Troubleshooting Mobotix Camera Power and Charging Issues
A Mobotix camera that will not power on is a critical issue. Since Mobotix cameras are professional-grade devices, they are most commonly powered using Power over Ethernet (PoE), which delivers both data and power through a single Ethernet cable. Therefore, troubleshooting power issues usually involves investigating the PoE infrastructure.
This guide will help you systematically diagnose why your Mobotix camera is not receiving power and how to resolve it.
Initial Checks: Is the Camera Receiving Power?
- No LED Lights: The most obvious sign is that none of the status LEDs on the camera are lit.
- Not on Network: The camera is not discoverable on the network, and you cannot access its web interface.
- Cold to the Touch: After being connected for a while, the device remains cold, indicating no electrical current.
Step-by-Step Power Troubleshooting
Follow these steps in order to isolate the source of the problem.
### Step 1: Verify the PoE Source (Switch or Injector)
The problem often lies with the device supplying the power, not the camera itself.
- Check the Switch Port: Look at the PoE indicator light for the specific port your camera is plugged into on your network switch. If it's not lit, the switch is not providing power. Try plugging the camera into a different PoE port on the same switch.
- Confirm PoE Standard: Check the specifications for your Mobotix camera model. Many models, especially those with heaters or advanced features, require PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at), which provides up to 30 watts. A standard PoE (IEEE 802.3af) port, which only provides up to 15.4 watts, may not be sufficient. Ensure your switch or injector meets the camera's requirements.
- Test with Another Device: Plug another, known-working PoE device (like another camera or a VoIP phone) into the same port and cable to confirm that the port is delivering power.
### Step 2: Inspect the Ethernet Cable
A faulty or damaged Ethernet cable is another common culprit.
- Test with a New Cable: Replace the existing Ethernet cable with a new, known-good one. Cables can fail internally, even if they look fine on the outside.
- Check Cable Length: The maximum length for a reliable Ethernet cable run is 100 metres (328 feet). If your cable is longer than this, you may experience power and data loss.
- Inspect Connectors: Look at the RJ45 connectors on both ends of the cable for any bent or broken pins.
### Step 3: Isolate the Camera
To determine if the camera itself is the issue, you need to bypass the existing network infrastructure.
- Use a PoE Injector: A PoE injector is a device that adds power to an Ethernet cable. Take the camera to your network switch, use a short, new patch cable to connect the camera to a PoE injector, and then connect the injector to a standard, non-PoE port on the switch. If the camera powers on, the problem is with your original cable run or switch port.
- Use an External Power Supply: Some Mobotix models have a separate DC power input. If you have the appropriate Mobotix power supply, you can test the camera with it. If it powers on with the external supply but not with PoE, you have confirmed the issue lies within your PoE delivery system.
### Step 4: Factory Reset
As a last resort, a hardware reset can sometimes resolve issues where the camera is stuck in a non-responsive state. The reset procedure varies by model but usually involves pressing a specific button while powering on the device. Consult your camera's manual for the exact instructions.
If, after all these steps, the camera still does not power on, it likely indicates a hardware failure within the camera itself, and you should contact your Mobotix reseller or support for repair or replacement options.