normicgander

Every device has an operating voltage range. For the purpose of our discussion, I will assume the device requires 12DC. Some companies will state 12VDC +/- 10% in the equipment specifications as example. The specifications may also state 12VDC nominal, with an operating voltage range of 9 to 15VDC as example. It’s always important to obtain the operating voltage range from OEM. I often deploy battery operated systems, so the range of operating voltages is important. You can also bench the device to obtain the cutoff point if the device using a variable DC power supply. Set the voltage to 12VDC and turn the voltage down until the camera stops working. I also place an ammeter in series with the load to observe current draw during the test. Keep in mind, typically there are power supply regulators in devices and the current draw will increase just before cutoff. That being said, if you are using a constant power source the job is much easier. For your application, I will assume 12DC +/-10%. This gives us a voltage range at the camera of 10.8 to 13.2VDC. I converted meters to feet, which is approximately 820 ft. Our power consumed by the load (camera) is 4.7w. Using Ohms Law, I = P/V, so at our nominal 12VDC operating voltage our camera draws 390mA or .39A. Now it’s a game of wire size vs. power supply output voltage. The wire conductors, which connect the voltage source to the load, are part the circuit and must be factored. Wire conductors are rated by the American Wire Gauge (AWG) and manufactures will provide charts the AWG size and ohms per 1000ft or meters. This specification is for one conductor only. We have two conductors for a complete circuit. This is called loop resistance and we need to account for this during our calculations. Let’s assume your pondering using Siamese cable with stranded 18/2. From the OEM cable chart, this equates to 6.9 Ω per 1000ft. By ratios, 6.9/1000 = x/820. X, the resistance for one conductor of 820 ft. of wire is 5.6Ω. For loop resistance, we double this for a total of 11.3Ω. Our load and wire conductors form a series circuit, so our voltage drop in the cable will be Vr = I x R. Then: .39 x 11.3 = 4.4 volts (ouch ). If we had to use this cable we would need a 16.4VDC power supply (4.4 + 12 = 16.4) to have 12VDC at the load. You can start to see how you need to play with the AWG wire sizes and power supply voltages for a final solution. In the case above, using 16AWG, the voltage drop inthe cable would be: 4.4/1000 = x/820 x2 = 3.6Ω. 3.6Ω x .39A = 1.4V. Then our power supply voltage is: 12V + 1.4V = 13.4V. Many power supplies have output adjustments , so we could trim the voltage as needed. Also stay within 75 to 80% of the maximum rated current or power of the power supply. I hope this helps. Normic

WendyWei, But does the 1340 and 1704 have deinterlace circuits?

I need to replace the hard drives in a GE DVMRe-10CT. The original HDs are Maxtor ATA133, 5400rpm. I had identified a replacement in anticipation of having to replace HDs, but the 5400rpm units are unavailable. I read in previous post (Rory I think) that the PS in the DVMRe cannot fully supply the newer 7200rpm HDs. Was the problem with the 12Vdc or 5Vdc or both? The incoming 12Vdc PS can be easily tapped. Any suggestions? Looking for 320Gb HD also... Thanks, Normic

The EB1704 seems to have the about the same quality in 720x480 modes, with quality set to "max" (100) on the SA6416 and "best" on the EB1704. That being said, the SA6416 has a deinterlace filter which seems to provide a better image in a dynamic scene. But, the SA6416 is also more than 4 times the cost. Some customers will not invest the extra cost.

I've installed the EB1304 and will install the EB1704H next week. For the price they aren't bad units and you can service the HDs . The record settings are gobal, which dont't like. I usually install the SA6416, which is an awsome, full featured PC based DVR. The term D1 doesn't mean much to me. It's an industry problem. It would nice if there was an industry standard to determine effective resolution for both dynamic and static image capture modes. Your right/wise to want to see the "D1" image form ant DVR. AverMedia Webcam (IE), Remote Console and CMS3000 software is great and free. Normic

kateoh_99 Any feedback you would like to share on the 7.1? Normic

SA-6416/SA-7208: Don't forget the de-interlace filter with both static and dynamic settings. The best D1 recording I've seen yet. Is the software to support and record mega pixel cameras available yet? Normic

Hey Scorpion Are you recommending that it's ok to double terminate a 75 ohm power matched video cable? Won' you will lose 6db of signal (50IRE) of signal, not to mention that the sync signals will be half of the specified value?

That's too bad Niutek. I learned the hard way that Nuvico doesn't support dealers directly. It folds in an extra week or more to support customers. Hopefully someone can help... Normic

I installed an SA6416 at an airport. Awesome unit! The best thing about it is the deinterlace filter available for the analog camera inputs. The result is higher quality images, especially with dynamic scenes, compared to most DVRs I've used. The local software is very intuitive making setup a snap.... Normic

Yes, it depends on what state you reside. Somehow the bureaurats at the state and local levels require the need for more control and regulation. Everyone knows quality work can't be guaranteed by licensing. Just look at the building trades in general. People always hire so-called licensed contractors only to have sub-standard work performed. Ever had a bad haircut, a bad car repair or a incompetent doctor? My goodness already. The NEC sets the standards for Class 1,2 and 3 wiring. While I have no problem licensing class 1 and alarm systems for safety reasons, other class 2 and 3 should be left alone. State employees what more power and the larger companies want this regulation to make it hard for the small shops to operate. In the end, a customer will always have the courts to adjudicate poor tradecraft or business practices (not to mention that word-of-mouth can put the bad apples out of business). LV permits are also coming, so that the cost of a retrofit speaker install will double. In Michigan, that's kinda thing to make us 50th, instead of a 49th ranked economy.....

