Troubleshooting - Swann REDALERT SW242-WDV Operating Instructions Manual

Troubleshooting

Problem: I can only record images/video from one camera!
Solution: The RedAlert can only record one camera at a time. While it is possible
to monitor two cameras at once (one wired, one wireless) it is not possible to
record both at once. If using PIP (Picture in Picture) MODE, the RedAlert will record
images/video from the primary selected camera only.
Problem: The RedAlert will only pick up one of my wireless cameras.
Solution: Whilst the RedAlert can be tuned to four wireless channels, it can only
monitor one of them at a time. There is no automatic switching function: if you
want to change the wireless channel that the RedAlert is monitoring, you need to
do this manually by pressing the SET button. For this reason, we do not recommend
using multiple wireless cameras with the RedAlert.
Problem: The picture quality is poor when I use a wireless camera, or so distorted
as to not qualify as a picture.
Solution: Your camera's signal is probably suffering from signal blockage or
interference. Try realigning the antennas (sometimes an inch can make all the
difference) or moving the RedAlert itself. You may need to try moving the camera,
as well. If this does not help, you may need to shut down other wireless equipment
operating nearby to the RedAlert. Check page 11 for more information on
interference, and how it might be overcome.
Problem: There seems to be a red haze in picture.
Solution: This is most likely caused by a strong light source (such as the sun)
shining directly into the lens of the camera. This is simple to remedy: face your
camera away from light sources, or use a lens hood for the camera to stop light
entering the lens directly.
Problem: The foreground is too dark, whilst the background is too bright.
Solution: The RedAlert uses automatic exposure adjustment to keep the majority
of the image correctly lit up, without you having to adjust anything. However, this
means that if what you want to see is in shadow when there's something else in
full sun in frame, the shadowy areas might black-out altogether. The best solution
is to make sure that the majority of the cameras view (particularly the centre) is
taken up with the lighting conditions you want to see detail in. The automatic
exposure will do the rest!
Problem: All I see at night is black!
Solution: Whilst both the cameras that optionally come with the RedAlert have
limited night vision, it is just that: limited. The cameras use infrared LEDs to "see"
in the dark (infrared is a type of light that human eyes cannot see) the range is
limited to approximately 16ft/5m. If there is nothing within that range, the cameras
will see nothing! Also, darkly colored objects (such as a black car) may not refl ect
enough infrared light for the camera to see them clearly. The best solution is to
simply move the camera closer to what you want to see.
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