Fermax and 24/7 Recording: An Explanation of Capabilities
If you have a Fermax video door entry system, you may be wondering how to enable 24/7 continuous recording. It is a common question for those who are used to traditional CCTV surveillance systems. However, it is important to understand that Fermax systems are designed with a different primary purpose in mind.
This guide explains why most Fermax systems do not offer 24/7 recording and how to get the most out of their event-based recording features.
The Purpose of a Fermax System: Access Control
First and foremost, a Fermax system is an intercom and access control device. Its main functions are:
- To show you who is at your door or gate.
- To allow you to have a two-way conversation with them.
- To enable you to grant access by unlocking the door or gate remotely.
The video recording feature is designed to support these functions, not to provide constant, round-the-clock surveillance like a dedicated CCTV system.
Why 24/7 Recording is Not a Standard Feature
There are several key reasons why Fermax and similar video entry systems focus on event-based recording instead of continuous capture:
- Storage Management: Recording high-definition video 24/7 consumes a massive amount of storage. On-board memory or even SD cards would be filled in a matter of hours or days, creating a significant data management challenge.
- Focus on Relevant Events: For an entry system, the most important moments are when someone approaches or interacts with the door station. Event-based recording isolates these key moments, making it incredibly easy to review who has visited. You do not have to scrub through hours of footage of an empty doorway.
- Hardware Optimisation: The processors and components in video intercoms are optimised for communication and quick response, not for the intensive, constant workload of encoding and writing video data 24/7.
Maximising Your System's Recording Potential
While you cannot enable continuous recording, you can configure your Fermax system to ensure it captures all important activity. The key is to use its event triggers effectively.
- Doorbell Press (Call-in): By default, the system will almost always record a short video clip when a visitor presses the call button. This is the most basic and essential event trigger.
- Enable Motion Detection: This is the most important setting for enhancing security. Access your monitor's settings menu and find the "Motion Detection" or "Picture Memory" settings. When you enable this, the door station's camera will automatically start recording whenever it detects movement within its field of view, even if the person does not press the button.
- Adjust Sensitivity: If you enable motion detection, you may need to adjust its sensitivity. If it is too high, it might be triggered by passing cars or swaying trees. If it is too low, it might miss a person approaching. Adjust it until you find the right balance for your environment.
- Check Your Storage: Ensure that you have a compatible microSD card installed in your monitor (if your model supports it) and that it has free space. The system needs a place to save the recorded clips.
By using motion-activated recording, you can effectively turn your Fermax door station into a smart security camera that captures the moments that matter, providing a clear and easily accessible log of all activity at your entrance.