Connect a CCTV camera: universal circuits, necessary materials, system setup

Every year, universal video surveillance systems are gaining more and more popularity. High-quality lines of constant video monitoring are installed in various areas: offices, private houses, apartments and enterprises. The huge advantage of such equipment is that you can carry out the installation yourself. To connect CCTV cameras, you need to have basic technical knowledge.

Basic materials for video surveillance

Modern manufacturers offer their customers a huge variety of cameras that have the required durability and affordable price. Most often, a standard module is used to connect such devices. More advanced users choose special receivers equipped with a camera outlet. It is this device that greatly simplifies the process of connecting the system to a personal computer. In order not to be mistaken with the choice, you must take into account the connector for the receiver. The outlet for the camera must be inspected, and possible connection schemes are being studied.

Experienced experts say that the following materials must be prepared to install an analog system:

• Powerful wires for switching in a low-current switchboard device (PUGV 1.5 mm²).
• Power cable for the entire laid system (220 V).
• Universal cable KVK-P 2 * 0.75 mm². Separately, it should be noted that some people confuse this cable with KVK-V, intended for installation inside the house.
• Modern analog cameras with fixing on the wall. The most functional are those models that have a high resolution.
• Three-core PVA wire with a cross-section of 1.5 mm².
• Multifunctional video recorder that will provide connection of the camera. Before purchasing the selected model, you must make sure that the number of video outputs is equal to or greater than the number of cameras used.
• Powerful power supply. For example, many craftsmen prefer to use the same models that are used to connect LED strips. If a specialist has chosen a cable with a cross-section of 0.75 mm², then a standard power supply will be enough for stable and high-quality signal transmission over a distance of 900 meters.
• A hard drive from a computer that will provide video recording and storage. It should be noted that the minimum volume of this device should be 1 TB. As for the size of the hard drive, both small (2.5 ") and large (3.5") models are suitable for work. But, as practice shows, it is compact devices that generate less noise and heat.
• If you need to ensure the uninterrupted operation of video cameras even in the event of a power outage, then you need to purchase a UPS (uninterruptible power supply).
• BNC - F universal connectors for power supply, as well as BNC receiving connector.
• High quality modular distributor. This equipment is necessary so that the video surveillance system does not burn out at the first thunderstorm. As practice shows, it is better not to save on this element of protection.
• In order to reliably hide all cables and connectors that are on the street, it is necessary to purchase special junction boxes with an IP 52 protection system.
• What a quality shield cannot work without is terminal connectors and sockets.

Professional connection of a CCTV camera is distinguished by the fact that the DVR and the uninterruptible power supply are best connected via a plug and socket.

In addition, all devices used must be compatible with each other. Thus, simple equipment cannot be combined with analog systems.

Recommendations for self-installation

People increasingly decide to connect security cameras to keep order on their territory, at home or at an enterprise. In order for the acquired system to be reliable and durable, you need to know the basic installation rules, as well as some of the secrets of the masters. To properly connect the camera, you need to adhere to the following recommendations:

• A special monitor is always included with the camera, through which the user can view everything that happens in the controlled area. The wizard will have to determine the exact place for installing video cameras.
• At the next stage, you need to take into account the basic installation parameters: the viewing angle and the height of the cameras. It should be noted that the correctness of the image reproduced on the monitor depends on them.
• Now you can proceed with the installation itself. To connect a video camera, you need to prepare two cables - coaxial and power. The first wire is needed to transmit a clear picture. But the power cable provides power to the device.
• In order for the installed equipment to receive a high quality signal, it is necessary to calculate the total footage between the camera and the receiver.

Of course, it is not so difficult to install a video surveillance camera, the main thing is to be guided by the basic rules for the operation of electrical appliances. Only in this case the installation of the necessary equipment will be carried out at the highest level.

Installation of analog cameras

Experts always focus the attention of novice masters on the nuance that exist in a professional environment certain norms and requirements that must be taken into account when installing equipment inside premises. Many consumers tend to prefer universal analog cameras that do an excellent job of video monitoring. Regardless of the model, such units must contain the following types of connectors:

• RCA, popularly referred to as "tulip".
• Red connector, which is needed to connect the power supply.

