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Al Drake

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Posts posted by Al Drake

  3. Posted

    Ok, tonight I made up a cable using the RG-59/18 wire. I ran it to my closest camera (about 25ft from the DVR). I tried to power it with a normal wall wort and the 20A ebay power supply. Both pictures were identical and 'grainy'. I haven't tried a battery yet, but I will. However, this 25ft run is almost dead straight and does not come close to any other power or internet lines. I also hooked up to different cameras, 1 of the newer 1/4 ccd's I bought, and the other the older CMOS. I can tell the image quality of the 1/4 CCD is better, but the same full screen static is still present.

     

    Just tonight I purchased another camera off the bay. This one is a 1/3 CCD SONY (or so it says). SHould have in 2 days and will compare even further.

     

    Another member did suggest I move the DVR. I did this tonight also. I moved it away from my computers, tv's, routers, modems, etc. Original locations was right next to everything. Moved to location was 10ft away. There was no difference in picture quality at all, still 'slightly snowy/grainy".

     

    The 'big deal' I have with this is that I can not set the DVR to a motion sensitivity of '2' (on a scale of 4 to 1). (1 being the most sensitive, 4 being the least). I am stuck with leaving the cameras on setting '3' due to the grainy picture (setting 2 shows motion all the time). If it wasn't for this, I could live with the picture. Just trying to save HD space

     

    Thanks

     

     

    If you say you have a good picture right at the DVR then go out from there. Connect it to a cable of some length like the one you use when it's grainy. Connect it to the same power supply with the cable still in the same room. Then move the cable around and see it the picture gets worse.

     

    Al

  4. Posted

    I bought a Zmodo 8CH DVR off 'the Bay' (NEW). Added a 500GB HD, and it's working great...KMeye (android) and all. I have all different cameras, 4 older CMOS ones, and 2 newer 1/4 CCD Sharps (all 'the bay'). On the 4 original CMOS cams I was using cheap dual power / video cable I got off 'the bay'. For the newer 1/4 CCD cams, I bought RG59/18-2 wire 95%.

     

    My problem is video quality. I'm getting a 'grainy/snowy' video from even the new cams with the better wire. My max wire length is about 70FT, although I am seeing the same quality video on a 20FT run. On one cam I had to lower the Saturation to almost 0 due to color bleeding. But all the cams have this full picture noise/snow. These are not noise bands horizontally across the picture, but that whole picture is 'grainy'. I've played with contrast/brightness and it don't seem to help.

     

    On some channels, the cheapy thin wire actually looks better than the RG59. I've even swapped cameras to those locations (CMOS/CCD) and still get the same 'grain/snow'. So it's not the cameras.

     

    I bought a 20 amp power supply to run all cams off of 'the bay'. I've also tried 1 amp 'wall wort' supplies on certain channels. Nothing seems to help. The DVR is sitting on a shelf above my computer and next to the 20amp power supply, my cable modem, and a couple power strips. Could I get getting interference from something ????? I was sure the RG59 wire would cure the problems, but I'm still at a loss.

     

    Maybe the 20 amp power supply needs shielding? But then again the video is the same with a 'wall wort'. Suggestions????

     

    Any help would be appreciated.

     

    Thanks

     

    Try moving the DVR?

  5. Posted

    Gino 5Pcs Coax CAT5 To CCTV Coaxial Camera BNC Male Video Balun Connector

     

     

    Hi. baluns you have listed ARE NOT BALUNS dont waste your money

     

     

    210057_1.jpg

     

     

     

     

    here is a link to true baluns.

    http://www.amazon.com/PAIRS-Mini-CCTV-Video-Balun/dp/B00442G9O6/ref=pd_sim_e_5

     

    ok, so why are these not baluns? They are advertised as baluns and get good reviews so what makes them different than any other balun? Would it make a difference if I used a balun on a camera that has one in it if I didn't know? How do I know if the camera has one or not?

     

    Thanks for any further comments.

     

    Regards.

     

    Al

  8. Posted

    Gino 5Pcs Coax CAT5 To CCTV Coaxial Camera BNC Male Video Balun Connector

     

     

    Hi. baluns you have listed ARE NOT BALUNS dont waste your money

     

     

    210057_1.jpg

     

     

     

     

    here is a link to true baluns.

    http://www.amazon.com/PAIRS-Mini-CCTV-Video-Balun/dp/B00442G9O6/ref=pd_sim_e_5

     

    Thanks. I just placed an order for what you recommended. I'm a bit confused as if I used the ones I had in mind the resulting cable would look like a pre-made run of any other cable with simple BNC connectors. What does the balin do to the cable that makes it different than simply using connectors. On a few cameras I use audio cable and the BNC to audio connector. Will I be getting some loss and when I use the balins will the signal get stronger?

