FAQs
Here you can find solutions to the most common problems that you may encounter during the use of RedLeaf Inc.'s products.
If your product doesn't work, make sure that:
- Power is connected to the product and the Power LED is on.
- The network connection is up and running.
- The product is updated to the latest firmware version.
Reset to default factory settings if none of the above works.
1 .
How do I reset my RedLeaf product to the factory default settings?
2 .
What is a network IP camera?
A network camera is also known as an IP camera or an internet camera and is generally different from a traditional CCTV camera or a webcam. It is a new generation of digital surveillance camera, capable of passing its images over a computer network such as the internet or a company Ethernet. These cameras do not need to be attached to a PC in order to operate – they are small computers in themselves, and just plug into the network or a phone line via a box called a router. Network cameras are gradually replacing traditional analogue CCTV cameras, because of the additional features that they offer, such as automatic recording and sending of images if motion is detected, and the ability to see live images at any time on any PC anywhere, just using a standard browser like Microsoft Internet Explorer. You can also log in to see live images on most modern mobile phones.
3 .
Does the f-stop matter when choosing a lens?
Yes, lenses are usually specified as having a minimum and maximum f-stop rating; the f-stop is a measure of how efficiently the lens allows light from the scene, to pass through the lens and onto the camera sensor. The maximum aperture (when the lens is fully open), is the minimum f-stop number and the minimum aperture, (just before the lens completely closes) is the maximum f-stop number. A low minimum f-stop number means that the lens can pass more light through during dark conditions, which will produce better pictures at night. A high maximum f-stop number may be necessary where there is a high level of light or reflection. This will prevent the camera whiting out.
4 .
How do I include video from my RedLeaf network camera on a web page?
Here are several methods you can use:
Method 1: The first and easiest way is to set up a direct connection to the camera on a web page. Each user will then get a direct connection to the camera, which means that the number of simultaneous users will be limited.
Method 2: The second, more advanced, method is based on having the camera push images to a web server. As the connection between client and camera is indirect and one way, the frame rate will be lower, PTZ control will not be possible and audio will not be available. Thus, as the web server will handle the Internet load, a larger number of simultaneous users is possible.
Method 3: The third way is based on using a third-party streaming application such as Microsoft Expression Encoder.
Please note that not all RedLeaf network camera models/firmware revisions can be used with the methods listed here.
5 .
How can I assign a static IP address to my RedLeaf camera when routine methods fail?
The camera’s default IP-address (192.168.1.108) can be used to configure it.
Follow the instructions below:
1- Reset your RedLeaf camera to the factory defaults as described in the Installation Guide.
2- Set your PC’s IP address to a free address in the range 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.254. (Do not use 192.168.1.108 as this is the default address of your RedLeaf unit.)
3- Using a crossover network cable, connect the camera to your PC’s network card and power it up. Make sure that only one network connection is established between PC and your RedLeaf unit.
4- Use your Internet browser and enter 192.168.1.108
5- Configure your RedLeaf unit using its web interface by adding the desired IP address, Default Router Address and Subnet Mask to the Network Setting. If you use an IP address outside the range 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.254 the unit will not be accessible after confirming the settings.
6- Disconnect the RedLeaf unit.
7- If required, reset the PC’s IP address to the original value and return the devices to the desired network.
For information on how to set IP addresses on your PC, please refer to the documentation for your operating system.
6 .
Where can I find the password for my RedLeaf product?
There is no possibility to find the password. If the password is lost, the RedLeaf product needs to be reset by restoring the factory default settings and re-configured.
Instructions on how to perform a factory default can be found in the Installation Guide/User's Manual for your product. You will find the user documentation on the Support page for your respective product:
7 .
Which web browsers support RedLeaf video products?
Generally speaking, Microsoft Internet Explorer natively supports RedLeaf products after installing the required Active-X components on your PC. For Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox you need to also install Quick Time Plug-in for properly viewing the video footage of your RedLeaf products. For more details about supported browsers, please refer to your product’s user manual.
8 .
Why can't I access my RedLeaf network camera from the Internet? I can access the camera locally.
Devices on a LAN are not automatically visible from the Internet. A LAN is often connected to the Internet using a router and typically only the external IP address of that router can be seen from outside. In order to address devices on the LAN from the Internet, the router can be customized with rules that specify how the network camera on the LAN can be reached. This technique is called port forwarding.
For more information about port forwarding, you can visit on www.portforward.com.
9 .
How can I record images/video from RedLeaf video products?
The first an easiest method is by directly recording images and video to the hard disk of the user’s PC via the web interface of the camera. This type of recording can also be indirectly activated by an external alarm or event.
Many RedLeaf cameras also support SD memory cards, so the second method is to record the video footage locally on the SD memory card.
The third and the most formal method is to use an external recording application, such as the RLC-Manager software which will allow you to view and manage a large number of cameras. If you need more advanced or specific recording tools, there is a wide range of third-party software solutions available for Windows and Linux platforms.
10 .
What camera housing should I use and at what IP Rating?
Camera housings come in various shapes and sizes. With regard to the correct IP rating protection, this will range from dust and water ingress. This system is governed by a number of European and British standards.
For more information about IP ratings and their meanings please refer to our white papers’ section
here.
11 .
What is the maximum distance I can run 12VDC when powering a camera?
This is a commonly asked question and there is no simple answer. Some manufacturers may recommend that their cameras can be run over (X) distance with (Y) cable. This however should still be considered as a general guide. Cable conductor size and installation route must also be taken into consideration. If you are unsure, we would recommend that you contact our Technical Support for guidance.
12 .
How do I report a broken or faulty product?
First, please have a look at our FAQ page to see if there is already a solution to the problem you have.
Otherwise please send an email to Support@RedLeafSecurity.net and include these information in the body of your message:
- Product Category
- Product model
- Product serial number
- Problem area
- Problem summary
- A detailed description of the problem and if possible include the following:
Date of purchase
Current firmware version of unit
If possible attach a copy server report from the unit and example images in case of image problems.
Your request will be investigated by the RedLeaf Support team and we will respond as soon as possible.
