SouthernYankee
IPCT Contributor
Price drops on 1080p cams are due to newer 2K cams being released.
OK, I received the Amcrest IP2M-841B and I'm quite happy with it.
I have it on my wireless network and access it from my smartphone as well as a web interface on my PC. I'm getting used to some of its shortcomings. Nothing to get upset about, it really is a nice piece of equipment.
I use Mozilla Firefox for everything but the web interface for this camera only works with Internet Explorer because the manufacturer only provides a plugin for I/E.
1. Is there any way to get Amcrest's "IP Config" software to work with Firefox?
I could not get it to connect to my wireless router unless I turned on the SSID Broadcast. Even after I configured it, if I turned off the broadcast the camera would not connect until I turned the broadcast back on.
2. Has anyone had this issue, and did you find a way to get it working while leaving the router's wireless SSID Broadcast off?
The last concern and also a minor one is that the web picture or video storage picks a path of C:\users\USER_ACCOUNT\WebDownload\LiveSnapshot .
3. Is there a way to redirect the directory that it saves to? If so, would you provide a screenshot of where/how this setting is made?
Thank all of you who helped me get this far and for recommending such a fine piece of equipment for the price.
I have it on my wireless network and access it from my smartphone as well as a web interface on my PC. I'm getting used to some of its shortcomings. Nothing to get upset about, it really is a nice piece of equipment.
I use Mozilla Firefox for everything but the web interface for this camera only works with Internet Explorer because the manufacturer only provides a plugin for I/E.
1. Is there any way to get Amcrest's "IP Config" software to work with Firefox?
I could not get it to connect to my wireless router unless I turned on the SSID Broadcast. Even after I configured it, if I turned off the broadcast the camera would not connect until I turned the broadcast back on.
2. Has anyone had this issue, and did you find a way to get it working while leaving the router's wireless SSID Broadcast off?
The last concern and also a minor one is that the web picture or video storage picks a path of C:\users\USER_ACCOUNT\WebDownload\LiveSnapshot .
3. Is there a way to redirect the directory that it saves to? If so, would you provide a screenshot of where/how this setting is made?
Thank all of you who helped me get this far and for recommending such a fine piece of equipment for the price.
@BiigRich
If it's a windows machine maybe you can try using original Amcrest Surveillance Pro software. Sure you have to install desktop client software, but it doesn't need any plugins, and you can customize saving location however you want.
Or maybe even better, you can try using Dahua Smart PSS software. After all it is a rebranded Dahua camera. I've had luck connecting it to the same Amcrest camera. Cloud / P2P connection doesn't work in Smart PSS, since serial number of camera isn't accepted via Dahuas software/cloud service, which is to be expected. But cloud isn't recommended anyway, security wise.
Amcrest Surveillance Pro software is in fact almost the same as older version Dahua Smart PSS, only rebranded and with some customized options and services for Amcrest.
Smart PSS has a new version, with much nicer GUI. And latest 2.0.2.7 FLIR version even has unlocked 'smart codec' option that works with Amcrest IP2M-841.
It can be downloaded here:
https://dahuawiki.com/Template:SmartPSS#Download_Links
https://dahuawiki.com/images/Softwa...Win32_ChnEng_IS_V2.002.0000007.0.T.190122.zip
At least smart codec works with mine Amcrest camera (open=on, closed=off). Officially this camera doesn't support it, doesn't have it listed. I suspect it's reserved for some newer models and restricted in software only, but in fact it works with Smart PSS 2.0.2.7. I had a brief scare when I turned this option in Smart PSS and the camera went offline immediately, but it just rebooted and soon started showing video stream again, but this time with smart codec on iti is consuming far less bandwith when there is no motion on screen (5-10 times) less even at times. At 720p. I haven't tested it with 1080p in this mode and cannot confirm if it works, as I had some stuttering in video feed at 1080p before due to low upload bandwith limit at my home. Through web GUI and official Amcrest software there is no such option for Smart Codec.
Anyway, I don't encourage turning this option on this camera unless you really really need it, and if you don't have upload bandwith limitations. I don't know if it can brick the camera, so maybe it's best to leave it off. With its web GUI usually camera informs you if it needs to reboot, with PSS it didn't for this officially hidden/locked option.
