Common Q&A of Vehicle Video Camera Surveillance Systems Part 3

System Operation Questions Commonly Asked:



What does the driver have to do to operate the system?
The System, once installed, requires no interaction from the driver as in some cases, it monitors how the driver is operating the vehicle.



Does the driver need the key to the DVR to operate it?
No. Drivers are not to have access to the DVR memory storage so they should never be given the key.
Part of the reason they are to remain outside the chain of custody for the key and the video file evidence is that if there is ever a crime or an accusation the driver committed a crime or offense, when the driver’s supervisor, police, or courts request the video file evidence stored on the memory device that is secured by the key lock if that is missing the driver immediately looks guilty of the crime and destruction of evidence.

This is the exact same issue we have with Police Prisoner & Inmate in-Custody Transport Camera systems; the officers are never given the key to the DVR as the system cannot protect them from false claims made by suspects if they have the key, the evidence will be from a broken chain of custody, and thus the evidence could be suspect itself for authenticity.
Even those who transport cannabis have the same need for Cannabis Transport Vehicle Camera Recorder systems to verify or disprove claims against their drivers of theft of the cannabis or the cash they transport.



How can the driver tell if the system is working?
The DVR faceplate has rows of LED indications that display the DVR is powered up, Recording, GPS functional, SD card is being written to, as well as Alarm LEDs that there is a problem that needs to be addressed.



How long can the DVR store files?
This depends on several variables; memory storage device size, the number of cameras, and the camera resolution in the camera frame rate. We have created a basic Memory Storage Matrix that we use in the shop to calculate the hours at most average settings.



Can the DVR get wet?
Yes and No.
The DVR can get wet and still function up to the point the water gets inside the DVR where it will short the circuity as standard low-cost school bus video camera systems are not waterproof. The same equipment used in the Special Needs Wheelchair Bus Camera Surveillance systems will likewise suffer the same fate as those DVRs that are not environmentally sealed to protect them from water, dust, or high humidity.

However, we do offer an Industrial Grade Vehicle Video Camera Recording system for use in Forklift HD Industrial Operator Safety Camera Systems where they operate in a hostile environment that is waterproof, the cameras are waterproof, the DVR and the LCD display are all waterproof, and environmentally sealed so they can even function in the 5th Wheel King Pin Trailer CS1 Spotter Yard Mule Camera application where tractor-trailers get high “G” impact slammed all day long moving trailers around in yards for loading and unloading by mule tracks.



When does the system start recording?
When properly installed, the system will boot up, then start recording when the vehicle ignition is started.
The DVR will receive video and audio streams of data from the multiple cameras and record that data to the memory storage device.



Why do the cameras have a reddish glow in low light?
The cameras are equipped with Night Vision capabilities, so in the daytime, the Infra-Red IR LEDs are turned off. In low light or no light, the IR LEDs are activated and what you see is not the IR Light they emit; you are seeing high-intensity LEDs glowing as their electricity passes through the diodes, which actually glow. Normal IR LEDs do not glow, but as buses are long, we requested the “High intensity” LEDs to light up the entire inside of the bus, so the range is double that of the standard LEDs, and as an added benefit, they glow to let the bus passengers know what they are doing in the dark is being recorded. As in the dark, they do not have the ability to read to public video surveillance disclaimer decals we send with the systems.



Can these products help reduce customer behavior and complaint issues?
Yes, the implementation of these devices can make the driver more aware of their accountability, and can help the customers feel better knowing anything bad that happens to them can be witnessed and recorded by this device, and their claims about mistreatment will not be he said she said.
Considerations or risks are in play when you have legal custody over a transported passenger in any of the below applications:
School Bus Child Safety Camera systems
Elderly Day Care Shuttle & Assisted Living Transportation Vehicle Video Camera
Paratransit Driver Safety Video Camera Surveillance System
Police Prisoner Paddy Wagon Transport Camera Systems
Before & After Care School Child Day Care Pickup In-vehicle Shuttle Safety Cameras
Head Start  Pre-K Pre-School Nursery School Child Safety Bus Camera Recorder systems

The system came with Stickers, do we need to use them?
The decals included with the system are a public notice compliance requirement in some applications. We suggest placing them under the camera in front of the bus so those entering and exiting the bus can be warned they are being monitored.