  9. Posted

    Yes, I ran an extension cord with a 1000ma adapter directly to the camera, no change.

    I attempted to put a snapshot in my post but the file was too large. I look at the image now and it appears to be in black and white.

     

    I did check the DVR for possible adjustments and they all appear to be the same.

     

    I set the reset the camera to default to eliminate any possible settings I may have entered.

     

    This really has me stumped.

     

    Thanks,

    VC

     

    Have you tried connecting the camera at the DVR with short cable inside the room and starting outward from there? Is it one channel only that you notice this problem?

  10. Posted

    when you install your connectors make sure you use the correct ones for solid wire. The RJ45 plugs can be for stranded or solid. If you put on jacks you should be ok as they are designed for solid wire. For sure go with solid copper cheap offshore copper clad alum will come back to haunt you.

     

    This wire will be inside from room to room.I don't plan on running it inside the walls and none of it will be exposed to weather. I quess it will be more for convience as now I have seperate cables for each camera and some rooms have more than one. I have them located just outside the windows so I can retreive them for replacement and cleaning. I still plan on getting the solid copper but can't help but wonder what the effects of cheaper stuff would mean. I won't be using RJ45 connectors but will be using balins.

    Gino 5Pcs Coax CAT5 To CCTV Coaxial Camera BNC Male Video Balun Connector

    http://www.amazon.com/Gino-Coaxial-Camera-Video-Connector/dp/B007Q8KD6U/ref=aag_m_pw_dp?ie=UTF8&m=A1THAZDOWP300U

     

    If there are better balins I would like to know which ones are best. I have seen so many.

     

    I will be powering each camera in the rooms where they are located unless you think it would be ok to use the cable and have power supplies at the DVR.

  11. Posted

    Home Depot sells 500ft spools for $55 and 1000ft for $80 in the store. Its made in USA and real copper. Who knows whats in the other cheapo stuff.

     

    Great. Thanks. I am surprised to see so many different brands with so little actual information about what the cable is made from. I wonder how much of a difference it really makes if you don't use solid copper wire. Maybe the cheap stuff just won't stand up over time and become brittle. It gets cold here in New England and hot in the summer. I already lost one camera that has the O-Ring break.

     

  13. Posted

    A cheapo circular polarizer is $20. That's throwing more money in the trash. Cameras behind glass have all sorts of issues. I'm sure OP is going to find the camera isn't that great, even when he gets it outside.

     

    Maybe you are right.Have you ever tried it yourself? I have had great success when used on still and video cameras in the past.

  17. Posted

    Hi all,

     

     

    Just purchased a cheap 4ch set up from china, but came without any cable to connect the sata hdd power to circuit board.

     

    The connection looks like a large white version of a floppy disk power connector.

     

    Could anybody point me someplace where I could purchase a cable.

     

    Thanks..

     

    I know I can't come up with any ideas just what you are looking for. Maybe if you could post a picture of HDD or system name or some place to start.

  18. Posted

    I am looking to add a camera on the top of my house to monitor cars (and their license plates) passing in front of my house.

     

    This is my situation I am trying to solve: Had a shady encounter few days ago, where someone slowed down and stopped and then sped up when I ran outside, and when I watched the camera video back, their plate was completely whited out (night time).

     

    Any help on an affordable solution would be great. Thanks

     

    From what I have learned here the problem might be the reflection caused by the IR.

     

    http://www.homesecurity361.com/recognition-camera-cm-s34909bg.html

  19. Posted

    Does anyone know where I can get an Analog transmitter and receiver for analog security cameras? I have found the following item online:

     

    http://www.123securityproducts.com/wt2500.html

     

    This is just for the transmitter - However, I also need a receiver. I prefer to buy these in sets that I know will work together. I called Speco (the manufacturer of the product above) and they stated that they only make the transmitter... but not the receiver. Is this correct? Is there another brand out there?

     

    Thanks for any feedback about this.

     

    I have several of those that I don't use any more as they are 2.4 GHz and cause trouble with wireless networks. I now use several 5.8 GHz kits that work fine if you take the time to tweek the location sometimes by moving the transmitter only inches.

     

    http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005N6ICXS/ref=pe_214010_27579330_pe_vfe_dt1

     

    Tonight I sprung for a different setup that cost a bit more but I am sure will work much better.

