Is the Camera on Your Aiphone Intercom System Broken?
An Aiphone intercom system provides excellent security, but its effectiveness is severely compromised when the camera fails. A broken camera can leave you blind to who is at your door, whether you're getting a black screen, distorted video, or no image at all.
This guide will help you perform a basic diagnosis to understand the potential cause of the problem and determine the best course of action.
Step 1: Perform a Thorough Visual Inspection
Before diving into technical troubleshooting, start with a careful physical examination of the door station unit where the camera is housed.
- Check the Lens: Look closely at the camera lens itself. Is it cracked, heavily scratched, or shattered? Any direct physical damage to the lens will make a clear image impossible.
- Examine the Housing: Inspect the entire door station housing for signs of impact, such as cracks, dents, or broken pieces. Significant damage to the housing could indicate internal components have also been affected.
- Look for Moisture: Do you see any condensation or water droplets on the inside of the camera lens? This points to a failure of the weather-sealing, which has allowed moisture to enter and damage the electronics.
- Clean the Lens: Sometimes, what appears to be a broken camera is just a very dirty one. Use a soft, damp microfibre cloth to gently clean the lens and see if the image quality improves.
Step 2: Check Wiring and Connections
Faulty wiring is a very common culprit for camera failure, especially in older installations.
- Loose Wires: Carefully inspect the wiring connections on the back of the master station and, if accessible, the door station. Look for any wires that have become loose or disconnected.
- Cable Damage: Examine the visible lengths of the cable that connects the door station to the master station. Look for any signs of damage, such as cuts, fraying, or chew marks from pests. A single damaged wire can cause a total loss of video.
Step 3: Verify Power Supply
The camera in the door station needs power to operate. A problem with the power supply will result in a dead camera.
- Check the Master Station: Is your master station powered on and functioning correctly? If the master station is dead, the door station will be too.
- System Power Supply: Aiphone systems are powered by a central power supply unit. Check this unit to ensure it is plugged in and that any indicator lights are on. If you have a multimeter, a technician can check for the correct voltage output. A failing power supply can lead to intermittent or total camera failure.
Step 4: When to Call a Professional
Aiphone systems are professional-grade security equipment and can be complex to service.
It is strongly recommended that you contact a certified Aiphone dealer or a qualified security technician for repairs if:
- You suspect internal component failure.
- The issue is related to the system's power supply.
- There is clear physical or water damage.
- You are not comfortable working with low-voltage wiring.
Attempting to disassemble the units or perform complex electrical work yourself can cause further damage to the system and may void your warranty. A professional technician will have the diagnostic tools and replacement parts to safely and effectively repair your Aiphone camera.