Radman171

Another question from a noob: I checked but didn't find anything here on the forums about these cams, so here goes: I bought a couple of new cameras as replacements for my system, and they were advertised as "IR-CUT" cameras. Research shows that these cams use an IR filter for daylight hours, which makes the daytime video MUCH better -- great color, etc. (My older color cameras have a washed-out look during the day). My question is, what is it that makes these cameras perform so well? The reason I'm asking is because I've also seen some replacement board camera lenses advertised as "IR-CUT lenses", as if there's some kind of coating on the lenses that does the IR filtering. Is it a circuit in the camera that does the filtering, or is it something about the lens that filters the IR?

When I was first trying to figure out what was wrong, I checked the camera power outputs with the meter while the cameras were still connected -- and got the 6vdc reading. I then disconnected all the cameras, pulled the box from where it was mounted, put it on the bench and checked the outputs again. Still 6vdc. That's when I submitted the post asking for help. Then, of course, when I went to actually try billy's suggestion to troubleshoot it, the thing was working fine again. In the meantime I had already ordered a new power supply box, since I had to get my system up and running again ASAP. At this point my position on this whole situation is going to be, "You can never have enough CCTV power supply boxes, right?"

Well, this is weird! I had checked the box a few times over a couple of days but it was always the same -- low power output. When I sat down at the bench to test your suggestions, the box powered up just like normal at 12vdc. ?????? It does have the PTC fuses, but how long does it take for those to reset themselves? In this case, it was about 5 days. I thought they reset a lot faster than that....

Thanks billy, I will try your suggestion!

Hi all, Ran into a weird situation the other day. I've got a home surveillance system which I installed some years ago (and which I am constantly "tweaking"!). We had a power outage the other day and when power was restored, the 18 ch. power supply box was only putting out about 5 to 6vdc for each camera instead of 12vdc. Had to quick order a replacement box to get everything back online. Our whole house is on a primary surge suppressor, and the cctv outlet is on both a surge suppressor AND a UPS. Despite all this, I still lost the power box. I could find absolutely nothing online about how to troubleshoot any of these power supply boxes, or any schematics either. It would appear that something simple is amiss on the power box's circuits, so I would like to repair it for future use. Any suggestions? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.....