Fermax Snapshot Feature Not Working? Troubleshooting Tips
The automatic snapshot feature, often called 'Photocaller' on Fermax systems, is a vital security function that captures an image of every visitor who rings your bell. When it stops working, you lose a valuable record of activity at your property. This guide is here to help you diagnose and fix the most common causes of this problem.
We'll provide professional, clear, and empathetic instructions in British English to help you get your Fermax monitor's picture capture function working again.
1. Investigate Memory and Storage
The number one reason for snapshot failure is a storage problem. Your monitor has a finite amount of space to save pictures, and when it's full, it can't save any more.
## Check the Image Memory
First, let's see how much space is being used.
- On your Fermax monitor, navigate to the gallery or image viewing section.
- The system should display a count of how many pictures are stored (e.g., 120/128).
- If the memory is full, you have two options:
- Manual Deletion: Go through the photos and delete old or unimportant ones to create space for new ones.
- Formatting: If you don't need to keep any of the old photos, look for a 'Format' or 'Delete All' option in the settings. Be aware that this is permanent and will erase all stored images.
## For Systems with SD Cards
If your monitor uses a removable SD card for storage, it could be the source of the issue.
- Power off the monitor.
- Carefully remove the SD card.
- Insert the card into a computer. If the computer cannot read it, the card is likely corrupted and needs to be replaced.
- If it is readable, check if it's full. If so, copy any images you want to save to your computer and then format the card (using the FAT32 file system).
- Re-insert the formatted card into the monitor and power it back on.
2. Verify System Settings
It's possible the feature was simply turned off in the menu. Let's check the configuration.
## Enable the 'Photocaller' Function
- Access the main 'Settings' menu on your Fermax monitor.
- Look for a submenu related to call functions, often labelled 'Photocaller' or 'Picture Capture'.
- Ensure that this feature is set to 'Enabled' or 'On'.
- Some advanced systems might have options for 'Automatic' or 'Manual' capture. Make sure it is set to 'Automatic' if you want it to take a picture for every call.
- Save any changes before you exit the menu.
3. Hardware and Software Checks
If the memory and settings are correct, the issue might be with the physical hardware or the system's software (firmware).
## Clean the Outdoor Panel Camera
A very simple but effective step. The image quality depends on a clean lens.
- Take a soft, non-abrasive cloth (a microfibre cloth is ideal) and gently wipe the small camera lens on the outdoor entry panel. Dust, rain spots, or spider webs can obscure the view, leading to black or unusable images.
## Check Night Vision (IR LEDs)
If your snapshots are only black at night, the infrared (IR) night vision might not be working.
- In low light, have someone press the call button on the outdoor panel.
- Look closely at the small LEDs around the camera lens. You should see them emit a faint red glow. If they don't light up, there may be a hardware fault with the panel that requires a technician.
## Reboot the Entire System
A full restart can clear up unexpected software glitches.
- Locate the circuit breaker for your Fermax system in your home's consumer unit (fuse box) and turn it off.
- Wait for at least 60 seconds. This allows all components to fully power down.
- Turn the circuit breaker back on.
- Wait for the system to boot up completely and then test the snapshot function.
If you have worked through all these steps and the snapshot feature is still not working, it may indicate a deeper hardware issue. In this case, it would be best to contact your original installer or a qualified Fermax service technician for further assistance.