Troubleshooting Video Baluns (Part I)

Video baluns come in two types: passive and active video baluns. There are times when they don’t function properly so it’s important to know how to solve common video balun problems. Here’s how to troubleshoot active and passive video baluns.

1.       The first step to troubleshooting video baluns is to double check the cable configuration. This means that you are not using a Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) wire. Video baluns work best with Cat5e cables or UTP or Unshielded Twisted Pair wires. 

2.       Checking the cable configuration also means that they should be far away from AC power, fluorescent lighting, high EMI equipment, and high current equipment. Noises may be generated from these systems, causing distortion to the images.

3.       Noise can also come from splice connections, which is done when splitting UTP wires. To prevent this, use RJ45 connectors or make sure that there is at least an inch of untwisted wire when you solder or twist the pairs together.

4.       Verifying the camera connection should first be done before testing the video baluns themselves. The video output should work correctly which can be done with the use of an individual transformer then powering the camera locally as a means to verify that the power section of the cable is good.

5.       Another way to verify cable connection by power supply is to place the transformer on the DVR side of the cable, which should only be done if the cable power section is confirmed to function properly.

6.       A video test kit can also be purchased to test the video output of the camera and make sure that the camera is indeed working as it should be. 

These are just the first things to accomplish to verify video balun functionality. Wait for the second part as we finish our two-part series on troubleshooting video baluns.