DRIVE-THRU HEADEST SYSTEMS

SYSTEM 6000

• My System 6000/6000A doesn’t detect vehicles. How can I get it working again? How do I change the outside volume on my System 6000/6000A? Video: Registering an All-in-One Headset Video: Registering a Belt-Pac Headset Video: How to change the language on an All-in-One Headset

SYSTEM 400/900

• How do I change the outside volume on my System 400/900? How do I get the most life out of my AC400/900 batteries? How do I get the best performance from my AC400/900 battery charger?

SYSTEM 2500

• My System 2500 doesn't detect vehicles. How can I get it working again? How do I change the outside volume on my System 2500? How do I get the most life out of my System 2500 batteries? How do I get the best performance from my System 2500 battery charger? The red " CHARGING " light on my battery charger never comes on.
  What's the problem?

My System 6000/6000A doesn’t detect vehicles. How can I get it working again? 

You may need to reset detection. Here's how: Be sure no cars are present at the order point when resetting. Locate the "RESET" switch behind the door on the right side of the base station. Slide the switch to the right (reset) for 10 seconds, then slide the switch back to the left (Normal). No cars should be at the order point when sliding the switch back to the left.

How do I change the outside volume on my System 6000/6000A?  

Locate the "SPKR VOL OUTSIDE" control behind the door on the right side of the base station. Rotate the control clockwise to increase the outside volume, and counter-clockwise to reduce the outside volume.

My System 400/900 doesn't detect vehicles. How can I get it working again? 

You may need to reset detection. Here's how: Be sure no cars are present at the order point when resetting. Locate the "RESET" switch on the bottom of the base station. Press and hold the button to reset position for at least ten seconds. No cars should be at the order point when releasing the button.

How do I change the outside volume on my System 400/900? 

Open the front panel of the base station to access the electronics inside. Locate the Outside Volume adjustment wheel R128 on the large circuit board. Remove the colored paint from the wheel to reveal a smaller white slotted wheel. Adjust as needed with a screwdriver. Turn the wheel clockwise to increase volume. Be careful not to over torque the small white slotted wheel or you will damage it.

Outside Volume Adjustment for the System 400/900
(your voice going to outside customer)

How do I get the most life out of my AC400 batteries? 

Proper care will significantly extend the life of your batteries. Here are some "battery facts" to help you get the most life out of your AC400/900 batteries. Batteries require approximately four hours to charge when fully depleted. Do not charge batteries until needed or charging time will be increased.*

The COM400 COMMUNICATOR^® has a built-in low-battery indicator. When battery power is reduced to approximately five minutes of use, two beeps will begin to sound in your headset at five-second intervals until the Communicator shuts itself off. The COM900 will give a voice prompt saying "low battery" in the earpiece. When this happens, remove and replace the battery. HME's Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) batteries, when properly maintained, are designed for a minimum of 500 rechargeable cycles. When fully charged, batteries will last approximately six to eight hours.

• We recommend monthly cleaning of the battery contacts, Communicator contacts and charger battery contacts.
• To clean battery contacts, wet the tip of a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol and squeeze the excess alcohol from the swab. Wipe the metal contacts of each battery with the damp swab.
• A clean pencil eraser can also be used to clean contacts of battery or Communicator.
• Do not let metal contacts touch any metal object, or damage to batteries can occur. Never expose batteries to excessive heat.
• Contact your local waste control or HM Electronics, Inc. for proper disposal of old or damaged batteries. Batteries are composed of Nickel Cadmium.

How do I get the best performance from my AC400/900 battery charger? 

Proper care will significantly extend the life of your batteries. Here are some "battery facts" to help you get the most life out of your AC400/900 battery charger. Be sure the proper 16-volt AC power adapter powers the battery charger. The charger should remain plugged in and turned on continuously. Do not plug the charger into a circuit that gets shut off at night.

To charge batteries, insert a battery in the charger. The red CHARGING light will begin to blink: 2 blinks on, 2 blinks off until the battery is discharged. After the battery is discharged, the charge LED light will stay on red continuously until the battery is fully charged whereupon the LED light will turn green indicating ready for use.

