DVREye™ Instruction Manual
PixController, Inc.
1056 Corporate Lane
Export, PA 15632
724-733-0970
www.pixcontroller.com
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Introduction
The PixController DVREye™ (Digital Video Recorder) is a complete all-in-one (PIR) motion
triggered video recording system packaged in a water-proof housing for recording wildlife
movements. The motion detection range is over 90 feet. Video recordings are saved on standard
Compact Flash (CF) or Sony Memory Stick DUO memory cards in a MPEG4 video recording
format. Simply turn the internal power switch to the “on” position, close the case, and wait the 1.5
minute motion control warm up time and the DVREye™ will be ready for motion event video
recording. Captures more than 1 hour of footage at 640 X 480 @ 30 Frames per second in high
resolution with Sound on a 1Gb memory card. Connects to your TV for play back, PC with
memory card reader, or carry your Personal Video Player (PVP) in the woods to view your video
clips. Email your video clips to friends without needing expensive video capture equipment like
you do with camcorder system.
The advantages the DVREye™ has over traditional camcorder motion event recording systems
are that the video camera switches to full color during daylight hours and stealth IR mode for
night recording automatically with IR illumination out to 60+ feet. Sound is also recorded with your
video, which is a very important feature when recording wildlife especially. Being that there are no
mechanical parts for running camcorder tape recording the DVREye™ can be used in much lower
temperature conditions where a camcorder will often freeze, and it can be used in much more
humid weather conditions where a camcorder can be damaged by moisture, and will power up
much faster than camcorders will. The DVR and Video Camera are powered by a rechargeable
12V SLA 3.4 AH battery, which under normal use can last up to 3 weeks of unattended use. 4 AA
batteries are used to power the motion control electronics and can last up to a year under normal
use. A solar panel can be added as an accessory item to charge the 12V SLA battery an
unlimited unattended use time.
Note: If the DVREye™ is powered down while recording a video clip, the current video clip will not
be stored on the CF or Sony Memory Stick DUO card.
Copyright ©, PixController, Inc. http://www.pixcontroller.com, all rights reserved
2
What’s included with your DVREye™ System
Your DVREye™ system contains the following items:
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DVREye™ system case with motion control electronic and video camera
12V SLA rechargeable battery
12V battery charging unit
Neuros Recorder2 DVR (memory cards are not included)
PixController DVREye™ CD with manuals and media player
Inspection/Acceptance of received products
The buyer shall be responsible for inspecting all products shipped prior to acceptance; provided,
however, that if Buyer shall not have given PixController, Inc. written notice via email of rejection
or shorted items to [email protected] within ten (10) days following receipt by Buyer, the
products shall be deemed to have been accepted by Buyer.
Contact Information
Address:
PixController, Inc.
1056 Corporate Lane
Export, PA 15632
Phone: 724-733-0970
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.pixcontroller.com
Internet Help Forums: http://www.pixcontroller.com/forums
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DVREye™ System Components
DVREye™ Exterior Components
DVREye™ Interior Components
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DVREye™ Controller Board Overview
Powering up the DVR Controller Board
To power up the DVREye™ turn the Board Powers switch to the “On” position. When turning
power on the DVR Controller board both the red and green LED will light up. They will both stay
on for 30 seconds. This time will allow the PIR circuit to warm up. After this time expires the green
LED will turn off and the red LED will blink 5 times letting you know that the board is entering a 1
minute automatic walk-test phase. At this point you can move around the camera setup and
check out the PIR area. Both the green and red LED’s will light when motion is detected. After the
1 minute automatic walk-test phase expires the red LED will blink 5 times letting you know the
camera system will now become active.
USER DIP Switch
The User Control Switch will let you customize how the motion control board will trigger the DVR
recorder. Here you can adjust the time delay between pictures, operating only at day, night, or 24
hours, setting up a walk-test mode for testing PIR range/area, set how long the camcorder will
record, and turning the control board LED’s on or off.
