NIGHT OWL WNVR-FWR8G1 Wireless Network Video Recorder User Guide

NIGHT OWL WNVR-FWR8G1 Wireless Network Video Recorder

Product Information

Specifications

• Supports multiple Night Owl Wi-Fi devices
• Can accommodate a 2.5 internal SATA HDD for increased storage
• Supports microSD cards
• Supports HDMI for TV or monitor viewing
• Supports USB 2.0 for transferring recordings
• LED status lights for indicating hub status

Product Usage Instructions

Adding Cameras (Step 6)
This hub is compatible with multiple Night Owl Wi-Fi devices. To add a new camera, follow the app instructions or scan the QR code for detailed setup steps.

Testing Cameras (Step 7)
Before mounting cameras, ensure to test the connection and functionality of each camera. Check signal strength and adjust placement if needed.

microSD Card Setup (Step 8)

1. Insert the microSD card into the slot at the bottom of the hub.
2. In the Night Owl app, go to hub settings to format the microSD card.

Hard Disk Drive Setup
The hub allows for a 2.5 internal SATA HDD installation forincreased storage. Follow these steps:

1. Unplug the hub’s power supply.
2. Remove the top cover on the hub.
3. Pull out the HDD tray.
4. Place the HDD in the tray and secure it using screws.
5. Reinsert the HDD tray, replace the top cover, and reconnect the power supply.
6. In the app, format the HDD in hub settings.

TV or Monitor Viewing
To view the hub on a TV or monitor, connect an HDMI cable from the hub to your display. Adjust layout using the app.

Transferring Recordings to USB Drive

1. Connect a USB drive to the USB port at the rear of the hub.
2. In the app, transfer selected recordings to the USB drive.

FAQ

LED Status Lights Explanation

• Solid RED: Powered ON but NOT paired to the app
• Solid BLUE: Powered ON and paired to the app
• Quickly Flashing BLUE: Recording or adding camera
• Slowly Flashing BLUE: Networking failed
• Flashing RED and BLUE: Firmware is being updated

Troubleshooting LED Status Lights
If you see a blue and red light flashing, it indicates correct upgrading.

Factory Reset
To perform a factory reset, hold the reset button down for 3 seconds. This will erase all settings.

What’s Included

Wireless Hub

Cameras
Your hub is compatible with multiple Night Owl® Wi-Fi devices. The Wi-Fi devices included with your system will vary based on your model number.

Items Not Included

NOTE : If connecting to a TV or Monitor (Not Required), it must have a minimum resolution of 1080p HD. Use all of the included Night Owl accessories. Third-party accessories may not work correctly

Hub Details

Pre-Setup Checklist

To ensure you do not experience any issues getting your hub and cameras connected, please do the following:

1. Verify your home Wi-Fi network is working.
2. Make sure you have your network’s name and password.
3. Place the hub in a central location within range of where your cameras will be installed.
4. DO NOT place the hub near large metal objects or sources that may interfere with the signal (such as a microwave).

Placement Tips

Refer to the following tips when placing your new hub to ensure you do not face any signal issues.

1. Central Location: Place the hub in a central location in your home for even signal distribution.
2. Elevated Position: An elevated position, free from obstructions, can enhance signal strength.
3. Avoid Interference: Keep the hub away from devices that can cause interference, such as microwaves, cordless phones and large metal objects.
4. Proximity to Connected Devices: Ensure the hub is within a good range of the devices it needs to connect to, especially important for devices like security cameras.
5. Minimize Obstacles: Thick walls, ceilings and minimize the number of these barriers between the hub and connected devices.
6. Avoid Extremes: Keep the hub away from areas with extreme temperatures and humidity to protect its hardware.

Power on the Hub

Connect the power cord to the hub and then plug the adapter into a nearby outlet.

Ethernet Cable

Using the provided 6 ft. Ethernet cable, connect one end to the hub and the other end to your router.
IMPORTANT : The hub MUST be connected to your router via Ethernet cable for initial setup. Once completed, you can remove the cable for a wireless connection.