Charge batteries only when necessary. Unnecessary charging may decrease the life of your batteries. Do not remove batteries from the Communicator until they need recharging. Leave batteries in the Communicator with the power turned off when not in use. Keep the charger in a clean and dry location. We recommend monthly cleaning of the battery charger.

CAUTION: UNPLUG YOUR BATTERY CHARGER FROM
ANY POWER SOURCE BEFORE CLEANING.

To clean battery charger contacts, wet the tip of a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol and squeeze the excess alcohol from the swab. Allow contacts to dry before placing batteries in the charger.

My System 2500 doesn't detect vehicles. How can I get it working again? 

You need to reset detection. Be sure no cars are present at the order point when resetting. Locate the "reset" switch on the front of the base station. Press and hold the button to the reset position for at least 10 seconds. No cars should be at the order point when releasing the button, and not for another 10 seconds thereafter.

How do I change the outside volume on my System 2500? 

Remove the front cover of the base station to access the electronics inside. Locate the Outside Volume adjustment wheel R18 on the large circuit board. Remove the colored paint from the wheel to reveal a smaller white slotted wheel. Adjust as needed with a screwdriver. Turn the wheel clockwise to increase volume.

Outside Volume Adjust Wheel for System 2500

How do I get the most life out of my System 2500 batteries? 

Proper care will significantly extend the life of your batteries. Here are some "battery facts" to help you get the most life out of your AC2000 batteries.

Batteries require approximately 10 hours to charge with the AC2000 Battery Charger. When fully charged, batteries will provide 8 to 12 hours of active use. HME's Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) batteries, when properly maintained, are designed for a minimum of 500 rechargeable cycles. Replace batteries with fully charged batteries when the red light on the Communicator is dim or when you have trouble operating the Communicator.

NOTE: To prevent damage to the Communicator, be sure the "off/volume" control is in the "off" position before removing or installing a battery.

We recommend monthly cleaning of battery contacts. To clean battery contacts, wet the tip of a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol and squeeze the excess alcohol from the swab. Wipe the metal contacts of each battery with the damp swab. Do not let metal contacts touch any metal object, or damage to batteries can occur. Never expose batteries to excessive heat. Contact your local waste control or HM Electronics, Inc. for proper disposal of old or damaged batteries. Batteries are composed of Nickel Cadmium.

How do I get the best performance from my System 2500 battery charger? 

Proper care will significantly extend the life of your batteries. Here are some "battery facts" to help you get the most life out of your AC2000 batteries.

Be sure the battery charger is powered by the proper AC power adapter:

• AC2000 - 20 VAC
• AC2000A - 16.5 VAC

The charger should remain plugged in and turned on continuously. Do not plug the charger into a circuit that gets shut off at night. The charge indicator (red and green lights) changes from red to green when batteries have remained in the charger uninterrupted for 10 hours.

The light will change back to red from green, if:

• The AC power to the charger has been interrupted.
• Batteries are disturbed in their slots while charging.

Charge batteries only when necessary. Unnecessary charging may decrease the life of your batteries. Leave batteries in the Communicator with the power turned off when not in use. Do not remove batteries until they need recharging. Keep the lid of the charger open while charging batteries. Keep the charger in a clean and dry location. We recommend monthly cleaning of the battery charger.

CAUTION: UNPLUG YOUR BATTERY CHARGER FROM
ANY POWER SOURCE BEFORE CLEANING.

To clean battery contacts, wet the tip of a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol and squeeze the excess alcohol from the swab. Wipe the metal contacts of each battery with the damp swab. Allow contacts to dry before placing batteries in the charger.

The red "CHARGING" light on my battery charger never comes on.
What's the problem? 

If the "CHARGING" light does not come on, check to see if the charger is unplugged. Check the outlet for power or plug the unit into another known working outlet.

DRIVE-THRU TIMER SYSTEMS

SYSTEM 20

How do I change the time on my System 20 Timer? I just replaced the paper in my System 20 Timer printer, and now it doesn't print. What happened? My System 20 Timer printer doesn't advance paper or print reports. What can I do?