Note: When turning power on to your control board both the red and green LED will light up. They
will both stay on for 30 seconds. This time will allow the PIR circuit to warm up. After this time
expires the green LED will turn off and the red LED will blink 5 times letting you know that the
board is entering a 1 minute automatic walk-test phase. At this point you can move around the
camera setup and check out the PIR area. Both the green and red LED’s will light when motion is
detected. After the 1 minute automatic walk-test phase expires the red LED will blink 5 times
letting you know the camera system will now become active.
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Default DIP Switch Setting
Switches 1-9 “Down”, 10 “Up” - No Delay between pictures, 24 Hour Recording, 30
Seconds/Continuous recording time, Control LED Off, PIR LED On.
PIR Delay
No Delay
30 Seconds
1 Minute
2 Minutes
5 Minutes
10 Minutes
15 Minutes
20 Minutes
Switch 1
Down
Down
Down
Down
Up
Up
Up
Up
Record Delay
30 Sec./Cont.
30 Seconds
1 Minute
5 Minutes
Power Cam/DVR
Off
On
Switch 6
Down
Down
Up
Up
Switch 2
Down
Down
Up
Up
Down
Down
Up
Up
Switch 3
Down
Up
Down
Up
Down
Up
Down
Up
Switch 7
Down
Up
Down
Up
Switch 8
Down
Up
Mode
24-Hour
Night Only
Day Only
Day/Night Cal.
Switch 4
Down
Down
Up
Up
Red LED
Off
On
Switch 9
Down
Up
Green LED
Off
On
Switch 10
Down
Up
Switch 5
Down
Up
Down
Up
PIR Delay - Delays Between Video Shots Setting
Switches 1, 2, and 3 control the delays between video shots.
Day/Night Operation Settings
Switches 4 and 5 control Daylight, Night Time, and 24 Hour recording or pictures.
PIR Walk-Test Mode
On boot up of the Universal board this setting will put the unit into a PIR Walk-Test mode. Here
you can check out the PIR detection area without having the unit take photos. When booting the
Universal board into this mode the RED Control LED and Green PIR LED will stay on for about
30 seconds. This is when the PIR is warming up. After this period of time has expired you are
free to walk and test the PIR area.
Note: To put the DVR Eye back into “Photo Taking Mode” change the switch settings of switch 4
and 5 to one of the three options above under the Day/Night Operation Setting, and power the
DVR Eye unit Off and On from the external power switch.
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DVR Recording Time
Switch 6 and 7 sets the recording time of the DVREye™ on a PIR event.
Power Control – DVR & Video Camera
Switch 8 controls powers up the video camera and DVREye™ for reviewing video in the field with
a hand held video monitor, viewing video at home on your TV, or making changes to the DVR
settings with the DVR remote control.
Control LED On/Off Setting
Switch 9 sets if the Control LED (Red LED) is to be used or not. Note, the control LED will
always be on during the Power-Up Phase, or when in Walk-Test Mode.
PIR LED On/Off Setting
Switch 10 sets if the PIR LED (Green LED) is to be used or not.
Note:
When changing switch setting you must re-boot your DVREye. When re-booting you must
wait approximately 30 seconds before turning power on again. Not doing so can result in
the controller not working properly. Symptoms of this are a dim red LED or blinking green
LED, or both.
Adjusting the PIR motion sensitivity
To adjust the PIR detection range on your DVREye™
simply turn the single turn POT shown to the left to your
desired range. The default setting is in the middle, as
shown. The two "dots" on the Philips head screw show
the actual location.
The default setting is desirable for almost all weather
conditions. In very hot summer months, or setups over
fields with no shading cover you should reduce the PIR
sensitivity.
The detecting distance adjustment allows you to easily
set the PIR detecting distance (range). Passive infrared
is more sensitive in winter then in summer, be sure to
reduce the sensitivity in summer by adjusting the
sensitivity knob away from the silver dot to avoid false
triggering. Reducing the range for night photography
will help the problems of your subject being out of the
flash range.
Adjusting the Audio MIC Gain
To adjust the MIC sound level of your DVREye™
simply turn the single turn POT shown to the left to your
desired range. The default setting is in the middle, as
shown. The two "dots" on the Philips head screw show
the actual location. The default setting is desirable for
conditions.