Anyway, with desktop clients you can definitely change saving location for video/snapshots. I'm pretty sure it's the same with Blue Iris.
Here are the screenshots of those options, both in Amcrest Surveillance Pro and Dahua Smart PSS.
If it's a windows machine maybe you can try using original Amcrest Surveillance Pro software. Sure you have to install desktop client software, but it doesn't need any plugins, and you can customize saving location however you want.
Or maybe even better, you can try using Dahua Smart PSS software. After all it is a rebranded Dahua camera. I've had luck connecting it to the same Amcrest camera. Cloud / P2P connection doesn't work in Smart PSS, since serial number of camera isn't accepted via Dahuas software/cloud service, which is to be expected. But cloud isn't recommended anyway, security wise.
Amcrest Surveillance Pro software is in fact almost the same as older version Dahua Smart PSS, only rebranded and with some customized options and services for Amcrest.
Smart PSS has a new version, with much nicer GUI. And latest 2.0.2.7 FLIR version even has unlocked 'smart codec' option that works with Amcrest IP2M-841.
It can be downloaded here:
https://dahuawiki.com/Template:SmartPSS#Download_Links
https://dahuawiki.com/images/Softwa...Win32_ChnEng_IS_V2.002.0000007.0.T.190122.zip
At least smart codec works with mine Amcrest camera (open=on, closed=off). Officially this camera doesn't support it, doesn't have it listed. I suspect it's reserved for some newer models and restricted in software only, but in fact it works with Smart PSS 2.0.2.7. I had a brief scare when I turned this option in Smart PSS and the camera went offline immediately, but it just rebooted and soon started showing video stream again, but this time with smart codec on iti is consuming far less bandwith when there is no motion on screen (5-10 times) less even at times. At 720p. I haven't tested it with 1080p in this mode and cannot confirm if it works, as I had some stuttering in video feed at 1080p before due to low upload bandwith limit at my home. Through web GUI and official Amcrest software there is no such option for Smart Codec.
Anyway, I don't encourage turning this option on this camera unless you really really need it, and if you don't have upload bandwith limitations. I don't know if it can brick the camera, so maybe it's best to leave it off. With its web GUI usually camera informs you if it needs to reboot, with PSS it didn't for this officially hidden/locked option.
Anyway, with desktop clients you can definitely change saving location for video/snapshots. I'm pretty sure it's the same with Blue Iris.
Here are the screenshots of those options, both in Amcrest Surveillance Pro and Dahua Smart PSS.
Yes, I'm using Win 10. I just downloaded the PSS using the link you provided. Thank you Maat.
I need a little clarification on what option to avoid so as NOT to "brick the camera". Maybe a screenshot (or other means to make it clear to a newbie like myself) since this seems very important?
No problem, its under Device Cfg (device Configuration).I don't know if it would or would not brick camera, but the risk is definitely there. The option for smart codec is not officially supported with this model. I don't know of any other benefit from turning this option on except for lower bandwith usage.
No need to worry, by default it is set to off.
I suppose it's only disabled in software, as it works for me. Probably the reason why the camera just rebooted itself without warning, since there is probably no notification for hidden disabled option in official software.
Here is the screenshot of that option available in Smart PSS.
Options are available through main menu by clicking on Device Cfg icon, or by rightclicking the camera from list and selecting Device Cfg from popup menu.
Once again, if not absolutely needed for lower bandwith just leave it OFF (close) as is by default and you should be safe
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I downloaded and installed both programs. Seems like either one fits my need.
I aimed the snapshot and video outputs from each one to the same respective directories and tried each separately. So far, so good!
Since I can access my camera via the web from my smartphone, I don't need the web interface from my PC. I can connect to it directly on my LAN with "Amcrest Surveillance Pro" and it is more configurable and has a much more seamless setup (including auto-login, etc.). Best of all it's FREE! Win, win.
Any other downside before I uninstall the Amcrest "IP Config" program from my PC?
I'm not sure I completely understand your question.
I don't think there are any downsides or upsides to uninstalling Amcrest IP Config. It seems to me you were only using it to open camera web management, but you don't need additional software for it. You only need to know IP address of the camera, and have access to that network, remotely or locally.
