A few problems: maybe you have solutions?

[studebaker 0]

First off, I am glad that there is a panel of experts online to help me with these problems.

 

We recently switched from a computer based DVR to an embedded system. Picasa Magestic series. (btw, the manual was written by someone whose first language wasn't english and is a bit hard to decipher) 16 channel 30fps/channel, bells, whistles etc. The old system eventually gave up and the computer wouldn't even start up. I believe that it was installed in 2004.

 

We have 14 ED300/N EverFocus cameras set up from the old system.

When the new DVR first started up, six of the cameras had black static for picture and one of them was 'not connected'. After about twenty minutes, only four of the cameras had black static and by the end of the day, only three of them had black static. I watched one camera start working. Initially, the picture was grainy and interrupted frequently by noise. Throughout this process, nothing was done to the cameras or the DVR to alter their performance.

 

A week has passed. This morning, at about 6am, another camera stopped working, which brought the total number of non-working cameras back to six. At this time, the cameras are on and recording but the light levels are low. Do low light levels increase the chance of burnout?

 

Now here is the stumper: one of the cameras that initially wasn't working is still working and it was one of the cameras that initially was working is now NOT working.

 

I have read that the ED300/N isn't the best of cameras and have noticed that most online dealers and even the Everfocus company doesn't list them online. Are they that bad?

 

Can anyone tell me what may have happened?

 

thanks in advance for your help.[/i]

[griffonsystems 0]

i think its impossible to tell without seing it but go back and check your connections, power and video -- i would bet some might have loose bnc connectors. if you have a test monitor goto each camera and check for video.

 

i just typed out a rant of how people should use the help of professional installers (guys that have been aroudn that sell solid systems that they support well after the install) but erased it because im not hear to preach to anyone how they should buy a system just to offer my 2cents.. it felt good to vent tho

[studebaker 0]

the professional video installers are a 2 hour drive away. our set up is in a relatively small town.

[rory 0]

Check all connections, redo them all to be sure ..

 

Check Power to each camera, make sure it is getting the correct voltage at least. Make sure the power supply/ies is/are in a good socket and getting enough high voltage. Put all power on at least a voltage regulator.

 

Check the Cable .. what type of cable is used for the Video and Power, and approx max & min distances?

 

Check each camera individually on a Spot Monitor. Either use a CCTV Monitor (9"), or a 13" TV. If not worried about quality then just use anything that has a composite input such as an LCD with an RCA input.

 

Also, no idea on that DVR, do you know the actual manufacturer? Where did you buy it?

 

Rory