Install First Dahua Camera!

Blue65

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So I got my first Dahua camera from Andy. I have read over the clif notes, and have most of the tools ready to go for the first camera install. I eventually plan to have around 6 - 8 cameras. I already have an edge X router w/ a regular 8 port gigabit non - poe switch from D Link. I have open ports on both the Edge X Router, and I have a couple of open ports on the non - POE switch. My first question is when I purchase a POE switch should I connect it to an open port on the Edge Router or daisy chain it from the existing non-poe switch?

Should I have my POE switch dedicated to just my cameras, or is it adviseable to run all of your devices from one larger switch. This switch is the recommended switch to get on the install stickie. Is this still the case?

https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-TL-SG1005P-Gigabit-Ethernet-Desktop/dp/B074412FPM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1520278811&sr=1-6&keywords=poe+switch&dpID=41pwTMrFqhL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch&th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=ipctk-20&linkId=3baa2d5e8bde8bca12df24c96d294ab0

Now my other question, what is the standard method on figuring out where to install a camera? Do you guys just run an ethernet cable from the POE switch over the ground and just try to mock it up outside in different places? I know this is going to sound way dumb, but how do I even view the display from the camera? Is there an app that I have to have downloaded onto my phone or.....

I really appreciate the help with all these newb questions.
 
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bababouy

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Once the camera is on your network, you will need to log into it using It's default IP address and via Internet Explorer browser. You will also need to plug your PC or laptop directly into your network. The default address for Dahua cameras is 192.168.1.108. If your network is on a different scheme, like a 10.1.10.1 scheme, you will need to manually change the computer's IP address and gateway address in the computer's network card. Once you get that changed, you can log into the camera and change the IP address to one that matches your local network's scheme. Then go back into your network card and set it to accept a local address from your router.
 

aristobrat

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I would daisy-chain the PoE switch off of your main switch. It would work if you plugged the PoE switch directly in to the router, but it adds extra work for the router to do (and it doesn't give you any benefit).

For temp installs, yes to running an ethernet cable across the ground/out of windows/through the garage/etc. That's why its temp. :)

To view the camera, you can do it via the web browser (see @bababouy's post above), and yes, Dahua has free smartphone apps.
 

looney2ns

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8ft 2x4, 5gal bucket, rocks or sand for a temp mounting stand.

Install TinycamPro on your phone to use for viewing.

Hook up your cam in the house first, and bench test it. Lots easier if you run into issues.
 

Blue65

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I would daisy-chain the PoE switch off of your main switch. It would work if you plugged the PoE switch directly in to the router, but it adds extra work for the router to do (and it doesn't give you any benefit).

For temp installs, yes to running an ethernet cable across the ground/out of windows/through the garage/etc. That's why its temp. :)

To view the camera, you can do it via the web browser (see @bababouy's post above), and yes, Dahua has free smartphone apps.
Thanks for the reply, and to everyone. This has really helped as has the wiki. I will go ahead and order the POE switch this evening. Is the POE switch that is in the install wiki the preferred model or is it just an example of a POE switch?
https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-TL-S...tk-20&linkId=3baa2d5e8bde8bca12df24c96d294ab0

I was thinking of getting a Ubiquiti, but really have not put much research into it yet. Thanks so much guys.
 
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Blue65

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That poe switch is just an example - the choice is all yours, based on your needs.
There are many other models out there - some are much cheaper and will work just as well for a simple security camera setup.
e.g.
https://www.amazon.com/BV-Tech-Port-Switch-Ports-Uplink/dp/B005GAATOG/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1528932879&sr=1-3&keywords=bv-tech+8+port+poe+switch
So I do not need a "smart or managed" switch for the cameras? I just need an unmanaged switch, kind of like the old school hubs.
 
