CheckMyCCTV is run in a Client/Server configuration. The client part (viewer) can run from one computer, and the server part (test engine) on another, or both on the same computer. Support for secondary viewers on another computer will be available shortly. There will be an supplementary cost to purchase additional viewers.

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When you first import units from Dedicated Micros’ NetVu ObserVer, or from a site tree file, the units must first be identified and a summary of the unit is collected. This can take up to a minute per unit, so if there are quite a few units to import it may take some time.

The software only has to import the units once, when the unit summary information is gathered it will not need to recollect that information unless the unit is changed.

If you are on a slow connection, this the import time may increase also.

UPDATE: The import time has since been improved in version 1.1.0 and above. A unit should now take no longer than 20 seconds to import and gather the summary information.

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The frequency that a check needs to take place depends on the type of check being run. For example, the Recording Duration does not need to run every minute, because the result is unlikely to change from minute to minute. However, a Camera Status check may need to be checked every 10 minutes or so as the result could change quickly.

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The blue question mark indicates that the status of the unit is unknown, it will change to a blue question mark if you manually perform a test. However, if the icon is continuously a blue question mark, it is likely that the software cannot identify what the unit is or cannot find it. To diagnose this issue:

1. Check that unit is compatible with CheckMyCCTV.
2. Check that the IP address/Hostname is correct for the unit.
3. Check that the network port is open to the unit and not being blocked.

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Before the tests are run, the software must first identify the type of unit it is connecting to, check if a password is being used, and finally collect the summary information from the unit – software versions, hard disk size, number of cameras etc. These do not need to be checked again unless the unit is replaced, so the initial tests when importing are always the longest.

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The blue padlock symbols indicate that there is a Username and Password on the unit which does not match what you have entered into the Logon Details of the unit (or Global Logon Details). Re-enter the correct password and the unit should be detected properly.

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Once a unit has been added or imported it will be detected by CheckMyCCTV. If a valid unit is detected then a grey ‘key’ symbol  is displayed to indicate that the unit is not yet licensed.

If you have purchased a pool of licenses, then you can right click on the key symbol and select ‘License Unit’. This will then licence the unit for use and deduct a license from the pool.

Caution: Once a unit has been licensed, that license cannot be deleted and used on another unit, even if the licensed unit is no longer available. Ensure you have selected the correct unit to license before proceeding.

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It is possible to manually disable a unit from the site tree by right clicking it and selecting Disable Unit Testing. This will display a grey disabled icon  to indicate that the unit is not going to be tested.

Units can also be disabled automatically if it is not detected after three attempts, which is approximately 15 minutes once added to the site tree. In this case you will need to check that the IP address/hostname of the unit is valid and that it is a compatible unit before re-enabling the testing. You can re-enable the testing by right clicking the unit in the site tree and selecting Enable Unit Testing.

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If you want do a complete check then you can right click the unit in the Site tree and select “Check Now”. If you only want to perform a single check, right click on the check you want to do and select “Check Now”. The icon will change to a question mark until the test has a result.

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It is possible to Ignore any test for a set time, by right clicking the test icon, for example Camera Status, and then selecting Ignore. You can then select the duration you want to ignore the issue until. This will give you time to address the camera fail issue.

It is not recommended to use ‘Ignore until Passed’ for intermittent camera fails as the test will cancel the ignore once the camera is re-detected.

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If you are connecting to a Dedicated Micros product, you may need to enter the username and password which you use to view video, rather than the password you use to enter the web menus. Once this has been entered, the padlock icon should disappear and the tests continue.

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The Bandwidth and System Backup tests involve downloading files from the unit to get a result, this could put a strain on the network or PC when multiple units have been imported, so the Bandwidth test is delayed for 5 minutes, and the System Backup test is delayed for 10 minutes after the unit is imported. This only occurs once a unit is first imported, if you need these test to run immediately, right click on the test and select ‘Check Now’.

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It is possible to manually disable a unit from the site tree by right clicking it and selecting Disable Unit Testing. This will display a grey disabled icon  to indicate that the unit is not going to be tested.

Units can also be disabled automatically if it is not detected after three attempts, which is approximately 15 minutes once added to the site tree. In this case you will need to check that the IP address/hostname of the unit is valid and that it is a compatible unit before re-enabling the testing. You can re-enable the testing by right clicking the unit in the site tree and selecting Enable Unit Testing.

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CheckMyCCTV is currently compatible with all Dedicated Micros ‘NetVu Connected’ products, which is everything in the last 5 or so years including Digital Sprite 2, DVIP Server, SD, and EcoSense products. The software also support Dahua Technology, DVR365, Adata, and Watchman products. Other brands and products are added on a continual basis, keep an eye on our Twitter page for the latest news.

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There is no hard limit on the number of units that can be checked by CheckMyCCTV. However, as there is a computing and network resource attached to each test, then there may be some limitations depending on the frequency of the checks.

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To run a whole unit check typically takes less than a minute to complete. This could be higher though as the amount of time it takes to check a unit depends on the network speed and response time to a unit, along with the amount of tests taking place.

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