jsampsell

Ok, so I posted awhile back about getting two new "PTZ-W470A Outdoor PTZ Security Camera, 520 TVL, Speed Dome, 35x zoom" cameras and asked for help with power. Well, power is ok (although I had a *** of a time soldering since it had been years since I had done it previously) but now I get an initializing error. I bought this from CCTV Camera Pros and they've been nothing but over-the-top helpful from the beginning but one frustrating thing today was that I called their number and got a live person but it was an answering service. I suppose this is a matter of opinion but a recorded message telling me that they are not open and giving me their hours of operation would have been better than going through my entire schpeal about the initializing error only to find out Mark wasn't going to really help me. Anyhow, frustration aside, I'm hoping that somebody here can possibly help me with the initializing error over the weekend so that I don't have to wait until Tuesday to call them for help. Before you ask, I've read the manual from front to back (well, the English section anyway) and there is no reference to any initializing error. Oh, this may not be related but the control module that is referenced in the manual is not what I was sent. I realize that RS-485 is a protocol so most any control module should work but I was, never-the-less, surprised to see a difference. And since these devices don't have any brand names (or names of any kind for that matter) on them, I have no way of knowing that the control module is even made by the same company as the camera. Again, that may not be too important in the end but I just like to see what is being referred to in the instruction manual so that if there are any issues I can consult it instead of seeking out help on the internet. Then again, this manual isn't written very well. Typical translation issues aside, it just doesn't get into to much detail. Very odd. This is my first foray into these non-name brand cameras. I bought it because of the 35x optical zoom. But I'm stumped as to what to do next to get it working. I guess I'll try hooking up the RS-485 to my DVR and see if that works at all. But I'm guessing it won't because in order for me to get the cameras that these are replacing working I had to go in and set the device ID. And, of course, no where in the manual for these new cameras mentions anything about changing the device ID. So, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Jeremy

Thanks again Chuck! I'll give it a try this weekend.

Thanks for the reply! This is exactly the kind of reply I was hoping to get. I have learned the hard way over the years that getting all of the information before you start a project saves you so much in headaches and frustrations. With that said, I think I may have found something that would make this much more simple. I found this power supply box that supports 4 cameras: http://www.cctvcamerapros.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=PSPRO%2DAC%2D4HB&CartID=1. All I would need to worry about is the cable run from this box to the camera and I could use whatever gauge wire is fitting. I could also customize the length too. What gauge and type of wire would you suggest for this? The existing cables I have are power and video cables combined and are 50ft and 100ft. The 50ft are really longer than I need but I like to have extra cable length so I ordered longer than I needed. I could probably use one of those cables for each camera. My DVR and this power supply box would be in the same closet so running a combined cable, as long as the different power level doesn't interfere with the video signal, is acceptable.

I just bought two of these cameras: http://www.cctvcamerapros.com/Outdoor-PTZ-Security-Camera-p/ptz-w470a.htm (Can't post URLs for some reason. Maybe my low post count as a newbie?). They are replacements for these: http://www.swann.com/s/products/view/?product=1372. Because of the heater blower housing, these cameras require a 24V power adapter. Well, even though I've got 12V running to the existing locations, it won't be that big of a deal to run new power wire to either location. The adapter they provide only has maybe six feet at most between the terminals for the camera and the transformer. Then there's maybe another six feet to the wall plug. I have three questions: 1. Are there are any length restrictions between a device and the transformer for 24V power? I'd like to extend the power line so that I don't have the transformer up in the heat of my attic. Not that it couldn't function perfectly fine up there but I'd prefer not exposing them to that kind of heat if I don't have to. 2. Can I use the cable from my existing 12V line to splice into the 24V line? As long as it is the same gauge, it shouldn't be a problem, right? 3. What's the best way to secure the splice since it is going to be in an extremely hot attic for half of the year? I normally would splice and wrap with electrical tape but I'm leary about it being in the attic. Ideas? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Jeremy

I realize the last post was a little over a year ago but I wanted to update this thread and say that IP Cam Viewer Pro is now available for the iPhone for $3.99. I have the 4S and my Night Owl Poseidon 8-Channel DVR works perfectly with that app. Flawless! I tried probably 10 different apps including the one in the instruction manual and they all did not work. IP Cam Viewer Pro also supports my two IP cameras so I can see all of my DVR cameras and my IP cameras in one app. I hightly recommend it!