Trigger Alarm Output on Security Camera DVR via Mobile App
Watch this video to see how-to trigger an alarm relay output on a Viewtron security camera DVR using the mobile app for iPhone and mobile app for Android. In this example, we will turn on an alarm strobe light remotely from the iPhone app. Viewtron security camera DVRs and IP camera NVRs have alarm output ports that support integrating external alarm devices such as strobe lights and audio sirens. The alarm devices that connect to these ports can be turned on via alarm triggers that you can setup on the DVR / NVR. For example, you can turn an alarm light on if a person is detected by a security camera in a certain area.
In addition, these devices can be turned on manually using the iPhone app or Android app. This is what I will be covering in this video and article.
Project Setup
You can follow these instructions to setup this project on your Viewtron IP camera system.
DVR / NVR Alarm Relay Output
Please note that the the alarm strobe light is self powered. The alarm outputs on the DVR / NVR are simple relays (they are either open or closed). They DO NOT provide any power output. Also, please note that you can ONLY connect low voltage devices alarm devices to these alarm relay ports. Connecting high powered devices can fry your motherboard and ruin your DVR / NVR.
Important WARNING! The maximum current rating of these alarm relays is 1A, the voltage is 30VDC/ 250VAC, so the maximum power rating is 30W for DC alarm device, 250W for AC alarm device.
You can see above how I wired the strobe light to the output port. Notice how the strobe light’s 12V DC power supply is connected in-line. I used 18 gauge / 2 conductor power wire to connect the strobe light to the recorder.
Here is a close-up of the alarm output ports on the back of the DVR / NVR. I am using the COM1 and NO1 ports. NO stands for normally open, which means that power does not flow thorough the relay until the alarm is triggered.
Trigger Alarm Output from iPhone App
This is how you can manually trigger (turn on) the alarm relay output on the DVR from the iPhone app. Please note that the Android mobile app is identical to the iPhone all in looks and functionality. They are exactly the same app.
- Tap the menu icon in the lower right (the icon with the 3 dots…).
- Tap Manual Alarm.
- Tap the Alarm Output that you want to trigger / enable.
Click here to learn more about the mobile apps and desktop software for Viewtron security camera systems. All applications work with Viewtron DVRs, NVRs, and directly with Viewtron IP cameras. There are additional video demos on that page.
