How to Fix Blurry Night Vision on Your Aiphone Intercom
Aiphone video intercoms are renowned for their reliability, but environmental factors and age can sometimes lead to a decline in night vision performance, resulting in a blurry, foggy, or washed-out image. Clear night-time video is a critical security feature, so it's important to address this issue promptly. This guide will walk you through the common causes of poor night vision and how to fix them.
## Understanding Aiphone Night Vision Technology
Most Aiphone door stations use infrared (IR) LEDs to see in the dark. These LEDs emit light that is invisible to the human eye but visible to the camera's sensor. When night falls, the camera switches to a monochrome (black and white) mode and turns on its IR illuminators. The light from these LEDs bounces off objects and people, allowing the camera to produce a clear image even in complete darkness. Blurriness is often a result of this IR light being disrupted.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sharpening Your Night Vision
Follow these steps to diagnose and correct the cause of the blurry image.
### 1. Clean the Camera Lens and Cover
This is the most common and easily fixed cause of poor night vision.
- Remove Debris: Over time, the lens cover on the outdoor door station accumulates dust, dirt, pollen, and water spots. Spider webs are also a major culprit.
- Proper Cleaning Technique: Use a clean, soft, microfibre cloth to gently wipe the dome or flat lens cover. For stubborn grime, you can slightly dampen the cloth with water or a plastic-safe cleaning solution. Never use abrasive paper towels or harsh chemicals, as these can permanently scratch the lens cover. A clean lens allows the IR light to pass through without scattering.
### 2. Check for and Eliminate IR Reflection (Bounce-Back)
IR reflection is a significant cause of a 'white-out' or foggy image at night. This happens when the camera's own IR light bounces off a nearby object and directly back into the lens, overwhelming the sensor.
- Identify Obstructions: Look for any objects that are very close to the camera lens. This could be a nearby wall, the eaves of the roof, a protective hood, or even a large plant.
- Adjust the Camera Angle: If your Aiphone model allows for it, try adjusting the camera's viewing angle slightly away from the reflective surface.
- Clear the Area: If possible, remove or trim any obstructions that are causing the reflection.
- Protective Housings: If you have an aftermarket protective housing around the door station, ensure it is not too close to the lens, as the IR light can reflect off the inside of the housing itself.
### 3. Inspect for Moisture Ingress
Moisture trapped inside the lens cover will cause a foggy and blurry image, especially at night when temperature changes can cause condensation.
- Check the Seals: Inspect the weather-sealing gasket around the door station. If it is cracked, brittle, or out of place, it may have allowed moisture to get inside.
- Drying the Unit: If you suspect moisture is inside, you may need to carefully disassemble the unit's housing on a dry day to allow it to air out. If the problem persists, the seal may need to be replaced. Consult the Aiphone technical manual for your model before attempting disassembly.
### 4. Evaluate the Ambient Lighting
While IR provides illumination, the overall lighting environment still plays a role.
- Add External Lighting: Consider adding a small, motion-activated porch light near the door station. The extra visible light will allow the camera to switch to a clearer colour mode and can supplement the IR for a more detailed black and white image.
- Reposition Existing Lights: Ensure that no other lights are shining directly into the camera lens, as this can cause glare and reduce image quality.
By methodically checking for these common issues, you can significantly improve or completely resolve the problem of blurry night vision on your Aiphone system.