I'd recommend setting static IP address for the camera, either in camera config or DHCP reservation method on router.
It seems to me that IP Config tool simply opens web browser and enters ip address of the camera, but you can do that manually, simply enter ip addres of the camera into address bar of the web browser. Like opening any other web page it can be added to favorites/bookmarks.
I don't think there are any downsides or upsides to uninstalling Amcrest IP Config. It seems to me you were only using it to open camera web management, but you don't need additional software for it. You only need to know IP address of the camera, and have access to that network, remotely or locally.
I'd recommend setting static IP address for the camera, either in camera config or DHCP reservation method on router.
It seems to me that IP Config tool simply opens web browser and enters ip address of the camera, but you can do that manually, simply enter ip addres of the camera into address bar of the web browser. Like opening any other web page it can be added to favorites/bookmarks.
Not really.
I want to keep Firefox as my default browser and the IP Config software wouldn't work without my changing default browsers each time I connected from the IP Config software.
IP Config automatically opens the default browser so IE had to be the default. Then I'd need to switch back to Firefox since that is the browser I want to use by default. This, in conjunction with the output folder for captures being non-configurable is why I think I can do without it.
Now I just click on the "Amcrest Surveillance Pro" and it just works without forcing me to change browsers.
After a couple days I will uninstall the "IP Config" software since it is just taking up space on my desktop. Maybe I'll just delete the shortcut.
Basically, when you open IP Config, it opens the default browser when you click the "e" they provide. If the default browser is anything other than IE it won't work because it needs a plug-in and Amcrest only provides one for IE. So you must change the default browser just to launch from IP Config.
I want to keep Firefox as my default browser and the IP Config software wouldn't work without my changing default browsers each time I connected from the IP Config software.
IP Config automatically opens the default browser so IE had to be the default. Then I'd need to switch back to Firefox since that is the browser I want to use by default. This, in conjunction with the output folder for captures being non-configurable is why I think I can do without it.
Now I just click on the "Amcrest Surveillance Pro" and it just works without forcing me to change browsers.
After a couple days I will uninstall the "IP Config" software since it is just taking up space on my desktop. Maybe I'll just delete the shortcut.
Basically, when you open IP Config, it opens the default browser when you click the "e" they provide. If the default browser is anything other than IE it won't work because it needs a plug-in and Amcrest only provides one for IE. So you must change the default browser just to launch from IP Config.
Ok, now I understand 
IP Config tool will try to open your camera in default browser.
Firefox CAN access the camera this way, but the video/audio stream will not work since the plugin doesn't exist or is disabled. But all other camera settings except the live view and maybe recorded playback, are still accessible and manageable through firefox. There are some workarounds with older versions of firefox, but wouldn't recommend them.
In fact I would not recommend using any browser for viewing the camera anyway, it doesn't work too well. Particularly for remote viewing. For quick camera settings management browser can be ok, desktop client software for camera has maybe some lag reading and applying camera settings compared to browser, and it's also slower because you have to go back and forth through more menus to access some settings. But overall i find that eitherAmcrest Surveillance Pro or Smart PSS are much better as a full viewing/management solution compared to any browser.
So I gather you like Amcrest Surveillance Pro more than PSS? Interesting. It's opposite with me
IP Config tool will try to open your camera in default browser.
Firefox CAN access the camera this way, but the video/audio stream will not work since the plugin doesn't exist or is disabled. But all other camera settings except the live view and maybe recorded playback, are still accessible and manageable through firefox. There are some workarounds with older versions of firefox, but wouldn't recommend them.
In fact I would not recommend using any browser for viewing the camera anyway, it doesn't work too well. Particularly for remote viewing. For quick camera settings management browser can be ok, desktop client software for camera has maybe some lag reading and applying camera settings compared to browser, and it's also slower because you have to go back and forth through more menus to access some settings. But overall i find that eitherAmcrest Surveillance Pro or Smart PSS are much better as a full viewing/management solution compared to any browser.
So I gather you like Amcrest Surveillance Pro more than PSS? Interesting. It's opposite with me
Thanks Maat.
I really haven't used both enough to see their benefits option by option. I am a newbie to surveillance cameras (this is my first one).
