STING II Digital Video Recorder/Player User’s Guide
Table of Contents Introduction ............................................................................................. 2 STING II Description ........................................................................... 2 Package Contents ............................................................................... 6 Connecting the A/V Cable .................................................................... 7 Getting Started ...........................................................................
Introduction Technical Specifications .......................................................................... 50 Introduction STING II is a wearable video/audio digital recorder capable of recording video and audio in MPEG-2 format. Recordings are stored on Microdrive or Compact Flash plug-in cards and can then be played back using the STING II, downloaded from the Microdrive to a personal computer or accessed remotely.
Introduction • Ethernet cable (with RJ-45 connection) • USB 2.0 cable • Monitor or TV Top View The top of the STING II unit offers: • Instant access to the Setup menu (see Setup Main Menu on page 14) • The ability to start and stop recording (see Recording Methods on page 12) • Several LEDs that indicate the STING II status (see STING II LED Indicators on page 5) Menu Control The Menu control joystick is used to access the Setup application.
Introduction Left Side View The left side of the STING II unit offers: • Wired Remote • USB 2.0 • Ethernet • DC In .
Introduction Bottom View The bottom of the STING II unit offers access to the Virtual port, enabling you to establish a GPRS 3G or WiFi connection to the Internet to upload files or enable remote access to the unit. A special adapter, which can be purchased separately, is required to make this connection. STING II LED Indicators The STING II LEDs indicate the status of the unit as it is powering up. Once the unit is operating fully, the LEDs indicate the recording status of the unit.
Introduction Memory Card Status The color of the triangle LED indicates the status of the memory available on the memory card.
Introduction Connecting the A/V Cable The A/V cable has two RCA-type sockets on one end, and a 3.5mm plug on the other end, which connects to the STING II. To connect the A/V cable to the STING II: • Plug the 3.5mm plug into the Video In socket on the STING II. Make sure it is plugged all the way into the center hole. Connecting a Camera or Microphone You can connect any video camera to the STING.
Getting Started Getting Started The STING II Digital Video Recorder allows you to record and view MPEG-2 videos. However, before you can begin working with the STING II you should: • Charge the battery for the first time • Connect and configure the STING II • Set the current date and time • Set the configuration options in the Media Center Charging the Battery Before using the STING II for the first time, it is highly recommended that you charge the battery over night.
Getting Started Connecting the STING II via USB You can connect the STING II via USB to your computer. This will enable you to access the files directly via your Windows Explorer or by using the STING II Media Center. To connect the STING II using a USB Cable: 1. Verify that the STING II is Off. 2. Connect the USB cable to the computer and to the STING II. 3. Press the center navigation joystick and hold it down while turning the STING II On. 4.
Getting Started To delete all the files on the Compact Flash or Microdrive disk: 1. Press the center button and hold it down. 2. While still holding the center button, press the left button and hold it down. 3. While pressing both of these, also press the right button and hold for 3 seconds. The top green LED will start blinking to indicate the STING II is in the process of deleting the files. This may take from a few seconds to a few moments (depending of how full the memory card is).
Recording Sessions Recording Sessions The STING II provides several ways to start and stop recording audio and video. To save power, the STING II is automatically configured to close the video output 300 seconds (5 minutes) after beginning to record. After that time, although the unit continues to record, it will not automatically display what it is recording, even if connected to a television or monitor. This value can be changed in the conf.txt file.
Recording Sessions • Pressing the button on the Vibrating Remote briefly (for less than 5 seconds). Recording Methods Once you determine the type of file you wish to record and configure these settings in the Setup, you only have to start and stop recording sessions using the STING II. There are several ways to start and stop recording sessions.
Recording Sessions WARNING A series of vibrations indicates that the STING II has approximately 2-5 minutes of recording time left because the battery is low and or memory card is full and needs to be recharged/replaced. Via Infrared Remote Control To start a recording session, you can use the STING II Infrared remote control to initiate a recording session by pressing the REC button on the top right corner of the device.
Setup Software Setup Software The STING II contains a built-in software application that enables you to manage the device, view all files, view system information, and modify STING II recording settings and options. The STING II software contains three main options: • Event – enables you to access files stored on the Microdrive. • Setup – enables you to set and modify system settings.
