Owner's manual

MAN-UTPCAM REV1103A
NetMedia, Inc., 10940 N. Stallard Place, Tucson, Arizona 85737 [phone] Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail] www.netmedia.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Q- Can I connect the camera to a computer network or another UTP video system?
A- NO! Do not connect the Camera/Decoder UTP cable to a computer network, or another UTP video system!
Doing so could damage this product and/or the other attached devices! The Decoder ouputs DC voltage on pins
7 and 8 of its UTP connector that the other equipment may not be prepared to handle. Each Camera/Decoder pair needs
a dedicated point-to-point circuit; nothing else can share its wires. Regarding computer networks, this is not an IP or
Power over Ethernet (PoE) device so it will not work properly with network hubs, switches, or routers. Regarding other
UTP systems, the Camera/Decoder video transmission signal is proprietary so no other device will be able to recognize
or display it properly.
Q- How can I see the camera on my TV without using an expensive security monitor?
A- The composite video signal from the UTP Decoder can be plugged directly into one television’s RCA Video Input jack
and viewed when that TV is switched to the proper input. Another option is to feed the Decoder signal into a
modulator. A modulator, such as NetMedia’s MM70, changes the video to a UHF or Cable channel and allows the signal
to be distributed to all your TV’s along with the existing antenna/cable/satellite service.
Q- Is there some way I can use UTP cable for other types of cameras? What about their separate power wire requirement?
A- Yes, the NetMedia UTP Video Encoder and Decoder can be purchased as a set, NM-UTPSET, for use with other popular
12V DC cameras. The Encoder will accept the camera’s composite video signal and provide about 150mA of regulated
12V DC power.
Q- Why do the light areas of the picture look washed out?
A- The camera’s automatic iris must decide how much to open for shadow areas or close for light areas. When a picture
has both light and shadow, the camera adjusts the iris based on the percentage of each area in the image. If it decides
to open more for the shadow portions then the light areas will be overexposed. In addition, cameras that are designed
for low light or infrared sensitivity typically favor the shadow areas and look more washed out under bright conditions.
Try adjusting the image field so that more light areas are visible and see if the iris closes to improve the picture. It is
normal though, that as the lighting conditions change throughout the day, so will the camera iris and the picture’s dark
or light areas. With a long cable length, adjusting the UTP Decoder DIP switches as described below may also improve
the picture.
Q- Why are the shadow areas too dark to see much detail?
A- This is like the washed out question above except opposite. In this case, the camera’s automatic iris is opening more for
the light areas at the expense of the shadow areas. Try adjusting the image field so that more shadow areas are visible
and see if the iris opens to improve the picture. Keep in mind though, that the camera still does need some kind of light
in order to see. If necessary, add some lighting to the dark area to improve visibility. Again, with long cable lengths,
adjusting the UTP Decoder DIP switches as described below may improve the picture.
Q- Will the camera work at distances beyond 1000 feet?
A- Though we do not recommend or support doing so, some people find that the camera functions satisfactorily at
distances greater than 1000 feet. At that range, the video quality degrades as the cable length increases but until the
power gives out over the next few hundred feet, it may still be acceptable for your application.
Q- What do the switches inside the “D” Day/Night camera adjust?
A- The Day/Night camera comes with a switch connected inside to adjust some of its
performance characteristics. The switch functions are listed in Figure 5. The
default settings (All OFF) are usually best but adjusting these may be helpful
under certain conditions. The AGC switch will force the camera to remain in color
mode instead of changing into black and white mode when the light level drops
below its normal crossover threshold.
Q- What do the DIP switches inside the UTP Decoder module do?
A- The switches come preset from the factory in the OFF position. This requires the
least amount of intervention for most installations. Some monitoring devices
though, are more sensitive to the voltage level of the video signal and will require
an adjustment of the switches according to the length of the UTP cable. In those
situations, disconnect power from the Decoder and remove one of the end plates.
Then locate the switch bank and, starting from #1, set each switch ON until the
most satisfactory picture is attained. The longer the cable, the more switches that
will need to be ON.
NM-UTPCAM
Figure 5 - Day/Night Camera Switches
Figure 6 - Decoder Module Switches
Switch 1: BLC
Switch 2: AES
Switch 3: AGC
Switch 4: Unused
Default: All OFF