How To Make an Antenna Work

An antenna is a device design to pick up radio frequency signal and turn them to electrical signal; usually that signal carries information that can be audio, video, data, etc. The antennas are specifically designed to work on the necessary frequency and using them on a different one will reduce the range instead of helping. The radio frequency signal reacts more or les like light. If you are on the path of the radiated signal you will have reception, more or less than if you re in the dark environment with a flashlight. The main difference is that we are not able to see the radio frequency signal and so we need to take precautions in order to make the transmitting/receiving system work efficiently.

It is very important to carefully aim both antennas to ensure that we are inside of the signals pattern of radiation.

There are conditions that can deteriorate the signal on its pats, concrete, metal structures, heavy foliage, etc.; the reaction of the signal is sometimes unpredictable. In addition, this problem can occur with the cell phones, we can obtain perfect coverage in some areas and just few steps away receive poor reception.

We recommend performing several tests. First get familiar with the system and second to obtain the best results the best possible location for the transmitter and receiver. Many times those locations that we may think are the most convenient places to put the transmitter and the receivers are not. It is good to practice placing the receiver and/or transmitter in different locations in order to obtain the best possible reception. Then run the wires to the site that requires the signal. In addition, we need to be aware as or the position in which the antennas are set. Both antennas must match this. Usually we design our systems to transmit in a horizontal pattern.

MY ORDER

When can I expect my order to be shipped?
Orders placed before 2pm EST during normal business hours on orders that are paid with credit card without any complications are generally shipped on the same day . Orders placed after 2pm and during non-business hours such as evenings, weekends, and holidays are normally processed and shipped on the next business day. Air shipment orders placed after 2pm CST during business days are shipped out on the same day, but there is no guarantee.

Some exceptions apply to the above statements. Exceptions are expensive consumer items, items that are specifically designated as "Normally shipped in 3 - 4 business days" in the item descriptions and drop shipped items. Payment complications include: different shipping and billing addresses, billing information inconsistent with what's on the credit card record, and orders that can't be verified by phone.
 

Will I receive an e-mail confirmation when my order is shipped?
You'll receive an e-mail confirmation with package quantity, weights, and estimated delivery time at the evening hours after your package is shipped only if you selected "send my tracking number" during checkout.

Do you ship to APO/FPO addresses?
Yes, we ship to APO and FPO address via U.S. Postal Services (USPS). Note: There may be 1-2 business day delay in shipping by USPS method. All USPS packages are shipped with return signature required to confirm the delivery.

HOW TO MAKE SURE YOUR WIRELESS CCTV CAMERA IS WORKING

1) CCTV Camera's adapter is plugged in but display is off:
Test another appliance on the same outlet to ensure there is power. If it is possible using a voltage meter measure the voltage on the AC Adapter power plug it must have about 15V AC. Be sure you are using the correct AC Adapter, you have 2 AC Adapters on the CCTV Camera system, one of them is AC-AC it must be used to power up the CCTV Camera, and the second AC-DC is the one to power up the receiver reversing the AC adapter will course irreversible damage to the system. If power is present but the CCTV Camera doesn’t work you must contact your vendor to replace or repair the unit.

2) CCTV Camera is working, display is on but there is no signal on the screen:
Check if the receiver is on. Check if the receiver AC-DC adapter is plug in. Check if the receiver power selector is turned to the on position. If you are using a TV set as monitor be sure to connect the video output from the receiver to the RCA jack input on the TV set. Usually a yellow jack. If is necessary you can test a different video source (A VCR will do it) on that input to be sure that input is working. If everything is ok, at least you must have slow on your screen generated by the receiver.

3) There is snow on your TV screen and CCTV Camera display is on but there is no picture:
Select a different channel on the receiver unit you get the picture. Unplug receiver and transmitter from power for 10 seconds and plug them back to reset.

