Once you have your camera attached to your local network and added a new camera inside the Alarmhandler app , you are ready to setup the the IP camera configuration. The following is a set of generic instructions, but based on user inputs we’re also adding guides for specific brands/models, see links at the bottom.
- Identify what IP address your camera has on the local network. The easiest method for obtaining the IP address of the camera is to use a network scanning app like “Fing” that can be downloaded for free in Appstore and Google Play. Alternatively, you can log into your router and see what devices are connected to it. For detailed instructions for your router, see the documentation that comes with the router.
- Once you’ve got the IP address, enter it in your web browser to configure the camera. You will be prompted for username / password. If you have not changed this yet, it will often be admin / admin or admin and an empty password.
- Once you’re logged on to your camera in the web browser, find the configuration or settings section for the camera. Then enable the following:
- Sound detection: this lets the camera can detect loud sound eg from a fire alarm. If possible, set up the camera to transfer video in case of sound detection. With video you can hear the sound and determine what is triggering the alarm, eg a fire alarm. This cannot be done if you only transfer images. Specify the format to MPEG4 (H.264). If the camera does not support video transmission, choose image transfer instead (see Motion Detection)
- Motion detection: if the camera detects motion in the visual field, while the alarm is on, then set it to transfer images to Alarmhandler. Specify the camera to transfer single images with a frame rate of one image / sec. This is the best way to ensure that the camera will transfer data immediately after detecting motion. Delaying transmission to eg 10 seconds and then transferring a video is a really bad idea, as this gives a thief time to find find the destroy the camera before it has had time to report the break in.
- 24/7 monitoring: the camera should continually try to deliver data at sound or motion detection. Our servers determine whether to save images and video, as it knows about the alarm is on or not.
- Mail transfer: specify your own mail server name and port, encryption, mail address and credentials for your mail account. Perhaps you use gmail, then search the FAQ for gmail to learn more. In addition the camera must know the recipient address. We’re receiving recordings for your camera on a special email that should be specified o the camera. You can see the email in the Alarmhandler app under Settings – Estate settings – Camera settings.
- Wireless network: If you have your IP camera cabled to your router, you need to setup the wireless network information on the camera before you unplug the cable between the camera and the router. To do so, enter the SSID and password for your network on the camera.
There is often a “test connection” button, try this out – but remember to turn Alarmhandler ON before doing so – otherwise our service will reject connections from the camera. See also How do I check if the IP camera is correctly hooked up?
Camera specific guides: