PD-1902 Ranger DVR: Using Self-Provided 4G Data

The PD-1902 Ranger DVR can be purchased with a 4G LTE modem built-in. This 4G DVR can be purchased with a 4G cellular data plan through Pro-Vision or a customer can utilize their own data provider to provide data.

Selecting a Data Provider

Two factors should be considered when selecting a provider:

• Coverage area - It is recommended to first check coverage where the vehicle will be operating. See this 4G Data Coverage article for more information. 
• Pricing - Depending on your intended data use, some providers will have more cost effective plans. If the 4G is only going to be used for occasional live view, very little data will be used and a plan with a small amount of data can be selected. If the 4G data will be used for regular offload of video files, a plan with better pricing for high data usage should be selected.

Getting SIM cards and Connection Information

Once the data provider is selected, the number of data lines will be created, one for each DVR/vehicle. Each line will have an associated SIM number and will connect to a specific Access Point Name (APN) for the provider.

The provider will provide a physical SIM card for each line of service. The SIM card required by the DVR is a Nano SIM, the provider must send a Nano SIM or a multi-SIM to work with the DVR. A multi-SIM is a card that is precut for the three different sizes (Standard, Micro, and Nano) that can be separated by the user based on which SIM is needed for the device.

The card will normally come in a credit card sized plastic "holder". Press on the smallest portion of the card to snap out the Nano SIM (shown below bottom right).

The provider's plan will have an associated Access Point Name (APN). The APN is a path to which the DVR will get internet and must be configured in each DVR to tell it which network to connect to.

Example: General internet for Verizon Wireless uses the APN "vzwinternet" 

Installing the SIM card

1. Each DVR unit requires a SIM card from the provider to be installed into its SIM tray.
2. Document the SIM card number and the serial number of the DVR that it will be installed in.
3. It is recommended to also put the serial number of the DVR into the custom "Name" field of the providers website for the matching SIM number, this allows for easy identification of the DVR/vehicle if needed in the future.
4. If installed, ensure the DVR is powered off (no LED lights illuminated on the front). If needed, turn off the vehicle ignition and wait until the LED lights turn off or disconnect the power cable.
5. Locate the SIM tray on the front of the DVR unit. Using a paperclip or SIM removal tool, press into the small hole in the tray approximately 1/8". The tray will pop out of the front of the DVR.
   
   Note: DVR units produced prior to July 2024 utilize a different SIM card slot and require a different installation procedure.
6. Remove the tray and then install the SIM card into it with contacts facing downward. One corner of the SIM card is cut at an angle, this corner should align with the angled corner of the SIM card tray.
    
7. Reinstall SIM tray into the DVR by sliding the tray with SIM back into the slot. Press the tray in until it is flush with front of DVR as shown below.
   

Configuring and Enabling 4G

1. Connect to DVR via Wi-Fi or LAN connection. For detailed instructions see these articles:
   Wi-Fi Connection Instructions
   LAN/Ethernet Connection Instructions
2. After connected to the DVR and navigating to it in a browser, the home page will open.
   
3. In the upper right corner, select "Settings" then choose "4G LTE", if prompted, enter the login credentials. (Default username: admin / Default password: doesitall)
   
4. On the 4G LTE Settings page, verify that the Modem status is Loaded and the Sim Card status is Inserted
   
5. Locate the APN setting and click in the text box to the right. Remove the existing APN info from the box and type the APN provided by your 4G data provider. Shown below is the APN "vzwinternet" provided by Verizon wireless.
   
6. Press Apply at the bottom of the page to save the new APN setting.
   
7. Turn on the 4G LTE switch.
   
8. The DVR will now attempt to connect to the 4G based on the information provided, this could take 60 seconds or more. Once connected, the DVR will show its connection state in multiple places.
   1. Internet status on 4G LTE page: When connected to the internet the device will show connected. If the device is also using a Wi-Fi connection, this status may be reflecting internet connection through Wi-Fi.
      
   2. Network status on 4G LTE page: this will display Currently on 4G/LTE when it is connected over 4G. If the device is also on Wi-Fi connection, this box may show Currently on Wi-Fi even though there is 4G because Wi-Fi connection is the priority data/internet path.
      
   3. Connection icon on top navigation bar: When connected to 4G, the DVR will display a green mobile device icon in the top navigation bar.
      
9. The units is now connected, proceed to the File Transfer page to set up software connection if needed.