Separately, it should be noted that RCA connectors can be presented in two colors:

• White color - serves for audio signal transmission.
• Yellow - needed to transmit a video signal.

Depending on which model of equipment the master purchased, the color scheme of the CCTV camera may differ slightly. Any monitor (TV) can act as a video image receiver.

To connect the screen to the camera, you must use a high quality RCA cable. The video output of the camera must be connected to the corresponding connector on the TV, the same rule applies to the audio output. Each master can select the right or left channel. In classic models, the wiring diagram looks like this:

• The black wire is always considered a minus.
• The red video device cable is a plus.
• The yellow wire provides uninterrupted video feed.

The video output must be connected to the central core of the coaxial cable. Minus and plus are connected respectively. An RCA connector is screwed to the opposite end of the cable. It should be noted that some modern models are equipped with a higher quality BNC connector.

Connecting video equipment to a computer

This method of mounting cameras will help the user to save the resulting video to hard disk. A huge advantage of the technology is also that a specialist can always program installed equipment (for example, the system can be switched on independently in a certain time interval). Today, experts are actively using the three most convenient ways to connect the camera to a personal computer. Each option has its own nuances and advantages, which must be taken into account even at the design stage.

The first method is characterized by the fact that the master must complete the PC with a special video capture card, since without it it will be simply impossible to work with cameras. This detail is especially effective when analog cameras are used. The advantage of the board is that it can be used to quickly and efficiently encode and process captured videos. Depending on the model, the part can be equipped with from 4 to 16 video outputs, which is quite enough for those situations when you need to create your own video surveillance system.

If you buy a board in a specialized store, then you can get a special program bundled with it. In this case, the master will be able to record video from the dome camera, setting the exact operating time. It should be noted separately that this the board is connected exactly to a personal computer, completely eliminating the possibility of connecting it to a laptop.

The second method is based on the use of a well-known video server. With the help of this equipment, it is possible to digitize the received video signals, due to which the cameras used are obtained more functional. Each video server is equipped with a special BNC input, to which modern camcorders can be connected. Do not forget about the LAN output, which is intended for connecting a computer. Thanks to this, the owner of the video surveillance system has the opportunity to control the entire work process both through a stationary computer and through a laptop.

For the latter option, the specialist will have to use a USB converter, which ensures reliable connection of cameras to a PC. The huge advantage is that for the stable operation of such a device, you need a regular USB output, which every computer has. The received analog signal can be converted to digital. It should be noted that the picture quality will be rather low. The relative demand for this option is due to the fact that the owner needs a minimum financial investment.

Working principle with rotary devices

Contact modules are required to install such devices. As for receivers, not all models can be used. If a camera with two outputs is used, then an additional expander must be selected for it. It is this node that connects to the receiver. The standard scheme provides for the use of one adapter. But each case is individual, as it all depends on the type of expander. All single-pin models are equipped with a PPC output.

In some cases, when connecting equipment, there may be problems with displaying video on the monitor. This problem can be solved with the help of three-channel receivers. In this case, universal adapters with a RK connector can be used.

Equipment setup

When the system is fully installed, you can safely proceed to its configuration. Especially careful should be those craftsmen who are first engaged in the installation of such equipment. At the first stage, all video cameras are configured. All settings are made through the DVR-client program, with which you can control the existing devices while sitting at the computer.

When the user is authorized, he needs to open the "Settings" tab and select the "Add zone" section. After the performed manipulations, the program will certainly prompt you to enter a name (digital combinations are allowed). As practice shows, if several cameras are installed at once, then it is best to zoning them, so as not to get confused in the information in the future.

At the next stage, the registrar is connected to a specific zone. The wizard needs to right-click on an empty field and select one of the proposed options. If the required name of the registrar is already taken, then you need to go to the "Add device" section. When the entire list of used devices (cameras and registers) is displayed on the screen, you need to open the "View" tab. These manipulations will help to display the image from the cameras on the monitor.