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Blue65

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I went with this one:

Zyxel 8-Port Gigabit Switch, 70W PoE+, Easy Smart Managed, Fanless, (GS1900-8HP)

it looked like alot of members had used this one. The only concern I had on it was it being fanless, and I believe I am going to be putting this one in the attic here in Houston, TX. That way I only have to pull one wire from my non POE switch and then run all the ethernet drops from up in the attic.
 

looney2ns

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I went with this one:

Zyxel 8-Port Gigabit Switch, 70W PoE+, Easy Smart Managed, Fanless, (GS1900-8HP)

it looked like alot of members had used this one. The only concern I had on it was it being fanless, and I believe I am going to be putting this one in the attic here in Houston, TX. That way I only have to pull one wire from my non POE switch and then run all the ethernet drops from up in the attic.
I wouldn't put it in an attic, fan or no fan, if you expect it to last any length of time. Can you put it in the top of a closet instead or in a garage?
 

Blue65

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I will see what I can do, in regards to mounting the switch. I just want somewhere to keep all the wires hidden of course.
 

Blue65

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So quick question I have the camera on the network now. I have logged into the camera by manually changing my ip address on my computer, and going through the initiation. I am on the P2P part. Do I need to check that part or uncheck? Sorry for the step by step question.

I have changed the ip address on the camera, but now it is asking me to download and install a plug in, but then it takes me to some other chrome page to download and install an extension called NACL Web Plug-in. I did but it has not done anything.

I read this in the wiki but still can not get the camera to display anything through the MAC computer I am using.

Chrome: Use the Native Client (NaCL) Web Plug-in;
https://dahuawiki.com/Troubleshoot/NVR/How_To_Install_Chrome_Extension
Once installed, to open up the NacL plug-in, go to a new tab and select Apps on the Bookmarks Bar.
This will soon be removed in Chrome version ??.
Using the IE Tab extension for Chrome is not recommended due to security vulnerabilities.
 
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fenderman

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I went with this one:

Zyxel 8-Port Gigabit Switch, 70W PoE+, Easy Smart Managed, Fanless, (GS1900-8HP)

it looked like alot of members had used this one. The only concern I had on it was it being fanless, and I believe I am going to be putting this one in the attic here in Houston, TX. That way I only have to pull one wire from my non POE switch and then run all the ethernet drops from up in the attic.
Note, this switch may come with POE set to classification mode, if so you need to change it to consumption mode or it wont power more than 4 cams.
 

Defcon

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I wouldn't put it in an attic, fan or no fan, if you expect it to last any length of time. Can you put it in the top of a closet instead or in a garage?
Depends where you live and your climate. I have a large data cabinet with switches/NVR in it and I have no issues or never suffered a failure of any kind. I live in the UK.
 

Blue65

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10/4, I will figure out a way to get the switch over to the garage.
 

Vincent

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For the NACL plugin, you need to open the plugin window from within chrome browser, it will popup what appears like a new browser window.

Using the NACL window, type in your camera's new IP address in the address bar at the top, then login with your username and password. This will take you to the camera's built in interface.

Note I have not tried this in a Mac but if running chrome should be pretty similar?
 

bababouy

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So quick question I have the camera on the network now. I have logged into the camera by manually changing my ip address on my computer, and going through the initiation. I am on the P2P part. Do I need to check that part or uncheck? Sorry for the step by step question.

I have changed the ip address on the camera, but now it is asking me to download and install a plug in, but then it takes me to some other chrome page to download and install an extension called NACL Web Plug-in. I did but it has not done anything.

I read this in the wiki but still can not get the camera to display anything through the MAC computer I am using.

Chrome: Use the Native Client (NaCL) Web Plug-in;
https://dahuawiki.com/Troubleshoot/NVR/How_To_Install_Chrome_Extension
Once installed, to open up the NacL plug-in, go to a new tab and select Apps on the Bookmarks Bar.
This will soon be removed in Chrome version ??.
Using the IE Tab extension for Chrome is not recommended due to security vulnerabilities.
Access your cameras and NVR vie Internet Explorer. Set all of your activeX settings to enable or promt. Open a IE browser and go to Tools on your menu bar. Go to the bottom of the drop down and click on internet options. Click on the security tab on top and then click custom settings. scroll down until you get to your activeX settings. There are 13 I think that need to be changed to enable or prompt. Save these settings then log into your cameras and nvr.
 

Blue65

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I got the camera installed this morning. Now I am trying to figure out how to adjust the focus? It is a bit blurry. I am using smart pss. I would also like to try to set up alerts once I get it in focus.
 
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