A Practical Guide to Solving LaView Wiring Problems
A stable connection is the foundation of a reliable security camera system. For LaView cameras, whether they are Power over Ethernet (PoE) or Wi-Fi models requiring a separate power source, wiring issues are a common source of frustration. This guide will walk you through identifying and fixing these problems to ensure your cameras stay online and recording.
### Common Symptoms of Wiring Faults
Before you start troubleshooting, it's helpful to recognise the signs of a wiring problem:
- No Power: The camera is completely unresponsive and does not show up in your NVR or the LaView app.
- Intermittent Connection: The camera frequently disconnects and reconnects.
- Poor Video Quality: The video feed is pixelated, freezes, or shows strange colour patterns (artefacts).
- Night Vision Failure: The camera works during the day but goes offline at night when the infrared (IR) LEDs turn on, as this requires more power.
- Flickering Video: The image appears to flash or flicker, indicating an unstable power supply.
### Troubleshooting PoE (Power over Ethernet) Cameras
PoE is a convenient technology that sends both power and data over a single ethernet cable. However, it's sensitive to cable quality and length.
- Inspect the Connectors: Check both ends of the ethernet cable. Ensure the RJ45 connectors are securely clicked into place at the camera and the NVR/PoE switch. The small plastic tab on the connector can easily break, leading to a loose connection.
- Check Cable Quality: Not all ethernet cables are created equal. For reliable PoE, you must use pure copper Cat5e or Cat6 cable. Avoid cheap CCA (Copper Clad Aluminium) cables, as they have higher resistance and can fail to deliver adequate power over longer distances.
- Cable Length Limitations: The maximum recommended length for a PoE ethernet run is 100 metres (328 feet). If your cable is longer than this, you will likely experience power and data loss.
- The 'Known Good Cable' Test: The most definitive test is to temporarily connect the problematic camera to the NVR using a short, pre-made ethernet cable that you know works. If the camera functions correctly, the problem is with your installed long cable. This could be a kink, a break, or poorly terminated connectors.
### Troubleshooting Wi-Fi / DC Powered Cameras
While these cameras don't use ethernet for data, their power wiring is just as critical.
- Check the Power Adapter: Ensure you are using the original LaView power adapter that came with the camera. Using an adapter with the wrong voltage or insufficient amperage will cause problems.
- Test the Wall Socket: Plug another device into the same power socket to confirm it's working.
- Voltage Drop on Extensions: If you are using a DC power extension cable, be aware of 'voltage drop'. Over a long distance, the voltage supplied to the camera can decrease, leading to instability. If you need to extend the power, use a thick-gauge extension cable designed specifically for CCTV to minimise this effect.
- Inspect for Damage: Check the entire length of the power cable for any signs of physical damage, such as cuts, abrasions, or pinching.
By carefully inspecting your connections and using the right quality of cables, you can resolve most LaView wiring issues and build a dependable security system.