Ross@thesummit

I recently just got what I thought was a screamin deal on 22 used dome cameras on ebay. They are Ademco AD3VC4HR's. 1/3" SonyCCD, 470TVL, 4-9mm varifocal, auto iris, etc. They are about 4 years old, I think. I got a good enough price that I figured that even if 25% didn't work, I still got a good deal. The problem is that out of the whole lot, only one gave me a picture when powered up with 24vac. The rest of them produce a series of vertical white stripes, with the sharpest, brightest one at the left, and fading out as the stripes go to the right. So, are the cameras bad, or am I doing something wrong? I find it odd that they all don't work in the same way? Thanks, Ross

I thought of that, too, but they are dual voltage (24vac/12vdc) cameras with DC polarity reversal protection. At least I'm sure I didn't damage them. Thanks to everyone for their thoughts on this subject. Ross

But I'll see what the seller says. Do you know if the lenses are worth anything? They are 4-9mm varifocal w/ auto iris. I'm not sure of the mount style. It looks like there may be a single screw clamp, but I'm not quite sure yet. Thanks, Ross

I think I eliminated the power supply and the video cable. I've tried both a 24vac and a 12vdc power supply and gotten consistent results, and I've been using the same video cable the whole time. I've also switched monitors, which had no effect. I am a DIYer, and appreciate the other tips. The camera's do not seem like they were in a smoky environment, and the connections seem solid. I haven't tried switching the power supply pigtail from one camera to another. The connectors at the board are not easy to get at with a tool, so I'll do some continuity testing first. Easier to do. They were removed by someone who did not know what they were doing. Some of the gimbels were pried out of the base, as though the person did not realize that all you had to do was turn them to get at the mounting screws. But not all of them are that way. Thanks again for your reply. Ross