SD card and SATA M.2 2280 SSD storage

Install and format an SD card for the Pearl Nano

To record video on the Pearl Nano, you must install and format a storage medium, such as an SD card. The easiest way to do that is using the front screen menu of the Pearl Nano. Pearl Nano has a standard SD card slot on the front panel. If you want to format the SD card using the Admin panel, you need the IP address of your Pearl Nano and an admin computer connected to the same network.

If you're using a Pearl Nano with a Content Management System (CMS), we recommend using large capacity SD cards such as 256 GB or more

We recommend using a minimum class 10 (C10) SD card that's at least 64 GB capacity but does not exceed 512 GB; however, most SD cards that are at minimum a C10, a UHS class 1 (U1), or a video speed class 10 (V10) should work. The SD card must be EXT4 formatted for the Linux operating system. After the SD card is installed and formatted for the EXT4 format, you are ready to record.

Ejecting the SD card while recording is in progress may corrupt the SD card and cause loss of data.

Format the SD card using the Admin panel

• Insert the SD card into the SD card slot on the front panel.
• Log in to the Admin panel as admin.
• From the Configuration menu, select SD Card. The SD Card configuration page opens.
• Select either quick disk format or the full disk format, then click Format card. A full disk format checks for bad blocks on the SD card and marks any that are found on the EXT4 partition.
• You must wait for the formatting to finish before removing or recording to the SD card. The amount of time it takes to format depends on the capacity of the SD card and if you select quick disk format or the full disk format.
• Do not remove the SD card while it is being formatted. Very large SD cards can take a while to format. Please be patient and wait for the formatting message to disappear.

If you install a SATA M.2 2280 SSD in the Pearl Nano, the device no longer detects the SD card.

Format an SD card for Pearl Nano

• Power on the Pearl Nano.

• Insert the SD card into the SD card slot.

• Press the left arrow key repeatedly on the control key interface until the Menu screen displays.

• Use the arrow and check mark keys to select Storage. Then from the Storage screen, select Format SD card to open the Format SD card screen.

• (Optional) Highlight Quick format and press the check mark key to toggle the switch on or off.

• Highlight Format card and press the check mark to start the process. The formatting in progress screen appears and the LED beside the SD slot starts flashing.

• When the screen indicates formatting is complete and the LED is solid off, press the check mark to return to the previous screen.

Install and format a SATA M.2 2280 SSD for Pearl Nano

You can install a user-supplied SATA M.2 2280 SSD for storing recorded video. Pearl Nano automatically formats the SSD using the EXT4 format for the Linux operating system the first time you power on. So please be patient while the formatting completes.

When you install a SATA M.2 SSD, Pearl Nano no longer detects the SD card slot and the SD card option is removed from the Admin panel's Configuration menu.

Any existing content on the SSD is lost when the SSD is formatted.

Before you begin

Gather the tools you need:

• #2 Phillips screwdriver

• #0 Phillips jeweler's screwdriver

• (Optional) a pair of tweezers

Install and format the SATA M.2 2280 SSD

• Disconnect the power cable and ensure Pearl Nano is powered off. If Pearl Nano uses PoE+ power from the connected RJ-45 Ethernet cable, ensure you disconnect the Ethernet cable from Pearl Nano.
• Permanent damage to the SSD and/or Pearl Nano can occur if you install, remove, or replace the SSD while the device is powered on.
• On a clean and level surface, turn Pearl Nano over to expose the bottom panel.
• Use a #2 Phillips screwdriver to remove the SSD expansion slot cover plate. Set aside to for later.
• Use a #0 Phillips screwdriver )to remove the screw that's in the post farthest away from the M.2 socket. Set aside for later.
• Hold the SSD by the edges and insert firmly into the M.2 socket at approximately a 30° angle. Make sure you align the key notch in the SSD with the notch in the M.2 socket.
• Use one hand to gently press and hold the SSD down so that it rests atop the post. Align the notch on the SSD with the post hole.
• With your other hand, use a #0 Phillips screwdriver to reinstall the post screw and secure the SSD in place.
• TIP: Use the tweezers to pick up the screw if it falls behind the SSD.
• Reinstall the SSD slot cover plate and power up Pearl Nano.
• The SSD is formatted automatically the first time you power on. Please be patient while formatting completes. The amount of time it takes to format depends on the capacity of the SSD. You must wait for the formatting to finish before recording video to the SSD.
• Powering off Pearl Nano while the SSD is formatting could damage or corrupt the SSD.