Aiphone Night Vision Not Working? Here's How to Fix It
Aiphone intercom systems are renowned for their reliability, but when the sun goes down, clear vision is paramount for your security. If your Aiphone's night vision has stopped working, leaving you with a dark, grainy, or completely black image, it's a problem that needs immediate attention. This guide will walk you through the most common causes and effective solutions to restore your camera's sight in the dark.
## Understanding How Aiphone Night Vision Works
Most Aiphone video stations use infrared (IR) technology to see in low-light conditions. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- A light sensor (photocell) detects when ambient light levels drop.
- This sensor triggers a set of infrared LEDs, which are usually located around the camera lens.
- These LEDs flood the area with infrared light, which is invisible to the human eye but visible to the camera's sensor.
- The camera switches to a monochrome (black and white) mode, which is more sensitive to IR light, allowing it to produce a clear image even in near-total darkness.
When night vision fails, the issue is almost always located within this process.
## Step 1: Basic Checks and Cleaning
Let's start with the easiest and most common fixes.
- Clean the Lens and IR Cover: Over time, the camera's protective dome or lens cover can accumulate dust, pollen, spiderwebs, and grime. This is the number one cause of poor night vision. The IR light from the LEDs can reflect off this debris directly into the lens, causing a foggy, hazy, or washed-out image.
- How to Clean: Use a clean, soft microfibre cloth. If necessary, you can slightly dampen it with water or an approved lens cleaning solution. Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as they can permanently damage the cover.
- Check for Obstructions: Look for anything that might be blocking the camera's view or the IR lights. This could be a newly grown plant, a hanging decoration, or even a spider that has built a web directly in front of the lens.
- Look for the Red Glow: In complete darkness, look directly at the door station. You should be able to see a faint red glow from the IR LEDs. If you see no glow at all, it confirms the LEDs are not turning on. If they are on, but the image is poor, it's likely a reflection or lens issue.
## Step 2: Investigate Power and Environmental Factors
If cleaning doesn't solve the problem, the issue could be related to power or the unit's immediate environment.
- Power Supply (Especially PoE): IR LEDs draw extra power. If your Aiphone system is powered via Power over Ethernet (PoE), it's crucial that the PoE switch or injector is providing sufficient wattage. An underpowered unit might have enough energy to operate the camera during the day but not enough to activate the IR illuminators at night. Check the power specifications for your specific Aiphone model and ensure your power source meets them.
- External Light Sources: Is there a new porch light, streetlamp, or security light shining near the door station? A bright light source shining towards the camera can sometimes trick the light sensor into thinking it's still daytime, preventing it from switching to night mode. Try temporarily covering the external light source to see if the night vision engages.
- Reflections and Glare: The placement of the unit is critical. If it's installed too close to a light-coloured wall, a soffit, or behind a piece of glass, the IR light will bounce straight back into the lens. This creates a severe glare or a "white-out" effect, making it impossible to see anything else. You may need to reposition the camera or place a small, non-reflective shroud around it to block the reflection.
## Step 3: Check Settings and Consider a Reset
Finally, if all else fails, the issue may be within the unit's software or a hardware fault.
- Review Camera Settings: For IP-based systems like the IX Series, log into the unit's web interface. Navigate to the camera or video settings. Ensure that the 'Day/Night' mode is set to 'Auto' and that the IR LEDs are enabled. It's possible a setting was accidentally changed.
- Power Cycle the Unit: Perform a full restart. Disconnect the power to the door station (either via the power adapter or by unplugging the Ethernet cable if using PoE). Wait for two minutes to allow all components to discharge, then reconnect the power. This can resolve temporary software glitches.
- Firmware Update: Check if your system has the latest firmware installed. Manufacturers often release updates that can fix bugs related to camera performance.
- Hardware Fault: If you've tried everything and the IR LEDs still don't illuminate, it's possible that the IR board or the light sensor within the unit has failed. In this case, you will need to contact your original installer or Aiphone technical support for repair or replacement.