Troubleshooting Guide for Fermax Recording Failures
A key feature of modern Fermax video intercom systems is their ability to record images or video clips of visitors, ensuring you have a record of who has been to your property. If you find your system is no longer saving these recordings, this guide will walk you through the most common causes and their solutions.
The vast majority of recording problems are related to the storage medium—typically a microSD card installed in the indoor monitor.
## Step 1: Check the MicroSD Card
An incompatible, faulty, or full microSD card is the number one cause of recording failures.
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Use a High-Quality Card: Your Fermax system is constantly writing data, which requires a reliable, high-endurance card.
- Brand: Stick to reputable brands like SanDisk High Endurance, Samsung PRO Endurance, or WD Purple. These are specifically designed for surveillance devices.
- Class: Ensure the card is Class 10, U1, or U3. This rating indicates the minimum write speed, which is crucial for video recording.
- Capacity: Check your Fermax monitor's technical specifications for the maximum supported SD card capacity (e.g., 32GB, 64GB, 128GB). Using a card that is too large can cause issues.
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Format the Card in the Monitor: This is a critical step. Even a brand-new card must be formatted by the Fermax monitor itself.
- Navigate to the Settings menu on your indoor monitor.
- Find the "SD Card" or "Storage" section.
- Select the "Format" option.
- Confirm that you want to proceed. This will erase everything on the card and set it up with the correct file system for the monitor.
## Step 2: Verify Recording Settings
It's possible that the recording function has been accidentally disabled in the settings.
- Enable Automatic Recording: Go into the settings menu on your monitor. Look for a "Recording Mode" or similar option. You can typically choose between "Manual" (only records when you press a button) and "Automatic" (records every call from the outdoor panel). Ensure it is set to "Automatic".
- Check Overwrite/Loop Recording: Modern systems are designed to record over the oldest footage once the SD card is full. This is often called "Overwrite" or "Loop Recording". If this feature is disabled, recording will simply stop when the card's capacity is reached. Make sure this is enabled to ensure continuous recording.
## Step 3: Test the System and Check for Errors
After checking the card and settings, it's time to test.
- Perform a Test Call: Go to the outdoor panel and press the call button. After the call, check the monitor's log or gallery to see if a new recording has been saved.
- Look for Error Messages: The system may display an error icon or message if there's a problem with the storage. Look for icons of an SD card with a cross or an exclamation mark. This is a clear indicator of a card-related fault.
- Reboot the Monitor: A simple power cycle can sometimes resolve temporary software glitches. Turn off the power to the monitor, wait for 30 seconds, and then turn it back on.
If you have tried a high-quality, correctly formatted SD card and verified all the settings, but recordings are still failing, there may be a fault with the monitor's SD card slot or its internal software. In this case, it is best to contact your original installer or a certified Fermax technical support provider for further assistance.