Setup Software The initial frame of the selected clip is displayed in the Preview window on the right side of the Setup. Details of the clip, including the total amount of time and the size of the file are displayed directly below the Preview window. File names are automatically assigned to each file that is created by the STING II. Viewing Files When viewing a .jpg file, the image itself is displayed in the Preview window, rather than the first frame of a video clip.
Setup Software 3. Use the UP and DOWN keys on the STING II remote control to navigate through the files on the page. To move to another page, use the LEFT and RIGHT keys. Navigate to the file you wish to view. Alternatively, press on the fast forward (single >) to jump a single page, or >> to jump forward 10 pages. Press backwards (single <) to jump a single page or << to jump back 10 pages. You can see the first frame of the file in the display window on the right side. 4.
Setup Software computer running the STING II Media Center application. For more information, see Decrypting and Viewing Files on page 41. For added security protection, all encrypted files must be decrypted using the STING II Media Center. Setup The Setup menu enables you to define the recording configuration of the STING II during operation, set the time and date details (if needed), and much more.
Setup Software Record Tab The Record tab of the Setup software enables you to select the recording mode, for example whether you will be recording audio and video, only video, etc. It also enables you to determine if a time date stamp will be used, and if so, its format, positioning and color. The current value is displayed in red next to each option.
Setup Software • Time Lapse: Select this option to record a single frame according to specific intervals. The Time Lapse Interval is set on the Recording Mode tab as well (see Time Lapse Interval). below). • Audio/Video: Select this mode to record standard audio/visual clips. • Video: Select this mode to record video only (no sound is recorded). • MP3 Audio: Select this mode to audio video only (no visual images are recorded).
Setup Software press DOWN to select an option, then press ENTER. Select one of the following: • Very Low • Low • Medium • High Time Lapse Interval You can the Time Lapse option to set STING II to record a single image at preset intervals. The default value is 10 SEC. While you set the option to capture video in the Recording Mode, the interval itself is set in the Time Lapse Interval option. To set the time lapse interval: 1.
Setup Software The default value is DATE TIME, indicating that both the current date and time will be stamped and visible in each file. To set or modify the Time Stamp: 1. Using the Remote Control, press the MENU key once to access the Setup software. 2. Press DOWN to highlight the Setup option and press ENTER to access the Setup window. 3. Use the DOWN key again to navigate to the Time Date Stamp option and then press Enter.
Setup Software • Bottom left • Bottom right Time Date Stamp Colour You can set the color that the time stamp appears on the image or video. The default value is Transparent White. To set or modify the Time Date Stamp Colour: 1. Using the Remote Control, press the MENU key once to access the Setup software. 2. Press DOWN to highlight the Setup option and press ENTER to access the Setup window. 3. Use the DOWN key again to navigate to the Time Stamp Colour option and then press Enter.
Setup Software • Motion Detection • Noise Sensitivity • Size • Speed Sensitivity Motion Detection There are three options related to the Motion Detection capabilities of the STING II: Option Description Off Motion Detection is not activated. The unit will only begin recording when activated manually. Display Motion detection is activated on this display. A red grid indicates where motion has been detected.
Setup Software To set the level of motion detection: 1. Using the Remote Control, press the MENU key once to access the Setup software. 2. Press DOWN to highlight the Setup option and press ENTER to access the Setup window. 3. Press RIGHT to navigate to the Motion tab. 4. Press ENTER to see the possible Motion Detection options. 5.
Setup Software 4. Use the UP/DOWN keys to navigate to the Noise Sensitivity option and select one of the options. Size The Size option indicates the size of the options that should be detected by the motion detector. Options include: • Small • Medium • Large The default value is MEDIUM. To set the size level: 1. Using the Remote Control, press the MENU key once to access the Setup software. 2. Press DOWN to highlight the Setup option and press ENTER to access the Setup window. 3.
Setup Software Speed Sensitivity The Speed Sensitivity option indicates what speed an object must move in order to trigger a recording session. Options include: • High • Medium • Low The default value is MEDIUM. To set the speed sensitivity level: 1. Using the Remote Control, press the MENU key once to access the Setup software. 2. Press DOWN to highlight the Setup option and press ENTER to access the Setup window. 3. Press RIGHT to navigate to the Motion tab. 4.
