Long story with bad images

[sbbamafan 0]

We installed a system in a condo community using cat5 and baluns. The intent all along was to relocate the DVR in the future. The longest original run is about 750'. The time to relocate is now. At the time of the original installation, we installed additional cat5 cables from the temporary DVR location to the new location (about 850'). All images in the original location are perfectly clear and sharp. All images in the new location are, technically, crap! We spliced using beanies and crimp connectors - both with bad results in the new location. We have verified all results (at both ends) using a test monitor. We have tried replacing baluns with no change. The power supply wiring has not been altered - we only extended the signal wire.

[sbbamafan 0]

By the way - a bit more info - there are 18 cameras. The baluns are passive. Could we possibly need to either amplify the signal or install active baluns. Which is more cost effective?

[survtech 0]

So, you are saying that you are sending the signal (750' + 850' = 1600' total)? That's way too far for passive-passive. You will have to use active receivers or transmitters.

 

Also, it is not advised to use beans to splice cables. Use either punchdown blocks or patch panels.

[zmxtech 0]

thats far !

 

I would be putting a TDR on it to check everythings ok then do a NEXT check.

-should be part of the commissioning really.

 

active for sure...

[sbbamafan 0]

what is TDR?

[survtech 0]

TDR = Time-domain reflectometer, a device for checking cable impedance. Not normally necessary if you use high-quality cable and follow good cabling practices. Useful for solving tough problems. Also, not very cheap - typically $200 to several thousand $$$.

[501 0]

Too far. Been there with the exact same problem, and even with the active baluns the picture wasn't perfect.