Hi,
This is my first post.
I have a MU055 4Ch DVR and have 2 wireless cameras attached,
However I keep finding it stops recording if I get a video loss signal - normally caused by next doors microwave oven which they use a lot.

Has anyone else had this problem ? If so is there a fix?

Regards

Woody

How did you figure out it is your neighbors microwave?

They are an old couple that we help a lot and know that they do all their meals by microwave - the video loss ties in with their meal times, our microwave causes the same problem but we hardly use ours.

woody wrote:

Hi,
This is my first post.
I have a MU055 4Ch DVR and have 2 wireless cameras attached,
However I keep finding it stops recording if I get a video loss signal - normally caused by next doors microwave oven which they use a lot.

Has anyone else had this problem ? If so is there a fix?

Regards

Woody

Woody, are your sure its the microwave that’s the culprit?

Depending on the brand name of the DVR, I find with the lower end units, any WIRELESS CAMERA with less than 1 mw output, causes the lack of LINE LOCK on the receiver attached to the DVR, giving the DVR the appearance of a LOSS SIGNAL periodically.

One could compensate this by extending the RX from the DVR location via coax closer to the TX camera side or increase the RX antenna gain.

ispy,
Thanks for the reply, I am sure that most of the signal loss is due to microwave useage - you get the tell tale lines on the screen.
I have tried ugrading the arials to 9dBi High Gain, which improved reception slightly. I have it set to permanent record not motion.

Here is the full spec of the system. (Copied & pasted)

COLOUR WIRELESS HIGH RESOLUTION DAY/NIGHT CCTV CAMERA WITH RECEIVER (906D) AND 4 CAMERA DVR400M VIDEO RECORDER WITH MOTION DETECTION AND 250GB HARD DRIVE

CAMERA AND RECEIVER FEATURES

Image sensor: 1/4-inch CCD
Resolution: 420TVL
Sharp picture display
Night vision (effective range: 15m)
Alloyed shell, weatherproof structure for outdoor installation
Built-in microphone for audio monitoring
4 optional channels to avoid possible interference
Up to 100m (330-feet) transmission range in open space
Specifications:
General:
Transmission frequency: ISM 2,400 to 2,483MHz
Modulation mode: FM
Operating frequency: 2,414, 2,432, 2,450 and 2,468MHz
Unobstructed effective range: 100m (minimum)
Operating temperature: -10 to +50 degrees Celsius (+14 to +122 degrees Fahrenheit)
Operating humidity: ≤85%RH
Camera:
Imaging sensor type: CCD
Picture total pixels:
PAL: 512 x 582
NTSC: 512 x 492
Minimum illumination: 0 Lux
Night vision range: 15m
Bandwidth: 18MHz
Current consumption: 120mA (IR off) and 270mA (IR on) (maximum)
Power supply: +12V DC
Receiver:
Demodulation type: FM
Intermediate frequency: 480MHz
Antenna: SMA (50 ohms)
Receiving sensitivity: ≤-85dBm
Video output signal level: 1.1 ±0.2Vp-p, 75 ohms
S/N ratio: >38dB
Audio output signal level: 3.0 ±1Vp-p, 600 ohms
Current consumption: 250mA (maximum)
Power supply: +8V DC
Weight: 200g


DVR FEATURES

4 Camera DVR With Motion Detection and 250GB Hard Drive

DVR has motion detection recording allowing the DVR memory to last much longer.

Simultaneous, real time digital recording from up to 4 cameras
Record continuously or on motion activation
Time and date stamps all footage
Connect to any TV or monitor
Record up to 6 months continuously
Records up to 25 frames per second across all cameras (25fps per camera)
250GB hard drive included
Employs proprietary compression format (H263+)
Easy installation with plug and play connection
Professional quality recording with variable recording time solutions
Connect the DVR to a TV and VCR to get footage off.
Fully complies with the Data Protection Act.

This is one of the reasons I never use wireless for something important. I have a couple of tiny wireless cameras (that I sometimes attach to my R/C plane) that clash with the wireless router at my house. If the camera is transmitting while it's inside my house then the wireless network stops working.

I had a 2.4ghz cordless phone that was messed up by our microwave oven, but only for about 15-20 feet. I assume you have tried all the channels?

If you don't want to replace the cameras, and since they are good friends, your best bet may be to buy them a new oven that doesn't leak RF as badly. You could try it out yourself first.

A microwave can disturb wireless 2.4Ghz cameras, and phones, and wireless routers as they are all on the same freq per se.

http://scorpiontheater.com/wireless.aspx

.

Thanks for the replies it looks like I will have to get hard wired cameras for recording purposes.

Regards

Woody

Swap out your microwave for a metal enclosed chasis, rather than then the plastic case. You can try to ground it better. Do you have a three pronged electrical cord?

Your microwave should not disrupt the signal that much. Is the microwave on the other side of the wall from where your receivers are?


You just need to get the camera, and the receiver closer together.

The disadvantage with wireless cameras are that others can see your cameras with devices such as "nanny cams" ect.

IP based wireless cameras do not have the privacy issue, and the digital signal will "carry" farther then the regular analog signal.

Its not my Microwave its the neighbours and it is close to the receiver, I have just finished hardwire connecting my old video camera to the box and will give that a run just to prove to myself that it is not the DVR. Will then try getting the camera and receiver closer together as you suggest.
Thanks again