开云体育

ctrl + shift + ? for shortcuts
© 2025 开云体育
  1. Electronics101
  2. Topics

Wireless Camera repair

 

I have a Lorex wireless security system that uses it's own receiver for the outdoor wireless cameras. I just recently had another camera appear to fail but I can "pair" it with the receiver if I am within about 5 feet of it. Then as I move the camera away it loses connection. I replaced it with a new spare camera and problem solved. My question is can the camera possibly be repaired by me and what is the possibility it is just a bad capacitor or some other common component that would cause the limited range? I haven't opened it up yet but I just wanted to know if it is beyond repair or possibly fixable?
Thanks
 

If you can open the case, many security devices use "odd" screws, you might find the antenna connector popped loose. Most of these connectors are press fit and not 'real' microwave cables.
?
Amazon has tool kits with drivers for most security screws. I bought one for ~$10 and it's been extremely helpful in opening stuff the manufacturer didn't want outsiders to open. I've also used a drill for really odd screws when I really wanted to get inside a case.
?
 

On Saturday 01 March 2025 03:39:00 pm wn4isx via groups.io wrote:
If you can open the case, many security devices use "odd" screws, you might find the antenna connector popped loose. Most of these connectors are press fit and not 'real' microwave cables.

Amazon has tool kits with drivers for most security screws. I bought one for ~$10 and it's been extremely helpful in opening stuff the manufacturer didn't want outsiders to open. I've also used a drill for really odd screws when I really wanted to get inside a case.
Harbor Freight has a set of bits like that too. They've pretty much covered my needs when I encounter some of that weird stuff. I try not to do business with amazon to the extent possible. :-)

--
Member of the toughest, meanest, deadliest, most unrelenting -- and
ablest -- form of life in this section of space, ?a critter that can
be killed but can't be tamed. ?--Robert A. Heinlein, "The Puppet Masters"
-
Information is more dangerous than cannon to a society ruled by lies. --James
M Dakin
 

开云体育

I will see if I can get into the camera and post pics of what I find or see inside. I probably have the correct tools to get into it as I have some gun tool kits that have an assortment of bits along with other large plastic box kits with various bits. I think I already mentioned I tried a new antenna and this camera uses a screw on type like a coax cable. I will post back when I know more.

Thanks

On 3/1/2025 2:39 PM, wn4isx via groups.io wrote:

If you can open the case, many security devices use "odd" screws, you might find the antenna connector popped loose. Most of these connectors are press fit and not 'real' microwave cables.
?
Amazon has tool kits with drivers for most security screws. I bought one for ~$10 and it's been extremely helpful in opening stuff the manufacturer didn't want outsiders to open. I've also used a drill for really odd screws when I really wanted to get inside a case.
?
_._,_._,_
_,_
 

Is the screw on connector mounted on the PCB or is there a jumper?
Most cameras I've worked with have a short, 5" or so, jumper with a press on RF connector on the PCB.
A few have the SMA directly on the BCB and the center connector can come unsoldered or the trace to it break. The break can be so microscopic it might be impossible to see, ohm out with a meter on low ohms, I'd use the diode measurement function.
Good luck. These things can drive a man to distraction.
?
?
 

I just opened it up with a Phillips head screwdriver and all the connections look ok. The antenna connection is on the frame or housing of the camera and looks in fine shape. It travels through the adjustable angle connector and into the main housing. It's all SMT in there but after a quick look I see no issues and the wire from the antenna connects the same way a wifi card in a laptop does and it looks fine. I may look at it at a later date under the microscope but the way its assembled even if I did find and replace a bad SMD component (and they are really small) it would be a real pain to re-assemble it and probably wouldn't work anyway. I will post a pic if the circuit board just so you can see what I have.

Thanks

On 3/2/2025 10:41 PM, wn4isx via groups.io wrote:
Is the screw on connector mounted on the PCB or is there a jumper?
Most cameras I've worked with have a short, 5" or so, jumper with a press on RF connector on the PCB.
A few have the SMA directly on the BCB and the center connector can come unsoldered or the trace to it break. The break can be so microscopic it might be impossible to see, ohm out with a meter on low ohms, I'd use the diode measurement function.
Good luck. These things can drive a man to distraction.
 

I just realized that the problem is likely just the wifi card that the antenna connects to. Problem is that it's likely proprietary and? not obtainable.

On 3/2/2025 10:41 PM, wn4isx via groups.io wrote:
Is the screw on connector mounted on the PCB or is there a jumper?
Most cameras I've worked with have a short, 5" or so, jumper with a press on RF connector on the PCB.
A few have the SMA directly on the BCB and the center connector can come unsoldered or the trace to it break. The break can be so microscopic it might be impossible to see, ohm out with a meter on low ohms, I'd use the diode measurement function.
Good luck. These things can drive a man to distraction.
 

On Sat, Mar 1, 2025 at 02:27 PM, Dave wrote:
I have a Lorex wireless security system that uses it's own receiver for the outdoor wireless cameras. ...
I'd be concerned about the word "outdoor" in that sentence.
?
Being exposed to the elements opens up at least a few cans of worms.? Including corrosion.? Or frozen (compromised) components.? Some of that you might not be able to easily see.
?
Andy
?
 

Try removing then reconnecting the press on RF connector. Rotate it about 45 degree each way after you reconnect it. Those connectors have an amazingly low VSWR matched by their lack of robustness.
 

Wiki has an interesting page on submiature RF connectors....
I had no idea there were so many connectors that look very similar.
?
 

开云体育

Good info. Thanks!

On 3/4/2025 4:29 PM, wn4isx via groups.io wrote:

Wiki has an interesting page on submiature RF connectors....
I had no idea there were so many connectors that look very similar.
?
_._,_._

1 - 11 of 11