DIY camcorder repair

In detail: do-it-yourself video camera repair from a real master for the site my.housecope.com.

Image - DIY camcorder repair

Video surveillance of the property is the most effective way to keep the property safe and sound. However, like any other device, the surveillance system can fail. And since the video surveillance system includes many devices, the number of problems is quite significant. Typically, parts of the complex are: one or several cameras of different types (cameras with built-in lens, dome cameras, in protective casings, covert surveillance cameras), video recorders, special cards for capturing images, a power supply unit and a drive on which the obtained images are recorded. With so much equipment, it's no surprise that IP cameras can fail.

The main reasons for equipment inoperability and breakdowns most often include:

  • Lack of maintenance, improper performance or maintenance out of time;
  • Incorrect installation of video cameras, mistakes when laying the control line;
  • Deterioration of the main components of the video camera;
  • Damage due to weather, mechanical damage from hooligans, branches, etc.
  • Defective product;
  • Too high or too low temperature at the installation site, high humidity;
  • Failure of the power supply;
  • Voltage surges and noise in the power supply or mains.

Most of the problems in the operation of video cameras are due to damaged wires or cables, which can be easily changed with a soldering iron.

If you have a video surveillance complex, for which some of the IP cameras no longer function, you should start by checking the video camera's uninterruptible power supply. It is he who most often fails.

In order to check the performance of the camera, it is necessary to test the performance of the infrared lamps installed around the camera to ensure shooting at night. If you cover these lamps with your palm and they do not light up, then the power supply of your surveillance system needs to be replaced. Another way to check if the camera is working is to connect its power supply to a voltmeter. If the output voltage is approximately 10-15 volts. If there are no problems with the power supply, you need to check the connector of the DVR. A non-working camera is connected to another connector, and if after that it works, then the DVR itself needs to be repaired.

Video (click to play).

When checking an IP camera, they also use a computer to which it is connected with special software to diagnose such problems. In this case, the camera must be displayed on the local network of your personal computer. It may be necessary to check the integrity of the cable with a tester. When the wire is short-circuited, without power supply, the tester will show that the resistance is equal to infinity. This means that somewhere your cable has broken, causing grounding.

If after all this your ip-camera does not work, then for further repairs you will need to disassemble the video camera. To do this, it is necessary to remove the housing, fixing elements, infrared lamps. After parsing, you need to inspect the camera circuit for swollen capacitors. If they are found, replacing them with elements with similar characteristics can help, and we check for heating when turned on. If after that the ip-camera does not work, you can try to connect the cable from another working camera to the non-working one. Broken cables in the tail of the device are a common problem. You can also try replacing parts of a non-working camera with modules that are working. Thus, you can quickly find problem modules and search for them.When assembling, after this, it is necessary to carefully fold everything in the same order and apply sealant at the points of attachment of the parts. This is required to avoid liquid getting inside the ip camera.

The most frequent breakdowns in the operation of video surveillance systems are:

  • Problems with supplying power to any part of the video surveillance system;
  • Damage or wear of control elements;
  • Inoperability of the server for receiving data from the IP camera;
  • Defocusing video cameras;
  • Lens fogging;
  • Failure of the microphone;
  • Problems switching to different shooting modes;

Moreover, server failures are very costly and difficult to repair. It is almost impossible to do it with your own hands, and the cost of repair work is close to the price of buying a new kit.

Image - DIY camcorder repair

If the device does not send a signal and does not transmit an image to a working computer, it is necessary to check the electronic controls of the ip-camera and replace them with working ones. This can be done with your own hands. You can check which element is out of order using a tester, which is sold in any electronics store.

When the ip-camera is working, and there is a control menu, but the image is missing, the problem most often consists in the breakdown of the camera matrix. The matrix of CCTV cameras is characterized by frequent burnout. They are sold in many electronics stores. Using a soldering iron, you can quickly replace it with your own hands.

If the video camera works, accepts all incoming commands, but the control menu and the image from the ip-camera are not displayed on the screen, the problem most often consists in a failure or malfunction with the video output card. It is also sold in electronics stores. To fix the problem, you will need to replace it.

