CCTV Recording Problem

[Guest nick_w]

Hi All,

Firstly, I would just like to say that I've just joined as a member and this is my first post, but I've been reading the forums for a while and I think that this 'community' is fantastic - such a wealth of knowledge and experience available!

The problem I am having is with a cctv system that was installed about 3 years ago and the company that installed it have gone bust, but it has never really worked properly from the start. The cameras all work fine, the problem is with the recording. It's a B&W system with 8 cameras attached, using a 9 way B&W Triplex multiplexer (Eneo VBMT 8009). Whenever I press the VCR preview/playback button on the mux, there is no picture and the error message "Wrong Format" is displayed. Initially, I thought this was a problem with the VCR, so I replaced it with a new once from Henrys CCTV. However, the problem still persisted.

I then contacted Eneo technical support - from Videor Technical, and they have been really helpful. They said I needed to fit a sync cable (or VCR syncronisation trigger pulse cable, as described in the mux manual). I have done this, and altered the trigger pulse in the VCR setup menu on the mux, trying both + and -, but still the original problem exists.

I tried the old VCR wired in with the new sync cable, but still the same problem. I am confident everything is wired up correctly; with the VCR In/Out cables not connected or connected incorrectly the error message "No VCR" occurs on the screen. I have checked with my mulitmeter that there is a voltage in both the VCR In/Out cables and the sync cable, and these are within the stated limits in the manuals.

It seems to boil down to either a configuration issue with the vcr/multiplexer or a hardware problem, most likely within the mux. I would be grateful if anyone could shed any light onto this problem - any similar experiences or suggested remedies?

Many Thanks,

Nick

[breff]

I've had this before and it is usually when the vcr and mux are set to different settings, ie vcr 48hrs mux 24hrs.

I've only ever had 1 occasion when I had to fit another vcr.

[Rich]

Connect the vcr pulse trigger to the mux, depending on wether its positive or minus, set that under vcr set up, make sure its on and it matches the vcr pulse either + or -.

Is the VCR you are using preset in the mux under VCR type, if not select user define. If you use a VCR from the list then make sure the times are the same, 24hr and 24hr for example.

The triplex is designed to play back tapes from other multiplexers, you can alter this under "playback format", you should select OWN.

Thats all I could get out of the manual, Located here in PDF.

Where abouts in the country are you, maybe someone is close enough to drop in to help you on site?

If you still cant get a recording, play a tape directly from vcr to monitor and check your getting a recording, If not you know you need to set the vcr up in the mux, otherwise your probably right with it being a faulty mux.

[ian.cant]

Nothing to add to that as yopu wont get better help other than a visit from someone in the know. Nice work guyz

[Guest nick_w]

If it's a non-hardware problem then I am assuming the settings of the VCR and multiplexer are the most likely cause.

Within the mux settings I can chose the VCR type from "Standard VCR", "User Define" and then a list of different specific VCR's (none of which match either of the VCRs I have). Selecting "Standard VCR" I am given a further option of altering the "Hour" only - I have set this arbitrarily to 003, and made sure the VCR is on 3hr recording. If I select "User Define" I have the option of "Hour" and also "Field". Again, I have kept the hour to 003, but is there any specific value that the "Field" should be, or is it ok set to any value just as long as it matches the VCR setting?

Within the VCR there are the options to have the recording/playback as "Field" or "Frame". There is also the option of "Auto". I have tried to alter the values of "Field" and "Frame", and correspondingly set the same values on the mux. Within the "Field" there are options of 1,2,3,4,5,10,25 and 50. However, none of this has so far worked, and I have just left the VCR setting to "Auto". With the VCR set to "Auto", is there any specific value that the "Hour" and "Field" settings should be on the mux?

Nick.

[Rich]

Have you tried doing a reset to the mux, also down powering it for a minute could be beneficial.

What makes/models are the VCR's?

[Guest nick_w]

Thanks for the comments so far.

I have reset the mux when altering the jumper switch on the alarm card (where the sync cable is wired in). However, I will power down and leave it for a while.

The manufacturer of the new VCR is Daewoo. The old VCR is a Ganz (?) Haven't got the exact model numbers to hand at the moment, but can get those if needs be.

I'm in Nottingham, if anyone fancies taking a look? 'Just PM me' I think the expression is!

Once again, thanks for the prompt replies and advice.

Nick

[C.S TEK.]

are your video in and video out around the rong way?

[Rich]

Have you been back and sorted the problem yet?

[Guest nick_w]

Hi,

Thanks for everyones advice. I've tried everything suggested - all cables are plugged in correctly, VCR's definitely work, and have altered settings on the VCR and mux; all to no avail.

Thus, it looks like it is a problem with the multiplexer. Therefore, I have two options open to me - try and get the mux repaired or replax it. I am considering biting the bullet and purchasing a digtal recorder/multiplexer - quite like the idea of not having to mess around with umpteen vidoe tapes, keep changing them, log them, store them etc etc. I am led to believe that I can pretty much leave a digital recorder alone and it will just record continuously, correct?

Can anyone recommed a good unit for recording 8 B&W cameras.

Thanks,

Nick