CCTV Camera No Signal

[discoveranother]

Hi all,

 

I'm not sure this is the correct thread as I cannot see one for CCTV.

 

Have a CCTV system, a DVR box which has 4 outside cameras linked directly to it via a power unit.

 

One of the cameras has just suddenly lost signal. I rebooted the DVR and the camera came back on for about 10 seconds then went off again.

 

I can't see anything in any log files on the DVR or anything that says why the camera has gone off. I have checked the cable connection of the CCTV camera to the back of the DVR and seems fine.

 

I'm at a bit of a loss now. I did wonder if it is simply not getting enough power, but these have been running for 7 years no probs. Although I know things can happen anytime. Does the camera have anything I can check on it itself ? The type of cameras are night vision infrared camera shaped like a dome, installed by a CCTV company who no longer exist.

 

A photo of one of the cameras is attached. How would I be able to check this camera ? Does the camera come apart from the base ?

 

 

Thanks all for any feedback.

[6Foot2]

Which system do you have? We have two Hikvision NVRs connecting to about 50 cameras. They are a mix of static and PTZ, also a mix of POE and mains powered.

 

The cameras have their own VLAN. When we have a problem like to one you describe (and the problem isn't a result of vandalism) we can usually solve it by rebooting the edge switch that the cameras talk to, or sometimes the switches have lost power, so they can't pass their data back across the network.

[3s-gtech]

Those look like the cameras we still have at work. They’re usually powered by a 12v (I think) PSU which either plugs in directly or can be powered over a length of network cable. The PSUs are almost always the problem on ours, and have to be replaced when they get like this.

 

Does your DVR power them somehow?

[discoveranother]

Those look like the cameras we still have at work. They’re usually powered by a 12v (I think) PSU which either plugs in directly or can be powered over a length of network cable. The PSUs are almost always the problem on ours, and have to be replaced when they get like this.

 

Does your DVR power them somehow?

 

Thanks for both replies.

 

Looking at the model of the DVR it just says Inspire COP Security CCTV INS-BLACK04-1000 4 Channel Unit. There are 4 coaxial cable connectors that run from each channel on the DVR for each camera and then the cable runs into a power unit on the wall and the cables then run to each camera.

 

These are not network cables. The only network cable runs from a router into the DVR in addition to the cables above.

 

So it looks like the 4 cables provide the power to the cameras directly.

 

I don't know how the cables are connected at the camera end or if the cameras are detachable from the base as per the photo.

[3s-gtech]

One power unit for all four cameras?

[discoveranother]

One power unit for all four cameras?

 

Yes its a big power unit, its worked for 7 years. 3 of the 4 cameras are still working.

 

[3s-gtech]

Can you try the failing camera from different connector or output?

[Scan099]

Those boxes have individual fuses for each of the cameras connected. Worth a check of the fuse.

[discoveranother]

Thanks for the replies.

 

Firstly, I have tried the camera connection into another camera channel on the back of the DVR, but still no signal.

 

For the fuse, could the fuse be located at the camera end ?

 

Thanks all.

 

Below are pics of the back of the DVR and inside the PSU at the wall where the 4 camera cables run to and then continue to the back of the DVR.

 

 

[Chris_Cook]

I'd start by checking the fuse, then the cabling. Can you get hold of a multi-meter - maybe from the science dept or DT?

 

If its the same as the old ones here, there is a locking ring about half way up the base that should twist undone. Its the bit that has the silver rectangular label on it. It may have a small grub screw holding it in place (not the one that says focus).

 

You can get analogue cameras for about £30 from CPC and elsewhere, so I wouldn't be too concerned about breaking into it. Although I wouldn't expect the camera itself to be broken.

 

Once in, check that you get 12v on the power connector at the camera. If you can, its best to check this with the camera plugged in.

 

If the cable is broken, then it can be replaced with Cat5e, baluns and adaptors are available. Or replace the whole lot with an IP camera.

 

If you can get the camera down, you could try plugging it directly into the DVR with a 12V PSU.

 

Edit: Looking the the PSU box, the fuses are self-resetable, and look ok as the LED is on. They are the Orange disks that are on their side, labeled PTC.

Edited June 8, 2020 by Chris_Cook

[Davit2005]

Can you get an site electrician to swap over the cables in the bottom of the powersupply that supply the cables. I Don't suggest you do this yourself. See if the problem moves to the swapped camera?

[discoveranother]

Thank you for your replies. Much appreciated.

 

Yes I think the next step is checking at the camera end, so need some ladders !!! Hope it's not too difficult to get the camera out but thanks for the info. I'm sincerely hoping its not a cabling problem, although I would have assumed if it was the LED light would be off but I'm no expert.