Resolving the 'Storage Full' Error on Your Abus Recorder
If your Abus security recorder is displaying a "Storage Full" error or has stopped recording, it's a sign that your hard drive has reached its capacity and needs attention. This is a common issue that is usually resolved by changing a single setting to allow for continuous recording.
This guide will explain what this error means and how to configure your Abus system to automatically manage its storage space, ensuring you never miss a moment.
Understanding the 'Storage Full' Problem
Security camera recorders are designed with two options for when the hard disk drive (HDD) becomes full:
- Stop Record: This is often the default setting. It protects existing footage from being deleted, but it also means that no new video will be recorded until you manually clear space. This is the reason you are seeing the error.
- Overwrite (or Recycle): This is the standard mode for surveillance systems. It operates on a "first-in, first-out" principle. When the drive is full, the recorder automatically deletes the oldest block of footage (e.g., the oldest day) to create space for the newest recordings.
To ensure your property remains protected, you need to switch your system from "Stop Record" to "Overwrite."
How to Enable Overwriting on an Abus Recorder
The exact menu names can differ slightly between Abus models, but the process is generally the same.
- Access the Main Menu: Right-click on the live view screen and select "Main Menu" from the options. You will need to log in with your administrator password.
- Navigate to Record Settings: Once logged in, locate the "Record" or "Recording" section. This is often represented by a red dot icon.
- Find Advanced or Storage Options: Within the Record menu, look for a tab or sub-menu labelled "Advanced," "Recycle Record," or "Storage Mode."
- Enable Overwrite: You should find an option that determines the behaviour when the disk is full. This might be a checkbox labelled "Overwrite" or a dropdown menu. Change the setting from "Stop Recording" to "Enable Overwrite" or "Recycle Record."
- Save and Exit: Be sure to click "Apply" or "Save" to confirm the change. You can then exit the menu.
Your Abus recorder is now configured for continuous, hands-free operation. It will keep recording new footage without you ever needing to manually manage the storage.
Tips for Extending Your Storage Duration
If you want the footage on your hard drive to cover a longer period (e.g., 30 days instead of 14), you can optimise your settings to use less disk space per day.
- Switch to Motion Detection: The most effective way to save space is to only record when something is happening. In the "Schedule" menu, you can change the recording type from "Continuous" (a solid bar) to "Motion" or "Event" (often a different colour). This means the recorder will only use disk space when there is activity in front of the camera.
- Adjust Encoding Settings: In the "Camera" or "Encode" menu, you can adjust the video quality.
- Frame Rate (FPS): Lowering the FPS from 25 to 15 can nearly double your storage capacity with minimal noticeable difference in playback smoothness.
- Resolution: If your system is set to its maximum resolution, a small reduction can save significant space over time.
- Bitrate: Reducing the bitrate will save space, but can also lower the image quality. It is best to adjust this in small increments.
By enabling the overwrite function and fine-tuning your recording schedule, you can ensure your Abus security system is a reliable, "set-it-and-forget-it" solution.