Lorex Camera No Video Signal? Your Repair Guide
A blank channel or a "No Signal" error on your Lorex security monitor is a clear sign that something is wrong between your camera and your recorder (NVR/DVR). This "video loss" can be caused by a few different issues, but it's usually related to power or cabling. This step-by-step guide will help you diagnose the problem and get your camera back online.
## Step 1: Check the Basics - Power and Connections
Always start with the simplest and most common potential failures.
- Inspect the Cable at Both Ends: Look at the cable connecting the camera to the recorder. For an IP camera, this is an Ethernet cable; for an HD-analogue camera, it's a BNC (coaxial) cable. Ensure it is plugged in securely at the camera's end and at the back of the NVR/DVR. A loose connection is a frequent culprit.
- Verify Camera Power: A camera cannot send a signal if it has no power.
- For PoE (Power over Ethernet) Cameras: The camera gets power through the Ethernet cable from the NVR. Check the NVR's port lights where the camera is plugged in. A lit or blinking light indicates a connection.
- For Cameras with a Separate Power Adapter: Most non-PoE systems use a power adapter, sometimes with a splitter to power multiple cameras. Ensure the adapter is plugged into a working outlet and that the connection to the camera's power lead is secure. At night, a simple check is to see if the camera's red infrared (IR) LEDs are glowing. If they are not, it's a strong sign of a power issue.
## Step 2: The Diagnostic Swap Test
This is the most crucial part of troubleshooting. The goal is to figure out if the problem is with the camera, the cable, or the NVR/DVR port. You'll need a camera/cable/port that you know is working correctly.
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Test the Port and Cable: Unplug a known working camera and plug it into the port and cable that the faulty camera was using.
- If the good camera also shows no video, then the problem is definitively with the cable or the NVR/DVR port.
- If the good camera works, it proves the cable and port are fine, and the problem is with the original camera.
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Test the Camera: Now, take the non-working camera and plug it into a port and cable that you know are good (from a working camera).
- If the camera starts working, it confirms the camera is fine and that the original cable was the problem.
- If the camera still does not work, you have confirmed that the camera itself is faulty.
## Step 3: Resolving Power Adapter Issues
If you suspect a power problem (especially for non-PoE cameras), focus on the power supply.
- Isolate the Camera: If you are using a power splitter (e.g., a 1-to-4 cable), unplug the problematic camera from the splitter and connect it directly to the main power adapter. If it works, the splitter may be faulty or overloaded.
- Use the Correct Adapter: Make sure you are using the official Lorex power adapter that came with your system. Using an adapter from another device, even if the plug fits, may provide the wrong voltage or amperage and can damage the camera or prevent it from working.
## Step 4: System and Software Troubleshooting
Sometimes a system glitch can cause a channel to drop.
- Reboot Your NVR/DVR: A full system reboot can clear temporary errors. Use the menu to shut down the system properly (Main Menu > Shutdown), then unplug it from power for one minute before plugging it back in.
- For IP Cameras: Log into your NVR and go to the camera settings. You can try to "refresh" or "search" for the cameras on your network again. This can sometimes re-establish a lost connection due to an IP conflict.
By following this process of elimination, you can confidently identify the source of the video loss. If you've determined that a specific component—the camera, a BNC or Ethernet cable, or the power adapter—is faulty, you will need to replace it to restore full functionality to your Lorex system.