A Practical Guide to Fermax Installation Troubleshooting
Installing a Fermax intercom system is a great way to enhance your property's security. While Fermax systems are designed for reliability, the installation process can sometimes be tricky, especially with complex wiring or network configurations. This guide provides solutions to common problems encountered when you find your Fermax system difficult to install.
Whether you are dealing with a power issue, a video problem, or a network connection failure, we will cover the steps to get your system working correctly.
Stage 1: Diagnosing Power and Wiring Issues
The most fundamental step in any installation is ensuring a stable power supply and correct wiring. Most issues originate here.
- No Power to Devices: First, confirm that the main power supply unit (PSU) is plugged in and the circuit breaker is on. Use a multimeter to test the output voltage from the PSU. It should match the specifications in your manual (e.g., 18V DC). If the PSU is fine, check the wiring connections at the monitor and the outdoor panel for any loose or disconnected wires.
- Check the System Bus: For digital systems like DUOX, ensure all devices are correctly connected to the bus terminals. While DUOX is non-polarised, a poor connection will still cause problems. For older analogue or VDS systems, polarity is critical, so double-check that the positive and negative connections are correct throughout the installation.
- Cable Quality and Distance: Ensure you are using the recommended cable type (e.g., UTP CAT5, parallel cables). The maximum distance between the outdoor panel and the last monitor is limited; exceeding this can lead to signal degradation, particularly for video.
Stage 2: Troubleshooting Audio and Video Problems
Once you have confirmed power, the next step is to address any issues with the audio or video signals.
No Video or Poor Quality Video
A lack of video is a common frustration. Here is how to tackle it:
- Re-check Connections: Verify the video signal wires (
V,Mor+,-depending on the system) are securely fastened at both the outdoor panel and the indoor monitor. - Termination Resistor: In some Fermax systems, a termination resistor needs to be switched on or off depending on the monitor's position in the line. Usually, the last monitor in the sequence should have the termination activated. Check your manual for details on the 'ON/OFF' switch.
- Isolate the Issue: If you have multiple monitors, disconnect all but the first one. If the video works on that one, add the others back one by one to identify if a specific monitor or a piece of wiring is causing the problem.
Audio Communication Issues
If you can see your visitor but cannot hear them, or vice versa, follow these steps:
- Check Volume Controls: It might sound simple, but check that the volume controls on the indoor monitor have not been turned down or muted.
- Microphone and Speaker Obstructions: Ensure the small openings for the microphone and speaker on both the indoor and outdoor units are not blocked by debris, paint, or protective film from the installation.
- Wiring: Incorrect wiring of the audio lines can lead to one-way audio or humming sounds. Re-examine the connections as per the wiring diagram.
Stage 3: Solving Door Release and Connectivity Faults
The final part of the installation involves ensuring the supplementary functions work correctly.
- Door Release Not Activating: The lock release mechanism is often powered separately. Confirm that the lock's power supply is working and that the wiring from the Fermax panel's relay terminals (
L,LorC,NO) to the lock is correct. Also, ensure the lock type (AC or DC) is compatible with the system. - WiFi and App Connectivity: For smart systems, ensure your monitor is within a good range of your 2.4GHz WiFi router. During setup in the Fermax Blue app, ensure you enter the WiFi password correctly. If it fails, try moving the router closer to the monitor temporarily to complete the setup, which can help diagnose a weak signal issue.
By following these structured steps, you can methodically diagnose and resolve the most common difficulties faced during a Fermax installation.