vmgtlexi

My record resolution is 720x240. I recall that when I set up the DVR a few years back, that was the middle choice. I tried changing it but it wants me to stop recording before changing. And, as luck would have it, my DVR will NOT stop recording.

What is "CIF"?

For my camera's OSD menu, what settings do I want for the following: AGC: High, Low, or Off ???? Sens-Up: Off or AUTO ???? I set the SSDR (Samsung's version of WDR I guess) to "BLC". I have no idea why, but it sounds good. SSNR3 (Noise Reduction): On of OFF ????

Sorry these are "wide screen". I can't seem to figure out how to get YouTube to show it in normal aspect ratio. Oh well. I give up. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-Q86QpTDbo

HELP! I just replaced a bullet camera. The new camera is this model: Previously, I have always just used the OSD settings out of the box (ie, I never accessed them and thus never changed any settings). But, now I want to access the OSD menu for the new camera to fiddle with some settings. I do not have one of those portable camera tester screens. My camera DOES have RS-485 wires pre-attached. I can get to these wires in my attic with my laptop. Is there anyway to access my camera's OSD menu with the RS-485 wires and a laptop? Please be specific on steps and parts needed. Or, please steer me in the easiest, most cost-effective solution if a laptop is not the answer. I do not want to run RS-485 wires through my house. I am DONE running wires.

Scratch that - it's only for one of their specific cameras. Back to square one!

This might work also! $26. http://www.clintonelectronics.com/store/product.php?productid=296&cat=35&page=1

Tom, I can't find that product on the site you linked. The link only brings up an image, but not a price, model # or anything. What is that device called?

PS - Yes, once I get the cameras looking like I want, I will DEFINITELY post images and/or video. You all have been a great help to me, so I want to be sure to return the favor in any way possible.

Birdman - my thought exactly. The camera came with an "Installation Video Output Cable". From memory, I think it's a female BNC. So, maybe I would need to first attach an adapter (linked below). Then, I could just run a regular RCA video cable to our camping TV. Is that the idea? Would the OSD menu automatically appear assuming my bullet camera has internal buttons (which think it does)?? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882203035&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-Audio+/+Video+Cables-_-STARTECH-_-82203035

I forgot to include the model of camera I just installed per the question above. Here it is: http://www.samsung-security.com/products/security-cameras/analog-cameras/bullet-cameras/SCO-2080R.aspx

For cameras which are "dual power" (12VDC or 24VAC), is there any benefit to powering those cameras with 12VDC versus 24VAC? In other words, when would a 12VDC power source be preferred and when would a 24VAC power source be preferred? What are the trade-offs of each when running "dual power" cameras?

So, I just retested - this time INSIDE the camera. First test with my multimeter: I opened the camera housing and placed the multimeter leads on the incoming power feed on the first circuit board. I got 12.5 volts. Note this is on a shorter cable run, maybe 75 feet max. Then, with IR on, I placed the multimeter leads on the IR circuit board where the red/black power cables are soldered on. I got about 10.5 volts. With IR off, and placing the multimeter leads on the IR circuit board where the red/black power cables are soldered on, I got about 6 volts. Does anyone who knows electricity have any feedback on these numbers? Normal? Abnormal? I wonder if the 6 volts while measuring the actual IR circuit board was indicating "draw" rather than how many volts were being pushed thru the wire from the power source? I know NOTHING about electricity other than it can shock !

HT - I am certainly not an electrician, but the voltage at the camera was still basically 12 volts (I actually took the reading about 2' from the camera where my power feed connects to the camera's power cable. The cable length is probably short of 150' by 10-20'. I was just guesstimating on the high end. The cable is 18/2.

I can only say this. I've had an Everfocus 4 channel DVR for 3 1/2 years (an "EDVR4D1" model). It has worked perfectly thus far. I have been shopping for another DVR to possibly add more cameras. I think I would only buy Everfocus or Samsung (www.samsung-security.com). Good luck.

Thanks!

Probably correct. The manufacturer (Nuvico) told me the same thing. They said the iris controller has gone bad. Oddly, one of the malfunctioning cameras works perfect some days and is washed out on other days. I wish it would just outright die or work 100%, but life is never that simple.

I'll check voltage at the cameras tonight with IR on. I checked yesterday during the day without IR and voltage at the power source and at the cameras was about equal (12 volts). That was measured on my longest cable run which is 150' or slightly less.

SOUNDY - I am sure you're correct. I think the issue with my whitewashed day-time images must be a filter that does not adjust in the day time hours. I guess I was thinking that perhaps a power issue could possibly cause the filter to not move as it's supposed to.

Of course, maybe I should re-check the voltage at the camera at night when the IR is on. Maybe that could be an issue if the IR draws too much?

I think you've answered your own question. I'll let others with more experience provide advice regarding better quality brands. Personally, I like the specs on the Samsungs.

Thanks for the info and for helping me learn. I have a 12VDC, 5-AMP, 9-camera power supply box. I only run 4 dual-voltage cameras off that box. Recently, two of those cameras started having issues. I am 99% certain it has nothing to do with the power supply, but thought I'd better consider the power supply as a possible part of the puzzle anyway. In that vein, I started wondering if it might just be better to power my cameras with a 24VAC power supply box just to eliminate any chance of "under-powering" the cameras. That was the genesis of this thread. But, in the end, I think I'll leave things as is. I took a voltage reading at the power source and at the camera end (approx 150' cable run for my furthest camera). Even at the camera location, my multimeter showed basically 12 volts. So, I am pretty sure my power supply to the cameras is AOK. The cameras in question are 3 1/2 year old Nuvico's with IR. They have become washed out images during the day. I am replacing them with Samsung IR cameras. Will post reviews/feedback once the new Samsung's are installed.

Thank you!

Up until now, I have only used/installed cameras that run on 12VDC. For those applications, I use RG59 siamese cables (RG59 & power combined). Now, I am possibly adding a camera or two which requires 24VAC power. My plan is to install a 24VAC wall-mounted power supply box. But, here is where I am lost -- what kind of wire do I use to transmit 24VAC power between the power supply to the camera? Can I use the same RG59/power cables (the siamese cables) to feed power 24AC to the new cameras? Or, is there a different type of cable one must use in order to transmit 24VAC power from the power supply box to the camera? Thanks!!

Thanks! Also, for 24V AC power supply boxes, does the box simply plug into a standard 120v outlet, or do I need to hard-wire a romex power cable from my home's circuit breaker box into the 24V AC box?