How to install a hard drive in a Camius DVR or NVR?
Installing a hard drive in a DVR (digital video recorder) or an NVR (network video recorder) (DVR NVR for short) is a relatively straightforward process. Still, it is essential to follow the steps carefully to ensure proper installation and prevent damage to the equipment. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install a hard drive in your surveillance DVR NVR recorder. Camius network and hybrid digital video recorders accept 3.5″ internal hard drive disks and 2.5″ SSD up to 10TB capacity for each SATA port. Therefore, the below examples are based on installing one and two SATA hard drives.
1 – Gather Tools and Equipment: You will need a Phillips head screwdriver, the hard drive you want to install, and any necessary screws (when you order a DVR or NVR from Camius without a pre-installed hard drive, the product box will include a set of screws for the hard drive disk installation).
2 – IMPORTANT: Make sure your DVR / NVR is unplugged and powered off
3 – Removing the Top Cover or the Video Recorder: Remove any screws from the Recorder’s top cover (chassis) using a Philips head screwdriver. Carefully remove the top chassis and set it aside (picture 1)
4 – Insert the Hard Drive: Place the hard drive into the hard drive bay, ensuring the drive is oriented correctly and appropriately seated.
5 – Connect the SATA Data and Power Cables: Connect the Data and Power cables to the two hard disk drives and place the hard disk drives on the video recorder’s case. The Data cable connects the hard drive to the DVR NVR’s motherboard. Locate the SATA port on the DVR’s motherboard and connect one end of the SATA cable to it. Then, connect the other end of the cable to the hard drive. The SATA Power cable provides power to the hard drive. Locate the SATA Power cable and connect one end to the hard drive and another to the Power Supply (pictures 2 and 3)
6 – Secure the hard drive with srews: Carefully flip the video recorder case and secure the hard disk drives to the recorder with the four (4) screws if it is one SATA HDD (pictures 4 and 5) and eight (8) screws for the 2 SATA HDDs (picture 6)
Picture 4 – DVR with one internal SATA bay
Picture 5 – DVR with one internal SATA bay
Picture 6 – NVR with two internal SATA bays
7 – Return the DVR NVR top cover: Place the top cover on the DVR NVR and secure it with the screws (picture 7)
Picture 7 – DVR with one internal SATA bay
8 – Power on the DVR NVR: Power on the DVR NVR and allow it to boot up completely. If the hard drive was installed correctly and is in working condition, it should be recognized by the DVR and ready for use and remember to format (here is the guide on how to format the hard drive). Ensure to use the power supply with the Camius video recorder.
IMPORTANT: Some users may find an issue when the hard drive is not recognized or not showing on the DVR. One of the major reasons could be a wrong or defective recorder’s power supply.
If you need to replace a defective power supply with an expired warranty, you can order them direct from Camius:
That’s it! Your DVR NVR should now have a new hard drive installed, allowing it to store more video footage. Follow these steps carefully and seek additional assistance if you encounter any difficulties.