     

    http://www.security-cameras-cctv.com/Wireless-Receiver/5.8-GHz-Wireless-Video-Receiver-with-Audio-Output.html

  20. Posted

    looks like im going to have to mount it outside and try to figure out how to run the wire

     

    Maybe you can try a cheap polarizing lens. You don't need a mount and can make up something that will hold it in place in front of the camera lens. I have sucessfully done this with photography. I would give it a try if it were myself. You would need to adjust the brightness. A circular polorizer would be best as you can rotate it for better results.

     

    Good luck.

     

    Al

  22. Posted

    Hi All

     

    I am an Electrical Contractor, a client of mine has a 4x4 LookC DVR CCTV system, this company I now gather has ceased trading so cannot go on their helpline for assistance.

     

    The system crashed & would not reboot again, so I reloaded the program disc version 3.20 the system then came back on line, the camera's are recording OK & all seemed OK until I came to set up the Customer & Installer information also to name the camera's, according to the manual you log into admin & underneath the Installers name there should be an Edit box to click but there isn't.

    I have tried everything even loading the program again, can anybody help me with this problem as I am now out of my depth.

     

    All the Best

     

    Kranky

     

    Have you tried Google? I found the manual but have not taken time to read it.

     

    http://www.docstoc.com/docs/71372879/LookC-4x4

     

    http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/13001.pdf

     

    Maybe searching further might find you something if you don't get any quick replies here.

     

    Good luck.

     

    Al.

  23. Posted

    The 900mhz and 2.4ghz communication thing has become an issue with wireless products functioning simultaneously.

     

    Microwave ovens, cordless phones, alarm systems, Bluetooth devices, wireless video cameras, outdoor microwave links, wireless game controllers, Zigbee devices, fluorescent lights, WiMAX devices, and even bad electrical connections-all these things can cause broad RF spectrum emissions.

     

    It is generally true that fewer devices currently operating at 5 GHz are causing interference as compared to 2.4-GHz devices. But this will change over time. Just as everyone moved from 900 MHz to 2.4 GHz to avoid interference, the "band jumping" effect will catch up with 5 GHz. Some devices that already exist at 5 GHz include cordless phones, radar, perimeter sensors, and digital satellite.

     

    Anytime you use wireless devices of any type, you have the possiblility of interference. The one that drove me nuts in a home for quite a while, was the customers alarm system. It was either to disable the alarm system or do away with their wireless components. I don't know what they eventually did, but at least I found out what the problem was.

     

    Dennis

     

    So far at least in my area I have found the 5.8 GHz range to be trouble free. I did have difficulties with the microwave interfering with the video using the 2.4 GHz but since I switched to 5.8 GHz that problem is not an issue. There was also some interference with my neighbors laptop connecting to their router and others on my street had various issues but after testing the 5.8 GHz transmitters I have seen none of this. I can place a laptop next to the transmitter and not have a problem connecting to the router on the third floor where I also had a transmitter. My neighbor says everything is ok there too. No one knows what will happen in the future for sure but I will take advantage what I can for now.

     

    Al.

  24. Posted

    Hey guys. I have a client that wants a 6 camera setup in their home. She wants the DVR to be located in the den area hooked to a monitor. She also wants to view the feed in her bedroom and upstairs in the media room. My question is how do I split the signal to show on all 3 monitors or tv? The monitor or tv in the den area, i will probably use the vga out. for the other two rooms I guess I will have to go with the bnc output. Please help!!!

     

    I use wireless A/V transmitter/receivers to feed the output to various locations all over the house. I use one to send a signal from a camera in the garage to the DVR. There are many to choose from depending on your budget and the resired results. They are mainly used to send TV, DVD, etc. A/V as most reviews will show this in addition to DVR signal.

    can u send me links of some products that do this

     

    Look here:

     

    http://www.buycheapr.com/us/result.jsp?ga=us9&q=5.8+ghz+transmitter

     

    I've had good luck with many of the 2.4 GHz devices as far as range is concerned but they did cause interference with some routers in the area. I've tested the 5.8 GHz transmitters and found them to be trouble free.

  25. Posted

    Hey guys. I have a client that wants a 6 camera setup in their home. She wants the DVR to be located in the den area hooked to a monitor. She also wants to view the feed in her bedroom and upstairs in the media room. My question is how do I split the signal to show on all 3 monitors or tv? The monitor or tv in the den area, i will probably use the vga out. for the other two rooms I guess I will have to go with the bnc output. Please help!!!

     

    I use wireless A/V transmitter/receivers to feed the output to various locations all over the house. I use one to send a signal from a camera in the garage to the DVR. There are many to choose from depending on your budget and the resired results. They are mainly used to send TV, DVD, etc. A/V as most reviews will show this in addition to DVR signal.

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