jst3712

Here is my opinions: 1. Junk, more than likely...you want CCTV-grade RG59 or RG6 for video(or cat5 with QUALITY baluns), and for power cables it depends on the distance and power draw of the cams 2. No, unless each output is individually fused and your cameras have isolated the video ground from the power ground(or you will likely introduce ground loops/interference). Your cheap 12v eBay cams do not have isolated grounds...I don't even need to know what brand/model they are... 3. No, length of cables has nothing to do with amperage of power supply. Voltage drop under full load(IR on) is what you need to be concerned with. The proper way to address voltage drop is to run the correct size power cable, but you can also buy power supplies that allow you to boost the VOLTAGE to compensate. http://www.supercircuits.com/resources/tools/voltage-drop-calculator 4. You want regulated...switchmode power supply will always be regulated, transformer-based power supply can go either way Hi, sorry, I haven't been checking this lately. Thanks for your advice. Yeah, I agree that the stock standard cables that came with the system were cheap and nasty. I have since changed all of my (unshielded) cables to shielded RG-59 CCTV type (video & power in 1 still; surely better than what I was using previously) and also upgraded the power supplies from 12VDC 2A to 5A to avoid using too many individual power supplies (your mentioning of separate fuses has been noted). I still have everything temporarily laid out on a large workbench, so haven't installed the system as yet. So far haven't seen any performance issues *Touch wood*

No replies? Wow.

Hi guys. I recently purchased from eBay a DVR that came with 4 cameras and cabling. The cables are 18 meters long each, BNC/DC power combo type. Also a single power supply, 12VDC 2A with a 4-way power splitter. 1) What are your thoughts on these, what seem to be, low-cost cables? 2) Is it a good idea to run 4 cameras off the same power supply? 3) Is it not recommended to upgrade the power supply to a higher amperage one (e.g 2A to 5A) considering the long cables? 4) With the power supplies, do the cameras work best with unregulated, regulated or switchmode power supplies? I don't know how sensitive these cameras are, but I've been advised mine are all CMOS based. Thanks.

OK thanks guys I'll see how I go. Jason.

That's great, thanks. But I can get my hands on one of these easier... which might be better... ?

If you are using proper CCTV monitors they will have a loop-through connection, the last monitor must have a terminating resistor or may have a through/end switch. If you are not using proper CCTV monitors then you'll need a video distribution amp. Hi, thanks for the reply. No, I'm actually using 10 inch Headrest monitors for cars (RCA inputs) as my screens! I have attached a pic of a VDA that I was thinking of purchasing. Can you please tell me if this would do the job quite nicely? Thanks.

Hi guys. I'm new to this. I just purchased a DVR that came with CCD cameras, but haven't as yet installed everything. I also have 2 small LCD screens; one for the front and one for the rear of the house. If I need 1 particular camera's signal to be split into 3 (1 for DVR and 2 for the LCD's), what is the recommended solution? I was thinking of a BNC splitter (I call it a 'T' connector) which would split the signal into 2, then connect a second T connector (to one of the 1st splitter's outputs) to create a 3rd output. But I have a feeling the signal would deteriorate. Am I correct in assuming this? Should I use an amplified splitter box instead? The camera, DVR and 1st LCD will be in close proximity of each other, but the second LCD will be further away. Thanks, Jason.