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DVREye™ Video Camera
Day Color- Night IR Video Camera
Video Camera Overview
The DVREye™ unit contains a high resolution Sony CCD video camera which will automatically
switch from color at day to IR mode at night. The CDS photo sensor within the video camera will
detect light levels and switch the video camera from day/night modes. It will turn on the IR LED
array and adjust the level of the IR light at night automatically. There is a small red glow emitted
from the IR LED array at night.
Note: When setting up the DVREye in the field be sure to clear any close brush next to the video
camera so the IR LED’s can illuminate to their full potential.
Video Camera Specs
Indoor/Outdoor Application – Switches from color to night IR automatically
System: 1/3” Sony Super HAD CCD video camera: NTSC or PAL
Resolution: 520 TV Lines
Input Voltage: DC12V
Lens: S= 6.0mm, W= 3.6mm
Minimum Illumination: 0.5 Lux, 0 Lux(IR ON)
Synchronization: Internal
Adopts "Special Optical Low Pass Filter" No Day & Night Focus Shift
High Efficiency Infrared LED, Radiant IR Distance - 60 Feet
CDS Automatically Activate LED, When Light Drops Below 20 Lux
High Sensitivity Sensor, Excellent Picture Quality
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DVREye™ 12V Battery & Charger
Included with your DVREye unit is a
rechargeable 12V SLA (Sealed Lead Acid)
battery and 12V charger. The 12V battery is
completely removable from the DVREye unit
for replacing or recharging. To recharge the
12V battery simply connect the red alligator
clip from the 12V wall charger to the positive
terminal on the 12V SLA battery, and the
black alligator clip to the negative terminal on
the 12V SLA battery.
When charging the red LED on the wall
charger will be lit and will change to green
when the 12V SLA battery is fully charged.
Replacement 12V SLA batteries can be
purchased from www.pixcontroller.com, or
you can use the UB1234, 12V 3.4AH or
similar battery.
DVREye™ AC Charging/Solar Pane Port
On your DVREye case is a standard 2.1mm DC port, which
is used for external charging of the 12V battery. The 2.1mm
connector is configured such that the center pin is 12V and
the connector barrel is the ground.
You can connect charging accessories such as a 12V
power supply, 12V charging unit, or 12V solar panel to the
port.
The advanced DVREye circuit will keep the 12V battery
from becoming over charged. There is also a built in
blocking diode which will prevent accessories such as a
solar panel from draining the 12V battery at night.
12V Solar panels can be purchased separately from
www.pixcontroller.com
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DVR Overview
The video content is saved as MPEG-4 video files, eliminating the hassle of proprietary file
formats. Utilizing standard Compact Flash (CF) or Sony Memory Stick DUO memory cards as the
storage medium, you can record content on a card for viewing on your TV, or transfer that content
onto your PC, Laptop, PDA, SmartPhone or portable video player (PVP). Roughly the size of a
PDA device, the DVR MPEG-4 Recorder hooks up to your home TV, and allows you to view still
photos on your TV or listen to MP3 audio files through your stereo. No PC Required. CF or
Memory Stick DUO Storage card required but not included.
The Neuros DVR is completely removable from your DVREye™ unit. To setup functions such as
the DVR time/date, recording quality, and installing DVR Firmware simply remove the DVR unit
from the DVREye box and connect it to your TV. Use the Neuros Remote control unit to adjust
any of these settings. Please see the Neuros DVR manual for further information.
Caution: Please note when you replace the DVR unit in the DVREye you need to make sure the
DVREye IR Transmitter is pointed towards the Neuros IR Window. This is how the DVREye
“communicates” to the DVR for sending recording commands. If this is not aligned your DVR will
not record video. Also be sure to press the AV cable all the way into the AV Input port.
Set DVR time/date & Recording quality connect DVR to your
TV as shown above.
When replacing the DVR unit in your DVREye be sure to
align the DVREye IR transmitter and Neuros IR Window.
