How to Troubleshoot and Fix Fermax Camera Lag
A Fermax video intercom system provides excellent security and convenience, but when the video feed becomes laggy, choppy, or delayed, it can be incredibly frustrating. A significant delay between a visitor pressing the button and you seeing them on the screen can defeat the purpose of the system. This guide will help you diagnose and resolve the common causes of camera lag.
### Understanding the Source of the Lag
Video lag is essentially a delay in the transmission of data. The camera captures the video, which is then processed, sent over your network or wiring, and finally displayed on your indoor monitor. A bottleneck at any point in this chain will result in lag. The most common bottlenecks are related to your network.
### Solution 1: Optimise Your Network Connection
For Fermax IP and Wi-Fi systems (like VEO or DUOX), the network is the most critical component.
- Check Wi-Fi Signal Strength: If your monitor or outdoor station connects via Wi-Fi, a weak signal is a prime suspect. Use a Wi-Fi analyser app on your phone to check the signal strength (
dBm) at the location of the Fermax unit. A signal weaker than -70 dBm is likely to cause problems.- Fix: Move your router closer, or install a Wi-Fi mesh system or extender to provide a stronger, more stable signal.
- Reduce Network Congestion: Your home network is shared by many devices (phones, TVs, computers). If someone is streaming a 4K movie or downloading a large file, it can consume bandwidth and cause lag on your intercom.
- Fix: If possible, connect your Fermax system to your router using an ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi. A wired connection is always more stable. Some routers also offer Quality of Service (QoS) settings, which allow you to prioritise traffic for specific devices like your intercom.
- Reboot Your Router: A simple router reboot can often clear up temporary glitches that may be causing network slowness. Unplug your router, wait 60 seconds, and plug it back in.
### Solution 2: Inspect Cabling and Power
For all types of Fermax systems, including 2-wire and VDS, the physical wiring and power supply are crucial.
- Check Cable Type and Integrity: Ensure the correct type of cable specified in your Fermax installation manual has been used. Look for any visible signs of damage, sharp bends, or kinks in the wiring that could degrade the signal.
- Verify Power Supply: An insufficient or unstable power supply can cause the processor in the camera or monitor to underperform, leading to video lag. Confirm you are using the official Fermax power supply unit (PSU) for your system. Check that all power connections are tight and free of corrosion.
- Distance Limitations: All cabling has a maximum effective distance. If your outdoor panel is installed too far from the indoor monitor and PSU, the signal can degrade. Consult your manual for the maximum cable run length for your specific model and cable type.
### Solution 3: Firmware and System Updates
Manufacturers often release firmware updates that include performance improvements and bug fixes.
- Check for Updates: For newer IP-based systems, check the Fermax technical support website or contact your installer to see if a firmware update is available for your outdoor panel or indoor monitor.
- System Reboot: As a final simple step, try rebooting the entire Fermax system. Power down the PSU, wait a couple of minutes, and then power it back on. This can resolve any temporary software freezes or glitches within the units themselves.
By systematically working through these network, hardware, and software checks, you can significantly improve the performance of your Fermax video intercom and enjoy a clear, lag-free video feed.