VMAX Plus App Setup (VMAX A1 Plus)
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Affected Roles: All Roles
Related Digital Watchdog VMS Apps: VMAX Plus (iOS & Android)
Complexity: Low
Last Edit: August 14, 2024
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VMAX Plus Mobile Application
The VMAX Plus mobile application can be downloaded and installed from the mobile application store of most Android and iOS devices. This mobile application allows users to monitor their VMAX A1 Plus recording units using either direct connection (IP Address), DDNS, or Pathfinder (P2P).
This article will outline how to connect with a VMAX A1 Plus unit using the VMAX Plus mobile application.
Note: To proceed with setting up the VMAX Plus mobile application, the network setup for the DVR must be completed. If you have not yet set up network settings for the DVR, please read Network Setup For A VMAX A1 Plus before proceeding.
Supported/Affected Devices
- VMAX A1 Plus Series
Direct Connection & DDNS
To create a new site for connection with the DVR using the VMAX Plus mobile application, you must know the IP Address or DDNS Address of the DVR. This information may be found in the Network settings of the unit.
- If you have yet to do so, please download and install the VMAX Plus (available for iOS & Android) mobile application from your mobile device’s application store.
- Launch the VMAX Plus mobile application.
Press the Add+ button to create a new site.
- Enter the network connection information from the DVR.
This information can be found in the Network settings of the VMAX A1 Plus unit.
Note: If you have completed the WAN Setup section of Network Setup For A VMAX A1 Plus, the use of a DDNS address may be implemented, instead of the Local IP Address of the DVR, for offsite connection.
- Enter the User ID and User PW of the VMAX A1 Plus unit.
This information is the same User ID and Password that you log in with for the VMAX A1 Plus recording unit.
- Press the Save button at the top of the Site Info menu.
The VMAX Plus mobile application will confirm that the site settings were saved and take you back to the Site List.
- Site setup is now complete. You may select your site, then select Live to establish a live connection with the DVR.
If you fail to connect, select your site, then select Modify to check your site settings.
Note: When connecting from the local network (LAN) through Wi-Fi at the DVR’s location, use the Local IP Address of the DVR to connect.
When connecting from an external network (WAN) through the Internet, use either the DDNS address of the DVR or the Public IP Address of the network to connect.
Pathfinder
The Pathfinder feature is an easy to connect Peer-to-Peer (P2P) communication option that allows users to connect, monitor, and search surveillance video from their VMAX A1 Plus recording unit.
Setup is as easy as scanning a QR code from the VMAX A1 Plus unit.
Note: Peer-to-Peer (P2P) communication may experience network communication interruptions due to the presence of a Firewall or SonicWall within the network. If you are using a Firewall or SonicWall, you will need to use direct connection or DDNS for mobile application setup.
Note: To proceed with setting up Pathfinder for the VMAX Plus mobile application, the network setup for the DVR must be completed. If you have not yet set up network settings for the DVR, please read Network Setup For A VMAX A1 Plus before proceeding.
Locating the PathFinder ID
PathFinder Setup at a VMAX A1 Plus
To set up a PathFinder connection at a VMAX A1 Plus:
- Log in to your VMAX A1 Plus as the Administrator.
- Default User ID: admin
- After logging in as the Administrator, the VMAX A1 Plus will display the Live View for all connected cameras.
Right-click in the Live View area, then select “Menu”.
Next, click on “Network” and select the “Pathfinder” menu.
- The PathFinder menu will display the recorder’s PathFinder ID and QR code.
Enable the “Use Pathfinder” setting to activate the PathFinder (P2P) service. The Status at the bottom of the window will indicate if a P2P connection with the recorder is available.
Next, you must configure the site information in the DW Mobile Plus application to use the new PathFinder ID.
**NOTE: If the Status does not show that the function is activated, make sure that you have saved the settings after enabling PathFinder. Additionally, confirm that the VMAX A1 Plus firmware is up-to-date and check the DVR’s Network settings for errors. Outdated firmware or incorrect IP address information can be a common cause of connection issues.
- Launch the VMAX Plus mobile application.
Press the Add+ button to create a new site.
2. Check the use P2P box.
4.Tap on the Scan QR button and scan the Pathfinder QR code on the DVR.
5. Enter the User ID and User PW of the VMAX A1 Plus unit.
6. Press the Save button at the top of the Site Info menu.
The VMAX Plus mobile application will confirm that the site settings were saved and take you back to the Site List.
7. Site setup is now complete. You may select your site, then select Live to establish a live connection with the DVR.
If you fail to connect, select your site, then select Modify to check your site settings.