1. What's in the box?
In the WatchBot box, you'll find a WatchBot Camera, Wi-Fi Antenna, Software CD including User Guide and Camera Tool Software (Windows only), DC Power Supply (5V 2A), Ethernet Network Cable, Wall Mounting bracket, Alarm I/O Connection Kit.
2. Product overview
The WatchBot Home Security Camera is an integrated wireless monitoring camera solution. It combines a high quality digital video camera with network connectivity and a powerful web server, allowing you to view live video on your Desktop PC, Laptop or Mobile device using your local network or remotely over the Internet. The basic function of the WatchBot is transmitting remote video over an IP network.
The video image is transmitted with up to 30fps speed over a LAN/WAN by using MJPEG hardware compression technology.
The WatchBot is based on the TCP/IP standard. There is a web server inside which supports modern web browsers, making management and maintenance of your device simple and intuitive. You can use the WatchBot camera to remotely monitor, for example, your home, office, car or pets. Controlling the camera and managing the live video image is easily accessible via a web browser.
2.1 Technical Specification
• Powerful high-speed video protocol processor
• High-sensitivity 1/4" CMOS sensor
• 300K Pixels
• Infra-Red night vision (Range: 3-5m)
• Optimised MJPEG video compression for transmission
• Multi-level users management and passwords definition
• Embedded Web Server for users to view the camera live video feed via a web browser
• Supports Wireless Networks (Wi-Fi/802.11/b/g) mobile. Range: 10m-15m (approx).
• Supports Dynamic IP (DDNS) and UPnP LAN
• Alarm for motion detection
• Front microphone
• Speaker mini-jack socket
• Support one-way (I/O) alarm connection
• Image snapshot
• Multiple network protocols incl: HTTP/TCP/IP/UDP/SMTP/DDNS/DHCP/FTP
• Remote system update
2.2 Approximate Dimensions
• Width: 90mm
• Depth: 110mm (plus antenna = 120mm)
• Height: 115mm
2.3 Care
The WatchBot camera is designed to be used indoors. The manufacturer and distributor assume no liability for damage arising from using the device outdoors.
• Working temperature is limited to between 0°C - 50°C and humidity is limited to between 5% - 90%.
• Avoid inflammable and explosive environments;
• Do not expose to excessive vibration and do not place other items on the camera;
• Avoid installing near strong magnetic or electrical fields that could damage the unit;
• Always ensure the installation environment is well ventilated;
2.4 Transportation and carrying
The camera packaging ensures the device will not be accidentally damaged during transport.
In handling the unit, it is best to use the original packaging. Avoid moving the camera between extremely cold and hot environments which may result in condensation forming.
2.5 Maintenance and protection
• Please refrain from opening the camera housing to avoid damage and risk of electric shock.
• Please only use the original power adapter. Use of unauthorised power adapters can damage the camera.
• Touching the camera lens will leave fingerprints and cause image blurring.
• Do not immerse in liquid
2.6 A Quick Look at the camera
A short overview of the camera housing and basic features.
3. Connecting the hardware
Connecting together the basic components.
4. The Camera Tool software
If you're having difficulty with the CD-ROM, the Windows software can be downloaded from here.
Troubleshooting note: If you are getting the 'Subnet doesn't match, double-click to change' message, firstly left-click the error meesage (it will go blue), then right-click and choose 'Network Configuration' from the context menu. When the dialogue window appears, check the box which says 'Obtain IP from DHCP server' and click 'OK'. If the error message persists, please check your network settings.
Mac users: The software provided is Windows only, so please download and install IP Scanner software (free to use for up to six wireless devices). This will allow you to determine the local IP address of your camera. The camera should appear as 'IP_CAM...' Once found, type this into your web-browser to access the interface login.
Microsoft Active X
Some WatchBot camera functions such as recording and audio require ActiveX controls to be enabled. ActiveX is not required when using other browsers such as Firefox, Chrome or Safari, however some features are limited. Once ActiveX is correctly configured within Internet Explorer, you will see the live video feed from your WatchBot camera and a green light will appear next to '1' under 'Device Status'. When asked to allow ActiveX controls, click 'Allow'. (see below).
For more details on configuring ActiveX, should you require it, please visit this website.
IE Protected Mode
When you first visit the Camera Web UI in Internet Explorer, you will need to add the local IP address of your camera to Internet Explorer's Trusted Sites list.
In Internet Explorer click the cog icon (top-right) and go to Internet Options | Security | Trusted Sites | Sites and Add the website to the zone. Please uncheck 'Require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone'. You may need to do this multiple times if your IP address changes.
Fixing the Local IP Address of the camera
It may be necessary to fix the local IP address of the Camera rather than using DHCP to assign one dynamically. Doing so will reserve an address for the camera on your network which will remain in place even if the camera or router is turned off.
IP Address: Use the address the Camera Tool software found or any free IP address on your local network
Subnet Mask: Almost always 255.255.255.0 (as above) but please contact your Service Provider if in doubt
Gateway: This is usually the local IP address of your router
DNS Server: This can be left as Gateway, or if
you know the specific address of your primary DNS server, use that. Also Google provide a free DNS service which works very well - for this use 8.8.8.8
Http Port: If you are being redirected to your router page when trying to access your camera, insert a different port number here. If you are setting up more than one camera, use a different port number for each one. Eg. 81, 82, 83 etc.
