Swann MaxRanger4K SWNVK-MRMINISD4

This SWANN MaxRanger Model NVW-MR4K Solar has reasonable 4k clarity, and does everything I need. Sure, had a couple of hiccups with SWANN MaxRanger Model NVW-MR4K lagging with distance between cameras and hub only being approx 40 meters, and a couple of cameras not charging properly, but SWANN were extremely helpful and sent replacements WITHOUT… Read more ·  1

QUESTION. Customer support were EXCELLENT! (Case Number 2844733, and 2842923) Hasssan and the other support folks were GREAT.

Now I know you cannot purchase the external antennae for SWANN MaxRanger Model NVW-MR4K, namely Model SOACC-MRANTENNA (pictured below) from SWANN website, OR ANYWHERE at the moment, so let me help y'all out. (Gosh, must be quite a few people with the same problem).

I purchased a 4g external antenna from JAYCAR their NEXTECH "5dBi 4GLTE Whip Mobile Antenna" Model AR3340 which is compatible with the SWANN MaxRanger Model NVW-MR4K, works well to boost the reception when screwed into the hub. It also has a strong magnetic base, which is handy too.

5dBi 4GLTE gain will deliver a good signal at times when there would otherwise be a weak signal or no signal at all!

Suitable for LTE, AMPS, GSM, PCS, UMTS and Wi-Fi.

Lead Length 2m Antenna frequency 700.0 MHz

Antenna Gain 5.0 dBi

Maximum Transmitter Power 50.0 W

Device connection SMA

Antenna Height 337.0 mm

(See photos below)

Strangely, there are NO SPECIFICATIONS listed for SWANNs Model SOACC-MRANTENNA listed anywhere on their website?

WHY? Because Swann is not making them any more?

Also, these professional reviewers on YouTube should be adding this information about other COMPATIBLE antennas and solar panels to THEIR reviews to help people with the same problem, and SWANN should be adding these alternatives to THEIR website, especially since it cannot be bothered restocking these obviously much needed antennas and "MaxRanger" external solar panels themselves!

Also purchased a Low Loss SMA 5-meter extension cable for the antenna, so it was easily installed up on the roof. Lagging problem reduced greatly! Get a good quality one folks! 5 meters will cost about $60.00 at Jaycar CAT.NO: WC7824 Photo below. This quality lead will ENSURE virtually NO SIGNAL LOSS between the hub and the antenna, and that is important to maintain 4k picture clarity between cameras and the hub.

Remember, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!

For the SWANN MaxRanger Model NVW-MR4K charging problem, I purchased the SWANN "Solar Charging Panels" Model number SWIFI-SOLAR5-GL, about 50 bucks at Bunnings!

Cameras have NO PROBLEM charging now. (See photos below)

I never had the energy, nor wanted to hire someone to go on the roofs AGAIN to exchange the replacement cameras that Swann sent, was cheaper and quicker for me before they sent them to buy the antenna, etc, and the Solar panels. I would have done it myself If one did not have this bugger of a cancer and going through Chemo, so I will be sending the replacements back to SWANN. Its impossible for me battling asophogeal cancer and post surgery at the moment to go through the "rig-ma-roll" and expence of changing the others over with the replacements. I must hire 2 people again. Workplace health and safety apparently demands at least 2 people for roof/ladder jobs.

One already forked out hundreds HUNDREDS to have the solar panels and antenna put up.

The thought was there, and I truly thank SWANN for their prompt and kind attention in attempting to solve this matter with these replacements.

Many have troubles with PIR and MOTION settings, let me help.

PIR (Passive Infrared) sensitivity setting determines how easily the camera’s heat-based sensor detects moving, warm objects (people, vehicles, large animals) to trigger recordings and alerts. Because these are battery-operated, PIR works in conjunction with video motion detection to save battery by keeping the camera in a low-power "sleep" mode until a significant thermal change is detected.

Here is what the sensitivity adjustment actually does: Higher Sensitivity (Levels 6-7+): Makes the sensor more responsive to smaller or more distant heat sources, allowing it to detect movement further away. Use this for covering large, quiet areas.

Lower Sensitivity (Levels 1-3): Requires a larger or closer heat source to trigger the camera, which helps filter out "false triggers" caused by smaller animals, pets, or sunlight heating up surfaces. Battery Impact: Higher sensitivity causes more frequent wakes and recordings, which drains the battery faster.

Optimizing PIR on Max Ranger Cameras True Detect™ + Motion: For a recording to occur, the camera typically requires both the PIR sensor (heat) and the image sensor (pixel movement) to trigger, reducing false alerts.

Angle of Motion: PIR sensors work best when a subject moves across the field of view rather than directly towards the camera.