Setup Software Media Tab The Media tab enables you to select various options related to where STING II stores recorded files. Options on this tab include: • Set Primary Disk • Format Primary Disk • Encrypted Files Set Primary Disk You can save files that are stored on the STING II to one of two primary disk options: Microdrive/Compact Flash plug-in cards or External USB hard drive.
Setup Software Note: If you choose USB and then connect a compact flash, STING II will record on the compact flash. Similarly, if you mistakenly select compact flash and then connect a USB device, the STING II will still record to the USB. To select the primary drive: 1. Using the Remote Control, press the MENU key once to access the Setup software. 2. Press DOWN to highlight the Setup option and press ENTER to access the Setup window. 3. Press RIGHT to navigate to the Media tab. 4.
Setup Software Encrypted Files STING II can encrypt all files so you can make sure no one but you or the person that has the password can view the recorded files. Encrypted files can only be decrypted with a password (set in the STING II Media Center) from within the STING II Media Center. WARNING: If you forget the password, it is impossible to decrypt and view the files. To enable encryption of files: 1. Using the Remote Control, press the MENU key once to access the Setup software. 2.
Setup Software Factory Defaults Select Factory Defaults to return the STING II configuration settings to the original factory-set options. You are prompted to confirm your selection. Click OK to reset the STING II configuration settings, or Cancel to close the message box without changing the current settings. Camera Power Save Automatic power-save mode can be configured for the STING II using the Camera Power Save option.
Setup Software Typically, you will use the NEVER setting to enable you to position the camera in cases where you want to perform surveillance from a fixed location. Once the camera is in position and you change the setting, the STING II is programmed to automatically continue giving power to 5-volt connection while the camera is in record mode. As soon as you next indicate that you want to record, power to the 5-volt connection (and to the external camera) is immediately activated.
Setup Software Date and Time Format Set the date and time format. Options are: • US format • US military format • European format System Info Tab The System Info menu is read-only.
Setup Software Disk The Disk tab details information about the current disk connected to the STING II, its total size and the amount of free space available.
Setup Software Virtual If a virtual adaptor is connected, information about its current status will be detailed on the Virtual tab. Firmware The current software and hardware version of the STING II is detailed on the Firmware tab. For information on updating the Firmware, see Updating the STING II.
Setup Software Default Settings The following values configured in the STING II when originally shipped, and are reassigned when you click Factory Defaults on the System tab.
Setup Software Updating the STING II Occasionally, the STING II software is updated. These updates are available without charge by connecting the STING II and downloading the new version. There are several options for upgrading. To upgrade the STING II firmware: 1. Download the file from the Internet and save the file to the STING II’s memory card. 2. Insert the memory card into the STING II, while the STING II is turned Off.
Setup Software Sting II User Guide 37
Using the Remote Control Using the Remote Control The Sting Remote Control offers the following options: Opens the Setup main menu. REC: begins a recording session. For future use. When in Camera Power Save mode (see Camera Power Save on page 30), this button diverts power to the 5-volt connection for the specified period of time (10 sec, 30 sec, or 1 min.). When you are viewing the Setup menu, this button also performs as a Back button, returning to the previous option or view.
Using the STING II Media Center Using the STING II Media Center The STING II Media Center is a software program that communicates with your STING II, and enables you to preview, upload and delete recordings. It also enables you to decrypt files that were encrypted during a STING II recording session.
Using the STING II Media Center Accessing the STING Media Center 1. Click the program’s desktop icon, or click the Start button and select Programs > STING > STING Media Center. If the STING II unit is already connected to the computer when you open the STING II Media Center, “Found Sting Media” will be displayed in the upper right corner of the window. STING II Tab Options About: Enables you to determine what version of the Sting Media Center you are using.
Using the STING II Media Center To delete files via the Media Center: Highlight one or more files and click Delete Files. You are prompted to confirm your request before the file or files are deleted. To preview a file: Click on the file on the left side of the screen. The first frame will be automatically displayed in the Preview Pane. You can use the media controls to navigate through the file: Pause the display. Review/reverse the direction of the display. Continue displaying the current file.
Using the STING II Media Center Verifying the Authenticity of Files and Images (Watermark) The STING II automatically includes Watermarked Files To verify that files have not been tampered or edited: 1. Using the Remote Control, press the MENU key once to access the Setup software. 2. Press ENTER to open the Event Library. You will see a list of files on the left side of the window. 3. You can use the UP and DOWN keys on the STING II remote control to navigate through the files on the displayed page.
