Samsung camera has limited tilt range

[cglaeser 0]

I installed a Samsung SVD-4400 and the tilt range appears to be limited between 90 and 30 degrees from horizontal. I'd like to set the viewing angle much closer to horizontal, perhaps 10 degrees or so. I've loosened the screws and applied as much pressure as I dare, but the tilt angle seems to be limited by something. Any suggestions?

 

Best,

Christopher

[survtech 0]

The spec sheet says that its tilt range is 0 to 146 degrees.

 

Have you tilted it the wrong way? Perhaps you have to rotate the camera 180 degrees, then tilt it in the opposite direction? 146 degrees is pretty close to -30 degrees from the opposite direction.

 

In other words, turn the camera and lens part clockwise or counter-clockwise so that everything appears upside down in the video picture, then adjust the tilt in the opposite direction from the way you have it.

[cglaeser 0]

The spec sheet says that its tilt range is 0 to 146 degrees.

 

Have you tilted it the wrong way?

 

I think I am doing the right way because the video is not inverted, but I tried it both ways with no success. I may need to remove it so I can give it a close inspection on well-lit table.

 

Best,

Christopher

[survtech 0]

Try inverting the video; which you should be able to do by twisting the camera part (where the lens attaches) 180 degrees. Then adjust the tilt all the way in the opposite direction. That will restore the picture to right side up and should allow the tilt to go fully (or nearly) horizontal.

[cglaeser 0]

Try inverting the video; which you should be able to do by twisting the camera part (where the lens attaches) 180 degrees. Then adjust the tilt all the way in the opposite direction. That will restore the picture to right side up.

 

Neither side will raise more than 30 degrees from horizontal. I loosened the nut to the point of almost falling off ... still no go. Inspecting the camera while perched on a 12' ladder, I can't see what is limiting the range. I'm guessing a bur or some sort of little piece of bent metal inside the parts that rotate. It's noteworthy that the camera tilts to about the same angle both ways. Perhaps the tilt limiting mechanism has itself tilted. May have to remove the camera from the mount and disassemble on a table.

 

Unfortunately, this is not an easy camera to install/de-install. Don't know how this Samsung compares to other CCTV cameras, but the Panasonic 502 mini dome is a snap for one installer. The Samsung is just begging to be dropped to the ground during installation.

 

Best,

Christopher

[cglaeser 0]

PS: The resolution/focus is less than I had hoped (I've been spoiled by HD IP cameras), but the low light performance is great. I added this camera for the low light performance, and it does not disappoint in that regard.

 

Best,

Christopher

[cglaeser 0]

I contacted Samsung technical support, and the technician says he has never heard of any reports of limited tilt range on any of their cameras. Guess I'll have to pull it down and take it apart to try and isolate the cause.

 

Best,

Christopher

[cglaeser 0]

I removed the Samsung SVD-4400 and isolated the cause of the limited tilt range. There are posts on either side of the camera that are stamped from sheet metal that mount the camera to the rotating pan. Each of these two mounts have a stamped dimple that acts as tilt stop. It appears that the round piece of sheet metal that holds the camera has notches that should clear these dimples. Unfortunately, these notches are not sufficiently deep, and this piece of metal does not clear the dimples. I'll post some pictures when I get a chance.

 

Best,

Christopher

[survtech 0]

[cglaeser 0]

That is precisely what I did. I disassembled the camera and used a grinder to remove the two dimples that were stamped into the sheet metal posts. Now, the camera will tilt to the horizon. The downside is that the tilt will no longer hold as securely when the tilt nut is tightened, but it is sufficiently secure and will not move once the dome cover is screwed in place.

 

I acquired this camera for the low light performance, and it certainly delivers in that regard. However, the installation features are a bit of a pain.

 

Best,

Christopher