Programming System 20 Timer

Automatically Print Reports Basic Operating Parameters Change Alert Tones Change Current Time Change Dayparts or Target Times Change Lockout Code Change Main Display Common Wiring Configuration Manually Print Reports Time Events

SYSTEM 30

• How do I change the time on my System 30 Timer? I just replaced the paper in my System 30 Timer printer,
  and now it doesn't print. What happened? My System 30 Timer printer doesn't advance paper
  or print reports. What can I do?

Programming System 30 Timer

Add Manager's Code Adjust Remote Tone Level Change Date and Time Change Dayparts Change Service Goals Change Shifts Disable Display Tone Identify Firmware Version Print Reports Print Settings Schedule Auto Reports

How do I change the time on my System 20 Timer? 

Use the keypad entry on the front panel of the timer. Press the ENTER key. If the LCD display asks for a lockout code, enter it. If there is no lockout code programmed, press the ENTER key without entering any numbers. When the display says "Enter command or ESC," press the SETUP key.

If the display says "Menu Setups," go to Menu Setups below.

If the display says "Timer Configuration," go to Timer Configuration below.

Menu Setups:

Press 1 and ENTER. The display should read "System Setup, Enter Date." If the date is correct, press ENTER. If it's not, enter the correct date and press ENTER. The display should read "System Setup, Enter Time." You must enter the time in 24-hour time. Enter the time in hours, minutes and seconds. If the time is correct, press ENTER without entering any numbers.

The remainder of this setup menu will ask for information that does not have to be changed. Press the ENTER key after each display until the display "System Setup Changes?" disappears, Enter 1=Yes, 0=No." Press 0 and then ENTER. Now the display should read "Enter ESC or (0-8)." Press ESC twice. You will be out of the Setup menu.

Timer Configuration:

Press 2 and ENTER. The display should read, "System Setup, Enter Date." If the date is correct, press ENTER. If it's not, enter the correct date and press ENTER. The display should read, "System Setup, Enter Time." You must enter the time in 24-hour time. Enter the time in hours, minutes and seconds. If the time is correct, press ENTER without entering any numbers.

The remainder of this setup menu will ask for information that does not have to be changed. Press the ENTER key after each display until the display says "Timer Configuration." Press 0 and ENTER. The display will say "Enter command or ESC." Press ESC. You will be out of the Setup menu.

I just replaced the paper in my System 20 Timer printer, and now it doesn't print. What happened? 

It's probably the wrong kind of paper or it's been loaded wrong. Our printers use heat-sensitive paper that will only print on one side. Most POS thermal papers will not work in this timer. Try loading the paper the other way. The paper should turn black when exposed to heat.

My System 20 Timer printer doesn't advance paper or print reports.
What can I do?

The printer is probably jammed with paper. If the roll of paper is too large, the motor can't pull it through, and the paper will jam. Be sure you are using the correct paper for this timer. Then very carefully remove any paper that may still be in the printer. Inspect rollers for small bits of paper. Do not force anything into the printer to remove paper; this may damage the unit and cause the warranty to be voided.

If this doesn't work, check the printer settings in the setups. Here's how:

Enter lockout code if there is one. If not, press ENTER. Press "Setup." If display reads "menu setups," press 0. If it reads "timer configurations," press 1. Display should indicate the internal printer is selected (1 is flashing). If not, press 1 and press ENTER.

How do I change the time on my System 30 Timer? 

Daylight Saving Time begins the second Sunday in March and ends the first Sunday in November. During this time, it may be necessary to manually adjust the time. Here’s how

Press the SET UP SYSTEM key. Enter Manager's access code, if required, and press ENTER. Press + or - until the front panel display shows

"System Setup" press ENTER. Press + or - until "Set Date & Time" appears on the display and press ENTER. Press + or - until the correct month is displayed.

Press ENTER to move to the date field. Press the number keys to enter the correct day of the month, press ENTER and then enter the correct year. Press ENTER. Press the number keys to enter the correct time (Hours:Minutes). Press the + or - keys to select A(AM) or P(PM). Press ENTER. Press the + or - keys to turn off the automatic adjustment for Daylight Savings Time. "NO" will be displayed on the screen. Press ENTER.

The system will accept the changes. Then press EXIT and the system will return to the "Set Date/Time" display. Press EXIT. The system will return to the "System Setup" display. Press EXIT again. The system will return to standby mode.

I just replaced the paper in my System 30 Timer printer, and now it doesn't print. What happened?

It's probably the wrong kind of paper or it's been loaded incorrectly. HME printers use heat-sensitive paper that will only print on one side. Try loading the paper the other way. To test if the paper is thermal, scrape your fingernail across the print side; it should make a dark line.

Note: Most POS thermal papers will not work in this timer. Our timer's printer requires a specific size, type and weight of paper. Other paper may work temporarily but can cause damage to the printer. HME timer paper (part number 428005) is the only paper approved for use with the System 30 Timer.

My System 30 Timer printer doesn't advance paper or print reports.
What can I do?

Answer 1: The timer may need to be reset. Open up the timer and unplug the 6-pin J2 connector (smaller green plastic connector at the top of the circuit board), wait 5 seconds, and then plug it back in.

Note: Several problems (such as a frozen LED display, keypad or printer) may occur simultaneously if the store experiences an interruption in power. Resetting power this way may correct one or all of these problems.

Answer 2: The printer may have a paper jam. If the roll of paper is too large, the motor can't pull it through and the paper will jam. Very carefully remove any paper that may still be in the printer. Inspect the rollers for small bits of paper. Do not force anything into the printer to remove paper; this may damage the unit and cause any warranty to be voided.

Answer 3: HME timers require a specific size, type and weight of paper. Other paper may work temporarily but can cause damage to the printer. HME timer paper (part number 428005) is the only paper approved for use with the System 30 Timer.

Surveillance Systems

To identify which version VisionTech System you have, look here

VisionTech Version 9.0

I have more than 8 cameras, what do I need for this? I've heard of systems that can do 60 -120 frames per second, why can't your system do that? What's the difference between "fields per second" and "frames per second?" Do your video files have a watermark? Can I playback VisionTech files with Windows Media Player or another type of video player? I am not concerned with protecting the video, but I need to have it as an MPEG, MOV, AVI, or other type of format. Is there any way to do this?

VisionTech Version 6.0 thru 8.0

Recording/Playback Problems

Why do I keep getting a "No File Found" message after searching for my video file? Why do I keep getting a black video window every time I try to playback my file? Why am I not getting live video on the VisionTech transmitter? Why won't the "Record" button stay depressed and start recording when I press it? Why do I keep getting a "Cannot Write to Disk X" error message? How do I playback a file?

Receiver Software/ Modem Problems

Why do I keep getting a "Cannot Open Com Port #" error message? Why do I keep getting an "Error Writing User Init String" in the lower left hand corner of the screen when the modem is trying to initialize? How do I dial in remotely to my site? Why am I getting an "Overflow" or "No Resume" message when I try to open VisionTech? I installed VisionTech on my new laptop computer but I can't see any live video when remotely connected to my site. Am I doing something wrong?
Camera Problems

Why does nothing happen when I try to change camera views by dragging the camera icon and dropping it into the frame that I want it in? Am I able to record more than nine cameras? Why is one of my camera views blank? Why are all of my camera views blank?
Saving Files

How can I save a still frame to a floppy disk? How do I save a file? When I am connected to the transmitter remotely, how can I save a file?
Misc. Problems

How do I reset the date/time? How do I enable the Windows desktop in VisionTech 8.0? Why am I getting a "Device Unavailable" error message when I am trying to run VisionTech? Why does the system keep shutting down after entering VisionTech? I've followed your instructions but VisionTech still does not work correctly. What should I do?

I have more than 8 cameras, what do I need for this?

For a typical 4-camera system, you only need an ASL 8-Input Video Sequencer. If you want more than 4 cameras, you will need the video sequencer (or an extra PCI card); you can have up to 4 sequencers which supports up to 32 cameras. ASL now has an external adapter which acts like a sequencer and can be mounted directly to the VT box which supports 16 cameras. You can also get the extra PCI card which can support 4 additional cameras.

I've heard of systems that can do 60 -120 frames per second, why can't your system do that?

HME does not use misleading fields per second when stating our frame rates. If other companies are making such claims, then they are either referring to "fields per second" or using multiple capture cards.

What's the difference between "fields per second" and "frames per second?"

Digital video is made up from 2 separate fields that are aligned on the screen as the CRT electron gun scans back and forth across it. Frames are made when these 2 fields are combined.

Do your video files have a watermark?

We use a proprietary encryption algorithm to prevent anyone from tampering with the video.

Can I playback VisionTech files with Windows Media Player or another type of video player?

You can only when the file is converted to an AVI file in video playback. However when this is done, the watermark is lost and the file cannot be proven authentic. You will need the receiver software to playback original files for authenticity.

I am not concerned with protecting the video, but I need to have it as an MPEG, MOV, AVI, or other type of format. Is there any way to do this?

There are third party software titles that can be used to capture the screen while you are playing back the video. HME cannot advocate any particular utility for this, and these types of utilities should not be used on the VisionTech transmitter. You can convert a video file as an AVI, but this is only recommended if your intentions are for personal use and not submitting to law enforcement because when the file is converted, the watermark is lost and cannot be proven authentic.

Why do I keep getting a "No File Found" message after searching for my video file?

First, make sure the date and time are correct. If correct, the problem is probably in the directory structure, and the file cannot be recovered. To fix the directory structure, exit the VisionTech program through the "Door" icon in the upper right hand corner (**Note, if using VisionTech 8.0 and the system automatically shuts down, see Misc. Problems Question 1 to enable Windows), go to Windows Explorer (it should be either in the Start Menu, Programs, or you can right click on the Start button and click on "Explore"), and delete all "Vid" folders out of Windows Explorer.

Next, re-enter VisionTech and enter the factory setup (screwdriver icon in the upper right hand corner). Reallocate the directories by clicking on the paper icon next to "Auto Reserve Space" in the "General" tab, then save and exit. Next, reset Pre/Post Alarm settings. Then click on the "Record" button, it should stay on and turn bright red. **Note, If using VisionTech 6.0, contact Tech Support at 800.848.4468 for further instructions on directory allocation.**

Why do I keep getting a black video window every time I try to playback my file?

There is a problem in Windows with an "ini" file. To fix the problem, first, exit the VisionTech program through the "Door" icon in the upper right hand corner (**Note, if using VisionTech 8.0 and the system automatically shuts down, see Misc. Problems Question 1 to enable Windows). Click Start and then click Run. Type in "System.ini" without quotes, then hit enter. A "Notebook" should then appear, scroll down to the [Drivers 32] section and make sure you have the line: VIDC.RJPG=MMJPEG32.DLL. It should be near the bottom and have no semicolon (;) in front of it or in it. Next, save and exit the Notebook, then shut down and reboot the computer. This should solve the problem, but if you are still experiencing the same problem, try changing the line to: VIDC.AJPG=AMJPEG32.DLL.

On the transmitter, you may also have the incorrect MegaMotion driver, especially if you just upgraded the software. In this case, download the correct driver (MegaMotion PCI Driver 5.1.1.0) and update the driver in Windows Device Manager (Right click on "My Computer" and go to "Properties"). The MegaMotion card should be under "Sound, Video, and Game Controllers" section in the Windows Device Manager.

Why am I not getting live video on the VisionTech transmitter?

Your Windows Display Settings might be incorrect or there might be a camera problem (See Camera Problems below). Make sure the Resolutions are correct by exiting VisionTech program through the "Door" icon in the upper right hand corner, click on the Windows "Start" button and go to Settings/Control Panel/Display, then click on "Settings." Make sure the settings are 16-bit high color and 800x600 pixel, then shut down and reboot the computer.

You may also have the incorrect MegaMotion driver, especially if you just upgraded the software. In this case download the correct driver (MegaMotion PCI Driver 5.1.1.0) and update the driver in Windows Device Manager (Right click on "My Computer" and go to "Properties"). The MegaMotion card should be under "Sound, Video, and Game Controllers" section in the Windows Device Manager. **Note, If you cannot change the Display Settings, the system might have lost its video driver. You can try to reinstall the video driver through the Display Adapter in the Windows Device Manager (Right click on "My Computer" and go to "Properties"). A backup driver might be in Windows Explorer under C:/Drivers/VGA. If it is not, contact Tech Support at 800.848.4468.

Why won't the "Record" button stay depressed and start recording when I press it?

There is probably a problem in the directory structure. Please see Recording/Playback Problems Question 1 above to fix this problem.

Why do I keep getting a "Cannot Write to Disk X" error message?

There could be a problem with a hard drive. First, exit the VisionTech program through the "Door" icon in the upper right hand corner (**Note, if using VisionTech 8.0 and the system automatically shuts down, see Misc. Problems Question 1 to enable Windows) and shut down the computer. Next, restart the computer and start tapping on the "Delete" key until you see a blue screen that says "CMOS Utility Setup" at the top of the screen. "Standard CMOS Setup" should be highlighted in red. Press the enter key and make a note of what it says next to "Primary Master," "Primary Slave," "Secondary Master," and "Secondary Slave." Then press the escape key "Esc" once to get back to the "CMOS Utility Setup" screen. Next, using your arrow keys, go to "IDE HDD Auto Detect" on the right side of the screen, then hit enter.

The system should then redetect the same hard drives that are on your notes. If it does not detect the exact same drives, then there might be a hard drive/hardware problem and you should contact Tech Support at 800.848.4468. If the system does detect the exact same drives, then hit "Esc" once and then the "F10" key to save the new settings, then reboot. At this point, all files will be lost. After rebooting, exit the VisionTech program and go to Windows Explorer and format all drives except C: To do this, right click on the drive letter and click on "Format." Run a "Quick Format." Next, shut down the computer and reboot, then reallocate directories by entering the factory setup and clicking on "Auto Reserve Space" in the "General" setup tab. Then reset Pre/Post Alarm settings. Then click on the "Record" button, it should stay on and turn bright red. **Note, If using VisionTech 6.0, contact Tech Support at 800.848.4468 for further instructions on directory allocation.**

How do I playback a file?

See instructions on the Quick Reference Guide.

Why do I keep getting a "Cannot Open Com Port #" error message?

The VisionTech software is looking for your modem on a certain Communications Port, but your modem is most likely on another Com Port. To fix this, enter the factory setup by clicking on the screwdriver icon in the upper right hand corner, then click on the "Comm" tab. Click on a different Com Port, then save and exit. A window should appear saying, "Initializing Modem;" then a message should appear in the lower left hand corner stating, "Modem Initialize Successful." At this point, you should be ready to remotely dial in to your site. If you keep getting the same error message, simply repeat steps, changing the Com Port until the modem initializes successfully.

Why do I keep getting an "Error Writing User Init String" in the lower left hand corner of the screen when the modem is trying to initialize?

The VisionTech software is not seeing the correct Modem Initialization String. To fix this, enter the factory setup by clicking on the screwdriver icon in the upper right hand corner, then click on the "Comm" tab. Next, make sure that the modem type is set at "Default" and try using "AT&F" as the init string. Save and exit, the modem should now initialize successfully. If this process does not help, you will need to find the actual init string in the Windows Registry. Please call Tech Support at 800.848.4468 for more info.

How do I dial in remotely to my site?

See instructions on the Quick Reference Guide.

Why am I getting an "Overflow" or "No Resume" message when I try to open VisionTech?

The problem is that there is no record directory in the receiver's "General" setup tab. To fix this, do the following: First, open Windows Explorer and click on the "Vistec" folder in the C: drive. Find the file "Rem2.ini" and double click on it. This should open up a "Notepad" file in Windows. Next, scroll down to the last line of text and place the cursor at the end of the line; then hit "Enter" twice to start a new line with a space in between the lines. At this point, you need the type the following in the exact case shown below: **Note, the "0" is a zero, not the letter "O."**

[Video Directories]
VidDir1 = c:\,0,0,0,1

Next, click "File" and then "Save;" then click "File" and then "Exit." Shut down the computer and reboot. The problem should be solved.

I installed VisionTech on my new laptop computer but I can't see any live video when remotely connected to my site. Am I doing something wrong?

If none of the solutions above have helped, then there may be a compatibility issue with your laptop. Contact Tech Support at 800.848.4468 and give the tech the make and model number of your laptop.

Why does nothing happen when I try to change camera views by dragging the camera icon and dropping it into the frame that I want it in?

You are dropping the camera icon into the wrong place. Try dropping it into the camera grid in the bottom left hand window. Hint: The grid has black squares with white numbers in them. The numbers correspond with your camera numbers.

