Need Help - Stuck at Step One

[tangent]

I seem to be having a very different Dahua experience than the rest of you. I've changed over my entire network to be on the 192.168.1.* range. I reset my cameras. They still do not show up as 192.168.1.108, but individually show up as 192.168.1.159 and 192.168.1.160. These IPs show up on the network when the cameras are plugged in, and disappear when the cameras are unplugged. Hitting the IPs with a browser still gives a 404 error (.108 does not resolve).

I installed VirtualBox on my Mac and ran Windows in a VM, so I could test with IE. That also wound up in a 404, on both cameras.

I'm stumped.

In case this point hasn't been communicated clearly enough to you:
The cameras you're using are from Dahua's "Consumer" line, which is kind of a dumbed down version. Think of these products as a chinese company's attempt to copy all the worst features from brands like nest. Just like the companies that copy all the worst features of apple devices.

It may be possible to connect directly to the cameras and use them in a browser, with blue iris, or an NVR, but it's generally a more frustrating experience if you aren't simply trying to use their awful LeChange app. Generally, i'd suggest most people who know what an ip address is avoid the consumer line.

 

[WA004]

Generally, i'd suggest most people who know what an ip address is avoid the consumer line.

Oh, no, I didn't grok that. Thanks for spelling it out. These were recommended by Andy, so I figured they were the good stuff. I'll formulate a proper question with my wishlist/requirements and come back to the forum. Thanks!

 

[tangent]

Oh, no, I didn't grok that. Thanks for spelling it out. These were recommended by Andy, so I figured they were the good stuff. I'll formulate a proper question with my wishlist/requirements and come back to the forum. Thanks!

Also note that the general state for browser support for most cameras is fairly poor, especially on a Mac.

Your best overall option as a Mac user is to pick up a refurbished PC and copy of Blue Iris and use that to record your cameras. It's easy to view the blue iris web server on a Mac.

 

[SouthernYankee]

WA004
on a mac try downloading the Dahua SmartPSS app for the MAC. I have not tried it, but it works great on a PC. no browser needed.

what type model of cameras.

May try a hard reset on the cameras

 

[aristobrat]

Oh, no, I didn't grok that. Thanks for spelling it out. These were recommended by Andy, so I figured they were the good stuff. I'll formulate a proper question with my wishlist/requirements and come back to the forum. Thanks!

They're probably good cameras once configured, but holy hell... the "consumer" version of how to get everything setup can be frustrating!!!

Your best overall option as a Mac user is to pick up a refurbished PC and copy of Blue Iris and use that to record your cameras. It's easy to view the blue iris web server on a Mac.

x2 on @tangent's comments. I'm a Mac user and have Blue Iris running on an old PC that acts as a NVR. It sits out of sight, ... no keyboard/monitor/mouse is needed once configured. Using Safari to connect to the BI web server is easy, .. only gotcha is that there's no sound with Safari. Chrome/Firefox on the Mac connect just as easy and sound does work. I also really like the BI iOS app. Makes viewing live (or finding previous motion alerts) super simple. You can download video (or take still pics) directly to the Photos app where you can then txt/email them. If you have multiple video clips you've downloaded (say something happened and you have video it it from multiple cameras), it's super easy to use iMovie to combine them into one clip, add text, etc.

 

[WA004]

Your best overall option as a Mac user is to pick up a refurbished PC and copy of Blue Iris

I'm a Mac user and have Blue Iris running on an old PC that acts as a NVR.

I reckon I'll see if I can find an inexpensive windows box and give this a try. Fingers crossed. Thanks for the guidance.

 

[c hris527]

I know this was already asked and perhaps i did not see a answer to this but by what means are you powering up these cameras? The reason I ask is because I have seen faulty poe switches power up cams that you can ping them and see them but not access them. A good test would be to unplug it, let it power back up and once it does cover the front of it to see if the IR Triggers. Whenever I get a batch of new cams in I always trigger the IR to make sure functionality is up to snuff. You might want to perhaps borrow a laptop(windows) and Isolate the 3 things you need to get them running. A POE power device, the cam and the laptop. Sounds like your network might or not have issues.