STING Mini Digital Video Recorder User’s Guide
Table of Contents Introduction ............................................................................................. 2 STING Mini Package Contents............................................................... 2 STING Mini Views ............................................................................... 3 Getting Started ......................................................................................... 4 First-Time Charging .................................................................
Introduction Introduction STING Mini is a wearable digital video recorder capable of recording video and audio in MPEG-2 format. Recordings are stored on an SD card and can then be played back using the STING Mini, downloaded from the SD card to a personal computer. STING Mini is designed mainly for surveillance purposes by lawenforcement and government organizations, for portable video/audio recording featuring the highest quality available.
Introduction STING Mini Views Top View On the top of the STING Mini, there are three buttons that enable you to quickly and easily use the device. These buttons include: • Status • Record • Erase Side View When viewing the top of the device, the side panel on the right side contains the ON-OFF switch. When you switch the device on, the two LEDs on the left side of the top panel flash in an alternating pattern as the device starts up.
Getting Started Getting Started When you receive your STING Mini, remove it from the packaging, check that you have all the accessories (see page 2), and then follow the instructions below. Each step is explained in more detail in a following section. To use the STING Mini: 1. Charge the unit. 2. Install STING Mini Media Center. 3. Set the current time. 4. Insert the SD card. 5. Connect the A/V cable to the STING Mini. 6. Connect a camera or microphone to the A/V cable.
Getting Started To install the STING Mini Media Center: 1. Insert the STING Mini™ CD into your CD-ROM drive in your computer. The CD contains files for both the STING Mini as well as other STING products. Before installing the Media Center, verify that you are accessing the appropriate sub folder. 2. Double click on the sting mini.exe file. The application is installed in a default location and an icon is placed on your desktop for quick access.
Getting Started 8. Click Format to toggle between date and time formats. 9. To set the location of the time/date stamp for the recording sessions, select from one of the following options: • Top left • Top right • Bottom left • Bottom right 10. Click Set Time to set the current time on the STING Mini device. 11. Click Exit Setup to return to the main menu. 12. Restart the STING Mini. Connecting Camera / Microphone You can connect any video camera to the STING Mini.
Recording with STING Mini Recording with STING Mini This chapter explains how to start and stop a recording session, receive status indications, and review the buttons and lights on the STING Mini device. There are two ways to start or stop a recording session: • Via the remote control cable included with the STING Mini package. • Via the Record button on the device. The STING Mini's lights may show through thin fabrics.
Recording with STING Mini To set recording mode/quality on the unit: While STING Mini is booting up the Record's LED is solid red and the SD Status LED is flashing green.
Recording with STING Mini To resume a recording: Press the Record button on the device (or on the remote control cable). Memory Status Indication You should occasionally check the SD card’s available memory, to avoid running out of storage space during a recording. The same procedure checks if the SD Card is present and functioning. You can only check the memory status if the STING Mini is set to record video and audio (not audio only), and if it is not currently recording.
Recording with STING Mini Alarm Indication When the remote control cable vibrates continuously, this is an alarm. Press the remote control button to stop the vibration. An alarm indicates one of the following: • The camera cable has been disconnected (lost video-sync). • The SD card has been removed or dislodged. • The STING Mini has suffered a severe malfunction and cannot continue recording. To resume recording after an alarm indication: 1.
Recording with STING Mini Returning to Factory Default While STING Mini is booting up the Record's LED is solid red and the SD Status LED is flashing green. After approximately 25 seconds, the Record LED changes to green (if there is a media card inserted in the STING Mini, otherwise it is red), and the SD Status LED indicates the current setting for the recording mode. At this point, you have up to 10 seconds to return the unit to its default factory settings.
Using the STING Mini Media Center Using the STING Mini Media Center The STING Mini Media Center is a software program that communicates with your STING Mini, and enables you to preview, upload and delete recordings.
Using the STING Mini Media Center • Video quality • System messages and recording sessions • Time/date stamping and version control Installing the STING Mini Media Center The STING Mini Media Center is included on the product CD shipped with each unit. To install the Media Center, double-click on setup.exe. The STING Mini Media Center will open. Accessing the STING Media Center 1. Click the program’s desktop icon, or click the Start button and select Programs > STING > STING Media Center.
Using the STING Mini Media Center On the left side of the screen, the file name, creating date and time, and the file size are displayed for each file. You can use your mouse to navigate through the list. The File Browser area offers you several options: 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(s) are deleted. To preview a file: Select a file on the left side of the screen and click Preview.
Using the STING Mini Media Center To copy files: • Click Copy Files and then specify the location to which the selected file or files should be copied.
Using the STING Mini 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 required. Record Settings In the Record Settings section, you can enable the Record Settings for the STING Mini.
Using the STING Mini Media Center 3. If you would like to change the format of the date or time, you can toggle to a different format in the Format section. 4.
Technical Specs Technical Specs Physical dimensions 60mm X 40mm X 19mm Memory type SD Card Storage capacity Shipped with a 4GB SD Card. Video storage format Digital MPEG-2. Recording time 45 minutes of recording. Up to 8 hours video (depending on quality and battery). Video download time Approx. 30 minutes for 4GB, with USB 2.0 connection. Memory erase time 10 seconds. Internal battery Lithium-iron. Provides approx. 1 hour of operation. External charger Accepts 90-240 VAC.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting Maintenance and Troubleshooting The STING Mini does not require special maintenance. Other than keeping the unit away from moisture, dirt or excessive heat, and occasionally cleaning it with a damp cloth and wiping it dry, it needs no regular maintenance other than recharging the battery. Do not use Acetone, Benzene or any other alcoholic agents when cleaning the unit.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting 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.