Fermax Camera Stopped Working? Troubleshooting Guide
A non-working camera on your Fermax video intercom system compromises your security and convenience. Whether you're seeing a black screen, a "no signal" message, or the camera is simply offline, the problem can often be traced back to issues with power, wiring, or configuration. This guide will help you diagnose and fix the most common causes.
### Step 1: Check the Power Supply
The most fundamental step is to ensure the system is receiving power. A complete loss of power is a common reason for the camera to stop working.
- Check the Monitor: Is the indoor monitor or handset powered on? If it's completely dead, the issue is likely with the main power supply unit (PSU) for the entire system.
- Locate the PSU: Find the Fermax power supply, which is usually located in a utility closet or near your electrical panel. Check if its indicator lights are on.
- Circuit Breaker: Verify that the circuit breaker that powers the Fermax system has not tripped.
- Reset the Power: A simple but effective solution is to power cycle the entire system. Turn off the breaker that powers the Fermax PSU, wait for one minute, and then turn it back on. This can often resolve temporary glitches.
## Step 2: Inspect All Wiring and Connections
Damaged or loose wiring is a very common culprit, especially in older installations or after recent construction work.
- Outdoor Panel: Carefully inspect the wiring connected to the back of the outdoor camera panel. Ensure all connections are secure and that there are no signs of corrosion or moisture damage, which is common for external units.
- Indoor Monitor: Check the connections on the back of your indoor monitor. Wires can sometimes become loose if the unit is knocked.
- Cable Integrity: Look for any visible signs of damage along the cable path between the outdoor panel and the indoor unit. This can include cuts, kinks, or abrasions. If you have recently had work done in your home, a cable may have been accidentally damaged.
### Step 3: Isolate the Problem (For Multi-Monitor Systems)
If you have more than one monitor in your home, you can use them to diagnose the issue.
- Check Other Monitors: Is the camera feed missing on all monitors or just one?
- If the video is out on all monitors, the problem is likely with the outdoor camera panel itself, the main PSU, or the central wiring.
- If the video is out on only one monitor, the problem is most likely with that specific monitor or its dedicated connection to the system.
## Step 4: Specific Checks for Different Fermax Systems
The troubleshooting process can vary slightly depending on whether you have a traditional analogue system or a modern IP-based one.
#### For Analogue Systems (e.g., VDS, ADS)
- Video Signal Issues: A flickering image, rolling lines, or poor colour are often symptoms of a weak video signal. This reinforces the need to check cable integrity. Ensure the correct type of cable (e.g., coaxial or twisted pair) has been used as specified in the installation manual.
- Termination Resistors: In some systems, a termination resistor is needed at the end of a long cable run. If this is missing or has failed, it can cause video problems.
#### For IP Systems (e.g., DUOX, LYNX)
- Network Connectivity: A camera on an IP system that stops working is often a network issue.
- Reboot Network Hardware: Restart your home router and any network switches that the Fermax equipment is connected to.
- Check IP Address: Ensure the outdoor panel has a valid IP address and is connected to your local network. You may need to use the Fermax configuration software to check its status.
- Ethernet Cable: Check the Ethernet cable connecting the panel to your network. Try a different cable or port on your router/switch if possible.
If you have worked through all these steps and the camera is still not functioning, there may be a hardware failure in the camera unit or the power supply. In this case, it is recommended to contact a professional installer or Fermax technical support for further assistance.