The 5 main troubleshooting tips for CCTV cameras
Even if one is not aware of the surveillance industry, it is hard to deny that there is a transition happening from traditional analogue-based CCTV cameras to a more digital form. This has lead to them becoming a huge hit with most people out there. Then again, this is really no surprise as with break-ins and burglaries becoming all too common in some places, CCTV installation is probably the best way to keep all of that in check.
For the most part, people very rarely talk about CCTV cameras failing to work properly. This is not to say that it doesn’t happen at all, but one must always be prepared in that sense. Be it the best CCTV Cameras in Coventry that are available at your disposal or any other type of CCTV camera.
Top five troubleshooting tips for CCTV cameras:-
- Verifying the camera connection and power: This may sound obvious, but just because the camera is connected does not automatically mean that it is transmitting any data to the network. If no LEDs are lit, the power supply could be to blame. Finally, when all checks out, the issue could be the PoE network switch and the fact that it is not powerful enough to supply to every port.
- Checking the ARP tables: These are mostly printed on the camera housing. That way, you can cross-reference the MAC and IP addresses as well as utilise them in the event of any discrepancies. Doing this is a lot more important than most people realise.
- Possible firmware upgrade: A lot of people think that this step is completely unnecessary as for the most part, the firmware is one of the few aspects that are completely up-to-date in every regard. But this is not always true. If you cannot connect to VMS in spite of your camera being online and powered, the firmware may be the culprit.
- The aspect of cabling: Make sure that all the data cabling is free of any kind of kinks as well as frays and bad terminations. A cable tester can check for cross wires and loose connectors. One of the main signs that something is wrong in this regard is the fact that the unit’s activity LED’s are not blinking.
- Factory reset camera: Even though a lot of people see this as a drastic step, it is necessary in the worst-case scenario of the operating system becoming corrupt. It may take the camera back to its default factory settings as well as erase all your history, but at least, one will be able to use it again.
Finally, you may very well be fully aware of the fact that even though the above list is fairly encompassing and comprehensive, this does not automatically mean that there aren’t more technical issues as well. It is just that one will need to call upon the expertise of a proper service for them. It is as simple as that. Even attempting to do something on your own at this point will only end up backfiring, so it is recommended that you do not even entertain that thought itself.
Moreover, even though the cameras do come with a manual for the most part, in extreme cases, that may not be good enough for you to be able to solve the problem. The manual will only go over the most basic instructions for something going wrong and will not have details about what to do in an emergency situation. So by all means, keep the above five pointers in mind, but also remember to research for a professional and established CCTV camera service. This will ensure that you are not caught by surprise the next time your CCTV unit gives up.
Even if one is not aware of the surveillance industry, it is hard to deny that there is a transition happening from traditional analogue-based CCTV cameras to a more digital form. This has lead to them becoming a huge hit with most people out there. Then again, this is really no surprise as with break-ins…