08. Installation Tips

A. Camera Power

Use only regulated power supplies, the tolerance should be within 5% of the required voltage.
Ensure at least 40% spare capacity per power supply to prevent overheating and voltage loss.
Use power cable of a suitable thickness
Beware of voltage drops over long distance runs
Beware of polarity when connecting the power supply to a camera
Ensure proper cooling or ventilation for power supplies
Avoid operation of CCTV equipment on the same power circuit as elevators, compressors, generators or any large motors.

B. Cabling

Avoid running video cable parallel to AC power cables, especially those carrying high current.
RG59U Co-Ax runs should not exceed 200m for colour and 300m for B/W
Avoid sharp bends when cabling
Avoid cable joins and using BNC barrels
Avoid over-tightening cable-ties
Ensure use of proper co-ax wire-stripping and crimping tools
Ensure BNC Connectors are properly crimped
Use Rubber BNC Boots after crimping to protect crimped area and bend radius
Mark or label camera and data signal cables
Outdoor cable runs should be housed in UV-proof conduit
In lightning prone areas, install surge protection devices

C. Camera Installation

Test all equipment before installation. Therefore equipment can be replaced before arrival on-site if needed.
Ensure the mounting brackets of outdoor speed domes are properly sealed to prevent condensation in the camera housing.
Use EIA rated RS232/422/485 or CAT-5 cabling for speed dome or PTZ communication.
Ensure sufficent space for camera, lens and connectors when choosing a camera housing.
Avoid direct sunlight on equipment as it raises the temperature of the equipment.
Position cameras out of reach of vandals or 'curious' people.
Mount good quality mounting brackets in a stable location to avoid unstable or vibrating images caused by vibration or wind.
CS Mount cameras placed inside, at industrial or dusty/damp installations should be placed into outdoor camera housings.
Avoid installing cameras too high above the subject thus preventing 'top-of-head' video images
Ensure camera mounting poles are mechanically secure to avoid vibration on camera images
Before connecting power, ensure the supply is 12VDC regulated.

D. Time Lapse VCR Considerations

Time Lapse VCR Considerations
Regular servicing of your VCR , will ensure continued operation and quality of recordings.
Use only high quality 'branded' tapes
Replace tapes after being used 12 times.
Ensure Time Lapse VCR is suitably hidden in event of a robbery
Before reviewing a video tape for evidence, make a copy and review the copy. This ensures the the quality of the original is preserved, especially when starting, stopping and pausing the tape.

E. Wireless Video Transmission

For outdoor use, transmitter and receiver must be in line-of-sight.
Determine any possible sources of interference, i.e. overhead powerlines, wireless LAN networks, transformers, other transmitters or any other power generating system in close
proximity to the transmitter or receiver.
Avoid trees in the transmission path, as brances can cause interference.
Ensure proper alignment between transmitter and receiver.
Beware of lightning. Transmitters are often placed on high masts/roofs, which make them prone to lightning.
Poor weather such as heavy fog and rain can affect transmission.

F. Digital Video Recorder Considerations

It is recommended to connect your DVR and cameras to an uninterruptable PSU (UPS)
Ensure 1Vp-p video input levels from cameras (not lower or higher)
Turn off camera AGC
Ensure DVR is suitably secure or hidden in event of a robbery
Avoid Win98/ME as an operating system, Win2K is the most stable for PC-based DVRs
For PC-based DVRs, regular HDD defragmentation is recommended if DVR is used for other user applications. (Not necessary if PC is dedicated to DVR.)
Ensure enough RAM so that the recording does not get interrupted.
Recording should be on different hard drive to that of the operating system and recording software.