Annke Firmware update

bigalsj

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Hi, I was wondering if anyone else has run into issues updating firmware on Annke nvr’s? The nvr my buddy gave me has an older version of firmware version 3.4.97. I’ve downloaded the updated firmware for my model of nvr (N48PAW).

When I try to update from nvr using usb stick I get a mismatch error. When I have the system check for an update it says in broken English that there isn’t a new version available.

when I try from the nvr’s web interface using IE on a windows 7 desktop it also fails. I updated the webplugin for IE but no luck. I tried moving the file location in case it was due to path or folder permissions. Still no luck however the error changed from “progress can’t be displayed “ and failing . After moving file and setting permissions on file I now get an “upgrade failed “.

ieven Try finding the firmware for a hikvision nvr with similar specs, but file type isn’t recognized. I’m currently trying the tftp method, but not sure I fully understand that process. I can’t get nvr to find tftp server.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
 

wittaj

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You really need to be asking yourself why are you updating? If it is just for grins and giggles or OCD behavior to be running the latest firmware, think twice.

A common theme around here is don't fix what ain't broke. If the unit is working and meets your needs, in many instances an update breaks what you had working and provides you with something you didn't need or bricks the camera. In most instances, updates are simply security vulnerability patches (usually years after the breach was found), but since we do not give our cameras internet access, the update is useless to us.

Here are issues I have seen people report here where they were upgrading just for the sake of upgrading:
  • A Dahua Z12E that someone updated and then constantly reboots comes to mind,
  • The Dahua 49225 PTZ that loses autotracking with an update come to mind,
  • A Hikvision ANPR camera losing half the FPS and loses the ability to read US plates - those are big deals to have happen.
  • A Hikvision camera that the user lost ability to control the LED light function at night.
  • Countless other instances where the camera simply bricked and became useless.
  • Countless examples where the camera went into Chinese.
Don't do it unless it is fixing a problem you are experiencing or adds a feature you really need.

Further, it is best to obtain any firmware updates from the vendor you purchased it from so that you do not run into issues. Any firmware you find here or elsewhere is obviously proceed at your own risk. We have many threads here where someone tried an update with a firmware they found on the internet and bricked their unit.

Many units being sold are Chinese hacked units into English that will either brick or go into Chinese upon updating. Some vendors will be upfront and tell consumers that as part of their website, but many do not or the consumer forgets...here is one such example....

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bigalsj

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Why release an update if they aren’t addressing security flaws or introducing new features?
 

wittaj

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They will introduce new features in a new model - why add a feature to something someone already purchased....

As I said, most of the time, updates are to fix a bug (which if your unit is working correctly for your needs, why chance it) OR it is to fix some security vulnerability that was probably found years ago and they just now got around to it.

Most of us here do not allow these units access to the internet and instead we VPN back into our own system (not a paid VPN to hide you IP address for illegal streaming and porn) to access our systems remotely. If your system doesn't have access to the internet, then there is virtually zero security risk. Many of us here are running original firmware from when we bought it.

In fact, the NVRs I have had over the years maybe either only had one update or none. It is ironic, but these security devices are not very secure when it comes to the internet, so we simply do not allow them access to the internet.
 

bigalsj

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Got it, I just got the nvr and wanted to make sure it had all security patches. I can’t find any release notes on vendors site, so not exactly sure what the update changes.

I’m going to try setting up vpn for my first time this weekend as suggested. I’ve already created a separate network on my router for the nvr, now just need to create the vpn tunnel.

any tips or suggestions on how to test the security after setting up vpn?

once again thanks, and I do apologize if I’m asking obvious questions. It’s just that I’m new to all this, but do have a little technical knowledge
 

KenK73

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I am in the same boat. Same N48PAW with 3.4.97 firmware. Downloaded the v4.30.010 firmware from Annke.com. My DVR has no internet connection by design. The Update button is useless as expected. Trying to update from the maintenance page just give a "Failed to get upgrade progress" error. I did not try USB or tftp.

In my case there is an issue I am trying to resolve. This thing just reboots at random. I usually have it up in my office while Im working and I will see it blip and load the ANNKE logo. It boots fast, and this doesnt happen often (as far as I can tell) but still. Some kind of memory leak or faulty hardware? hard to tell, but firmware is free. Not really concerned if it breaks functionality as I dont use much. Record 3 cameras 24/7 for as long as 4TB will allow. I am already pissed off that this DVR still requires that old web plugin for old browsers. I keep a Windows XP VM with old IE/Firefox for just such occasions and it still fails. I thought I had skirted that issue because the cameras were updated to HTML5 support, but apparently not the DVR. Since its a major firmware version increase, I was hoping maybe to see HTML5 support in the DVR. Who can tell, there is no change log that I can find. You get what you pay for I guess. If you have some luck getting it loaded or get some idea what the improvements are, please share.
 

wittaj

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^Check the fan for dust. Sometimes random reboots are due to dust causing it to overheat and thus reboots.
 

KenK73

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This unit has no fan and resides in my air conditioned house.
 

