900 Series/Ranger DVR Troubleshooting
Topics & Questions
System
Event Message: DVR shut down due to power source low voltage (4.0 Vdc)
This message indicates a problem with the power to the DVR. If it happens occasionally, it could mean a problem with the circuit, wiring, or DVR
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Check the condition of the power input connection at the rear of the DVR. With the system powered on, move/wiggle the connection at the rear of the DVR to see if the LED indicators on the front of the DVR turn off momentarily. If so, replace the power cable.
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Check the connection points to the vehicle for the power input (red) wire and the ground (black) wire.
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Check the power cable for physical condition such as pinches or cuts.
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Check the inline fuse for the power (red) wire. Remove and check the fuse to ensure it is good condition. If damaged or unsure, replace the fuse.
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Check the inline fuse for the ignition (green) wire. Remove and check the fuse to ensure it is good condition. If damaged or unsure, replace the fuse.
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Check to see if the event timing correlates to the time the vehicle ignition is turned off. If the power input (red) wire is connected to a switched circuit rather than a constant battery connection, this can occur. This wire should be connected to an unswitched power source (Battery +).
Disk / Storage
Event Message: No Storage media (SD/SSD) available, recording suspended
This message indicates that a SD/SSD card is not detected. The DVR will not be able to perform its normal function as there is no media on which to record.
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Check to ensure a SD card or SSD is present in the DVR. If none are present, insert one and the issue will be resolved.
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Check to see if the SD card or SSD is fully inserted. If unsure, press the [Stop] button on the front of the DVR and wait for the STATUS LED to flash 3 times. At that time, remove then reinsert the media.
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With the DVR off, remove the media and inspect the contacts. Ensure that it is physically in good shape, with no damaged contacts, dirt, or other physical deformations. If dirty, it may be cleaned with an electronics cleaner or isopropyl alcohol.
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Check to see if it is a PRO-VISION SD Card or SSD. If it is not, insert a PRO-VISION disk and see if the problem continues.
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Check to see the age of the media. PRO-VISION media will have a serial number code starting with 4 digit number with format of YYMM. Example: “2203” indicates manufactured in March 2022. If the media is over 5 years old, its performance may be degraded and errors may occur. Test by inserting a newer storage media.
Event Message: Storage media (SD/SSD) found, resuming normal operation
This message indicates that there may have been a temporary loss of the recording media. When the disk is found again, the DVR is able to resume functioning as normal and begin recording.
GPS
Event Message: GPS failed to receive a valid signal in the last 15 minutes
This could be indicative of having no communication with the GPS antenna or no power to the GPS antenna.
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With a web browser, go to the DVR’s web page (http://192.168.10.254, if directly connected with an ethernet cable). Go to "Settings | GPS". If the page indicates that a GPS is not detected, this means that the DVR is not receiving any communications from the GPS.
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Check the antenna and cable and ensure they look to be in good physical condition. If damaged or unsure, replace the antenna and cable.
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Ensure that the GPS antenna connection to the GPS/Events/Triggers cable is tight and secure. If unsure, replace the antenna and cable.
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Ensure that the GPS/Events/Triggers cable is tight and secure to the DVR and shows no physical damage. If unsure, replace the GPS/Events/Triggers cable.
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Check to see if your GPS antenna has an LED that is illuminated or flashing. If the type of antenna is shown in Figure 1, then the LED should flash when it is communicating with the DVR when the DVR is powered on. The GPS antenna shown in Figure 2 does not have any LEDs.
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Figure 1: G-Star GS-216 GPS Antenna with LED
Figure 2: GPS Mouse GRM-5546-MTRHK40 GPS Antenna without LED
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Ensure that the GPS baudrate is set correctly to 4800 (PD-1800/PD-1900). If not, change it to 4800 (PD-1800/PD-1900) and click [Apply].
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Figure 3: GPS Baudrate
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If the GPS page indicates that it is acquiring signal, this means that the DVR is receiving communications from the GPS antenna, but no valid position is found.