4) System is working but signal is weak:
Try to shorten the distance between the CCTV Camera – distance. Aim carefully the receiver to the CCTV Camera; rotate the receiver slowly until you get the best picture.  Try a different channel on the CCTV Camera and receiver both sides must match the same channel.

5) Signal is strong but distorter:
If the distance is to short between CCTV Camera – receiver you may damage the receiver. Test the system at not less than 5 feet between CCTV Camera and receiver.

HOW TO OPERATE A PRS-5000

Main power switch is on but system doesn’t turn on:

Check the battery meter, the orange band must to fulfill most of the scale, if not recharge the batteries. Never let the recharge for more than 24 hour. Never storage the system with batteries discharge to avoid irreparable damage.

On:

Press power on the remote control or insert a tape on the VCR. Be sure that the monitor selection on the system panel is on the VCR position and the monitor is on.

VCR Button Doesn’t work:

Some of the VCR models we use has a feature, after the VCR had been triggered to record by motion all the buttons lock, to disable it just press the clear button for 3 second.

The signal from wireless camera is weak or unstable:

Take care while aiming the system’s antenna, the side with pattern is the front and most be facing the transmitter. The antenna connector must be tightened on its jack. Keep the distance between transmitter and system as close as possible. A rod concrete, metal and foliage from the signal path. Try different channel to get away from interferences. The antenna cab be positioned in different angles to get the strongest signal, sometimes a reflection from the transmitter’s antenna can be stranger that direct signal coming from it. Move the antennal to different positions; just feet can make a big difference. If is necessary a high gain antenna can be used to increase the reception.

System doesn’t recharge:

To recharge “main” switch must be turned to “off/change” position. The charge has to be plugged to the AC line and to the “charge” jack and the system. Charger must become warm after 2-3 minutes while charging if not it can be damaged and must be replaced. If the battery doesn’t hold the charge they need to be replaced. The life of the batteries can reach up to 300 charges but it can be reduced if not proper care is taken.

How do I select the right lens

Lenses:

If you look at our CCTV lens page you'll see three pages of diverse lenses ranging from $19.00 to $319.00. The reason for this is quality of the lens, the milometer  (the smaller the mm the larger area of focus) and if the lens is auto focus, auto Iris etc.

The best way to explain milometer is if you need to see an entire room go with a smaller milometer , if you need to see the numbers on a license plate go with a higher milometer .

SHOULD I USE B&W or COLOR CAMERAS

Black & White vs. Color:

This is one of the major factures in cost. Color is a more expensive form of surveillance then B&W, and we all know the advantages of color, but B&W has many advantages as well. B&W has more lines of resolution, lower light requirement and lower cost. Normally you use a B&W camera with infrared technology, but today you can get what is called a "Day & Night" camera offering the best of both worlds.

WHAT IS "LUX"

Lux:

LUX or light sensitivity is the amount of light from a candle calculated from one meter away. The lower the LUX, the lower the light needed. Most B&W camera have a lower LUX rating then color cameras. Also, some models come with Infrared Illuminators to help the user see in complete darkness. This is very useful for observing rooms or using outdoors without a light source.

WHAT IS CCD AND CMOS AND SHOULD I CARE

CCD vs. CMOS:

Better known as the imaging element, this is what converts light into electrical images. Charge Coupled Device (CCD) & Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) are critical components that act as the camera's "digital film."The advantages of CCD over CMOS are,

»Better light sensitivity    »Sharper images    »Enhanced colors    »High quality level

Since the cost of a CMOS element is less expensive, most inexpensive cameras use CMOS. The best way to put it is if you require quality, you need CCD.

WHAT IS CCTV RESOLUTION

Resolution:

This is the number of horizontal TV lines. The term resolution refers to the amount of detail you can see in an image. Cable TV delivers about 300 and VHS tapes have 250. The more horizontal TV lines the better the picture. The average CCTV camera is 300 ~ 400 lines. Usually, B&W cameras have a better resolution. We offer a color camera with 470 Lines of resolution.