Recommended Settings: Start at a moderate (4-5) setting and adjust based on whether you are getting too many false alarms or missing important activity.

Environmental Factors: High sensitivity on hot days can sometimes trigger false alarms because the ambient temperature is closer to body temperature, reducing contrast.

That said, these SWANN MaxRanger Model NVW-MR4K cameras are still GREAT!

Their clarity and ease of use especially in pairing is GREAT! The SWANN MaxRanger Model NVW-MR4K settings menu is easy to navigate and after they put the cameras up on the roofs, job was done by hired help in ONE DAY. And as you will read further down, had them back to put up antenna and external solar panels.

The SWANN MaxRanger Model NVW-MR4K hub is small, takes up less space than an anorexic chihuahua, and has facilities for internal and external hard drives. I am using a 512g "SANDISK EXPRESS MSDXC" worth only around $140, but fast enough to record 4k without any problems. For transferring video from hub to USB, one recommends "SANDISK EXTREME PRO", about $90 at Officeworks, so you wont have to wait till the cows come home for transferring evidence.

One thing I must add, my honest thought here, and keeping this review balanced, and that is I am a tee bit concerned that TO GET THE FULL FUNCTIONALITY of this SWANN MaxRanger Model NVW-MR4K, you need to get the SWANN App to have all the benefits with this system.

Sure, (as Swann continually boast), you don't have to pay a subscription like other brands, and thats a good thing, HOWEVER, the control console is a "Popeye with no spinach" without their App!

One example I mentiond in a recent conversation with a Swann Support person is the fantastic SWANNs 4k MAXTRAK Ai auto tracking long range security camera (wireless) Model SWNVW-MR4KPTS0L can be added to the MaxRanger hub, which has a pan and tilt function, but ONLY IF YOU DOWNLOAD THE APP!

It is beyond disappointing that SWANN did not include full functions within the console so we can control these via the mouse and monitor, rather than a small screen mobile phone?

Again, why does Swann push us to download their app? No real problem for me, as this unit does everything I need anyways.

Also, where does this leave consumers that do not want their system to be connected online, especially given the amount of hacking going on, and peoples diminishing trust in putting/connecting anything online these days. I mean, multi national BANKS and TELCOs are not safe even these days?

ALSO, the hidden FACT in "glossy" YouTube reviews and Swann promotional videos on YouTube (now AiTube), is that the further away the cameras are from the hub, the more you lose in picture quality and the more lagging you will get, as abruptly explained to me by Swann phone support, the range is UP TO 600 METERS, (emphasis on UP TO) and by the time you are 300 meters away the resolution could be lower than 240p, something all these full time YouTube online review influencers neglect to mention.

One MUST emphasise, this is not specifically a SWANN problem, it is common in all types of devices using WiFi or especially bluetooth, its just something that happens accross ALL BRANDS of wireless cameras, etc.

My external antenna mentioned above has been a great help!!

Something else worth noting that is not mentioned by YouTube influencers in their reviews of this system is the refresh rate is only 30Hz.

Also, that you have no control over the recording bitrate which fluctuates automatically between 1100 -1496, when my other 4k system has a bitrate one CAN control for recording, which I have set on 8192, which is what one expects from a 4K system, and is clear enough to be used as evidence. Sure, uses more HDD space, but what's the use of recording if you cannot use the footage?

Many of us do not mind if we use more HDD space.

Common sense to have it set to highest setting.

Actually, you cannot control much of ANYTHING in the "RECORD" settings, in mainstream or substream, only "audio" off or on. See photo below. Also, The console records in MP4 that is not recognised by Windows, nor can you change it in the "record" settings like other Swann consoles. Had to purchase a CODEC.

Another issue is the time it takes for the cameras to recognise movement. If the perp/trespasser is close to the camera the action is OVER, perpetrator GONE before camera spots his movement and the console even begins recording.

Sadly I have seen this issue mentioned in many REAL (non sponsored influencer) reviews.

This delay in detection is not too bad if subject is more than about 5 meters from the camera, even though movement detection with this system even in "PIR & MOTION" mode activates at a maximum of about 8-10 meters, at night. Beyond 10 meters at night, a herd of wilderbeast could wander past and not activate the cameras in the "PIR & MOTION" mode.

Yet, if MaxRanger included a "MOTION" setting in the recording detection settings like in their other systems, this would not be a problem.

Options as they stand in settings now are "HUMAN & VEHICLE DETECTION" and "PIR & MOTION", and "DISABLE" that's it! (See photo of settings below).

If trespassers jump the fence, we would like to see WHERE they came from, which direction they came from etc, not just having them appear willi-nilli when they are within 10m of the camera.

For a premium priced product you would expect more than that. A "MOTION" setting will allow us to see them as soon as they appear in the detection area, irregardless of distance.