DVR (Digital Video Recorder) Specs
Real Time MPEG-4 Video Recording
ISO Standard MPEG4 SP encoding with AAC-LC audio:
30fps@320x240 resolution (QVGA
setting)recommended for handhelds
Features
5 programmable recording
schedules(once,daily,weekly or monthly)
Transfer files between cards
30fps@368x208 resolution (16:9, WQVGA setting)wide
screen format for PSP
Storage Card Compatibility:
Memory Sticks:
Memory Stick Duo
Memory Stick Pro
Memory Stick Pro Duo
30fps@640x480 resolution (VGA setting)Best quality for
TV playback
Compact Flash:
Type I and Type II
Hitachi Microdrives with CF type II interface
Video
Economic=384kbps
Normal=768kbps
Fine=1mbps
Super Fine=2mbps
Recording Time for 1GB card:
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Economic=250min
Normal=143min
Fine=111min
Super Fine=60min
AAC Audio
all modes=128kbps
Video Player
MPEG-4 SP with MPEG-1 Layer 3 (MP3) audio,30fps up Note:
to D1 resolution
CF and/or Memory Stick Storage card required but
DivX 3.11@ CIF Resolution; DivX 4.x,5.x,30fps up to D1 not included
resolution
Quicktime 6; MPEG-4 AAC-LC stereo, MP4 format
Recording times based on a 1Gb memory card
Mode
320 x 200
368 x 208
640 X 440
Economic
250 Minutes
250 Minutes
250 Minutes
Normal
143 Minutes
143 Minutes
143 Minutes
Fine
N/A
N/A
111 Minutes
Super Fine
N/A
N/A
60 Minutes
Notes on memory cards (CF cards and Memory Stick DUO cards)
If you are not getting any recordings on your CF or Memory Stick DUO card please be sure that
the memory card is properly formatted. This can be done from the Neuros DVR unit via the
Remote Control and connecting it to your TV. Please be sure that the memory card is compatible
with the Neuros DVR. For a list of compatible memory cards please see the Neuros web site,
http://www.neurosaudio.com
Notes on setting the DVR Time & Date
To set the time & date on the Neuros DVR unit connect the DVR to your TV and use Neuros DVR
Remote Control to set the date. Please see the Neuros DVR manual for more information. There
is no battery back up inside the Neuros DVR, however, if you connect the DVR unit to your
DVREye and power the DVREye up it will keep the date. You have about 4 – 6 hours after setting
the date/time to install and power the DVREye before loosing the time/date on the DVR. The
time/date will not be superimposed on top of the recorded video. To see the time/date that
your video clips were taken you will need to install your CF card into a PC or PVP and read the
file time/date.
Using Personal Video Players (PVP)
Personal Video Players or PVP's are a great tool for your
DVREye. Many PVP's today come with a large internal memory
or hard disk, which means you can download your videos from
the DVREye CF/DUO memory to the PVP when checking your
camera system. This means you no longer have to purchase 2
memory cards per system, which will save you money in the
long run too.
SmartDisk FlashTrax XT
PVP
Simply plug in your CF or DUO card into the PVP and watch
the movie clips your DVREye has captured. Most PVP's also
have a TV input, so you can plug the TV output cable from your
DVREye into the TV input of the PVP and change DVR settings
in the field.
Once you return from the field simply plug your PVP into your
Home PC via the USB port (found on almost every PVP) and
download the photos to your PC.
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DVREye™ Special Mounting Options
The DVREye™ has standard cast steel eye bolts for mounting to a tree in the field via bungee
chords or the MasterLock® Python™ locking cable. Besides these mounting options the
DVREye™ has a special base mounting plate for attaching a standard video security camera
mount and tripod. This option can allow the DVREye™ to be setup as a security camera as well
as many other applications.
DVREye™ Mounting Plate
(3) Standard ¼-20 screw mounting holes
DVREye™ with MasterLock® Python™ locking cable
DVREye™ setup using a standard security camera
mount
DVREye™ setup using a standard camera tripod
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Playing the DVREye™ MPEG4 Video Files
The MPEG-4 files produced by the Neuros DVR can be played
back directly on virtually any portable device accepting memory
stick or CF memory cards. You can also use it to view recorded
video on your TV. Just plug it into the Video-In jacks on the TV
and hit ‘Play’. And with your PVP USB connection or an
inexpensive USB adaptor/Card reader (not included), you can
easily drag and drop content from the memory card onto your
computer to play it on your laptop or home PC.
