Use this for a device that is reachable from the internet (public IP, DDNS (dynamic DNS) name or forwarded ports) and whose brand is on the list. GC Surge connects to the device and writes the alarm settings for you. Nothing has to be installed on site.
Watch:
Step 1: Open Sites & Cameras. Click Add sites & cameras at the top, or in the site row open Actions > Add device.
Step 2: Choose where to start:
To add a device to a site you already have, open Actions > Add device in the site row.
To start from the top of the page, click Add sites & cameras. Under What would you like to do? choose Add a site and camera (enter the name under What should we call this site? and click Continue) or Add a camera to an existing site
Step 3: Fill in Device details:
Field | Notes |
|---|---|
Device name | Required. Use a name the operator understands, for example "Gate north". |
Device IP or hostname | Required. The public address or DDNS name. |
Device brand | Choose the brand of the device. |
HTTP/S port | Required. The port of the device web interface as it is reachable from outside. |
HTTPS (secure) | Switch it on if the device is reached by HTTPS. |
Username, Password | Required. A device user with rights to change settings. |
The form also shows Use case, which is detected automatically from the IP, port and brand, and the optional Contact information fields.
While you type, GC Surge checks the address and the port. A green mark and Public IP mean that the device answers. Private/VPN Site and "Port not reachable — site connects via private/VPN." mean that GC Surge cannot reach it from the internet.
Step 4: Click Add device.
Step 5: GC Surge checks the port, connects to the device, writes the alarm settings and reads the cameras of the device. A recorder with several channels appears as one device with its number of Cameras.
Step 6: The device appears under the site with the status Configured.
Step 7: Trigger an alarm on the device, for example walk through the detection area. When the first alarm arrives, the status changes to Receiving alarms.
GC Surge adds the e-mail action to a detection that is switched on. It does not switch a detection on for you. If no alarm arrives, check the detection on the device with the guide for your brand (Hikvision, Dahua, Axis and Nx Witness).
Symptom | Cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
Port unavailable while you type | GC Surge cannot reach the address and port from the internet. | Check the address and the port. Check the port forwarding and the firewall on site. If the device is only reachable inside the site network, use the private path (Private Camera Setup (Local Agent)). |
"Port not reachable — site connects via private/VPN." | Same cause. GC Surge treats the device as private. | If the device should be public, fix the port forwarding and add it again. If it is private, continue with Private Camera Setup (Local Agent). |
"Note: The credentials you entered are incorrect, so this device will not be configured." | Wrong user name or password, or the user has no admin rights. | Open the device Actions > Edit, correct the credentials and save. GC Surge checks the camera again. |
Status Setup failed with "Failed at: …" | One setup step did not work. The step is named. See the table below. | Fix the cause, then use Actions > Retry. |
Status Setup failed and "The failing step was not recorded." | The reason is not known. | Use Retry once. The failing step is then shown. |
Status stays Configured, no alarm arrives | The device does not detect anything, the detection is not armed, or the device cannot send to the internet. | Trigger a test event. On the device, check that motion or analytics detection is switched on and has a schedule. Check that the device has outbound internet access and a working DNS setting. Then use Retry. |
"Device Already Registered" | The same IP and port is registered in another account. | Check that the address is yours. If yes, click Add device. If you are not sure, click Cancel and check the address. |
"Retry failed. Check credentials and try again." | The device refused the login or the connection. | Use Edit, check address, port, HTTPS and credentials, then Save and retry. |
The brand list shows no brands | The list could not be loaded. | Close the dialog and open it again. If the brand is still missing, use Manual & Self-Configured Devices. |
Setup steps shown in a failure
Failed at | Meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
Device credentials | The user name or password is wrong, or the user may not change settings on the device. | Open Actions > Edit, enter a device user with administrator rights, and click Save and retry. |
Camera reachable | The address and port do not answer. | Check address, port, port forwarding and firewall. |
Saving connection details | The details could not be saved. | Try Retry. If it fails again, contact NXGEN support. |
Loading device settings | GC Surge could not read the device. | Check the credentials, the brand and the HTTPS (secure) switch. |
Writing alarm e-mail settings | The device refused the alarm settings. | Check that the user has admin rights. Check that nobody else is changing the device at the same time. If it still fails, enter the settings by hand: Actions > Setup details. |
Reading the camera list | The channels of the device could not be read. | Check the brand. Use Retry. |
Marking as configured | The last step did not complete. | Use Retry. |
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