Just a note, this was due to bad firmware. These were the LTS cameras I purchased (rebranded Hik cameras) and the LTS firmware did NOT work. Flashing these with the Hik 5.3.0 firmware solved the problem. Motion detection works, drawing grids works, multiple email systems work.
I'm happy to have these working but truly am frustrated as I spent literally days on these trying to get the damned things to function, but do want to give a shout out to Frankie over there, as he was diligent trying to help me to get this solved and it was his idea to do this as the last try before I returned them.. So be advised that the current LTS firmware may not work in terms of these functions and you may need to reflash them. Went with the LTS because they would provide a warranty for only a few bucks more than buying the Chinese imports.
Now on to figuring out how to do the actual install now that the testing worked!
