Watch this video to learn how to connect a magnetic door sensor to the alarm input of Viewtron security DVRs. These setup instructions apply to Viewtron hybrid security camera DVRs and IP camera NVRs. The video also shows users how to configure the DVR software to start video surveillance recording, take a snapshot image, and pop-up live video of a camera on the DVR’s display. In addition, you can also setup mobile push notifications to the mobile app when the magnetic door sensor is opened.
Wire Magnetic Door Sensor to DVR Alarm Input
I installed one of our magnetic door sensors to this wooden box so that I can use it for testing at CCTV Camera Pros.
The terminal block that contains the DVR’s alarm input ports can easily be removed from the DVR by pulling it out. This makes installing the wires into it much easier. Use a small flat head screw driver to loosen the ports, then insert the raw cable ends into port 1 and ground. Tighten the screws when done.
Here is a close-up of the alarm input / alarm output ports on the back of a Viewtron IP camera NVR with the terminal block inserted. I am using 18 gauge power wire to connect the door contacts to the alarm input port 1 on the NVR. You can also use a single twisted pair from a CAT5E or CAT6 cable. Please note that the alarm terminal block is the same on Viewtron DVRs and NVRs.
DVR / NVR Setup
To setup the actions that the DVR will take when the magnetic door sensor opens, select Sensor Alarm from the DVR / NVR main menu.
On the Sensor Alarm screen, you will see rows of all the alarm sensor ports on your DVR. I am using alarm input port #1 which is the first entry on the screen. Setup the following fields.
- Alarm Name – You can name this anything that you want. I am naming mine “Door Sensor”.
- Schedule – You can select one of the pre-configured schedules, such as 24 x 7, or set a custom schedule.
- Type – For magnetic contact sensors, the this to “NC” which means “normally closed”.
- Enable – Set this to on to enable the sensor.
- Duration – Set this to the amount of time that you want the alarm triggered when the door opens.
The alarm sensor configuration continues across the screen. You can use the slide bar along the bottom to move the row over. Then configure the following fields.
- Record – Check this box, then select the camera(s) that you want video recording triggered on when the door sensor opens.
- Snapshot – If you also want the DVR to take a snapshot image, check this box and select the camera(s) that you want snapshot images captured from.
- Push – Set this to enable if you want to DVR / NVR to send a push notification to the mobile app for iPhone and Android.
- Alarm Out – If you want to trigger one of the DVRs alarm output ports, check this box and specify which alarm output port(s).
- Preset – If you are using a PTZ camera on your system, you can have the PTZ camera go to a preset position when the door opens.
- Buzzer – Check this box of you want the DVR’s built-in alarm buzzer to sound.
- Pop-up Video – Set this to on and select the camera that you want displayed on the live view of the DVR.
- Pop-up Message Box – Set this to on if you want the DVR to display a message box when the door opens.
- Email – Although email alerts are supported, CCTV Camera Pros does not recommend using them. We recommend using the mobile push alerts instead.
Alarm Sensor Recording Setup
Next, setup the alarm sensor recording on the DVR by clicking on the Record link near the top. Then, click on the advanced button. The add Record Mode box will open. Check the Sensor Record checkbox, then click add. Click Apply.
The alarm sensor recording and alarm actions are now setup on your DVR / NVR.
Alarm Sensor / Magnetic Door Sensor Video Recordings
One of the benefits of using alarm sensor recordings on Viewtron DVRs and NVRs is that you can easily identify all of the door opening events on the DVR video playback time line.
To playback video surveillance footage, select playback from the menu in the lower left.
When the video player opens, you will see a timeline on the right. The red zones on the time line notate the video recording events that were triggered by the magnetic door sensor opening.
Connect Motion Sensor to Security DVR
The alarm input ports on Viewtron DVRs / NVRs are not limited to magnetic door contacts. You can also connect external motion sensors to the alarm input ports. In addition, you can use alarm input devices to trigger other external alarm devices that may be connected to the DVR alarm relay output ports. Watch the above video to see a PIR motion sensor trigger a security light connected to the alarm output of the DVR.
Viewtron DVRs and NVRs
The setup instructions contained in the above videos applied to Viewtron IP camera NVRs and Viewtron hybrid CCTV DVRs.
Have Questions / Need Help?
If you have any questions about how to connect external alarm sensors to the alarm inputs on your Viewtron DVR, please let me know.
The post Magnetic Door Sensor / Alarm Input Recording on Viewtron DVRs first appeared on Security Camera & Video Surveillance Blog.