Luckily, what one camera misses, the other one picks up.

ALSO, the audio is not synced with the video either, in fact the audio quality is terrible. Scratchy and "gargly".

The SWANN MaxRanger Model NVW-MR4K preset configuration seems to revolve more around BATTERY CONSERVATION rather than its intended purpose of COLLECTING CLEAR HIGH DEFINITION EVIDENCE when needed.

Resolution seems to be compromised to conserve battery duration, I could be wrong, but it sure looks that way given we have no control of recording bitrate, and it's continual fluctuation displayed in the "CAMERA" "AVAILABLE STREAM" and fluctuation of the "WI-FI STRENGTH".

Battery capacity is no real problem with the added external solar panels, so maybe Swann can incorporate a battery setting if using external solar panels, something Swann can think about, where battery conservation would no longer take up such a high ptiority in bitrate settings etc.

Another recommendation one will make to Swann for its future updates for SWANN MaxRanger Model NVW-MR4K is to have an icon that activates the ALARM both on the small preview and full screen when we click onto it like the "LIGHTGLOBE" icon or right click onto it, making it QUICK and EASY for customers to activate the alarm and deter unwanted "guests" when we see them, and alert others without precious minutes going through the settings and doing it that way. A "QuickClick" Would save having the alarm on all the time.

Bad enough the "DOUBLE BUZZING" we get from the cameras speaker when someone is near them, even though the "ALARM" feature is off. (Anyone else having this problem)?

A common sense, "QUICKCLICK" icon for alarm and lights right there in live view that you click once to activate, and once to deactivate, call it the " QUICK CLICK FEATURE", something the competitors do not have, time saving and very consumer friendly given what a CCTV is and its entire purpose, and times are changing Swann.

Something one would expect from a premium priced product

However, all the above being said, putting aside all the YouTube influencer and Swann promotional hype online, and being fair and factual, this is still a great system for its simplicity, and functionality.

Emphasis on SIMPLICITY.

IT DOES THE JOB.

Summing up, Sure, this MaxRangr has a couple of "hiccups", but it has its good points too, and given Swann have been so helpful and understanding and given these "hiccups" will probably be sorted in future software updates, I highly HIGHLY recommend the SWANN MaxRanger Model NVW-MR4K, and unlike full time online YouTube reviewers and product influencers, I have been using Swann for some years with the common sense understanding that ALL electronic product brands have hiccups from time to time, and at the end of the day product functionality, ease of use, price, reliability RECORD PLAYBACK RESOLUTION QUALITY and post purchase support are what matters most.

One must divulge the following even though NON of my reviews are biased in any way.

My first security system was a SWANN, back in the mid 2000s, thereabouts. Some time after the Sydney Olympics (not before) A do it yourself 4 camera system, only had a 100 gig hard on built in for storage back then, and even back then, they were top of the range, an Australian company. Yes, Im sure it was after the Olympics, forgive my "Chemo memory" folks, just trying to be as accurate as possible here.

Anyways wihout ranting, Unlike so many online professional reviewers, I have been using swann for about 20 years, I KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT when I mention by-gone features from other Swann Systems that have changed in these newer for the better, AND FOR THE WORSE. in this, and other swann reviews here on ProductReview.

So many times one sees consumers complaining about overseas call center support. People need to realise that hiring technical support people, telephonists, etc, that call centre running costs are not cheap, even in Asian countries.

Sure as heck would be 5 times more expensive in Australia and the United States!

Yet consumers expect years of after sales support for their purchases.

If telephone or online support services were based in America or Australia, product costs would be at least 40-50% higher! Consumers pay for this support mechanism to be in place as part of the product purchase price! These running costs have to come from somewhere, yet consumers want prices to remain LOW.

WE CANNOT HAVE IT BOTH WAYS, and there's no such thing as a free lunch.

One will update this review when able.

This is my review of a SWANN "beauty". See my next review of a SWANN "beast". Makes you wanna cry....

Good Idea, Excellent Aftersales Service, Bad Product. I bought the 4 cameras set in March this year. This is the only product in the market that allows long range wifi connection. Unfortunately, within six months, I have to ask for replacement for four cameras (one has returned it twice.) All got internal condensation and water wouldn't come… Read more

out at all. Eventually they were broken and wouldn't charge at all. I called their customer service and they immediately (almost) replaced the faulty cameras within couple of days. They asked me to send photos to proof the problems. So, it is a very good idea to make long range wifi camera and customer service is 5 stars. Only problem is the product. One camera has problem with the infra red filter. I have to switch it on and off to correct the problem. But after switching on and off many times, it switch didn't work anymore.

I am worry that after one year warranty, I will waste my thousand dollars investment unless I am going to pay a few hundred dollars each year to join their Swann+ plan for lifetime warranty.