Understanding Mobotix 'No Local Storage' Errors
Facing a 'no local storage' error on your high-performance Mobotix camera can be a significant concern. These cameras are renowned for their decentralised architecture, where recording directly to an internal SD card is a core feature. When this function fails, your security coverage is compromised. This guide is designed to help you systematically troubleshoot and resolve issues related to local storage on your Mobotix device.
The problem can stem from several sources, ranging from a faulty or incompatible SD card to incorrect software configurations. By following these steps, you can identify the root cause and restore your camera's recording capabilities.
## Common Symptoms of Storage Failure
Before diving into solutions, it is important to confirm the symptoms your camera is exhibiting. This will help pinpoint the exact nature of the storage problem.
- Error Messages: You might see explicit error messages like "No Storage Medium" or "Storage Failure" in the camera's web interface or system logs.
- No New Recordings: The camera appears to be functioning correctly, but no new video files are being saved to the SD card.
- Formatting Failures: Attempting to format or initialise the SD card via the camera's interface results in an error.
- Missing Footage: You discover that previously recorded footage has disappeared, or there are significant gaps in your video timeline.
- Unrecognised Card: The camera's system information shows that no SD card is detected, even though one is physically inserted.
- Redundant Operation: The camera may switch to a redundant storage solution (like a NAS) or stop recording entirely, depending on its configuration.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Work through these steps in order to diagnose and fix the local storage problem with your Mobotix camera.
### 1. Verify SD Card Compatibility and Health
The most common cause of storage issues is the SD card itself. Mobotix cameras require high-quality, industrial-grade cards built for the demands of continuous video recording.
- Check Compatibility: Ensure your microSD card meets Mobotix's specifications. Standard consumer-grade cards are not recommended as they can fail quickly under constant use. Look for cards with high endurance ratings.
- Test the Card: Remove the SD card from the camera and test it in a computer using an SD card reader. See if you can read from and write to the card. If the computer cannot recognise it or reports errors, the card has likely failed and needs to be replaced.
- Physical Inspection: Check the card for any physical damage. A cracked or damaged card is unusable.
### 2. Re-seat and Format the SD Card
If the card seems healthy, the issue could be a poor connection or a file system error.
- Power Down: Always power off the camera completely before inserting or removing the SD card to prevent data corruption.
- Re-seat the Card: Carefully remove the SD card and then re-insert it, ensuring it clicks securely into place.
- Format in Camera: Power the camera back on. Access the web interface, navigate to the storage settings, and use the camera's built-in format function. This is critical as it ensures the card is formatted with the correct file system that Mobotix requires. Do not format it on a PC.
### 3. Update Camera Firmware
Outdated firmware can sometimes contain bugs related to storage management. Ensuring your camera is running the latest software can resolve these issues.
- Check Firmware Version: Log in to your camera's web interface and check the current firmware version in the system information section.
- Download Latest Firmware: Visit the official Mobotix support website to download the latest stable firmware for your specific camera model.
- Perform Update: Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to update the firmware. This process usually involves uploading the firmware file through the web interface. Never disconnect power during a firmware update.
### 4. Check Recording and Storage Settings
Incorrect configuration can prevent the camera from recording, even with a healthy SD card.
- Enable Recording: Double-check that recording is enabled in the camera's settings. You may have event-based recording configured, but the conditions are not being met.
- Check Overwrite Setting: Ensure that the option to overwrite old recordings when the card is full is enabled. If this is turned off, recording will stop once the card's capacity is reached.
- Verify Storage Target: Confirm that the camera is configured to use the internal SD card as its primary or sole recording destination.
By methodically working through these steps, you can effectively address the vast majority of local storage issues on Mobotix cameras. If the problem persists after trying all these solutions, it may indicate a hardware fault with the camera's SD card slot, requiring professional support.