PD-1902 Ranger DVR: How to Connect

The DVR unit is the core of the recording system. All system connections go to the DVR unit. The storage device (SD Card or SSD) is located inside the DVR unit. A good mounting location is important for the DVR unit as its location should be readily accessible for viewing status and removing the disk.

The Ranger™ Series DVR-908 recording system can use multiple, different software solutions to automate video retrieval using Wi-Fi or 4G. The supported software includes the SecuraMax, CloudConnect, and Connect (formerly ECB) solutions. After product installation and purchase of a software solution, each device must be configured for communication. The device setup process can be done manually through the device’s web user interface, or via a quick setup file loaded on a disk as described in this document.

To complete the initial DVR configuration, aim/check camera views, review files, or link to a software solution, a laptop, tablet, or smartphone that must be connected to the DVR. The DVR can be connected wirelessly via Wi-Fi or wired via LAN (RJ-45) cable.

Wired (LAN) Connection:

Static IP

It is best to use a static IP address for network devices so that they can be reliably accessed by other systems or devices on the network as needed. A device set with a static IP address ensures the device is easily found since the IP address will not change. The static IP is set by an organization's IT administrator.

Changing a Static IP
It is not recommended to change the static IP address on the DVR unit’s LAN connection unless it is necessary to connect the LAN to an in-vehicle router or gateway.

MAC Address
MAC addresses are unique numbers used to identify networked devices. The MAC address can be used to locate the device on the network. If you intend to connect the device to your local network, it is recommended to record the MAC address of each unit for future reference. If the device has been connected to the network, you can find it from a Windows PC on the network by opening “command prompt” then using the command “arp -a” to view the current Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) cache and then locating the devices MAC from the list of all devices on the network and viewing its associated IP address.

Wireless (Wi-Fi) Connection:

1. Access Point (AP) Mode:
Enabled by default - this mode allows a smart device to connect directly to the DVR unit via Wi-Fi for remote configuration, access to view cameras, and recorded video files. This mode allows setting changes.
2. Client Mode (Unit to Building):
This mode is used to allow a device to automatically connect to a building’s Wi-Fi when it comes into range. Once connected to the network, video files on the DVR can be accessed and transferred remotely either manually or automatically using the SecuraMax, CloudConnect, or Connect (ECB) software.
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Note: If the device is set to Wi-Fi Client mode, it cannot be directly accessed via Wi-Fi AP to change settings (since the AP mode is no longer enabled).

• The Wi-Fi AP mode can be temporarily re-enabled by pressing and holding the “STOP” button on the front of the DVR for 7 seconds and then releasing once a single beep is heard.
• To return the DVR to Wi-Fi Client mode, press and hold the “STOP” button on the front of the DVR for 7 seconds and then release once a single beep is heard or connect to it via Wi-Fi AP mode and change the Wi-Fi Mode setting through the web interface.
• If you do not want to use the built-in Wi-Fi, set the “Wi-Fi” at the top of the page to “Disabled”. Once applied, the only way to connect to the DVR unit is through the LAN connection. 

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AP Mode: Default SSID Name/Wi-Fi Name

This is the name of the Wi-Fi AP that the DVR will broadcast. The default configuration is “PV_RANGER_xxxxx”. This should be changed to a name that contains the unit number of the vehicle to allow identification among the other vehicles around it. Clicking “Match with Unit ID” will automatically add the set Unit ID to the name of the Wi-Fi SSID.

If the SSID/Wi-Fi Name is not visible, the Wi-Fi may be disabled (Wi-Fi LED/light on the unit is off) or the Wi-Fi antenna may not be connected.

Configuration

After the installation is completed, the DVR must be configured to fully utilize its functionality. This requires the vehicle ignition to be powered ON and a smart device (tablet, laptop, smartphone) to be connected to configure the system.
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Note: The DVR must be powered ON for configuration. When the DVR is powered ON, the green PWR LED/light will be ON solid. (If the PWR light is blinking, the system is in standby mode.)
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Connecting to the DVR

The DVR can be connected with an Ethernet (LAN) cable to a laptop, or it can be accessed wirelessly using a Wi-Fi connected laptop, tablet, or smartphone device.

STEP 1. Connect the DVR via Wi-Fi or LAN

LAN:

Connect a standard (non-crossover) LAN cable from the LAN port on the DVR unit to a LAN port on the laptop. The computer must have a static IP address set on the LAN adapter to connect to the DVR. To set the computer to a static IP, see step 2 (opening a Web browser).

Wi-Fi:

On a Wi-Fi-enabled device (laptop, smartphone, or tablet) go to the Wi-Fi settings and connect to the Wi-Fi with the name "PV_RANGER_xxxxxx". The Wi-Fi has a default password of “doesitall”. If the unit has already been configured, the Wi-Fi may be disabled or renamed, "xxxxxx" represents the last 6 unique characters of the device's MAC address. The front of the DVR has an LED indicator for Wi-Fi to show the status of the Wi-Fi connection. If the Wi-Fi light on the DVR goes on and off again, the Wi-Fi is rebooting. Any time Wi-Fi settings are changed, the Wi-Fi must reboot for the changes to take effect. The light for Wi-Fi will also go off when the DVR is rebooting.

Status Light Troubleshooting
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Accessing the DVR Webpage:

STEP 2. Open a web browser software application such as Microsoft® Internet Explorer®, Mozilla® Firefox®, or Google® Chrome® browser.

a. LAN: Type “192.168.10.254” in the browser address bar and press enter.

b. Wi-Fi: Type “192.168.1.254” in the browser address bar and press enter.

STEP 3. You will now be on the web interface for the DVR unit. You will see current Unit ID (Default: “PVVS” if not yet configured), the model number (PD-1902), and the device’s serial number.

STEP 4. You can now navigate to the desired page, Live Video, View Files, or Settings. When you click on the desired page a password prompt will appear, enter the appropriate username/password. The default accounts are listed below.

Passwords

Username: admin
Password: does it all
Description: Administrative account with full access, also can set passwords/accounts
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Username: liveview
Password: seethecams
Description: Access to only see live video
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Username: playback
Password: watchvids
Description: Access only for video playback
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Username: settings
Password: change items
Description: Access to only see/modify settings