We suggest the following media players for your PC to view the
MPEG-4 files:
Apple QuickTime Player
Download: http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/
VCL Media Player
http://www.videolan.org/vlc/
VCL Media Player (Included on your CD)
Download: http://www.videolan.org/vlc/
DVREye™ System Specs
Unit Specs:
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Size: 9-1/4"L x 7-3/4"W x 4-1/2"D
Camera: 1/3” Sony Super HAD CCD video camera: NTSC or PAL
Media Type: CompactFlash (CF), Secure Digital (SD), Sony Memory Stick PRO
PIR Motion Detection Range: 80+ Feet (heat and motion trigger) with adjustable
sensitivity.
IR Flash Range: 70 Feet
Enclosure: rugged and waterproof case
Trigger Time:~4-6 seconds
12V Battery: 3.4AH 12V SLA Rechargeable/Removable battery with A/C charger
(included) - Lasting approx. 3 weeks on a single charge.
12V Solar Panel/AC Charging port with over charging protection and blocking diode.
Standard 2.1mm center positive connector.
User adjustable Settings
Unit lockable with a Masterlock® Python™ Cable
Temperature range: 0ºF to 120ºF
Power up auto walk-test mode (testing out PIR unit detection area/range)
Operation Spec:
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On board Power On/Off switch
10-position DIP switch for setting unit operations
8 PIR delay settings: no delay, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minute, 5 minute, 10 minute, 15
minute, 20 minute
24 hour, day only, night only operation
Recording Times: 30 seconds or Continuous motion recording, 30 seconds only, 1
minute, 5 minute
Special setting to power camera/DVR on for TV DVR setup/review
Dual LED - Red Control LED/Green PIR LED (adjustments to turn LED's on/off)
Day/Night Sensor for setting operation modes
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On board MIC and MIC Gain POT to adjust input sound levels
On board PIR sensitivity POT to adjust motion detection range/sensitivity
On board IR Remote Tx control LED - Allows a wide range of DVR devices to be
controlled
Upgradeable board firmware: Allows custom programming options/device control
options
External Trigger Port: Custom port to allow other sensors to trigger the DVR other than
the on-board PIR sensor.
Adjustable DVR recording quality from 640 X 480 @ 30 frames/second down to 320 X
200.
Video Camera Specs:
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Switches from color to night IR automatically
Day Color- Night IR 6mm Video Camera
System: 1/3” Sony ExView HAD CCD video camera: NTSC or PAL
Resolution: 520 TV Lines
Input Voltage: 12V DC
Lens: S= 6.0mm, W= 3.6mm
Minimum Illumination: 0.05 Lux, 0 Lux(IR ON)
Synchronization: Internal
Adopts "Special Optical Low Pass Filter" No Day & Night Focus Shift
High Efficiency Infrared LED, Radiant IR Distance - 70 Feet
CDS Automatically Activate LED, When Light Drops Below 20 Lux
High Sensitivity Sensor, Excellent Picture Quality
Trouble Shooting
Q: I see no red or green LED’s when I turn power on to my DVREye
A: Be sure you have the 12V Battery connected and it is fully charged.
Q: The green LED on my DVREye in blinking all the time.
A: Turn power off to the DVREye unit and let it sit off before turning it back on. If the green LED is
still blinking then you need to charge the 12V battery. Turning the DVREye system on/off/on too
quickly will cause the green LED to blink and not detect motion.
Q: I can see the unit is triggering but I get no MPEG4 video files on my memory card.
A: There can be a few items that may cause this:
1. Be sure the A/V Input cable is plugged all the way into the connector.
2. Be sure the DVREye IR Transmitter is pointed towards the Neuros IR Window
3. Be sure your media card is properly formatted and is compatible with the Neuros
DVR unit.
Q: My DVREye is loosing the system time/date.
A: You must set the time/date of your Neuros DVR unit by connecting the DVR to a TV and using
the Remote Control to set the time/date. After you do this you must place the Neuros DVR into
the DVREye and set the unit up within 4-6 hours otherwise the time/date will be lost internally on
the Neuros DVR. There is no internal battery backup inside the Neuros DVR unit to save the
time/date settings.
Copyright ©, PixController, Inc. http://www.pixcontroller.com, all rights reserved.
PixController, Inc.
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