Zosi Camera Not Recording 24/7? Here’s How to Fix It
A security camera that doesn't record continuously is a significant liability. If you've discovered that your Zosi security system isn't recording 24/7 as expected, you have a gap in your security coverage. This issue can stem from incorrect settings, hardware problems, or storage limitations. This comprehensive guide will help you diagnose the reason your Zosi camera isn't recording around the clock and provide clear, step-by-step instructions to resolve the problem and ensure your property is always monitored.
Common Reasons for Zosi Recording Failures
Before you can fix the problem, it's important to understand what might be causing it. Several factors can prevent your Zosi system from performing continuous recording.
- Incorrect Recording Schedule: The most common issue is a simple misconfiguration where the system is set to motion detection or scheduled recording instead of continuous.
- Hard Drive (HDD) Issues: The hard drive might be full, not formatted, faulty, or not correctly installed.
- Power Supply Problems: An unstable or inadequate power supply can cause the DVR/NVR to reboot or fail to power the hard drive.
- Outdated Firmware: Bugs in the system's firmware could be interfering with recording operations.
- Camera Connection Faults: The camera itself might have a poor connection to the recorder, interrupting the video stream.
Step-by-Step Guide to Enable 24/7 Recording on Zosi
Follow these instructions to troubleshoot and restore your Zosi system's continuous recording functionality.
### 1. Verify the Recording Schedule
First, ensure your system is actually set to record 24/7.
- Access the Main Menu: Right-click on the live view screen and select "Main Menu."
- Navigate to Record Settings: Go to "Setup" or "Record" and then find the "Schedule" or "Record Schedule" section.
- Set to Continuous: You will see a grid representing the hours of the day for each camera (channel). Select the desired camera, and make sure the entire grid is coloured in for "Normal" or "Continuous" recording (often represented by the colour green).
- Apply to All Cameras: Use the "Copy" or "Apply to All" function to quickly set the same schedule for all your cameras.
- Save Your Settings: Click "Apply" or "Save" to confirm the changes.
### 2. Inspect the Hard Drive (HDD)
A problem with your hard drive will directly impact recording.
- Check HDD Status: In the "Main Menu," go to "System," "Information," or "HDD Info." Here, you can see the status of your hard drive. It should show as "Normal" or "Readable" with the correct capacity.
- Format the Hard Drive: If the HDD is new or showing errors, it may need to be formatted. In the HDD management menu, select the drive and choose the "Format" option. Warning: This will erase all existing footage.
- Enable Overwrite: Ensure the "Overwrite" feature is enabled. This allows the system to automatically delete the oldest recordings to make space for new ones when the drive is full. This is essential for 24/7 recording.
- Reseat the Hard Drive: If the drive is not detected, power down the DVR/NVR, unplug it, open the case, and check that the SATA and power cables for the hard drive are securely connected.
### 3. Check Power and Connections
Consistent power is critical for continuous operation.
- Use the Correct Power Adapter: Make sure you are using the original power adapter that came with your Zosi system. A different adapter may not provide sufficient amperage.
- Ensure a Stable Power Source: Plug the DVR/NVR directly into a wall outlet, avoiding extension cords or power strips if possible, to rule out power delivery issues.
- Check Camera Cables: A loose or damaged BNC (for analogue) or Ethernet (for IP) cable can cause video loss and interrupt recording for that specific camera. Inspect the connections at both the camera and recorder ends.
### 4. Update the Firmware
Updating your system's firmware can resolve software bugs that may be causing the recording issue.
- Find Your Model Number: Locate the model number of your Zosi DVR/NVR in the system information screen.
- Download Firmware: Visit the official Zosi support website and search for the latest firmware for your model. Download it to a USB flash drive.
- Install the Update: Insert the USB drive into the DVR/NVR, navigate to the "Upgrade" or "Update" section in the system menu, and follow the prompts to install the new firmware.
By carefully following this guide, you can effectively troubleshoot and fix the vast majority of issues preventing your Zosi camera system from recording 24/7, ensuring you have an unbroken record of activity around your property.