Download the Night Owl App

If you are a first-time user, go ahead and download the Night Owl app. Quickly create an account and log in.
Already have an account? Simply log in.

Scan the QR Code

• While logged into the app, use your smart device’s camera to scan the QR code on the hub.
• The app will then walk you through the remaining steps needed to connect your hub.

Firmware Update

During setup, you may be prompted to update the hub’s firmware. Firmware updates maintain the overall health of your device.
IMPORTANT : DO NOT power off the hub while the firmware is being updated

Adding your Cameras

• This hub is compatible with multiple Night Owl Wi-Fi devices. When you choose to add a new camera, the app will ask you what type and walk you through the setup steps.
• However, you can also scan the QR code below for more in-depth step-by-step instructions.

Testing your Cameras

Ensure you test the connection and functionality of each camera you connect before you mount them. Check for signal strength in the desired placement location and adjust the placement if needed.

MicroSD Card Setup

• Insert the microSD card into the slot at the bottom of the hub.
• Within the Night Owl app, go to the hub settings to quickly format the microSD card.

Hard Disk Drive Storage (Optional)

The hub can accommodate a 2.5″ internal SATA HDD (Hard Disk Drive) for increased storage. You canpurchase a compatible HDD from Night Owl.
To install: (a) unplug the wireless hub’s power supply, (b) remove the top cover on the hub, (c) pull out the HDD tray, (d) put the HDD in the tray, (e) secure the HDD using the screws and screw holes, (f) reinsert the HDD tray into the hub and replace the top cover, (g) reconnect the wireless hub’s power supply, and (h) go to the hub settings in the app to quickly format the HDD.
IMPORTANT : If both a microSD Card and HDD are inserted, the hub will default all recordings to the HDD. HDD size is limited to 2.5″ and cannot support SSDs.

TV or Monitor Viewing (Optional)
To view and access your hub from a TV or monitor, simply connect an HDMI cable (not included) from the hub to your TV or monitor. You can use the app to adjust the layout.

Transfer Recordings to a USB Drive
You can easily transfer your recordings to a USB drive for long-term storage or sharing. To do this:

1. Insert a USB flash drive into the USB port on the rear of the hub.
2. Go to the hub settings within the app to transfer the selected recordings.
   IMPORTANT : Hub supports up to USB 2.0 with FAT32 file system.

LED Status Lights

Troubleshooting

1. Hub Not Connecting to Wi-Fi:
2. Ensure the Wi-Fi network is working by checking other devices.
3. Verify that you entered the correct Wi-Fi password.
4. Restart the hub and try reconnecting.
5. Devices Not Pairing with Hub:
6. Check if the devices are compatible with the hub.
7. Ensure devices are within range of the hub.
8. Restart both the hub and the devices, then attempt to pair again.
9. Firmware Update Issues:
10. Ensure the hub is connected to the Internet.
11. Do not unplug the hub during an update, a flashing blue and red light means it is correctly upgrading firmware.
12. If the update fails, restart the hub, and try again.
13. Loss of Connection or Poor Signal:
14. Avoid placing the hub near metal objects or electronic devices that can cause interference.
15. Move the hub to a more central location in your home.

Factory Reset

Resetting the hub to factory default will erase all settings and require you to set up the hub all over again. We recommend this as a last resort.
To perform, simply hold the reset button down for 3 seconds.

Maintenance Tips

1. Regular Firmware Updates:
2. Keep the hub firmware up to date for security and
3. Purn automatic updates if available.
4. Physical Maintenance:
5. Dust the hub periodically to ensure proper ventilation.
6. Keep the hub in a dry, temperature-controlled environment.
7. Regular Checkups:
8. Periodically check the status of connected devices.

Need Help?

NIGHT OWL
For more help, please follow the steps below to access your Series support page:
Please visit: Support.NightOwlSP.com
Enter FWR8 into the Search bar or scan the QR Code

FCC RADIATION

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
FCC Compliance Statement These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against frequency interference in residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed or used by the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communication.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on. The user is encouraged to try and correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

CAUTION!
The Federal Communications Commission warns the user that changes or modifications to the unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 8 inches between the radiator and your body.

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