Does the IP camera keep shutting down or rebooting at short intervals? Most often this happens due to overheating of microcircuits. In such cases, most often the source of the problem is or problems with different versions of the firmware on the camera itself and the software of the computer to which the image is received. It is necessary to update the version of software or firmware on the camera. Also, the problem may be in the wrong place for the ip-camera, if yours is not equipped with a protective casing, then in direct sunlight it may overheat. The best solution is to move it to a shaded area.

In case of problems with the rotation of a PTZ camera, the most common source is rust on the gear wheel of the rotating mechanism or its erasure. The best solution is to replace it.

This malfunction can occur due to cable problems. Check the cable connections to the device inputs and how well they are insulated. If this does not help, try replacing the cables.

There are no problems in the operation of ip cameras, and the footage is not saved.

The problem in this case is with the internal storage of the recorder. Try to test the connection of the ATA / SATA cable to the corresponding port on the hard drive. If that doesn't work, try connecting it to your computer and formatting and defragmenting it. If the problem persists, the best solution is to replace the hard drive;

It is caused by improper operation with the infrared (IR) illumination of the ip camera. To fix the problem, try to disassemble it and check all contacts between the light sensor and the camcorder. The cable may have been broken in some place. It is possible to try to replace the cable between the IR module and the input connector. If this does not help either, you will need to replace the IR module.

First of all, check if the power is going to the DVR. If there are problems in the operation of his power supply. This can be done with a multimeter. Try replacing the dash cam power supply with a new one. If this does not help, then the best solution would be to take it to the service center for repair.It is a complex set of circuits, during the repair of which you can easily touch the unnecessary, therefore it is better to entrust its restoration to specialists.

Hello everyone. Partizan IP CCTV camera under repair today IPO-VF1MPthat stopped working after a thunderstorm.

A lot of such cameras are brought in for repairs, especially after weather disasters. Often, only the Lan interface burns out, but there are times when the processor fails, after which the repair of these cameras is not economically viable.

Fault diagnosis

To begin with, I connected the DC output of the camcorder to the laboratory power supply, and Lan to the network card of the computer.

I described how IP cameras are connected in this article.

The current consumption was 200mA, while it is not static, but changes in different periods of time.

This indicates that the camera's firmware and processor are working properly. One of the important signs that the firmware with the processor is working properly is a click, somewhere around 30 seconds after the camera is powered up. Thus, switching from day to night mode is tested during boot.

After waiting a few minutes, the computer still did not detect the LAN connection, and the Lan connection indicator on the camera itself did not light up either. Based on this, I assumed that the Lan interface of the camera was out of order.

Disassembly and repair

The camera is very easy to disassemble. First, unscrew the cover with the protective glass, then unscrew the three bolts that hold the entire IR illumination with the board.

Camera without protective glass

After unscrewing the bolts, I removed all the electronics from the case.

PoE card with connected interface connectors.

The first board, to which all the wires are connected, performs the PoE (Power over Ethernet) function, that is, supplying power to the camcorder not through a DC plug, but using a twisted pair cable and special Poe equipment. You can read more about this on Wikipedia.

Having unscrewed 4 bolts I got to the main board itself.

Removing the lens. It is not necessary to do this, but just in case, I took it off.

Having applied power to the camera again, I determined that the microcircuit is very hot 8710A, it is also the Lan-interface of the camera. In a normal state, these microcircuits hardly heat up, so you need to change it unambiguously.Image - DIY camcorder repair

Having completely removed the board, I installed it on the holder. To protect the plastic elements, I covered them with foil.

Having applied flux to the soldering site, removed the microcircuit with an average air flow.

After cleaning the soldering point, and tinning the tracks with lead-containing solder, I started preparing a new microcircuit for installation.

Prepared soldering point

For this, the microcircuit must be lubricated with flux, and all contacts must be well tinned.

Prepared microcircuit for soldering

Having installed the microcircuit on the board, he began to warm it with an average flow of air until the solder melted and the microcircuit sat down in its place. The temperature of the hair dryer was about 320 degrees.