What options would I check between the two (Surveillance Pro vs Smart PSS) to see the difference you refer to?
I really haven't used both enough to see their benefits option by option. I am a newbie to surveillance cameras (this is my first one).
What options would I check between the two (Surveillance Pro vs Smart PSS) to see the difference you refer to?
They are very similar. Amcrest Surveillance Pro is based on older version of Smart PSS (1.x.x.)
Latest Smart PSS has much nicer GUI for me, and feels more responsive when switching windows/options/submenus...but that may be highly subjective.
Also in multi-monitor setup it behaves better, it remembers the last monitor it was on while Amcrest always defaults to my primary monitor. and I have to manually drag it to the other monitor.
And in Smart PSS menus for managing camera although very similarly organized, feel more intuitive and you can manage all of it in one screen menu, while Amcrest opens subwindow for each menu, which you than have to close and open another one if you want some other setting adjustment etc...
But most of it is very subjective, use whichever feels more intuitive / comfortable to you.
Latest Smart PSS has much nicer GUI for me, and feels more responsive when switching windows/options/submenus...but that may be highly subjective.
Also in multi-monitor setup it behaves better, it remembers the last monitor it was on while Amcrest always defaults to my primary monitor. and I have to manually drag it to the other monitor.
And in Smart PSS menus for managing camera although very similarly organized, feel more intuitive and you can manage all of it in one screen menu, while Amcrest opens subwindow for each menu, which you than have to close and open another one if you want some other setting adjustment etc...
But most of it is very subjective, use whichever feels more intuitive / comfortable to you.
Thank you for kind words. I'm new and noob still here, have much to learn. I hope to be around. And I hope to learn much more till then, from other much more knowledgable people here. The community here is great. The more we learn from them, the more we will be able to help others and return the kindness.
Similarly to you, I also hope to expand and advance my setup. Will be glad to share experience here.
Also haven't before addressed one of other questions you posted here, about hiding wifi SSID.
My opinion is that you needn't bother yourself with it. It's not worth the trouble and won't help to stop anyone seriously commited to hacking your wifi. It's been said many times, wifi is not recommended. If possible connect everything with cable. If not possible then harden your wifi security with strong encryption. Make it a WPA2, AES not TKIP, turn WPS off, make it very long password including numbers and special characters. If using words substitute some letters with numbers and special characters. Not broadcasting SSID is of no use, since bypassing it and viewing SSID is trivial, as is MAC blacklisting or only allowing specific MAC to connect. These two things even kids know how to work around with some simple and mostly automated network tools.
Cheers
Similarly to you, I also hope to expand and advance my setup. Will be glad to share experience here.
Also haven't before addressed one of other questions you posted here, about hiding wifi SSID.
My opinion is that you needn't bother yourself with it. It's not worth the trouble and won't help to stop anyone seriously commited to hacking your wifi. It's been said many times, wifi is not recommended. If possible connect everything with cable. If not possible then harden your wifi security with strong encryption. Make it a WPA2, AES not TKIP, turn WPS off, make it very long password including numbers and special characters. If using words substitute some letters with numbers and special characters. Not broadcasting SSID is of no use, since bypassing it and viewing SSID is trivial, as is MAC blacklisting or only allowing specific MAC to connect. These two things even kids know how to work around with some simple and mostly automated network tools.
Cheers
OK, that's real news to me. How does one even know a wifi is there if there is no SSID broadcast? I'm retired but I was in computers all my adult life and have not heard of the hack you refer to.
If you can, provide a link to an article where they describe this vulnerability please.
The way I understand it, wifi broadcasts for a short range, often needs a boost to make it from one end of your property to the other. In order to connect to it, you need to enter the SSID, which, of course, you don't have if the broadcast is turned off. Then you need the encryption type and password.
FWIW, my passwords are very cryptic and complex where security is important.
If you can, provide a link to an article where they describe this vulnerability please.
The way I understand it, wifi broadcasts for a short range, often needs a boost to make it from one end of your property to the other. In order to connect to it, you need to enter the SSID, which, of course, you don't have if the broadcast is turned off. Then you need the encryption type and password.
FWIW, my passwords are very cryptic and complex where security is important.