Figure 4: GPS Status
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Ensure that the vehicle/GPS antenna has a clear view of the sky. If not, move the vehicle to a better location or move the antenna in the vehicle to have a better view of the sky. If signal is acquired, leave the antenna in the new location in the vehicle.
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Check to see if another GPS device (such as a smartphone, hand-held GPS, or vehicle GPS) in the same location is able to get GPS position. If not, move to another location. If both devices are still unable to get GPS, there may be other factors involved (such as interference or a solar storm) that may be preventing acquisition of GPS. If the other device is able to receive GPS position, move the GPS antenna to another location in the vehicle and try again.
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AHD Camera
Event Message: Camera x status changed from (AHD_1080P30) to (NO SIGNAL)
This message indicates that a camera has been disconnected.
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Check the physical condition of the camera and ensure it is in good physical condition. If not or unsure, replace the camera.
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Check the physical condition of all the cables between the camera and the DVR and ensure they are free of physical defects. If not or unsure, replace the cable.
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Check the security of each connection between the camera and the DVR. Ensure they are all securely connected with the alignment arrows all aligned and are free of physical defects. If not or unsure, replace the offending part.
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If you have another camera port open on the DVR, connect the camera connector/extension cable to that port and check for operation. If the camera works, the problem is with either the port or the connection from the DVR to the camera/extension connector.
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If you have a spare camera (or a working camera that can be temporarily relocated), connect it to the port where the camera was lost. If it works, it means the problem is downstream of the DVR. If it does not, it indicates that the problem is with the DVR.
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Use the spare camera (or working camera temporarily relocated) and connect it in place of the lost camera. If it works, the problem is narrowed down to the camera. If it does not, then the problem is somewhere between the DVR and the camera.
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Use the spare camera and test the system at each camera connection, working your way from the DVR to the original camera. At the point where the camera stops working will indicate where the problem lies.
Digital HD Camera
Event Message: Digital Camera x Signal Lost
This message indicates that a digital HD camera has been lost. If this happens more than occasionally, it could be indicative of a problem.
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Check the physical condition of the camera and ensure it is in good physical condition. If not or unsure, replace the camera.
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Check the physical condition of all the cables between the camera and the DVR and ensure they are free of physical defects. If not or unsure, replace the cable.
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Check the security of each connection between the camera and the DVR. Ensure they are all securely connected with the alignment arrows all aligned and are free of physical defects. If not or unsure, replace the offending part.
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If you have a spare camera (or a working camera that can be temporarily relocated), connect it to the port where the camera was lost. If it works, it means the problem is downstream of the DVR. If it does not, it indicates that the problem is with the DVR.
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Use the spare camera (or working camera temporarily relocated) and connect it in place of the lost camera. If it works, the problem is narrowed down to the camera. If it does not, then the problem is somewhere between the DVR and the camera.
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Use the spare camera and test the system at each camera connection, working your way from the DVR to the original camera. At the point where the camera stops working will indicate where the problem lies.
DVR-824 Stop-Arm Camera
Event Message: DVR-824 Camera signal lost
This message indicates that a DVR-824 Dual-Lens Stop-Arm camera has been lost/disconnected. If this happens more than occasionally, it could be indicative of a problem.
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Check the physical condition of the camera and ensure it is in good physical condition. If not or unsure, replace the camera.
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Check the physical condition of all the cables between the camera and the DVR and ensure they are free of physical defects. If not or unsure, replace the cable.
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Check the security of each connection between the camera and the DVR. Ensure they are all securely connected with the alignment arrows all aligned and are free of physical defects. If not or unsure, replace the offending part.
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If you have a spare camera (or a working camera that can be temporarily relocated), connect it to the port where the camera was lost. If it works, it means the problem is downstream of the DVR. If it does not, it indicates that the problem is with the DVR.
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Use the spare camera (or working camera temporarily relocated) and connect it in place of the lost camera. If it works, the problem is narrowed down to the camera. If it does not, then the problem is somewhere between the DVR and the camera.
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Use the spare camera and test the system at each camera connection, working your way from the DVR to the original camera. At the point where the camera stops working will indicate where the problem lies.
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