Hikvision DIY Camera System Set Up Guide
Setting up a Hikvision DIY camera system requires careful planning and execution to ensure optimal performance and security coverage. This guide provides a systematic approach to installing and configuring your Hikvision camera system, focusing on essential steps and considerations.
Before beginning the installation, it is crucial to assess the area you intend to monitor. Identify key locations where surveillance is necessary, such as entry points, driveways, and high-traffic areas. A well-planned layout can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your security system.
It's recommended to set up the cameras first prior to installing them. This is to ensure the installation goes smoothly, and if needed, it's more easy to troubleshoot this way.
Components Required:
- Hikvision PoE Camera(s)
- Hikvision PoE NVR (K Series or M Series)
- Network Cable(s)
- HDMI or VGA Monitor
- Mouse
1) Unbox the NVR & Camera(s), and HDD if you purchased is separately.
1a) If you purchased the HDD separately (not pre installed), unscrew the Philips head screws on the rear (and sides) of the NVR, this will allow you to open up the NVR chassis to install the HDD.
1b) Once inside the NVR, it will look something like this.
- Motherboard
- HDD bays (these can range from one to twelve, depending on the NVR)
- SATA interface connection ports (found on the motherboard, one per HDD bay)
- SATA interface cables (normally a flat blue or red cable with narrower connections at either end. These come included with the NVR – one per HDD bay)
- SATA power connection port (also on the motherboard)
- SATA power cable (sometimes this is already connected to the SATA power port - A black, red and yellow cable with wider 15 pin and 4 pin connections at either end respectively)
- Four screws (come included with the NVR) with corresponding holes (sometimes six holes to cater for different types of HDD)
1c) Your HDD will look like this.
- SATA interface port (the narrower port on the edge)
- SATA power port (the wider port, beside the interface port)
- Four clear screw holes (for securing the HDD to the NVR's base)
1d) Connect your HDD to the NVR in both the SATA power and SATA interface connections, if the cables aren't pre installed and loose inside the NVR, then they may be inside the NVRs accessory box, or the SATA interface cable may be inside your HDD box (if you cannot find all these cables you can reach out to support@securitycamerashop.ca for assistance.
1e) Once the HDD is plugged in you cab mount it to the NVR chassis using the 4 NVR mounting screws which should be included in the NVR accessory box. Simply just slide the HDD into the screw holes in the bottom of the NVR as shown in the image below. Then you can put the cover of the NVR chassis back on to proceed with the NVR set up.
2) Connect the NVR to power, plug in an ethernet cable to your router/modem, plug in your mouse, and plug either a VGA cable or HDMI cable into your monitor or TV. Power on the NVR.
3) Follow the set up wizard prompts. Create a secure password that you will remember (this is KEY). For simplicity, we recommend checking off "Use the Device Password" for the "Camera Activation Password" field.
4) On the Hik-Connect Set Up prompt in the set up Wizard, make sure to check off "Enable", if you'd like to access the cameras on your mobile app. Make sure to note down the Verification Code (you can find this later if needed though).
5) One of the final if not the final prompt will regard the HDD. It will look something like the below picture. Simply select the HDD and click the Init or Initialize Button. Once it's done initializing you can click finish or next.
6) You should now see several black/no link/no connection/network error boxes, signifying empty camera channels. Lets get the cameras added next.
7) Right click on the screen, and select exit full screen, click the gear icon or configuration. Once in this menu, if you have the "expert mode" option at the bottom, click that to allow access to more setting adjustments.
8) In the General Menu under System Settings be sure to change your time and also the resolution (if you want to take advantage of a 4K display).
9) Next we can add the cameras. Plug in your PoE cameras directly to the PoE ports on the rear of the NVR. After about a minute or so we can go see if they're working by going to the "Camera" menu, and then by going to the "Camera" sub menu like in the picture below.
10) You should start seeing cameras appear online. If you have errors or issues with this step, please reach out to our team for support. As the cameras start appearing online you can get familiarized with the settings of each camera.
11) The last steps prior to mounting the cameras permanently would be to add the NVR/Cameras to your mobile phone. Download the Hik-Connect App on your Android or iPhone device.
12) On your NVR, proceed to go to the Platform access page in the settings as shown in the image below. You should see "Online" beside connection status, if you don't make sure the ethernet cable plugged into your NVR is connected to your internet.
13) Go to the Hik-Connect App on your mobile device, (you may have to create a Hik-Connect account), click the + button in the top right hand corner, click scan QR code.
14) Scan the QR code shown on the display your NVR is plugged into, follow the prompts and enter the verification code into the app as requested.
15) Now all the cameras plugged into your NVR should appear on your Hik-Connect App.
The next step would be mounting the cameras in your desired locations, adjusting the cameras image or event settings, and enjoying the peace of mind of a Hikvision security system.