Configuration tools are important when it comes to setting up, owning and managing a security camera system. These tools are especially useful when it comes to configuring IP security camera systems. This includes configuring recorders such as NVRs, DVRs, and XVRs for a network to set up remote viewing. In the article below we show how to install and use the Config Tool for various useful functions. There are more things you can do with the Config Tool but they are advanced and usually unnecessary. We even use the software on a day to day basis to test and prepare equipment for our customers.
Here's a list of functions we describe below.
- 1. How to install the Config Tool software
- 2. How to find cameras and recorders on the network
- 3. How to initialize IP cameras
- 4. How to change the IP address of IP cameras, NVR, DVR
- 5. How to update firmware using the Config Tool
1. How to install the Config Tool software
In the video below we show how to install the Config Tool software. The Config Tool software is available for download by clicking this link. Download the software to a common folder such as the Desktop or Downloads folder. Extract the file from the zip folder and double click the .exe file. After you’ve extracted the file you can watch our video below to learn how to install the software.
2) How to find cameras and recorders on the network
The first step to use the Config Tool software after installing it is searching the local network. The software can scan a network for devices sold by CCTV Camera World. If the network is a non-standard 192.168.1.xxx network then the search setting option can be used to scan other networks. Watch the video below to learn more about using the Config Tool to scan a network.
3) How to initialize IP cameras
Rarely an IP camera might be sent with factory default settings by our technicians and need to be initialized. Or our support team may suggest a factory reset to fix a setting or after applying new firmware. Either way any cameras that are in default mode need to be initialized before they can be used. In the video below we show how to initialize a camera using the Config Tool software. Previously a customer would have to login to their camera manually, this software makes it very easy to initialize a camera or many cameras at the same time.
4) How to change the IP address of IP cameras, NVR, DVR
One of the most common uses of the Config Tool software is the ability to change the IP address of equipment without logging into it manually. The Config Tool offers the easiest way to change IP addresses on any device whether it’s an IP camera, NVR, or DVR. In the following video we show how to change the IP address of any device sold by CCTV Camera World. The important step that is often missed is changing the search settings to the proper username and password. Without the correct login information the Config Tool cannot change the IP address of the equipment.
5) How to update firmware using the Config Tool
Last but not least, the next most common use of the Config Tool is using it to upgrade firmware. We rarely recommend upgrading firmware on any of our equipment. As the saying goes, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. However, from time to time our support department may provide our customers with a firmware update. The video below shows how to take that firmware update file and push it to an NVR. Always make sure that the firmware file is not in a zip folder before trying to upload it.