A new microcircuit is installed on the board.

Also, after soldering the microcircuit with a hairdryer, you need to go over the contacts with a soldering iron in order to exclude possible undershoots.

After cleaning, it's time to plug in all the connectors and check the camera.

After energizing, the current consumption dropped to 90 mA.

Consumption of a camcorder after installing a new microcircuit

The computer recognized the local network connection, although the LED on the camcorder did not work.

Local Area Connection Indicator LED

If you look closely, you can see a black dot in the center of the LED, apparently the discharge was so strong that it was out of order. Since the connector is not collapsible, there is no way to change it.

After installing the program for the Partizan CMS video camera, it was possible to successfully connect to the camera. The picture was normal, the ping of the camera was smooth.

Video camera image

Also, I decided to check the switching to night mode, for this I covered the light sensor with my hand, which is located on the board with IR LEDs.

The camera switched to black and white mode, consumption increased, which means everything is working properly.

Image in night mode.

Further, the camera was assembled and given to the owner. Thanks for watching and good luck with your renovations.

Usually, when buying a product or device in stores and unpacking it at home, we come across various waste paper that tells us about the product itself. In addition to these pieces of paper, we can also often notice the rules for the use and repair of the device in the event of a malfunction. They are needed in order to warn the user, as well as warn him how to handle the equipment, because in case of improper handling, the store or service that provided us with this product can deprive us of the established warranty, after which we will be deprived of free repair of the device , in the event of a breakdown.

With regard tovideo monitoring systems, then it is not one single device, but several elements interconnected, making up a single system.

This system itself usually consists of a video recorder, video capture cards, a small number of cameras with certain functionality, a power supply unit, a hard disk for recording data, the necessary connectors for connecting wires, as well as a device for displaying an image.

Basically, after the installation of all equipment has been successful, the customer refuses further service, citing the fact that the manufacturer has already provided him with protection in the form of a guarantee. The warranty period for this type of equipment generally ranges from 1 to 3 years. Of course, installing such equipment, the customer, first of all, wants a longer service life, but anyway, sooner or later, any equipment may malfunction or even fail.

Possible causes of equipment failures:

  • No image on the monitor... In such cases, it is recommended to check, first of all, whether power is supplied to the monitor or TV, as well as to check the operation of the network itself. If the problem in the power supply was not found, then it follows that the fault is on the monitor or TV itself.
  • One of the security cameras malfunctioning... A standard video surveillance kit usually includes 4 CCTV cameras, and if one of them fails, then first of all you need to check all the BNC register connectors. If, after checking the connectors, the camera still does not show signs of operation, then it is already worth checking the voltage in the network itself, using a special tester, which is sold in any electrical store.

I will dilute posts about replacing glasses and displays with a post about hardcore repair of an outdoor video camera that failed after a thunderstorm.

Here's a camera. I connect 12 V - the effect is zero, as is the current consumption.

Visual control under a microscope, without it in any way. Immediately I see a diode with a beautiful hole, I check it with a tester - the resistance is equal to infinity, so the diode is broken.

It was broken for a reason, but due to the flow of a large current through it. This is the reason.

Short-circuited six-legged DC-DC step down. I fix the board in a mega-convenient holder.

I blow off the diode and shimka, check the resistance of the power circuit - a few kilo-ohms, then everything is fine, there is no more short circuit. I take out an analogue from the bins.

I solder it in place and the diode.

I connect it to the power supply unit, set the current limitation to 100 ma, so as not to burn anything else.

72 ma is her native current consumption, so far everything is according to plan. I poke the oscilloscope on the throttle leg of the shimki.

Beauty, shimka works. I connect the camera to the monitor, everything is OK.

It seems to be all, but no. Infrared light does not work.

Could be replaced, but I have the same backlight from disassembly. I'll put it on.

The camera is working, will be installed by the installers back on the object. Everything.

A bit not a modest question, but still: How much does this work cost? It's just that this matrix costs about 400-600 rubles, and the backlight is even cheaper. Is it worth the candle?