Am I able to record more than nine cameras?

Unfortunately, the answer is no. VisionTech versions 6.0 - 8.0 will only record the images you see on the screen, with 9 being the highest number of cameras you can have on the monitor at one time. You can, however, add all of your cameras to a "Camera Touring" list. Please refer to your Operating Instructions Manual for further information on Camera Touring.

Why is one of my camera views blank?

The most likely cause is a bad camera power supply or even a bad camera. Try connecting the cable from a working camera into the port of the blank camera. If you get a picture in the frame that was previously blank, then the problem is probably a bad camera, power supply, wiring, or connections.

Why are all of my camera views blank?

The problem is probably caused by a bad power supply or connection, but it could be a driver problem. First, check to see if the system has a multi-camera power supply or a Video Sequencer. If it has a multi-camera power supply, then the most likely cause is that the power supply has gone bad and should be replaced. If you have Video Sequencer, make sure that the sequencer is connected correctly. First, connect a camera cable to a camera port on the back of the computer to see if you get a picture. If you get a picture, then the sequencer is not connected correctly. There should be an RJ-11 (phone line) connecting the sequencer into a "phone jack" on the back of the computer.

There might be two more "phone jacks" on the modem card, do not plug the line into either of these. The correct jack will be on the card that also has a 12-Volt transformer plugged into it. Be sure to shut down the computer when connected these devices because the 12-Volt transformer can blow out very easily. If you do not have a multi-camera power supply or Video Sequencer, then the cause of the problem is probably a lost driver. In this case download the correct driver (MegaMotion PCI Driver 5.1.1.0) and update the driver in Windows Device Manager (Right click on "My Computer" and go to "Properties"). The MegaMotion card should be under "Sound, Video, and Game Controllers" section in the Windows Device Manager.

How can I save a still frame to a floppy disk?

Find the file and begin playback of the file. Click the pause button when you find the appropriate frame. Next, click on the "floppy disk" icon just above the playback icons. This will open up a "Save As" window. Name the file in "Filename," using no more that eight characters. Click on the "A:" drive in the "Drives" pull down menu. Make sure you have a formatted floppy disk (1.44 Mb) in the floppy drive and then click "OK." You should be able to hear the floppy drive writing to the disk. You can view the still photo as a bitmap in any Windows "Paint" program. **Note: You can save ~ 10 still frames on a single floppy disk. Windows will inform you if the disk is full.**

How do I save a file?

First, find out the file name of the file you wish to save. It should be something like "pc00001.asl." Next, enter the factory setup by clicking on the screwdriver icon in the upper right hand corner, then click on the "Backup" tab. Next, click on the "Copy Files" button. Now you must find the correct file under "Source," you might have to search through the drives and "vid" folders. Make sure you open up the sub-directories in the "vid" folders; the actual files will be in the window to the right. Next, set your "target" directory, i.e., the place you wish to save the file. The C: drive is recommended, since it does not get written to and probably has the most drive space. Highlight the file you are saving and click the single arrow button. Then click "Done." The file is now saved.

When I am connected to the transmitter remotely, how can I save a file?

After identifying and highlighting the correct file in the "Open File" window, simply click the "Download" button. Then click "Go" when the "Transfer File" window appears. The system will inform you when the download is complete.

How do I reset the date/time?

Enter the factory setup (screwdriver icon in the upper right hand corner) and go to the "Date/Time" section in the "General" tab. Enter the correct date and/or time. Next, click the "Set" button, then save and exit. The correct date and time will now be set. **Note: You can also set the date and time in Windows. It will automatically change the date/time in VisionTech.**

How do I enable the Windows desktop in VisionTech 8.0?

First, double click any live video frame and then press Control-Shift-E on your keyboard. The system will then automatically shut down and reboot back into VisionTech. The next time you exit VisionTech, the system will take you to the Windows desktop. ** Note: If you would like to disable the Windows desktop, simply double click any live video frame and then press Control-Shift-D on your keyboard. The Windows desktop will be disabled after the next reboot.**

Why am I getting a "Device Unavailable" error message when I am trying to run VisionTech?