User/Password: Leave as the default, unless you have previously changed these details
5. The WatchBot Web User Interface
Depending in which browser you view the WatchBot Web UI, it will look and function slightly differently. All functions are available to Internet Explorer, whereas if using other browsers, recording of the live video feed, audio functions and camera multi-view are not possible. (See 9. Supporting Information for other solutions).
Different appearance/functions of the right-panel, depending on browser:
5.1 Camera controls and features
Fig. 1 - Viewing the live video feed and controlling the camera via the web browser.
Fig. 2 - Recording video and audio via the web browser*.
*Please note: The in-browser recording features are only available when using Internet Explorer on a Windows PC, however there are third party software applications available which can perform these tasks should you not wish to use IE, or you are a Mac user. Details are at the bottom of the page.
5.2 Walk-through of Camera Settings
Once logged in, these settings can be found under ADMINISTRATION if using Internet Explorer ('Device Management' if not).
device info | alias | date and time | users | multi-device | network | wireless | upnp | msn | ddns | mail | ftp | alarm | ptz | firmware | backup/restore | factory settings | reboot | log | back
5.2.1. Device Info
Here you will find general information about your camera. Eg. Alias, Firmware version, Device ID (MAC Address) and Connectivity status.
5.2.2. Alias Settings
This is where you set the name of your camera.
5.2.3. Date and Time Settings
Set the camera's timezone.
5.2.4. Users Settings
Set up Users, Passwords and Access Privileges.
5.2.5. Multi-Device Settings*
*Only available to Internet Explorer, this function allows you to set up multiple cameras and view them with a split screen. If wishing to access multiple cameras on your local network only, add them in by their local IP address. If wishing to access them over the Internet, add in the camera's external IP address (visit www.watch-bot.net to determine this).
5.2.6. Basic Network Settings
Here you can manually set the network details of the camera. As default, these are set to 'Obtain IP Address from DHCP Server' and 80 as the port number. To set these details differently, uncheck the tick-box and enter in the format below:
IP Address: Use the address the Camera Tool software found or any free IP address on your local network
Subnet Mask: Almost always 255.255.255.0 (as above) but please contact your Service Provider if in doubt
Gateway: This is usually the local IP address of your router
DNS Server: This can be left as Gateway, or if
you know the specific address of your primary DNS server, use that. Also Google provide a free DNS service which works very well - for this use 8.8.8.8
Http Port: If you are being redirected to your router page when trying to access your camera, insert a different port number here. If you are setting up more than one camera, use a different port number for each one. Eg. 81, 82, 83 etc.
5.2.7. Wireless LAN Settings
Enter you Wi-Fi settings here in order to operate your camera wirelessly. The camera can operate via WPA2 (AES) and WEP encryption. Most networks will use WPA2 and the router will not need to be changed. Click 'Scan' to scan for wireless networks (you may have to click more than once) then select your desired network from the top pane. Most of the fields below will be completed automatically. Two examples are below, the first is WPA2 (AES) and the second is WEP.
Above: Example using WPA2 (AES)
Above: Example using WEP
Click 'Submit' and the camera will reboot. Now follow the instructions in the video below for the correct cable procedure:
The camera will begin to move after a short while, and it's IP address should re-appear in the IP Camera Tool window.
5.2.8. UPnP (Universal Plug-n-Play) Settings
This is checked by default. Please ensure UPnP is also enabled on your router. This is necessary for Internet access of your camera. This can be overwritten by manual port forwarding on the router, but is best left enabled.
5.2.9. Windows Live Messenger (MSN) Settings
Set up a Windows Live Messenger account for your WatchBot camera, for quick and easy access to a link to your live video feed wherever you are.
5.2.10. DDNS (Dynamic DNS) Settings
These are preset and do not require editing. They simply provide you with the information of the DDNS service your camera is registered to.
5.2.11. Mail Service Settings
The WatchBot camera can send email notifications if motion is detected (also see 5.2.13. Alarm Service Settings). These emails contain time and date information along with images automatically snapped by the camera at the moment of detection.
A) Enter the 'Sender' email address you want the messages to come from. (This must be a real address).
B) Enter the receiving email address(es) that you want to receive the emails that the camera sends out.
C) Enter the SMTP settings for the sending account. If you don't know these, they can be obtained from your email service provider. Google's 'Gmail' settings appear below as a guide.
| STMP Server: | smtp.gmail.com |
| Transport Layer Security Protocol: | STARTTLS |
| Need Authentication | [Checked] |
| SMTP User: | [Your full Gmail email address] |
| SMTP Password: | [Your regular Gmail account password] |
D) Once settings are entered, you must click on 'Submit' first, then click on 'Test'.
5.2.12. FTP Service Settings
Ifyou have FTP access to a server provided by your web hosting provider etc. you can configure the camera to upload images to the server when motion is detected (also see 5.2.13. Alarm Service Settings). Enter you FTP details in the fields.
If unknown, please contact your web hosting provider.
5.2.13. Alarm Service Settings
The WatchBot camera has a built-in motion sensor and can be configured to sound an alarm (if using Internet Explorer), record 30 second .avi video files, send email alerts and upload images should motion be detected (also see 5.2.11. Mail Service Settings and 5.2.12. FTP Service Settings).
5.2.14. PTZ Settings
Here you can adjust the Pan/Tilt settings of the camera.
5.2.15. Upgrade Device Firmware
Here you can upgrade or re-install the camera firmware and web user-interface. You can download files here.
NOTE: If using these files, please install the Firmware file first, then the WebUI file - otherwise you may cause damage to your camera.
5.2.16. Backup/Restore Settings
This page allows you to Backup your camera settings to a file you can store locally on your computer. This file can then later be used to restore these settings should you need to.
5.2.17. Restore Factory Settings
Click this link to restore the factory settings of the camera. All settings will be reset to their default including usernames, passwords, mail settings and ftp settings etc.
5.2.18. Reboot Device
Click this link to reboot the camera. This will take about 30 seconds to complete.
5.2.19. Log
This shows a plain text log of camera activity including time, date, IP address and alarm triggers.
5.2.20. Back
Return to the camera controls.
6. Router Configuration and Port Forwarding
Often, it is necessary to configure your network router to allow the WatchBot camera to connect. The video and supporting information below should provide you with the information you need to accomplish this.
For this tutorial, we are using the popular NetGear DGN2200 Router. The concepts are the same for any router, however interface and terminology are often different.
For port-forwarding tutorials for many more router makes and models, please visit the PortForward.com Router List web site - http://portforward.com/english/routers/port_forwarding/routerindex.htm This website provides an exhaustive list of router walk-throughs. Using the concepts from the video above, you should be able to follow the tutorials at PortForward.com and successfully set up your router for use with your WatchBot camera.
7. Accessing your camera over the Internet
Your WatchBot camera was assigned a DDNS (Dynamic Domain Name Server) hostname when shipped. It takes the form of 'wbot[5 digits].watch-bot.net'. You will find this printed on a sticker on the bottom of the camera (see below). This address will never change and is used to access your camera remotely over the Internet.
Your default camera login is admin/no password. Note: The 'wbotXXXXX' username and numeric password are only ever required if you have used your camera with a different server (other than watch-bot.net) and need to flash the firmware to return to the watch-bot.net server.
7.1 Use a web browser to remotely view your camera
Ensure your camera is powered on and connected to your network (either with the ethernet cable or wirelessly). If necessary, configure your router to allow your camera to connect.
8. Access your camera on a mobile device
On logging into your camera there is a 'Server Refresh Mode' you can use, which formats the user interface differently for a mobile screen and refreshes the image avery few seconds rather than live video, thus saving on bandwidth. The Sign-in says 'For Andoid, Symbian Browser' but can also be used for iPhone.
Viewing using a mobile browser is not ideal however, especially where certain controls require a long press and interfere with browser functions. A much better solution is a Mobile App. There are links below for apps for iPhone, iPad and Android. This is not an exhaustive list and there are many more apps available. Please note: We don't offer support for these third-party applications and links are provided here purley for information reasons. Download at use at your own risk.
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CamViewer for iPhone Free IP Camera Viewer app for Foscam and similar cameras |
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IP Cam Viewer Lite for Android Free IP Camera Viewer app. |
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IP Cam Viewer Pro for Android Premium IP Camera Viewer app. |
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Cam Viewer for iPad Premium IP Camera Viewer app. |
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9. Supporting information and downloads
10. Contact Technical Support
If you still need more assistance, you can email our dedicated Technical Support Staff who will be pleased to help you. Send your support request to: tickets@watchbot.uservoice.com
Important - A note about Remote Assistance
In special circumstances, the WatchBot Technical Support Team can remotely access a customer's computer in order to attempt to set up a camera on the customer's behalf. This often includes directly accessing the customer's network router and/or editing wireless settings in order for the camera to connect. Extra cameras can be set up remotely for an extra charge. Due warning will always be given where changes affecting connectivity are deemed necessary. It is important to note that The Box Network assumes no responsibility for loss of connectivity and/or loss of data and/or any other malfunction of equipment when this is carried out.
In no event shall The Box Network be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages (including, but not limited to, procurement of substitute goods or services; loss of use, data, or profits; or business interruption) however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or tort (including negligence or otherwise) arising in any way out of the use of remote technical support, even if advised of the possibility of such damage. Remote access is carried out entirely at the customer's own risk.
Other Devices
The Box Network is also not responsible for editing wireless settings on other devices on the customer's local network such as, but not exclusively limited to, laptops, phones, tablets, games consoles and televisions. This must be carried out by the customer themselves.
Third-Party Software
Sometimes WatchBot technical support staff may recommend certain third party software titles for use with the camera. The Box Network cannot be held responsible for any damage to equipment or loss of data resulting from the use of such software.