How to Troubleshoot Poor Video Quality on Your Fermax Intercom
A clear video image is a crucial feature of your Fermax video door entry system, allowing you to see exactly who is at your door. When the picture becomes blurry, distorted, or filled with static, it can be both frustrating and a security concern. Most video quality problems in wired intercom systems like Fermax are related to cabling, connections, or specific hardware components.
This guide will help you understand the common causes of poor video quality and provide practical steps to diagnose and resolve the issue.
Understanding the Common Causes of Video Issues
Unlike IP-based cameras, Fermax systems rely on dedicated wiring to transmit video signals. The quality of this signal is paramount. Common problems include:
- Incorrect or Degraded Wiring: The number one cause of poor video is using the wrong type of cable or having old, degraded wiring. Fermax systems require specific cable types (e.g., 3-wire + Coaxial, or twisted pair like CAT5/6 for some systems) to transmit the video signal cleanly over distance.
- Electrical Interference: If the intercom wiring is run too close to high-voltage AC power cables, it can pick up electrical "noise," which manifests as rolling lines, static, or a distorted image.
- Loose Connections: A poorly terminated wire or a loose connection at the outdoor panel, the power supply, or the indoor monitor can result in a weak or intermittent video signal.
- Faulty Hardware: While less common, the issue could be a failing component, such as the camera module in the outdoor panel or the screen on the indoor monitor.
- Distance Limitations: Every system has a maximum cabling distance between the outdoor panel and the indoor monitor. Exceeding this distance without a signal amplifier will lead to significant signal loss and poor video quality.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Video Problems
Follow these steps to systematically troubleshoot your Fermax system. Note: Some steps may require accessing system wiring and components. If you are not comfortable doing this, please contact a professional installer.
1. Check the Simplest Things First
- Clean the Camera Lens: The small lens on the outdoor panel can get dirty from rain, dust, and fingerprints. Gently clean it with a soft, damp cloth to ensure a clear view.
- Check Monitor Settings: Some Fermax monitors have basic controls for brightness and colour. Make sure these haven't been accidentally misadjusted.
2. Inspect System Wiring and Connections
This is the most critical area to investigate.
- Identify Your Cable Type: Look at the wiring connected to your system. Is it the type recommended in your Fermax installation manual? If an installer used old, untwisted telephone wire, for example, it is likely the source of your problem.
- Check for Loose Terminations: Carefully check the screw terminals on the back of your indoor monitor, at the main system power supply, and inside the outdoor panel. Ensure every wire is securely fastened. Gently tug on each wire to make sure it's making good contact.
- Look for Sources of Interference: Trace the path of the intercom cable. Is it running alongside mains electrical wiring for a long distance? If so, this is a likely cause of interference. Rerouting the cable may be necessary.
3. Isolate the Faulty Component
If the wiring seems correct, you can try to determine which piece of hardware is at fault.
- Multiple Monitors: If you have more than one monitor in your home, is the video quality poor on all of them, or just one?
- Poor on all monitors: This suggests the problem lies with the source—either the wiring from the panel or the outdoor panel's camera itself.
- Poor on just one monitor: This points to a fault with that specific monitor.
- Test at the Source: A professional installer can perform a "bench test" by connecting a monitor directly to the outdoor panel using a short, known-good cable. If the picture is clear, it proves the outdoor panel is working correctly and the problem lies within the building's wiring.
When to Call a Professional
While cleaning the lens and checking monitor settings are easy DIY tasks, troubleshooting wiring and hardware components can be complex. If you suspect the issue is with the system's cabling or a specific hardware module, it is highly recommended to contact a certified Fermax installer. They have the diagnostic tools and expertise to pinpoint the problem accurately and safely, ensuring your system is restored to perfect working order.