Is Your Comelit Intercom Not Recording? Here's What to Do
One of the most valuable features of a Comelit video intercom is its ability to record who has been at your door. When this function stops working, it can compromise your sense of security. Fortunately, most recording issues can be resolved with some straightforward troubleshooting. This guide will walk you through the steps to diagnose and fix the problem.
These instructions are generally applicable to modern Comelit video entry systems that use SD cards for storage, such as the Mini, Icona, and Quadra ranges.
### The First Suspect: The SD Card
In the vast majority of cases, recording problems are directly related to the microSD card used for storage.
- Check for an SD Card: It may seem obvious, but first, confirm that an SD card is actually installed in your monitor.
- Reseat the Card: Power off your monitor. Carefully eject the SD card, inspect it for any physical damage, and then re-insert it firmly until it clicks into place. Power the monitor back on.
- Check Storage Capacity: If the SD card is full, it can't save new recordings. Navigate to your monitor's settings menu, find the "Storage" or "Memory" section, and check how much space is left. If it's full, you'll need to delete old files.
- Enable Overwrite/Loop Recording: Most systems have an "Overwrite" or "Loop Recording" option. When enabled, the system will automatically delete the oldest recording to make space for a new one once the card is full. This is highly recommended for continuous operation.
- Format the SD Card: Data on the card can become corrupted, preventing the system from writing new files. The best way to fix this is to format the card using the Comelit monitor itself. This function is usually in the same "Storage" menu. Important: Formatting will erase everything on the card.
## Reviewing System Settings and Configuration
If the SD card seems to be in good order, the next step is to verify that the system's settings are correctly configured for recording.
### Ensure Recording is Enabled
You need to tell the system that you want it to record.
- Automatic Recording on Call: Look for a setting called "Auto Record," "Call Recording," or similar in the menu. This feature must be enabled for the system to automatically capture a video or snapshot when a visitor presses the call button.
- Motion Detection Recording: If your system supports recording on motion, this is often a separate setting that needs to be enabled. Ensure it is configured with the desired sensitivity.
- Manual Recording: Test the manual record function. While viewing the camera feed, there should be a record icon on the screen. Press it to see if you can manually trigger a recording. If this works but automatic recording doesn't, the issue is definitely with the trigger settings.
### System Health and Updates
If the settings are correct, a system-level glitch could be the cause.
- Perform a Full Reboot: Don't just restart the monitor. Find the main power supply for your entire Comelit system and switch it off for at least 60 seconds. This full power cycle can clear temporary errors that a simple monitor restart might not fix.
- Check for Firmware Updates: Visit the official Comelit pro website and look for the support/downloads section. Search for your specific monitor or system model to see if any firmware updates are available. Updates often contain bug fixes that can resolve issues like recording failures.
## When the Problem Might Be Hardware
If you have tried a brand new, high-quality SD card and have exhausted all the software and configuration steps above, it's time to consider a hardware fault.
- Faulty SD Card Slot: The physical slot on the monitor that reads the card could be damaged.
- Internal Monitor Fault: There could be a fault within the monitor's main circuit board that is preventing it from processing and saving video data.
In these instances, the best course of action is to contact a certified Comelit installer or a professional security technician. They have the expertise to test for hardware failures and perform the necessary repairs or replacements.