POWERING, REMOTE CONTROLLING & VIDEO RETURN TRANSMISSION OPTIONS FOR REMOTE CAMERAS

WE HAVE UTILIZED AND MODIFIED MANY DIFFERENT TECHNOLOGIES TO SUPPLY POWER TO CAMERAS AND ILLUMINATORS, SEND CONTROL FUNCTIONS AND RETURN VIDEO/AUDIO OVER SMALL DIAMETER CABLES AT DISTANCES UP TO 3300 FT. (1000 METERS). Many people request wireless system and we can provide them provided you can live with their limitations

This is a very complicated subject. We will attempt to very briefly cover the various systems and how they work but because of the number of variables in the way the systems they power are designed, deployed, supported and used there are no simple answers. AS APPROPRIATE, WE CAN SUPPLY ANY OF THE SYSTEMS LISTED BELOW.

Discreet Wiring involves the use of two insulated wire for power and ground and a separate two conductor coaxial cable to carry the video signal back to the recorder. Depending on power supplies and current draws, we try to limit the use of the technology to distances of less than 660 ft. (200 meters) because video quality deteriorates and voltage drop in the power conductors.

Power Over Coaxial cable is a technology that uses a single coaxial cable (approx. 0.25 inch (6 mm) in diameter to take power to the remote camera and return the video / audio over the same cable. These systems are usable with cable lengths to 3300 ft. (1000 meters). This technology is appropriate for system that may be subject to lightning strikes using the proper diverter technology.

Control Over Coaxial cable is a technology that uses a single coaxial cable (approx. 0.25 inch (6 mm) in diameter to take power to the remote camera and return the video / audio over the same cable. In addition, control switches at the recorder end can control the zoom function of an appropriate camera. More advanced camera systems allow control of pan, tilt, zoom, pre programmable spot monitoring and pre programmable tours.

Fiber Optic is a technology that uses a transmitter to convert the video electrical signal into a modulated light signal that is carried to a remote location through a glass fiber. This technology is most useful if the signal is to transmitted over distances of two to twenty miles or more. It can be quite expensive for the transmission of a single video signal and is more often used for multiple video signals and or data transmission. A much more economical technology if the fiber optic cable is already installed. Bi-directional capabilities within the same optic fiber allows remote control of appropriate cameras.

Unshielded Twisted Pair is a technology that uses ordinary twisted pairs of telephone wire to carry a high quality video signal within a facility. Since most telephone systems, when they are installed, have extra pairs of wires available in their junction boxes, these are available to carry video signals. For short distances, to say 660 feet (200 meters), these systems are self powering. For greater distances, small powered converters are available for distance of 3300 ft (1000 meters) or more. Bi-directional capabilities using another pair of wires allows remote control of appropriate cameras.

Wireless is a technology requested by many and usable by few. Among the limitations, in addition to a sufficient and renewable power source at the transmitter end, are requirements for continuous and reliable line of sight alignment, sufficient transmitter power, accurate receiving antenna alignment and appropriate licensing. Because of the limited number of frequencies and channels available, urban and even suburban locations must contend with large numbers of security cameras which may cause interference. Different frequencies are used for video transmitters and those transmitters used to send control signals to the camera system. Most system frequently advertised for "home" type use are very difficult to convert to a weather protected system with the reliability required for a professional system.