The system records audio as well as video; can we disable the audio?
Yes, you can disable audio software in the DVR program menu and via hardware disconnection by unplugging the connector for Audio from the camera or do both.
Some applications like Forklift HD Industrial Operator Safety Camera Systems or law enforcement officers driving in a Police Prisoner & Inmate in-Custody Transport Camera equipped vehicle may not want the conversations recorded.




Can we mount cameras outside the vehicle?
Yes, but the cameras need to be waterproof.
We sell exterior waterproof cameras if needed.



Can we mount the LCD that came with the system on the dash?
Normally that would be a violation of DOT or Traffic laws as it would distract the driver while operating the vehicle.
The only applications we sell systems that can do that are 5th Wheel King Pin Trailer CS1 Spotter Yard Mule Camera systems where the driver is not on the highway but operating in a truck yard moving trailers, and the law enforcement system Police Prisoner & Inmate in-Custody Transport Camera systems as some police transport vehicle shave boxed in metal compartments the driver cannot see the inmate in, s the display lets the driver know if the inmate need help or is acting in a destructive way.



What is the largest SD memory card we can use in the system?
We offer 512GB SDXC memory cards. I believe they now make a 1TB SDXC memory card but we have not had a chance to test those yet.



How do I maintain or check the cameras?
You can use the Setup LCD monitor that you used to install aim cameras and program the DVR to verify the camera image is good, or you can watch a recorded video to see if the camera angles are working for you.



How do I align cameras that have moved from their installation view?
The cameras have security set screws on the shell, loosen the set screws and use the LCD setup monitor to view the camera image and adjust the camera accordingly.



How do I check the DVR to make sure it works?
Plug the LCD into the DVR and, using the DVR remote go to the menu, select playback, and watch the most recent video to see if everything is functional. You can also pull the memory storage device and watch the video on your PC using our free video player software.



Do I need to do anything to the system for maintenance?
This is a common question asked by almost every Student Transportation School Bus Camera system user as well as the Special Needs Wheelchair School Bus Video Surveillance Systems fleet directors who must manage the additional risk of transporting school students from home to school in Wheelchair Lift Bus Camera equipped vehicles.
Not to ensure system integrity, but you should be monitoring system function by checking;
Daily verify LEDs on the face of DVR show it is powered up
Weekly check of video recorded on DVR
Start of the school year, check cameras is pointed properly, clean the lenses, and verify the video is recording.
Winter break again is a good time to check cameras are pointed properly, clean the lenses, and verify the video is recording.



How long do these system components last?
On a test bench, nothing seems to wear out.

Each vehicle application may differ depending on the operating environment of that application. For example:


Generally speaking, a vehicle, Commercial Grade (lowest cost & light duty) DVRs will last from 3-to 5 years, without service issues.
In a vehicle, cameras will last 20+ years.
By contrast, the Industrial Grade Vehicle Video Camera Recorders can last 10+ years as they were made to survive much more hostile environments that often destroy the lower cost shorter life of the commercial grade DVRs. Again you get what you pay for.

In a vehicle, camera cables seem to last until they are moved to another vehicle.
Please note the entire system can be covered under the optional Testudo Lifetime Vehicle Video Camera System Warranty, where every component purchased is warranted for life.



Should you have any questions, concerns, or require more information about various applications or Fleet Vehicle Video Camera Recorder configurations, we encourage you to let us know, and we will be happy to offer our 30+ years of market experience in sales and service of digital recording devices to respond to your concerns or questions.