Before you install

Milestone recommends that you go through the steps described in this article before you start the actual installation.

Prepare network and devices

  1. Assign static IP addresses to all system components, devices, and cameras.

    To prepare and configure your devices or cameras, follow the instructions provided by the camera manufacturer.

  2. Make sure your cameras and devices are supported and connected to the camera network.

    On the Milestone website, you can find a detailed list of supported devices and firmware versions (https://www.milestonesys.com/support/tools-and-references/supported-devices/).

  3. Connect your local area network with internet connection, if available, to LAN port 1. This network is for management and viewing.

  4. Connect your camera network to LAN port 2. If your unit is equipped with a CNA card, connect your camera network to the CNA card LAN ports.

Obtain a software license code

Your Milestone Husky unit is shipped with XProtect video management software pre-loaded, and you can use it with any version of the five XProtect VMS products by applying a valid software license code (SLC). You receive the SLC when you purchase the XProtect product. Read more about Milestone XProtect products and Milestone Care™ coverage on the Milestone website to find out which product matches your needs.

The SLC is printed on your order confirmation, and the software license file is named after your SLC. Milestone recommends that you register your SLC on the Milestone website (https://online.milestonesys.com/) before installation. Your reseller may have done that for you.

You can also run the free version of XProtect Essential+ on your unit. This version provides you with basic functionality and a limited number of cameras compared to a purchased XProtect VMS system. In this case, the license is provided with the installer. To receive this free license, your unit needs to be connected to the internet during installation.

When you run Husky Assistant, you can see the version of the pre-loaded VMS. If you want a different version, you can choose that option if you have a valid SLC.

If your unit is used as a recording server to an existing VMS system, you do not need an SLC. This setup is covered by the SLC that you bought with the VMS system.

XProtect software is licensed through different types of licenses:

  • Base licenses: Controls which XProtect product you can use.
  • Device licenses: Controls how many hardware devices you may connect to the Milestone Husky unit. A hardware device can be a camera, encoder, or similar, identified by a separate IP address. You do not need licenses for speakers, microphones, or input and output devices attached to the hardware devices.
  • XProtect extensions: Your new Milestone Husky unit can run any XProtect extension. Most XProtect extensions require additional licenses.

After installation, the surveillance system runs on licenses that need to be activated before a certain period ends. This is the grace period. Once the installation is complete, you can get an overview of your licenses for all installations with this SLC on the Basics > License Information node in the Management Client.

Milestone recommends that you activate your licenses before you make the final adjustments.

  • For online activation, log in to the Software Registration page with your My Milestone account on the Milestone website (https://online.milestonesys.com/).

  • For offline activation, you must export a license request (.lrq) file in the Management Client, and then log in to the Software Registration page and upload the .lrq file.

    Once you have uploaded the .lrq file, Milestone emails you an activated .lic file for import.

Prepare your unit

Always place the unit on a shelf or use rails to support the chassis.

If you have ordered the unit without hard drives, make sure that your hard drives performance is approved for use with the Milestone Husky products. For more information on performance approved hard drives, go to the Milestone Husky support and information page (https://www.milestonesys.com/HuskyX8-support/).

  1. Locate the hard drives and the trays. Turn the hard drives and the trays upside down, and slide the hard drives into the trays.

  2. Use the supplied screws to fasten the hard drive to the tray.

  3. Slide each of the trays into the hard drive bays located on the front of your unit. Pinch the buttons inside the tray before you insert the tray.

  4. Lock the trays to protect your hard drives from unauthorized removal.
  5. Connect your peripherals: mouse, keyboard, audio, and cameras, to the backplane connectors.
  6. Connect your local area network with internet connection, if available, to LAN port 1. This network is for management and viewing.
  7. Connect your camera network to LAN port 2. If your unit is equipped with a CNA card, connect your camera network to the CNA card LAN ports.

  8. Connect both power cables and plug them into a power socket.

    If you only connect one power cable, both power supply LEDs turn red and an audible alarm starts. In this case, connect both power cables and clear the alarm on the power supply alarm clear button.