Ranger DVR (PD1902): Programming the Unit

After the installation of the DVR, cameras, and hardware, the DVR must be programmed, and cameras aimed.

Pro-Vision may provide a customer-specific programming specification sheet (Form C) which will contain the parameters for customization. If self-installing the system, and there is a need for guidance on program settings, please refer to the DVR Generic Settings Article for suggestions on basic settings.

These are the basic directions for programming with a smartphone. The DVR can be accessed with either a laptop (recommended) or a smartphone. The PC offers you a larger screen that is easier to see and manage when programming the DVR, but a smartphone allows the same access. The methods of accessing and programming are virtually the same for PCs or phones. 

NOTE: Programming for CloudConnect or 4G is not covered in this article.

STEP 1: Power on the vehicle and the DVR. Wait for the DVR to fully boot up. It will display a solid green LED on the EVT switch and the DVR.

STEP 2: On the phone, select "Settings."

STEP 3: In "Settings," select "Wi-Fi." 

STEP 4: Under "Networks" in "Wi-Fi," find the DVR’s name.

A new DVR will have an alias like PV_RANGER_xxxxxx (The “xxxx” can represent either the MAC address or serial #).

A previously programmed DVR may have customer initials and an old unit #.  

STEP 5: Select that network and press “Join”.

STEP 6: You will be prompted to enter a password.

The password is: doesitall

STEP 7: After joining the DVR network, exit "Settings."

STEP 8: Open Chrome (Chrome is the recommended browser). If needed, download it to your phone. Google browser does not work for programming the DVR.

STEP 9: In Chrome, type in the DVR’s IP address: 192.168.10.254 (then click "Enter".)

STEP 10: Once in the DVR program, you will be prompted to give a username and a password.

Username:      admin

Password:     doesitall

STEP 11: Click on “Live View” to verify that you have all cameras present and connected to the correct camera input. You can use these views to aim your cameras. For example, rear cameras should show a small area from the rear of the vehicle when checking the camera view. (NOTE: If any of your cameras are showing as upside down or reversed left to right, you can correct this on the “Camera” settings page.)

STEP 12: Click on the four lines on the right side of the upper display of the phone and select “Settings”.

YOU WILL USE INFORMATION PROVIDED BY PRO-VISION FOR PROGRAMMING THE DVR. 

STEP 13: Click on the “Power” setting screen. If the provided information is different than the default information viewed on this page, change it to match the provided paperwork and select "Apply".

STEP 14: Proceed to the “Date & Time” page. Set the device with the correct time zone. It is recommended to select “Sync Time with Connected Device” (rather than “Apply”) on this page. Note: Make sure the device you are syncing time with is set for the correct time zone.

STEP 15: Proceed to the “Camera” page. On this page, view all individual cameras for proper left/right and upright display. Change any cameras as needed and hit the "Apply" button.

STEP 16: Navigate to the “Recording” page. Set any changes to the bit rate and frame rate per the provided paperwork (Form C). Always select the “Apply” button to save changes.

STEP 17: If the DVR has an output to an auxiliary device, such as a Samsara Interface, proceed to the “Display” page. On the display page, set to show only cameras designated on the paperwork or, if not shown, only those cameras that are physically attached to the DVR.

STEP 18: Proceed to the “GPS” page. Verify that the baud rate is 4800, and that speed displays in MPH.

STEP 19: If the provided paperwork provides specific alarms for motion (brake, bump, corner), navigate to the “G-Force” settings page and program according to the instructions there.

NOTE: If the system being installed has a Stop Arm Camera, proceed to the “Stop-Arm Camera” page.

1. Enable the device for a Trigger.
2. Select "Trigger." The default is Trigger 1 (this is the yellow trigger wire that should be connected).
3. Select “Apply”.

STEP 20: Navigate to the “Triggers” page. Set triggers per the provided paperwork

1. If the Stop Arm Cam is equipped, verify that Trigger 1 is auto-programmed.
2. Set any other triggers as directed, including OSD (Trigger Name), correct cameras to alarm record, audible alarm beep on/off (1st check box), and remote activation ((*)) if needed.
3. Set Event Marker Button trigger. Select the correct cameras and determine if the audible beep is on or off.
4. Set “Pre-Alarm Recording Time”. (This is the amount of time that the DVR will start recording an alarm video before the button is pressed.)
5. Set “Post Alarm Recording Time”.
6. Select “Apply” to save changes to the settings made on this page.

STEP 21: Go to the “Unit ID” page and set the individual ID number for the specific vehicle. (This is normally a combination of select alphanumerics and the unit number.) See the provided program specification sheet.

STEP 22: On the Settings page, go up to the “Network” page. With the unit in Access Point Mode, select the “Match with Unit ID” button found under the Unit SSID. This will set the SSID (the DVR name), with the previously programmed Unit ID. After applying these settings, the correct ID will be displayed in the SSID box.

STEP 23: If required by the paperwork, change the DVR password. 

STEP 24: Verify that the SSID and password are correct. Select the “Apply Settings” button on the page.

STEP 25: Navigate to “System Information” on the last page in settings.

STEP 26: Reboot the DVR. This will set the SSID. You will then be exited from the DVR. 

STEP 27: After the DVR reboots, find the DVR in the Wi-Fi networks displayed on the smartphone under its new name (the SSID name set in a prior step) and reconnect. Re-enter the password. 

STEP 28: Log back into the DVR to verify the settings and test the DVR systems according to the pre-set requirements.