Avtech AV777M Constant high pitched tone, HD failure

[A_n_d_y 0]

Hi,

 

I've got a 4 channel security camera system as in the subject. As soon as power is supplied the constant tone sounds (does not stop until power is removed), all the lights on the front are lit. Pushing any of the buttons has no effect.

 

On screen is the message:

 

HDD detecting

 

Followed shortly by:

 

HDD not found

please insert HDD and lock the key

 

I'm certain the drive has failed (clicking sound), but not sure if it is related to the constant tone?

 

If I get a new drive will it need any special formatting? will it just plug-in and work?

 

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

- Andy

[scorpion 0]

The 777 beeping can be for many reasons.

 

For those without hard drive problems then it might not be in the overwrite mode. The video has filled up the hard drive, and it has now gone in to alarm. This is to inform you that you need to look at the video, and reset the hard drive, but I would suggest putting it in overwrite mode instead.

 

(Side Note While I Am Here. If you have this DVR in Motion Detection, and you have a lot of cameras hooked up, and seeing alot of activity then to get in to the MENU you will need to push the STOP button a couple of times, and press MENU real fast. Put one finger on one button, and another finger on the other button, and toggle them back and forth. This will get the DVR to stop paying attention to every motion detection it sees, and allows the DVR to "know" that you want to go in to MENU).

 

 

You do not need to format a hard drive. Open the package, and stick it right in. You cannot use a hard drive that used to be in a computer.

 

WARNING! These DVRs are not hot swappable. In other words you need to unplug the power before pulling, or inserting the drive bays in to the DVR.

 

If you have clicking noise then yes buy a new hard drive, and give it a test.

 

Question:

 

Would now be the time to upgrade to a different DVR?

For a 16 channel DVR the AVC 787A (Sata version) would be a much better replacement if you wanted to stay in the AVTech brand.

 

I only say this as the cost of IDE hard drives cost more then they used to.

Sata drives are bargain basement prices, and IDE are at "antique" pricing.

 

There may be other issues with you DVR, but we will not know until you have inserted another hard drive.

 

(1) The power supply (internal, or external) may have been bad, and this blew the harddrive, or in the process of blowing the hard drive it may have injured the power supply.

 

If this is a DVR that you have had for a long time then it may well be worth buying a new external power supply to keep your DVR healthy.

 

Yes: The power supply works just fine, but is it leaking AC? If so it might just be putting some nails in the coffin of your DVR. Have someone check it under load with an ocilliscope.

 

Also while you are at it replace the fan / fans in the DVR. This DVR will not work if the fan has stopped. It will over heat something fierce. It will keep working for a while, but it will just kill it without some fan venting it!

 

Need a manual?

 

Download it here: (Scroll Down)

http://scorpiontheater.com/cpcamtechsupport.aspx

 

Video Server S

http://scorpiontheater.com/videoviewer.aspx

 

What do you think?

[A_n_d_y 0]

Thank you for you help and information.

 

I replaced the drive and everything appears to be running as normal. I can't find a specific manual for this DVR, it is quite old. 4channel and no network. It does have a big D connector and the menu talks about setting the baud rate etc. Is there a manual for this old system anywhere? where can I find information about the external port?

 

One other strange thing is it will not switch off. Pressing the power button will shut it down, but less than a second later it's starting back up again.

 

Thanks again.

[scorpion 0]

Scroll down until you see a picture of your DVR

 

http://scorpiontheater.com/cpcamtechsupport.aspx