Aiphone System Not Recording? A Troubleshooting Guide
Your Aiphone video intercom's ability to record calls and motion events is a key security feature. If you've discovered that no recordings are being saved, it's essential to diagnose and fix the problem. This guide will walk you through the common causes of recording failures and how to resolve them.
### Step 1: Verify SD Card Compatibility and Installation
The micro SD card is the heart of the recording function. Problems here are the most common cause of issues.
- Confirm Your Model Supports Recording: First, double-check the specifications for your Aiphone master station model to ensure it has the onboard recording feature. Not all models do.
- Use a Compatible SD Card:
- Aiphone systems can be particular about the type of SD card used. Check your user manual for the required specifications (e.g., capacity limits, speed class).
- It is highly recommended to use a high-endurance SD card designed for security cameras, as they are built for continuous rewriting.
- Check the Insertion: Power off the master station, carefully eject the SD card, and then re-insert it, making sure it is seated correctly in its slot.
## Step 2: Format the SD Card in the Aiphone Unit
This is a critical step. An SD card must be formatted by the Aiphone unit itself to ensure it has the correct file structure.
- Power on your master station.
- Navigate through the on-screen menu to Settings or System Settings.
- Find a sub-menu for SD Card, Storage, or Recording.
- Select the Format option.
- Warning: This action will permanently erase all existing content on the SD card. If there are any files you need to save, back them up on a computer first.
- Allow the format process to complete. This can often resolve "Card Error" or "Card Full" messages.
## Step 3: Configure the Recording Settings
Once the SD card is correctly installed and formatted, you must ensure the recording features are enabled.
- Access the settings menu on your master station again.
- Locate the Recording Settings.
- You will typically find several options:
- Record on Call: This will save a video clip whenever someone presses the call button on the door station. Ensure this is turned ON.
- Motion Detection Recording: Some models can record when they detect movement. If you want to use this feature, you must enable it and may need to configure the sensitivity and detection area.
- Continuous Recording: This is less common on intercoms but if available, ensures the system is always recording.
- Make sure you save any changes you make in the menu before exiting.
## Step 4: Test and Verify
After completing the configuration, you need to test if it's working.
- Press the call button on the door station and let it ring for a few seconds.
- Go back to the master station and navigate to the Playback or Recorded Videos menu.
- You should now see a new entry for the call you just made. Try to play it back to confirm it was recorded successfully.
If you have followed all these steps and the system is still not recording, there may be a fault with the SD card itself (try a new, compatible card) or a hardware issue with the master station that may require professional support.