Tips For Diagnosing CCTV Video Signal Issues
Lost your video signal from one of your security cameras? Maybe you have a fuzzy picture or rolling video. Whatever the problem may be with your video signal; there are a few tips and steps you can take to attempt to diagnose the issue.
Check The Cable
If you are able, it can be beneficial to quickly take a secondary cctv cable and connect it to your security camera to see if your cable is the problem. Even if this solves the issue; it may not be the problem if you’re transmitting your video signal over a long cable run, as we will discuss next.
Not Enough Power
If you are running your video signal over long cctv cable runs; then they may begin to build up a resistance in the line and degrade your video signal. If you are using a 12VDC power source; then one solution would be to switch to a 24VAC power source with a high enough amperage; then all you would need to do is equip a 24VAC to 12VDC converter at the end of the line before hooking it into your security camera.
This solution would sufficiently boost the power on your cable to provide a better connection and signal grade. On the other hand a cctv power booster may be enough to do the trick depending on the length of your run.
Ground Loop Isolator
A quick and relatively cheap fix for rolling video or fuzzy signal can be what is called a ground loop isolator. By using this device between the end of your security camera cable and your DVR you can sometimes eliminate these problems.
In essence what the isolator does is help to “isolate” your video signal and remove/shield it from various unforeseen electrical interferences and signal degradations.
Check Your Crimps & Connectors
If you have a loose or badly crimped cctv connector on one of your cables; you may be losing or degrading your video signal at this point. Try replacing or tightening these connectors and see if this solves the problem. Furthermore crimped cctv ends tend to last longer and have a better signal then screw on ones.
Check Your Lens & On-Camera Connections
A couple simple things you can test is your on-camera connections and your cctv lens. Make sure all of your connections are secure and not loose, and make sure that your lens is properly tightened and in focus.
Additionally if you find or have a strong feeling that your cctv cable is at fault; then you should check the run and make sure there are no breaks or nicks in the line. Sometimes this type of fault can be solved by simply tightening some good electrical tape around the problem area.