In this case, the repair is equal to the cost of the diode and the shim. The diode was soldered free of charge from some kind of laptop board, and the shimka costs 20 rubles for Ali. This camera was at our client's facility, among others (several dozen), so it had to be restored. In more severe cases, of course, I change the module.

PS Do not count it as an advertisement, but if there is no work now, we can take it to ourselves)) It will be interesting - write)

Thanks for the offer, but there is work to do. I'm not only fixing modules from cameras))

Sometimes I also suffer so much, but you are so far away. (north of tomsk region)

I also change modules, nerves are cheaper.

The polarity reversal is unambiguous, the client is to blame.

Vertically in a vice, and from above neatly along the seam, along the knife, with a hammer.

a knife is better not. with a hacksaw for metal, carefully saw it along the seam and open it, and then glue it with dichloroethane. but you can just rewind with blue duct tape.

you can still black - in color, but blue is safer

The question is - you get the scheme of this camera was originally and did you know what was there? it's just that sometimes the inscription burns out and you can't make out what kind of part it was.

The question immediately arises regarding the replacement of shimok. They burn a lot in what. Is there a chipset (list) that will fit most of the time?

Announce the entire list, please!

Respect! instrument is nothing. I change modules.

Do you solder smd with a soldering iron or a hairdryer?

I solder with a hairdryer, solder with a soldering iron

Here the prospect of STM soldering is outlined, how to solder it so that the legs do not stick together? Is there solder paste on Ali (but I understand it only for a hair dryer), is it possible to apply it, and at the same time solder all the legs with a soldering iron in turn?

use the flux, it increases the surface tension of the solder and the legs do not stick together, the main thing is to get the hang of it, well, the soldering iron is not like in the picture

Such a question: Hikvision outdoor IP camera, moisture ingress into the connector (IP68.) With rotting of the contact, the connector is restored (called back, pressed it, put a pass-through). It is possible that the storm is also to blame. Result: does not start from 12v power supply, with PoE turns on infrared illumination, but does not go into working mode. The problem is on the power board, the rest is working, replacing the power board from the donor was successful, now I am trying to resurrect the donor with broken glass for internal use. There are no visible breakdowns. Where to dig?

There is also an outdoor camera, no one undertakes to fix it. Maybe there is a desire to try?

OssYl cool, did you take on ebay?

@LabOfRepair, can you advise something)
Broken tablet Huaiwei Mediapad 7, not light, but simple. It turns on, comes to the Huaiwei screensaver and then the screen is cut off. The service could not help, they said that it was working, but for some reason the screen was cut down and they could not install the firmware.
I tried to roll back to the factory version, the same garbage, the screen is cut down and that's it.

If it is sewing normally, then it is very similar to a power problem - the tablet boots up, comes to startup, the current consumption rises sharply, there is a failure in one of the supply voltages and everything is cut down. Instead of a battery, you need to try to connect a laboratory power supply unit and start a tablet with it.

Where are you located? And then my tablet stopped charging when it was on (although the indicator shows charging), I'm looking for normal repairmen. Tablet GT-P6200.

Recently, the installation of video surveillance systems at various objects of the national economy has become very popular. This control system has found its application in everyday life. Very often the video control line is installed in apartments and private houses. The defense system is quite complex in its complex composition. It includes various optoelectronic and technical devices, including video cameras, video recorders, power supply, connecting wires and other auxiliary equipment. Like any technological complex, a video surveillance system can malfunction. Often, the reason for the inoperability of the line is the breakdown of the camera. Repair of CCTV cameras can be done by hand or with the help of specialists.

In order to independently repair CCTV cameras, it is necessary to determine which classification type the device belongs to. Camcorders differ in a number of ways:

  • Type of color rendering (color and black and white);
  • Surveillance method (covert or open video surveillance);
  • Observation corner (swivel and non-swivel);
  • Appearance (standard and domed);
  • Method of information transmission (wired, wireless, IP cameras).

The video shows the repair of a CCTV camera: