Troubleshooting Fermax Missed Recordings: A Complete Guide
It’s unsettling to discover that your Fermax video intercom or security system has missed recording a crucial event. Whether it's a visitor, a delivery, or a security concern, reliable recording is the primary function of your system. If you're finding gaps in your video history, this guide will provide a comprehensive set of troubleshooting steps to diagnose and solve the problem.
Missed recordings can be caused by a range of issues, from simple configuration errors to hardware problems. By following these steps in order, you can identify the root cause and restore your system's reliability.
## Step 1: Verify Storage Status
The most common culprit for missed recordings is a storage problem. Your system has nowhere to save the video, so it simply stops.
### For Local Storage (SD Card or NVR Hard Drive)
- Check if Full: Access your system's storage menu and check the capacity. If the disk is 100% full, you've found the issue.
- Enable Overwrite: In the storage settings, there is an option called 'Overwrite' or 'Recycle Record'. When this is enabled, the system will automatically delete the oldest recordings to make space for new ones. Ensure this is turned on.
- Format the Storage: If you suspect the SD card or hard drive may be corrupted, a format can resolve this. Important: Formatting will erase all existing recordings, so back up any vital footage first.
### For Cloud Storage
- Check Subscription Status: Log in to your Fermax cloud account and verify that your subscription plan is active and has not expired.
- Verify Cloud Storage Capacity: Some plans have a storage limit (e.g., 30 days of history or a certain GB limit). Check if you have reached this limit. You may need to upgrade your plan if this is a recurring issue.
## Step 2: Review Recording and Motion Detection Settings
If your storage is healthy, the next place to look is your system's configuration. Incorrect settings can easily prevent recordings from being triggered.
### Check the Recording Mode
Your Fermax system can be set to record in different ways. Navigate to the 'Record' or 'Schedule' settings and check the current mode:
- 24/7 or Continuous: The system records all the time.
- Motion Detection: The system only records when it detects movement. This is the most common setting.
- Scheduled: The system only records during specific days and times you define.
- Manual: The system only records when you press a 'record' button.
Ensure the mode is set to either Motion Detection or 24/7 recording, depending on your preference. A common error is leaving it in 'Manual' mode.
### Optimise Motion Detection
If you're using motion-triggered recording, its settings are critical.
- Adjust Sensitivity: A sensitivity level that is too low will fail to detect subtle but important movements. A level that is too high will cause too many false alarms. Try increasing the sensitivity slightly from its current setting.
- Define Motion Zones: Use motion detection zones to select specific areas of the camera's view for monitoring (e.g., a walkway but not the busy street behind it). Ensure your zones are drawn correctly to cover the areas of interest.
## Step 3: Inspect Network and Power Connectivity
A stable connection is vital for your system to function correctly, especially if you are recording to the cloud.
- Check Network Connection: Ensure your Fermax device is connected to your network. If it's a Wi-Fi device, check that the signal strength is strong. A weak or intermittent connection can cause gaps in recordings as the device struggles to upload data.
- Ensure Consistent Power: Check the power supply to your Fermax monitor and external panel. Any interruption in power will, of course, stop it from recording. Make sure the power cables are secure and the outlet is working correctly.
By carefully checking your storage, settings, and connections, you can resolve the vast majority of issues leading to missed recordings on your Fermax system. Regular maintenance, such as checking storage health and ensuring firmware is up to date, will help prevent these problems from recurring in the future.