Building a Doorbell For a Hearing Impaired Customer

Going Hardwire?

Parts:
Potter/Amseco SL401 Strobe Light
Altronix 6062 Timer
Altronix AL175UL Power Supply
Alarm Controls RP-2 Momentary button
18 gauge/2 conductor wire

Going Wireless?
Linear DXT-21 single button transmitter
Linear DXR-701 single channel receiver

You Can't Get Ethernet There From Here

As more low voltage systems become IP enabled, systems integrators have been finding some creative ways to get an ethernet connection to remote areas of a job site.  Wireless internet is an option, but can be unreliable in commercial applications.  One innovative solution is available from Napco Security.  Created to allow their iSeeVideo cameras to communicate with the router, the EOP MOD200 uses homeplug technology to send and receive ethernet data over existing power lines through any available wall outlet. This will allow you to connect anything from a laptop, home theater receiver, or access control panel to the existing network. With transfer speeds of up to 200Mbps, it provides a great solution for some of the more challenging installations.

All Fogged Up

Have you ever wondered why security cameras ship with those little desiccant packs in the box?   They are there for you to put inside the camera after installation.  Opening the camera housing to adjust the focus, zoom or on screen settings can introduce moisture inside the camera.  Dropping the little silica gel packet in the camera before closing it up will help keep condensation from building up on the inside of your camera, and keep your customers happy with their CCTV system.

CCTV Camera Interference?!?!

One of the most common problems we encounter with cctv systems is interference on cameras. This can be caused by several sources. Improperly run video cable that is run parallel to power lines, over fluorescent lights, or near electric motors are common culprits. Another thing to consider is ground loop interference. A ground loop, or 60 cycle bars, appear as rolling horizontal bars on the video screen. This can be a result of the camera and dvr or monitor using different grounds and introducing AC voltage into the video signal. Coax connections touching each other or metal frames, mounting cameras on metal buildings are usually the first reason that we see ground loops occur. Here are a few ways to avoid ground loops before they occur. If you are mounting cameras on a metal building, mount a block of wood or another type of non-conductive material to the building, and then mount your camera to the block. This will isolate the camera from grounding to the building. Also, if you have several coax connections or if you are using Cat5 with baluns, be sure and insulate the connections with heat shrink or electrical tape. Finally, there are in-line ground loop isolators that remove interference on the coax line. Taking these simple precautions will save you from trips back and forth to diagnose a pesky problem that help you keep happy customers.