I have encountered that many IP66 rated outdoor mini domes are rated to operate down to -10c (14f) . This is really quite warm for a lower operating temp range for many parts of the US. I have installed them with these specs and haven't had a problem yet. I have asked serveral OEMs if they cold/hot box test their cameras and I typically get silence over the phone followed by I have to check . The cameras do generate self heat, so I guess it's be enough. But, has anyone come across a generic heater strip kit? Thanks, Normic

Empac, It can get down to -20-30F here in northern Michigan. I have found a few companies which sell strip heaters, but I need to call them. I'm truly amazed by the response of many CCTV companies when I ask if they have hot/cold box tested their products. Often they state 10F in their spec sheets, but that is not low enough for an outdoor rated camera in North America. However, the reality is the cameras will operate at lower temps in my experience. Some of the vandal domes are nice cameras, but no heater kit is offered. I'll post any device solutions when I find one. Thanks- Normic

Hello griff, I hope the show was a good one. It appeared that spring had arrived so I decided to stay here and get a jump start on some installs. Then we got hit with snow and ice storms. I should have went to ISC west....

Thanks- I just got one in today. The PCB and component are of high quality. I lens has a motorized zoom (three wires for control) and the unit focuses automatically. I did find an advertisment where Sanyo stated is uses video analytics to process the focusing. My only other observation is the mounting holes through the top of the camera base could be a potential problem for leaking if not properly sealed. I realize there is a rubber "cushion sheet" seal provided that is installed between the top plate and the mounting surface, but some silcone will help also. They have a conduit connection in the top and side also, but it would be difficult to terminate the video and power cable within cavity between the base and the camera body. The way it shown on page 3 of the install manual, there would be dirt and dust intrusion into the camera area (without some sealant or stuffing). In general, I wish camera manufacturers would address the cable termination issue better, like providing more area to terminate within the camera base plate. Adding 1" thickness providing more area could make a difference. The Samsung SVD-4120ANW has a sealed lower camera body which I like, but there's no real room the terminate the coax and power cables effectively. This forces the use of an external termination box close to the camera in some installations. normic

Looking for feedback from anyone who has installed the Sanyo VDC-DP7584 mini dome camera with pan-focus? Still trying to understand what they mean by pan-focus etc. What part is motorized? The VAC-70 remote camera control unit looks handy. Thanks in advance. Normic

pg, I have installed several Middle Atlantic EWR-8-22SD (8RU) sectional wall mount racks. There 10, 12 and 16RU units also available. The rack can pivot on the left or right side and has a locking front door. I have installation pics if interested. Normic

Rikky, You're correct- my source info was wrong. Security Sales & Itegration: August 2003 GE Interlogix Acquires MAS, Kampro in Short Timeframe http://www.securitysales.com/t_inside.aspx?action=article&StoryID=1298 normic

Ok, so GE purchased a company called Kampro, who manufactures GE labeled cameras. I'll take you at your word. This should completely change anyone's field installation experience relative to the quality of GE cameras, GEs willingness to address actual field problems and product issues and their overall applied engineering, testing and technical support programs. GE Kampro is on the job.

Hello rikky, They OEM them from Korea I believe. But they do produce the DVRs in the US. MCS- I'll check out the 740. Thanks

I would totally agree with CCTV_down_under regarding the Bosch XF dynamic cameras. Last fall I installed 9 UNPDN28E prepackaged outdoor units for a ferryboat service and 2 at a small airport. The quality of construction is awsome. The UNPDN28E model uses the LTC-0495/21 1/3" D/N camera with a 2.8 to 12mm lens. It even has an installation utility for focusing without the need for an ND filter. BTW-Is Bosch the actual manufacturer of their cameras? As for GEs KTE-2000d/n, I installed 16 of them in 2005 and had to replace around 13 of them because of a circuit defect causing the failure to switch back to color mode in the am. Talk about a major pain for me and my customer. Don't think it's exview also, but is true d/n. Rory is right the GE dvrs are nice units, but they don't make their cameras...

Spoken like a true downstater jeomephone!

You probably won't find any reputable "spy gear" OEMs who sell their products to the general public or private industry. The "good" stuff is sold strictly to the LE and intel communities. Why would they risk compromise of their hardware and techniques, not to mention their customers? You just won't find it.... Normic

CCTVnub, Manufacturers we can help you with, IMO the Japanese brands are still hard to beat overall. As for dealers, I think that's more of a local issue. I could be wrong, but the fact that you are buying from Ebay indicates you wish install the equipment yourself. Not many "dealers" wish to sell products directly to DIY installers because it usually is more of a problem than the it's worth. Perhaps you need a reputable on-line reseller. As for the size of a dealer, again it's more of a local concern relative to the reputation of the owner/business itself. Ask around town or visit the local chamber of commerce etc. Many dealers are either members or are networked with these folks. Normic

Hey folks- I have two 15" and two 19" color monitors which were installed in July 04. The customer called and said one of the 19" monitors was very dim and was slow to "come on". I swapped at the 19" with a loaner 15" and it was then it was apparent that the remaining three monitors, albeit not as bad, have degraded as well. The OEM tech support said while monitor was in warranty, they have no idea how many hours of life is expected on their monitors. Realizing if the monitors are set to a moderate level of brightness and contrast, what has been some of your experiences with respect to operational life of CRT color video monitors in general? Thanks in advance, Normic