Using the STING II Media Center To set the video quality: 1. Select an option from the list of possible video quality levels. 2. Click Set Video Quality. System Messages This is a read-only field that displays system messages as appropriate. Record Settings In the Record Settings section, you can enable the Record Settings for the STING II. The STING II can be configured to encrypt all files created during a recording session (still images, video, or audio), by enabling the Encryption radio button.
Using the STING II Media Center To set a password: The STING II needs to be connected via the USB in order to access the STING II Media Center to create or change the password. 1. Enter the new password in the New Password field of the STING II Media Center. 2. In the Confirm Password field, enter the exact password again. 3. Click Set Password to save the password.
Remote Access Remote Access Using a web interface option and a standard Internet browser (such as Microsoft Internet Explorer), you can access the files currently stored on a STING II unit located at a remote location. Files can be viewed and saved locally. You can also control the recording process in the STING II to remotely initiate a recording session. To establish remote access, you must first determine the IP address of the STING II.
Remote Access If the MAC address appears as all zeros, this indicates that there is not Ethernet connectivity between the STING II and the router. Check the connections and then verify the MAC address again. Some routers may require a crossed cable to enable successful communication with the STING II. Once connectivity is established, the login screen appears. Logging In To log in: Once you have established a local or remote connection, the login screen appears.
Remote Access On the left side, the menu details all of the available options. On the right side, a Preview window enables you to view previously recorded sessions, capture current images, display the current view of the connected camera live, and more.
Remote Access WebCam (Full resolution) Select WebCam (Full resolution) to display the current camera view in real time (one frame per second). The view is displayed in the full area of the Preview window. The display is updated every few seconds. WebCam (CIF resolution) Select WebCam (CIF resolution) to display the current camera view in real time. The view is displayed in a portion of the Preview window and is updated every few seconds.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting Maintenance and Troubleshooting Caring for the STING II The STING II does not require special maintenance. Keep the unit away from moisture, dirt or excessive heat. Clean with a damp cloth and wipe dry. Do not use Acetone, Benzene or any other alcoholic agents when cleaning the unit. Do not use Acetone, Benzene or any other alcoholic agents when cleaning the unit. Unit Does Not Turn On Probable Cause Dead or Uncharged Battery Corrective Action Charge the battery.
Technical Specifications Technical Specifications Physical Dimensions 92 mm x 60 mm x 25 mm (3.62” x 2.36” x 0.98”) Power Internal Battery 3.6 Volts External Charger Universal input: 90-264VAC Wall charger Camera Power Source 5 Volts 200mA Audio/Video Video Format MPEG-2. Video Input PAL/NTSC standard composite video. Video Output Video/Audio Playback Any MPEG-2 compatible player. (e.g. Windows Media Player or Winamp) Miscellaneous PC Interfaces Sting II User Guide USB (1.1 or 2.
Technical Specifications About ESP Electronic Security Products, Inc. (ESP) is an internationally-based manufacturer of high technology video surveillance equipment. The company is comprised of engineers and technicians who specialize in investigative tools and all aspects of investigative photography. Established in 1993 and headquartered in New York, ESP has been the choice manufacturer and supplier of high quality video surveillance products for over a decade.
Technical Specifications Index Accessing the Monitor ........................ 14 Alarm Indication ................................. 13 Authenticity of Files ........................... 42 Board revision..................................... 48 Camera Power Out ............................. 7 Camera Power Save ............................ 30 Capture Image..................................... 47 Change Password ................................ 48 Charging the Battery .............................
Technical Specifications Video Status ........................................ 48 Viewing Files ...................................... 15 Virtual ................................................. 34 Watermark........................................... 42 Sting II User Guide WebCam (CIF resolution)................... 48 WebCam (Full resolution) .................. 48 WiFi connection....................................
Technical Specifications Legal Notice This manual contains information that is proprietary to ESP Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form whatsoever without prior written approval by ESP.
Technical Specifications Warranty Electronic Security Products, Inc. (hereinafter "ESP") warrants all instruments it manufactures to be free from defect in materials and factory workmanship, and agrees to repair or replace any instrument that fails to perform as specified within one year after date of shipment.
