FTP w/ RLN16-410

VenLup25

I'm using the RLN16-410 w/ build build 1704070 NVR and I'm learning how to use the FTP and a back up option. I can't/won't update the firmware. This is my second NVR. I tried to update the firmware on a previous NVR and it bricked on me. I don't trust it. Anyways, despite setting it to "image only", I still get short video clips. When I go back in and look, it changed itself to "Clear video and image". Is there a way to just get still images? Also, trying to convert the .264 file is a huge pain. I have no idea why this was done in the first place. Anyways, can I change the file format to make this easier? I have to convert each file every time I want to view the event. Any ideas?

Cynthia

Please upgrade your NVR to see if the FTP issue can be solved. If you cannot upgrade the NVR successfully, please contact our support team at support@reolink.com. They will help you.

VenLup25

I can’t afford the downtime when my NVR locks up when trying to update the firmware. I’m in the United States and your tech support is open when I’m sleeping. I’m sure there is another way to achieve the outcome I’m looking for.

Crimp On

Reolink tech support is "email only", so I have a pattern of sending a detailed message, then expecting a response the next day.

Not having an NVR, my only experience is with the Reolink Windows Client and my individual cameras. I believe there was a discussion on this forum recently about there being a bug in the FTP configuration where changing it with the new client and the web interface did what you describe but the older Windows Client 7.2.2.33 worked correctly.
If there really is a bug in the Reolink NVR software, that is something Reolink support should know about.

I use VLC to view motion files Downloaded or FTP'd from my cameras. No conversion step required. 5KPlayer also displays them (I just find that program less 'friendly'.)

bits

I wrote a free open source Windows app that can convert the .264 files you likely have if you are interested.

For me the first step would be to update firmware as the problem may have been fixed.

Cynthia

We had put an upgrade profile in the attachment, could you please have a try?

If you don't know how to do it, please contact our support team at support@reolink.com.

They will help you.

VenLup25

UPDATE!!

I apologize for being stubborn, but I was able to update their firmware with no issue! No more .264 files! However I do have a new annoyance. When the NVR sends a file, it creates three additional folders beyond the one I name in the FTP settings. The folders are 2020, 01, and then 20. Obviously it's todays date. I prefer as few folders as possible! Any ideas?!

Crimp On

This is correct. It was really common back in the "DOS Days" to limit the number of files in a directory and this is one of the common strategies (year, month, day). I do not know of a method that will get the Reolink FTP client to not do this. I agree that would be a useful setup option in the camera/NVR program.

My FTP serer is hosted on Windows, so I have written a batch script that runs every day to "clean up" my FTP files.
i.e. I purge the images after a certain number of days, then purge the video files after a different number of day, and delete any empty subdirectories. My script is attached below. It should be possible to change the script to copy the files to a different directory first, purge them from the original directory, and then delete the original directory.

ECHO Remove JPG files older than 3 days
Forfiles /p D:\Reolink\FrontDoorCam /s /m *.jpg /d -3 /c "cmd /c del @file /f /q"
Forfiles /p D:\Reolink\HondaCam /s /m *.jpg /d -3 /c "cmd /c del @file /f /q"
Forfiles /p D:\Reolink\PickupCam /s /m *.jpg /d -3 /c "cmd /c del @file /f /q"
Forfiles /p D:\Reolink\ShedCam /s /m *.jpg /d -3 /c "cmd /c del @file /f /q"
Forfiles /p D:\Reolink\SideCam /s /m *.jpg /d -3 /c "cmd /c del @file /f /q"
ECHO Remove MPG files older than 15 days
Forfiles /p D:\Reolink\FrontDoorCam /s /d -15 /c "cmd /c del @file /f /q"
Forfiles /p D:\Reolink\HondaCam /s /d -15 /c "cmd /c del @file /f /q"
Forfiles /p D:\Reolink\PickupCam /s /d -15 /c "cmd /c del @file /f /q"
Forfiles /p D:\Reolink\ShedCam /s /d -8 /c "cmd /c del @file /f /q"
Forfiles /p D:\Reolink\SideCam /s /d -15 /c "cmd /c del @file /f /q"
ECHO Remove Empty Directories
Robocopy D:\Reolink D:\Reolink /S /MOVE

Cynthia

Please contact https://support.reolink.com/hc/en-us/. Our support team will provide further help.