murray30 0 Posted November 3, 2011 Hi another newbie here, And of course a newbie question, I swapped the cam that was under my porch for a higher spec one(another budget camera with some extra bells and whistles basically) initially for better night vision, but while i was out tonight setting up the focus i noticed only 5 leds lit up out of 36, the only thing i can think of is the power supply,although i was under the impression that none would light up if it was a psu issue, I have had a good look through the threads and not found any info as yet on this, so if anyone could help i would be very grateful, apologies if this is a basic question, as i said i am a newbie to cctv and forums for that matter Thanks in advance Regards Murray Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Soundy 1 Posted November 4, 2011 Really hard to say without knowing exactly what camera it is, but insufficient current to the camera (whether due to an underpowered PSU, too-small wiring, too-long run, etc.) is certainly a possibility, depending on how the LED driver is designed. Also possible (though unlikely) is that the camera is automatically controlling the IR brightness in response to the ambient light and/or proximity (and thus brightness) of objects. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
murray30 0 Posted November 4, 2011 Thanks for the quick response Soundy, much appreciated, now for the embarrassing bit, the cam i replaced was a swann pro 580 480tvl and replaced with addonics 1/3 sony super had ccd heres the specs Image Sensor 1/3 Sony SUPER HAD CCD Video Quality 540TV Line Effective Pixels PAL: 795(H)X596(V) ; NTSC:811(H)X508(V) Lens 4-9 mm Viewing angle 64 - 30 degrees manually adjustable Video Output 1.0Vp-p. 75ohm (BNC) Shutter Speed PAL: 1/50-1/100.000sec ; NTSC: 1/60-1/100.000sec Minimum Illumination 0 LUX with IR on Signal to Noise Ratio >48dB Day/Night Mode Colour during day. Auto switches to B&W at night White Balance Automatic Gain control Automatic Installation 3-Axis rigid mounting bracket with 70cm BNC & power lead (nominal) Night Vision Night Vision Distance Up to 40 m IR Cut Filter No Number of Infra-Red LEDs 36 Infra-Red Wavelength 850 nm General Power Consumption 12V DC, 800mA (IR ON) Operating Temp -20~50 C Weather Proof Rating IP66 Indoor use Yes Outdoor use Yes Dimensions (Camera Only) 152 mm x 104 mm x 96 mm Dimensions (Including Bracket) 257 mm x 104 mm x 159 mm Anti-Cut Cable Bracket Yes Weight (Camera & Bracket) 1230g Colour Gun Metal there was 2 things that you said that rang a bell 1,was the excess cable(used about 25ft of 60ft) and 2, as the addonics did not come with psu i have used the psu from the swann(thinking 12v adapter is the same should be ok ) and now i have just pasted the specs off the site i have noticed 800ma and the swann psu is rated at 500ma big school boy error there(did i say i was new ) off to get the dedicated psu tomorrow then(teach me for trying to be clever and save some money) i think you have knocked the nail right on the head there, low psu power and to much cable Thanks again Soundy very much appreciated i'm off to stand in the corner of the room now with a pointy hat , Regards Murray Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
murray30 0 Posted November 4, 2011 Hello again, I bought the designated power supply and shorter cable still the problem persists, as far as i know(which isnt alot) different manufactured cable on a cam would not make any difference, apart from the grainy pic(due to led problem i presume) at night i am happy with the cam,(ok its not great quality but for my budget its ok) so can i take it that it is faulty or have i missed something obvious, Regards Murray Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tomcctv 190 Posted November 4, 2011 ok its not great quality but for my budget its ok Maplins junk fixed lens and no cut filter. take it back and get your money back (buy another and it wont see the year out) PM sent to you from a good distributor. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
murray30 0 Posted November 5, 2011 Hi Tom, Thanks for the PM mate much appreciated, took back the cam and psu today now i can put my money into a unit that will do whats its supposed to do, thanks again for your help Tom, Regards Murray Share this post Link to post Share on other sites