KenK73

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...and is fantastically clean and dust free.
 

bbmre

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I am in the same boat. Same N48PAW with 3.4.97 firmware. Downloaded the v4.30.010 firmware from Annke.com. My DVR has no internet connection by design. The Update button is useless as expected. Trying to update from the maintenance page just give a "Failed to get upgrade progress" error. I did not try USB or tftp.

In my case there is an issue I am trying to resolve. This thing just reboots at random. I usually have it up in my office while Im working and I will see it blip and load the ANNKE logo. It boots fast, and this doesnt happen often (as far as I can tell) but still. Some kind of memory leak or faulty hardware? hard to tell, but firmware is free. Not really concerned if it breaks functionality as I dont use much. Record 3 cameras 24/7 for as long as 4TB will allow. I am already pissed off that this DVR still requires that old web plugin for old browsers. I keep a Windows XP VM with old IE/Firefox for just such occasions and it still fails. I thought I had skirted that issue because the cameras were updated to HTML5 support, but apparently not the DVR. Since its a major firmware version increase, I was hoping maybe to see HTML5 support in the DVR. Who can tell, there is no change log that I can find. You get what you pay for I guess. If you have some luck getting it loaded or get some idea what the improvements are, please share.
Hi were you able to flash hikvision firmware on this model?
 

KenK73

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I wrote Annke support asking for the latest version numbers for the N48PAW and I91BF and they write back asking what the problem is. Bunch of clowns. The problem is that they dont maintain a reliable repository of firmware and no change log to speak of. So sad their product is closest to what I want and just misses the mark on a few items. To anyone considering Annke, make sure it does what you want up front, because this company does not believe in product enhancement post sale.
 

wittaj

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Re-read above about potential issues with firmware updates. HTF cares if it is all old firmware if it works for what you are doing.

In all likelihood a firmware update probably wouldn't fix the issue you are having anyway. BTW what is the issue you are experiencing? Maybe it is user error and someone knows what to do?

Most of us here run old firmware. If the camera works for my needs, I am not taking a chance updating firmware based on no release notes saying what it is fixing that obviously I don't have a problem with.

You realize most of these cameras provide little to no support post purchase. If you want that, then you need to buy consumer grade stuff with the subscription model.
 

KenK73

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Re-read above about my reboot issue. Are you some kind of Annke apologist? I dont care what you guys do with your cameras. If you choose to accept such poor product support, that's on you. There is no reason a firmware update should fail if done properly and no reason firmware should behave unexpectedly if properly QA'd by the vendor. I do not expect such poor support in 2022.
 

wittaj

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I don't have any Annke cameras lol...

Simply pointing out all the folks we have seen here thar did a firmware update and bricked their camera or lost a feature of the camera..

Reread above - a firmware load doesn't have to fail to ruin a camera. Hikvision on some plate reader models took away the ability to read plates with a firmware update. Dahua decided to eliminate auto tracking on the 4000 series models with an update.

We have folks here monthly come to this site because they updated their auto tracking PTZ and lost auto tracking as a result of a successful firmware update because the update was intended to remove such feature.

Regarding your issue, have you tried a factory reset 3 times in a row? Or hold down the reset button for a minute and hear the IR filter click several times. In many instances that clears out the gremlins in the firmware.
 

wittaj

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You have to remember that the homeowner isn't the Hikvision and Dahua target audience, it is the professional installers, so we cannot purchase directly and thus they will not take your phone call for support related questions - they will tell you to talk to the installer you purchased from. Many people have bought a Hikvision or Dahua from Amazon or some shady foreign website and when they call Hikvision or Dahua for support they basically tell them to go pound salt. We simply are not their intended market to sell to and they will not take your call for support...Lot's of threads here confirming this, including one from a few months ago where someone tried to call for support and they told them sorry talk to your installer....

Annke cameras are stripped down Hikvision in case you didn't know. Sometimes you get what you pay for.
 

KenK73

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Whatever man...

I was able to get a firmware update from Annke after opening a support ticket.

Going from 3.4.97 to V4.30.010 build 210511

Signal looks better, interface improved, and hopefully crashes stop. Didnt add HTML5 support for the video, but I've already made peace with that.

They actually said they could not just give me a firmware for the N48PAW without me giving them the existing firmware version because apparently there are different hardware versions among that model number. That's just terrible revision control, I dont care who the customer is. N48PAWv2 is all they would have to do. Their support is ridiculous and they are shooting themselves in the foot.

Apparently my cameras have never had a firmware update since release, but at least those are stable and had HTML5 support from the start.
 
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Whatever man...

I was able to get a firmware update from Annke after opening a support ticket.

Going from 3.4.97 to V4.30.010 build 210511

Signal looks better, interface improved, and hopefully crashes stop. Didnt add HTML5 support for the video, but I've already made peace with that.

They actually said they could not just give me a firmware for the N48PAW without me giving them the existing firmware version because apparently there are different hardware versions among that model number. That's just terrible revision control, I dont care who the customer is. N48PAWv2 is all they would have to do. Their support is ridiculous and they are shooting themselves in the foot.

Apparently my cameras have never had a firmware update since release, but at least those are stable and had HTML5 support from the start.
Hi any chance you could send me the firmware file or a link to it as I have the exact same revision you did and want to upgrade?
 
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