Isolating Infrastructure Issues
Welcome to Part I of the latest in SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION’s acclaimed “D.U.M.I.E.S.” series: “Troubleshooting Hybrid Surveillance Systems for D.U.M.I.E.S.” Brought to you by Pelco by Schneider Electric, this four-part series has been designed to educate readers about recent advances in technology and systems that are likely to shape this decade’s progression of the video surveillance industry. “D.U.M.I.E.S.” stands for dealers, users, managers, installers, engineers and salespeople.
The 2012 series will explore the art and science of troubleshooting video surveillance equipment, systems and cabling infrastructures, with particular attention to the hybrid approaches being widely implemented to transition legacy systems from analog to IP-based digital solutions. Explanations will be provided describing the different methods used to define, isolate and repair problem areas found in the video surveillance arena.
What is a hybrid system? Today’s surveillance systems are starting to combine some of the best features and parameters of the analog video output world and the IP networking world. Many dealers and installers are now required to perform upgrades while incorporating existing system technologies. And there are many dealers that maintain analog video systems. These facts make it very important they understand how both system types function.
Some basic knowledge of simple electronic theory, networking and test equipment will be helpful during these series of articles. However, the learning curve will be served up as painlessly as possible so even those who have little or no knowledge of electronic theory should comprehend it all just fine. In order to be able to troubleshoot any security system, one must first understand the proper methods, materials and procedures required to install a system. And so that is where we will jump in with this first installment.
Most Problems Are Wired Related
The following characteristic troubleshooting areas apply for both analog and IP surveillance technologies. To start, a few basic statistics on the problems found in system installations.
It is a fact that 65% of most installation and troubleshooting problems are associated with the type of interconnecting cabling, connectors and connections, and installation methods. The next area, which makes up approximately 27%, is related to insufficient input power to camera equipment, line surges and excessive temperature operating environment of the equipment.
A technician will have to know and gather information about the system in order to troubleshoot the problem and service the equipment. In order to gather this information — ask questions!
Troubleshooting any system is an art form; asking the right questions and in the proper sequence can eliminate many hours of frustration and incorrect system diagnostics. Whether the system is analog, IP or a hybrid, the general starting questions are the same. Many of the questions highlighted in this article, particularly the first few, may seem very basic. However, they are the perfect starting point for proper troubleshooting of any system.
It All Begins With Right Questions
One of the first steps in troubleshooting a system is examining the system block diagram. Doing so will allow the service technician to obtain an understanding of the equipment layout. This step is especially important when systems include different camera technologies and monitoring locations.
Following the video and data paths of an entire system is essential for troubleshooting procedures. Understanding these paths will help determine, for instance, the proper terminations of all signals. Remember, it is much easier to understand a system on paper than to understand that same system in the field. Examining the diagram or system layout also takes less time than walking through the system in the field.
As you take on the troubleshooting task and work through the questions laid out here, remember the axiom: Electronics, for the most part, are logical in design while human behavior is not.
Questions Group #1
• Has anyone tried to correct the problem before now?
• Has any new equipment been installed?
• Have any building changes taken place such as electrical work, new added equipment or removal of equipment?
The responses to these questions are usually the most difficult to interpret. If any of the answers are no, it could be a red flag that signifies an incorrect or inaccurate response. The reason is typically due to a lack of knowledge regarding changes or people not wanting to take responsibility for the situation.
If a previous technician or installer has shorted a terminal with a screwdriver, adjusted the controls without knowing the functions, did not know proper cable installation procedures or changed an IP address it can add to your headaches. So it is a good idea to ensure no one else has tried to fix the problem. If you find someone has, you should perform a complete check of all connections and settings before moving forward.
It may also be a good idea to speak with the previous technician regarding the problem, but proceed with caution. One person’s impression of the system’s trouble may or may not be accurate. System technicians must rely on the information at hand, but they must also verify it. Assumptions have led to excessive troubleshooting time, and many failed attempts at system repair.
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