Troubleshooting Video Baluns: How to Verify Connections (Part II)

Previously, you learned about the first few steps in troubleshooting video baluns. Today, we conclude our two part series on how to repair video baluns if you start experiencing problems with them. Before testing the video baluns themselves, it is important to verify and test the interconnections first. There are several ways to do this.

First, you have to make sure that you are only using a single pair. A single pair of video balun consists of one positive wire and one negative wire only. Use this pair to connect the video balun over the Cat5e. If you use multiple pairs, you may experience ghost images or distorted pictures. Additionally, multiple pairs may cause noise and interference vulnerability. The effectiveness of multiple pairs also decreases with distance which is why you should use only a single pair to test the interconnections first.

Double check the polarity and maximum distance for the configuration that you are using. If the polarities are incorrect, you may experience distorted signal. Exceeding the maximum distance, on the other hand, you may not get the best out of your video balun either. Use a different configuration with longer distance if you think that you are nearing the maximum distance.

To give you an idea, the maximum distance for a passive-passive balun is 1200ft; 3000ft for passive-active video balun; and 9000ft for active-active balun.

Aside from double-checking the polarity and maximum distance of the video balun, don’t forget to check all the RG59 connections. RG59 connection problems can also bring about video distortion and intermittent video, just to name a few.

If you are using active video baluns, make sure that they are attached to these specific locations otherwise they won’t function at all:

The active transmitter should be located near the camera and not the DVR.

The active receiver should be located near the DVR and the camera.

Avoid confusing the locations of these two ends.

Finally, active baluns require 12V of power supply. This can be achieved by using an individual transformer that is local to the video balun.

With these helpful tips, you should be able to solve the common problems associated with video baluns. Safety is always a must so secure the area first to avoid accidents that could happen to you and the people around you.