is slightly moving and the image begins to blur. Nothing bad like you can't make anything out, but it looks blurred compared to early morning and late evening razor sharp images. I did some temp readings and when the cam is at it's worst the housing was 127 degrees, the bricks were 135. (It's at the top of a peak against a dark red brick covered wall and I live in Houston.) I'm wondering because the focus is SO SO SO sensitive if the internals of the cam are getting hot enough to move things around a tiny bit and that's causing my not so sharp picture. My initial set-up of the cam was about noon, not the hottest part of the day, but not far from it. Just wondering if anyone else has had similar issues in higher heat areas. Thanks.

Starting to think this may be why they have auto-focus versions.

I too had quite a time focusing the dome, it seriously took close to an hour. Thankfully the dome is inside and is at a constant 74 degrees with no issues of focus change. Joey, you may want to somehow (if at all possible) protect the cam from direct sunlight, mine isn't really in direct sunlight except for first thing at sunrise, but during that time the temps are around 76-80. Mine gets the heat from being at the peak and the bricks radiate their heat so well, it gets hot and stays hot. Also I don't know where you are located but if it's not terribly hot, you may be fine.

Do you know if it is still images or motion detection clips?

Anyone have this system? Either the one with PTZ or the 8 1080P package?

Ok, I need opinions on the Swann 8 ch. system. After having terrible luck with Lorex, 2 systems back to Costco, I am deciding to go with the Swann system. But I want to hear comments, feedback good and bad please as I really don't want to make a mistake again. Any information will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I agree with bang for the buck. Sure I would love to go with a Hikvision 32 ch with 5 mp bullets, but I don't have 10 large laying around. My needs are really for 6 locations outside, and maybe throw a dome or 2 inside, but nothing complex. With my budget of around 1500 and the customer service of Swann and Costco backing me, I feel like this may be the best choice for me, but as previously mentioned, I appreciate all the good feedback.

Honestly, I would love to get the 16, but unfortunately my budget doesn't allow for it. So, the next best thing is the 8. Just wish it would go on sale again... Thank you for the feedback.

It looks like the placement of the LED's and foam ring (if that's what it is) are much better then previous models and definitely the old style Lorex. I'm anxious to see how performance is being a dome and fewer LED's then some others.