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A Comprehensive Guide to Configuring Hikvision NVRs: From Activation to Troubleshooting

Dear Secured Volts technicians and installers,

This guide aims to provide you with a clear and concise explanation of the steps involved in activating and configuring Hikvision cameras for our installations. As professionals, it is crucial to follow these steps to ensure the security and proper functioning of our clients' surveillance systems.

  1. Local Activation (NVR Interface)
  • a. Connect the NVR to a monitor using an HDMI or VGA cable.
  • b. Power on the NVR by connecting it to an electrical outlet.
  • c. Wait for the system to boot up and display the activation screen.
  • d. Create a strong, unique password for the admin account.
  • e. Optionally, set up password recovery using email or a security question.
  • f. Finish the activation process by following the on-screen prompts.
  1. Camera Activation (Local)
  • a. Temporarily disable PoE (Power over Ethernet) on the NVR or switch to avoid potential IP conflicts.
  • b. Connect the camera to the network using an alternative power source (e.g., a 12V DC adapter or a separate PoE switch).
  • c. Access the camera's web interface by typing its default IP address (usually 192.168.1.64) into your web browser.
  • d. Log in using the default credentials (username: admin, password: blank).
  • e. Follow the on-screen prompts to create a strong, unique password for the camera.
  • f. Optionally, set up password recovery using email or a security question.
  • g. Complete the activation process and make a note of the camera's IP address.
  1. SADP Tool Activation (NVR and Cameras)
  • a. Download, install, and launch the SADP tool on your computer.
  • b. Ensure your computer, NVR, and cameras are connected to the same network.
  • c. Temporarily disable PoE on the NVR or switch to avoid potential IP conflicts.
  • d. The SADP tool will automatically detect Hikvision devices on the network.
  • e. Select the unactivated device (NVR or camera) from the list and click "Activate."
  • f. Enter a strong, unique password for the selected device and confirm it.
  • g. Optionally, set up password recovery using email or a security question.
  • h. Finish the activation process by clicking "OK."

Finding Cameras via HTTP Browser

To find and manage cameras using an HTTP browser, follow these steps:

  • a. Ensure the camera and your computer are connected to the same network.
  • b. Open your web browser and enter the camera's IP address (either the default or the one assigned during activation).
  • c. Log in using the camera's credentials (username: admin, password: the unique password you created during activation).
  • d. Once logged in, you can access and configure the camera settings as needed.

Reason for Turning Off PoE to Find Cameras

As professionals, it is essential to understand that turning off PoE on the NVR or switch when activating and finding cameras helps to avoid IP conflicts. Many cameras come with a default IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.64). If multiple cameras with the same default IP address are connected to the network simultaneously, it can cause IP conflicts and make it difficult to access and configure each camera individually. By temporarily disabling PoE and connecting the cameras one by one, you can avoid these issues and ensure a smoother setup process for our clients.

Please follow these guidelines closely when working on Secured Volts installations to ensure optimal performance and security for our clients' surveillance systems. If you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to contact our support team.

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