Complete Guide to Connecting an SMPS to Your HD Analog Camera for Optimal Performance

If you’re working with an HD analog camera equipped with a white light LED or a built-in microphone and you’re experiencing issues with unclear audio or video disturbances during nighttime operations, this guide is designed for you. In this tutorial, we will walk you through the process of connecting an SMPS (Switched Mode Power Supply) to your camera, ensuring the best performance using a 3+1 CCTV cable.

Equipment You Will Need:

• HD Analog Camera: Make sure it has a white light LED or a built-in microphone.
• SMPS: Use a recommended type suited for your CCTV camera.
• 3+1 CCTV Cable: This cable includes three wires for power and one separate wire for microphone connectivity.
• BNC Connector: Necessary for video transmission.
• Insulation Tape: For securing all connections and ensuring safety.

Understanding the 3+1 CCTV Cable:

The 3+1 CCTV cable is structured with three wires designated for powering the camera, while the fourth wire is specifically for microphone signals. To maintain optimal performance:

• Cable Length Limitation: It’s essential to keep the cable length below 70 meters. Longer distances can lead to voltage drops which affect the functionality of hybrid cameras that require more power than basic analog models. For setups exceeding this length, consider alternative cables like Cat6 or RG6, along with a separate core for power supply.

Step-by-Step Connection Process:

1. Preparing the DVR Side Connection:

• Begin by preparing the VR side of the 3+1 CCTV cable. Strip the insulation off the ends of the three wires. You can choose any color combination for the wires but ensure that the positive and negative connections remain consistent throughout your setup.
• For example, you can designate red and yellow wires for positive connections and the blue wire for the negative.

2. Connecting to the SMPS:

• Positive Connections: Take the two wires (red and yellow) and connect them to the positive power terminal on the SMPS. This two-wire setup ensures that the voltage sent to the camera is sufficient for its operation.
• Negative Connection: Connect the blue wire to the negative terminal on the SMPS.
• Important: Confirm that the connections match in terms of polarity. This is crucial to avoid potential damage to your camera.

3. Maintaining Wire Color Consistency:

• As you continue to the camera side, it is imperative to maintain the same color scheme. If you designated red and yellow for positive on the SMPS, these same wires need to be used similarly on the camera’s side. This consistency helps in organizing your wiring and reinforces the correct flow of electricity.

4. Connecting the Camera:

• At the end of the 3+1 cable where the camera will connect, prepare to wire to the male DC pin. Again, ensure the connections align properly with the color scheme: the red and yellow should connect to the positive leads on the camera, while the blue should connect to the negative terminal.
• Utilize the BNC connector to establish a video signal connection from the camera to the DVR.

5. Insulation for Safety:

• After making all connections, utilize insulation tape to secure any exposed wire joints. This step is critical in preventing short circuits. Wrap the tape around each joint meticulously to protect against accidental contact between exposed wires or other conductive surfaces.

6. Powering On the System:

• Once all connections are secure, power on your CCTV system. Monitor for clear video and audio signals.
• To test the camera’s night mode functionality, temporarily cover the lens. This action will activate the infrared LEDs or white light, allowing you to see how the camera performs in low-light conditions.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• If the video appears distorted or the signal is lost during nighttime operation, you likely need to adjust the power output. 
• To remedy this, toggle the SMPS switch from the ‘Normal’ mode to ‘Long’ or ‘Extra Long’ mode. This switch provides extra current required for optimal night performance.

Conclusion:

Once you have completed the connections as outlined above, your HD analog camera should operate effectively, providing clear video and audio in both day and night settings. Should you experience ongoing issues with night mode, consider connecting a DC adapter directly to the camera as a troubleshooting measure.

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