CNB VCM-24VF Settings

[liveinxs 0]

i just purchased a couple of these CNB VCM-24VF cameras, first off, these things are built like a tank, very solid construction...

 

now these cameras have the Vari-Focal Lenses, can anyone provide some input on the best method to focus these cameras, whats nice is that there is a port, so a monitor could be hooked up directly to the camera, to aid in setting up this camera....

 

also, to those who use or have these cameras, would you be able to provide just what settings you are using...

 

thanks

[rory 0]

Default settings are typically the best.

 

Sharpness is a typical setting that is adjusted by installers.

Which DVR is being used will determine the sharpness setting, most you can turn it up to the max, some like Geovision, the image can be distorted (it digitally enhances anything over the default sharpness level).

 

As features are turned on, current draw rises, and overall quality can suffer for long runs.

 

Best to prefocus in controlled lighting. I normally do that inside my garage in the day time so I can do it with lights on, off, or the door slightly open for low light, and directed outside for full sunlight adjustments/testing. Also if using Infrared should check the focus in pitch dark with Infrared and adjust slightly if needed, going back and forth between full light, low light, and Infrared.

 

Use an object with alot of contrast to focus on. Eg. Some kind of fence or grill, or even a ladder or license plate. Focus it in the center but also focus the object on the left and right sides of the image, until its focused good left, center, and right, with center being the best.

 

Distance from the camera to the object you are focusing on will depend on the zoom you want, average around 20-30' from the object, though at 2.8mm you may need to bring it in closer, and at 10mm would need to be further away.

 

Prefocus is not always available so otherwise focus under low light (not in full sunlight), and at least on objects you can see clearly on your monitor.

 

Preferably use a larger monitor like a 9-13" or so (CRT if available) for best focus.

 

Bottom line is everyone has their own way of focusing and equipment used and it can also vary from one location to the next.

[liveinxs 0]

i just went outside now, made a few adjustments, it was just around dusk, about 8:20 in new jersey

 

Default settings are typically the best.

 

Sharpness is a typical setting that is adjusted by installers.

Which DVR is being used will determine the sharpness setting, most you can turn it up to the max, some like Geovision, the image can be distorted (it digitally enhances anything over the default sharpness level).

 

hello, yes that was the first thing i did was to max sharpness, unfortunately i am using a ebay dvr, brand is unknown, my plan is to get the CNB 16 channel dvr soon....

 

As features are turned on, current draw rises, and overall quality can suffer for long runs.

the longest run i am using is approx. 60 feet

 

Best to prefocus in controlled lighting. I normally do that inside my garage in the day time so I can do it with lights on, off, or the door slightly open for low light, and directed outside for full sunlight adjustments/testing. Also if using Infrared should check the focus in pitch dark with Infrared and adjust slightly if needed, going back and forth between full light, low light, and Infrared.

 

Use an object with alot of contrast to focus on. Eg. Some kind of fence or grill, or even a ladder or license plate. Focus it in the center but also focus the object on the left and right sides of the image, until its focused good left, center, and right, with center being the best.

 

i ended up using the uprights in the porch railing , maybe 25 foot away from camera, got those dialed in really good

 

Distance from the camera to the object you are focusing on will depend on the zoom you want, average around 20-30' from the object, though at 2.8mm you may need to bring it in closer, and at 10mm would need to be further away.

i have it set to take in the most amount of area

 

Prefocus is not always available so otherwise focus under low light (not in full sunlight), and at least on objects you can see clearly on your monitor.

 

Preferably use a larger monitor like a 9-13" or so (CRT if available) for best focus.

 

yes that is what i plan on doing, picking up a 9inch lcd to hook up directly to camera...

 

Bottom line is everyone has their own way of focusing and equipment used and it can also vary from one location to the next.

 

thanks for your help

[Soundy 1]

The reason you want to focus in low light is that, when it's bright, an auto-iris camera will narrow the iris, thus giving you greater depth of field (for example, you might focus on something 20' away and everything from 5' to infinity is also in focus). But when it gets dark and the iris opens up, you lose a lot of that depth, and the area you want might be out of focus (example, your DOF when focused at 20' might shrink so that only things from 15' to 30' are in focus, so if your main subject is something at 10', it will now be blurry).

 

You can also use something dark in front of the lens - ideally, a photographic Neutral Density (ND) filter, but I've used welding goggles or even just sunglasses.

[liveinxs 0]

The reason you want to focus in low light is that, when it's bright, an auto-iris camera will narrow the iris, thus giving you greater depth of field (for example, you might focus on something 20' away and everything from 5' to infinity is also in focus). But when it gets dark and the iris opens up, you lose a lot of that depth, and the area you want might be out of focus (example, your DOF when focused at 20' might shrink so that only things from 15' to 30' are in focus, so if your main subject is something at 10', it will now be blurry).

 

You can also use something dark in front of the lens - ideally, a photographic Neutral Density (ND) filter, but I've used welding goggles or even just sunglasses.

 

 

thats what i did when i first installed the camera, it was very bright outside, and i was kinda difficult to focus it, and later on, when the sun was just setting , i noticed that hearly the entire image was blurry and out of focus, so i got up on the ladder and refocused the camera, and it was very easy to focus it this time, now it looks incredible...now i just need to buy 6 more VCM-24VFs

[rory 0]

If you are mounting any to an eave might also want to look at the VBM model, as the connections could then go in the eave.

[liveinxs 0]

If you are mounting any to an eave might also want to look at the VBM model, as the connections could then go in the eave.

 

yes, your right, believe me, i debated for a long time, trying to decide between the two VCM and VBM, i ended up with the VCM cause it allowed multiple installation methods, also with the VBM, i would of had to drill out a larger size hole, where-as with the VCM i just had to drill a 3/4 inch hole in eave, and then i used some plumbers puddy as a gasket around the hole in the VCM base to eave gap...