Wizz

Running two 3MP cams recording full time my ACTi NVR software averages ~23% CPU usage, Real Player on my computer is using an average of another 25%. Is it normal for Real Player to use this much? Thanks

First D72 mounted outside at ~8' high (on a gate column) aimed at street had a horrible quality live view, extremely grainy/pixelated picture (making the motion detection go crazy). Connections tested out fine, focusing did not make a difference, settings had little effect. Took it down mounted another new-in-box D72 that we bought at the same time and the live view was much better, BUT now this D72 gives me a 'connection failed' message every time I switch screens within the ACTi software, and the live view screen will occasionally go completely black giving me the 'connection failed' message even though the recording happens uninterrupted (doesn't effect recording), then the live view will come back up after ~15 seconds. The techs were stumped as well even after they took control of my PC to check the settings. RMA issued for both cams. Connection is as simple as it gets: PC > Zyzel POE > camera. Cabling is relatively new (~3 months) and I never had any type of 'connection failed' or network drop with the first D72 running it 24/7 for 3 months straight, only change was the cams (mounted in the same exact location). I even set the connection timeout from the 5 second default to 50 seconds, no help. Is there a better option in the ACTi lineup for an outdoor dome in a sunny location?

Thanks for the reply and info. It is an ACTi D72. I tried different non-poe ports on the switch and none of them illuminate. I will re-do the ends on the cable then re-test with my tester and update.

Have you tried from the non POE to the routers port? That is how I have it routed now...non-poe port on switch to one of the ports on the router. The indicator light on the switch is not illuminating for the non-poe port that goes to the router, so I'm guessing something is amiss.

I'm using a Zyxel unmanaged POE switch. I have cat5 from camera going into a poe port, a cat5 going from non-poe port to CPU, and finally cat5 going from non-poe port on switch to my Asus NT66U gigabit router. CPU receives wireless internet signal from router fyi. I did notice that the indicator light on the switch for the port going to the router is not illuminated (already checked/replaced cat5 cable, etc)...so I'm guessing the router is not communicating to the switch. Live view is up and running, I just need to get the router on board so I can do remote viewing. I am using ACTi cameras with ACTi Standard NVR software, I currently have static IP address assigned to the camera(s) until I can get the router in the mix. Any suggestions on what I should start looking at? Do I need to verify any settings on the router? Many thanks

Never mind. Unchecking the box for 'Set frame rate for event recording mode' seems to have fixed the issue...I can now see the recorded motion clips. It also brought back the option for me to set the pre-buffer time.

D72 camera using ACTi 3.0 standard software. I have the motion detection setup and the recorded clips simply show a black screen when I go to play them back (using IE8). The camera setup shows channel 1 if that matters. In the 'Schedule' tab I have the Event Handling and Event Recording options (only those two are selected) selected to record 24/7 (only for motion events). I also noticed that it no longer gives me the option to change the 'pre-buffer' time via the drop down menu, it is grayed/locked out on 5 sec...previously it allowed me to change it via the drop-down. Live view shows a good picture. Any suggestions on why my captured PIR recordings are simply showing a black screen? Much appreciated.

Need a reliable/fast online retailer that sells connectors that will fit gel filled burial grade cat5e. Any suggestions? Much appreciated

Thanks guys, very helpful. I already have a Bosch rotary hammer that can chisel out the channel once cut...just need to rent the concrete saw from the local equipment rental shack, and I already have an angle grinder and diamond blade on standby.

Building's perimeter is completely surrounded by 7ft wide concrete walkway that butts up to the exterior wall where the cables need to enter. Tunneling under the concrete walkway is not an option. I've been told I would need to saw cut the concrete a few inches deep about 4" away from a cold joint board, then lay the conduit in the channel and patch it. Anyone have any experience with something like this? I just want to make sure I get all the ideas I can before I saw cut the channel. Much appreciated

I have a ~150ft run to get to the house, I searched the forums with little info. Can I use outdoor rated cable inside of non-metallic conduit that will be sealed and vented to interior...or should I use burial grade cable (more expensive)? Thanks

In the below pic I will be mounting a dome to the column on the right side of the pic overlooking the gate entrance/col-de-sac (has to be the column on the right since it has existing conduit running through the middle of the stone column exiting at the center top). I planned on mounting it just above the end gate post (w/the hinges) on the widest 'flat' at the top of the column. -I could mount the dome directly to the flat above the gate post (dome oriented sideways). But my concern with this option is that the stone is textured (think french lace) and I'm worried the rubber pad/seal on the back of the dome camera might let water intrude since the surface would be textured. -Or I can mount an arm to that flat which would suspend the dome in a traditional manner as well as give me a bit more angle aiming options, this option is visually more intrusive. Suggestions? Thanks

Thank you for the reply, I was initially a bit concerned about the motor from the fan generating interference. I will be sure to keep the PC tower and switch/cables away from the power line.

I am limited as to where I can install my PC tower (in a lock-box) and a switch where it won't be easily discovered. I have one of those dedicated air-handler closets that contains a vertical HVAC air-handler. It has good ventilation and temps are stable year round in that closet. My concern is if the air-handler will generate interference? Here is a picture (there is more room in there than the pic shows, and that is RG6 cable that is strung through there from previous owner), many thanks:

Not sure yet as I haven't gotten that far. I just want to know if I'd even be close to borderline in needing a Gigabit uplink on the switch. NVR will be a Gen 3 i7 PC fyi.