This error is most likely caused by errors on the hard disk. Open Windows Explorer and click on the "Vistec" folder in the C: drive. Find the file "Rem2.ini" and delete it. Next, shut down the computer and reboot. This should fix the problem.

Why does the system keep shutting down after entering VisionTech?

Your Windows Display Settings might be incorrect. Make sure the Resolutions are correct. To do this, you must first boot into Windows "Safe Mode" by tapping on the "F5" key as the computer is booting. When you get a prompt that you are in "Safe Mode," click "OK." Next, right click on the "Start" button and click on "Explore." Next, click on "Programs" and then "Start Up," then delete the "vistec" or "shortcut to vistec" file. Then exit out of Windows Explorer, shut down the computer, and reboot.

Now the system should boot into the Windows desktop. Next, click on the Windows "Start" button and go to Settings/Control Panel/Display; then click on "Settings." Make sure the settings are 16-bit high color and 800x600 pixel, then shut down and reboot the computer. Now you must put "vistec" back in the "Start Up" menu. To do this, boot into Windows "Safe Mode" by tapping on the "F5" key as the computer is booting. When you get a prompt that you are in "Safe Mode," click "OK." Next, right click on the "Start" button and click on "Explore." Go to the "Vistec" folder in the C: drive and copy the "vistec" file. Then go to C:/Windows/Start Menu/Programs/Start Up, and paste the "vistec" folder in "Start Up."

**Note: To Copy, you can right click on the file and click on "Copy." To Paste, open the file you wish to paste, then right click and click on "Paste."** Then exit out of Windows Explorer, shut down the computer, and reboot. **Note: If you cannot change the Display Settings, the system might have lost its video driver. You can try to reinstall the video driver through the Display Adapter in the Windows Device Manager (Right click on "My Computer" and go to "Properties"). A backup driver might be in Windows Explorer under C:/Drivers/VGA. If it is not, or you are still experiencing problems, contact Tech Support at 800.848.4468.

I've followed your instructions, but VisionTech still does not work correctly. What should I do?

There might be problems with the software. You can try reloading some or all of the software. There should be backup copies of all of our software and drivers on the C: drive, under "Backup" and "Drivers." You should reload the software through "Add/Remove Programs" in the Windows Control Panel. If you are uncertain about doing this or are still experiencing problems, contact Tech Support at 800.848.4468.

Pre/Post Alarm Setup Instructions

In order to start recording, you must reset the Pre/Post Alarm settings after you allocate directories in VisionTech.

1. Click on the "Filmstrip" icon on the second row of icons.
2. Click on the "Pre/Post Alarm Setup" icon right below the "Filmstrip" icon. You will get a prompt informing you that all files will be lost. Click "OK."
3. Wait until all the numbers in the Pre/Post Alarm Settings have turned green, you are now ready to adjust the settings.
4. Go to Pre-Alarm "Files to Keep" and highlight the number by swiping it. Then type in "3," and press enter. You should notice that the "Available Pre-Alarm Files" have now changed, most likely to the number that was just in the "File to Keep". Now you can change your setting.
5. The first setting to change is the Pre-Alarm "Frames per Second" number. HME suggests that you use 1 Frame per Second or "FPS" per camera. This means that if you have 4 cameras, you should use 4 FPS, 8 cameras would use 8 FPS, etc. ** Note: You can use any amount of FPS that you wish, but you should be mindful that the higher the Frame Rate, the more drive space each file will use, and the less record time you will have.**
6. Next, change the Pre-Alarm Size and Quality. HME suggests that you use a Size 2, Quality 3. Like the FPS, the higher the size and quality, the less record time the system will have.
7. Next, set the Pre-Alarm "File Length." HME suggests you use 20 or 30-minute files.
8. Now check the "Available Pre-Alarm Files." Take that number and type it in the "Files to Keep" field. The "Available" files should now say "3," if it doesn't, adjust the "Files to Keep" until the Available Pre-Alarm Files say "3."
9. Make sure that the "Post-Alarm Settings" read as follows: 1 FPS, Size 2, Quality 4, 30 Files to Keep, File Length 5 minutes, Append length 10 seconds, Dwell time 2 seconds.
10. Now click on the "Pink Checkmark" icon. The settings will be saved.
11. Finally, click on the red record (REC) button.