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🛡Home Security => Problems and Troubleshooting => Topic started by: LoTwisted on January 19, 2012, 02:55:31 AM

Title: Having problems configuring a multi camera system with a VCR to record.javascrip
Post by: LoTwisted on January 19, 2012, 02:55:31 AM
  javascript:void(0);Hi folks.
 I have new old stock equipment that I have had for years but am just now setting up. I have xx13A-C cams,   (one of each: TM751-c and RR501-c Tranceivers, MS14A-c motion sensors, a VR31A-c Video receiver and a UX23A-c Whole house VCR controller.
  I have searched the forums to find an answer but don't find it and have spent HOURS and HOURS trying to figure this out. I have no understanding of television and stereo hookups ( All of the Audio/Video,in/out-composite- VGA, ETC; Has made pudding out of my brain) so, forgive me but, I am limited to EXACT instructions and I can find nothing that instructs me to what I need to do . I'm sure that many of you see this as a piece of cake ! javascript:void(0);
 The problem that I am having is that, I can find all of the instructions to set up the all of the above to only MONITOR the cameras on my television . I can even program my VCR controller to activate the VCR BUT, I cannot figure out how to route WHAT cables WHERE to allow my VCR into the mix to RECORD what my cameras can display on my television. Also, I have a Basic Cable TV that I need to keep hooked up to the RF port in this mix.
 Hopefully, there's a patient soul in here that can lend me a brain on this?

  I am using a Dynex DX L32 10A television with the following ports;

INPUT:
3 HDMI
2 Composite video
1 S-Video
1 VGA
2 Component video
4 Analog Audio
2 3.5mm Audio

OUTPUT:
There is just one output port: an analog audio out.

And a Sylvania DVC841G VCR DVD combo with these ports;

1.0 x RF input ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Rear,
1.0 x Audio line-out ( RCA phono ) - Front,
1.0 x Composite video/audio input ( 4 pin mini-DIN ) - Rear,
1.0 x Composite video/audio output ( F connector ) - Rear,
1.0 x S-Video output ( RCA phono x 2 ) - Rear,
1.0 x RF output ( F connector ) - Rear,
1.0 x SPDIF output ( RCA phono x 2 ) - Rear,
1.0 x Composite video/audio input ( RCA phono x 2 ) - Rear,
1.0 x Component video output ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Rear
 Thank you, to anyone that can and will help. Thank you, to anyone that even read this to see IF you could be of help. Maybe, I'll be able to help someone else, eventually.javascript:void(0);
Title: Re: Having problems configuring a multi camera system with a VCR to record.javascrip
Post by: Noam on January 19, 2012, 09:52:10 AM
I'm no expert, but I'm willing to give it a try. Here goes:
1) I want to make sure I understand your requirements:
   a) be able to watch the cameras live on the TV
   b) be able to record the camera feed into the dvd/vcr unit.
Since the video receiver only has one output, and the TV doesn't have any video outputs (the audio output is meant to be used with a surround sound system), your best bet is to feed the signal straight into the DVD/VCR, and then watch the output from that on the TV.

2) With that said, here is the basic wiring setup (more detail will come in the next section):
   a) Camera Receiver --> DVD/VCR Input
   b) DVD/VCR Output --> TV Input
The second one (part "b") should already be in place, and I'm not going to address that. If you can watch stuff from the DVD/VCR on the Tv, then you should be set - and that's how you'll watch the cameras live, too.

3) Actual connections:
   a) Connect the output of the camera receiver (audio and video) to the "Composite video/audio input ( RCA phono x 2 ) - Rear," connection on the DVD/VCR. Make a note of what the DVD/VCR calls this input (ex: "Input 5," "A/V 2," etc.)
   b) Figuure out which output of the DVD/VCR is connected to which input of the TV. Make a note of what the TV calls this input (ex: "Input 5," "A/V 2," etc.)

4) Using the system:
   a) Turn on the DVD/VCR and the TV. Pop in a pre-recorded DVD or tape, and set the TV to whichever input (part 3-b, above) is correct for the DVD/VCR. Make sure you can watch the video on the TV. that establishes that the connection between the TV and the DVD/VCR is correct. Stop the playback, and eject the tape/disc.
   b) Without changing anything on the TV, switch the DVD/VCR's to whichever input (part 3-a, above) is correct for the camera input. You should see the camera's feed (Assuming the camera is on and working) on the TV.

I hope I got your requirements right, and that my explanation makes sense to you.
Title: Re: Having problems configuring a multi camera system with a VCR to record.javascrip
Post by: LoTwisted on January 19, 2012, 02:55:31 PM
Thank you , thank you, thank you!
For spending your time to think through and type out all of that ! Yes, you understood what I am trying to do. Your explaination was thoughtful and I think I can follow it.The only thing unmentioned but, my fault because ,I notice that in my post , I worded it incorrectly, was that "I have a basic cable connection (RF cable) to hook up into the mix". Will this make any difference in the wiring configuration whether it is connected directly to the TV's RF or, through the VCR then back out to the TV?  Again, thank you , so much!
Title: Re: Having problems configuring a multi camera system with a VCR to record.javascrip
Post by: Noam on January 19, 2012, 03:20:30 PM
I don't see how the RF cable feed comes into play here.
If you want to record from the RF cable feed, then you'll need to connect the cable feed to the DVD/VCR, and watch through there.
If you don't need to record from it, then connect it right to the TV, and just switch to the appropriate input when you want to watch TV.
Title: Re: Having problems configuring a multi camera system with a VCR to record.javascrip
Post by: LoTwisted on January 19, 2012, 03:23:52 PM
Got it!
 I don' t want to record from the cable feed. Just didn't know if its connection would affect anything. I will post when I succeed. Thanks!
Title: Re: Having problems configuring a multi camera system with a VCR to record.javascrip
Post by: LoTwisted on January 19, 2012, 04:00:29 PM
You nailed it, Noam!  :)%
All is working exactly as you instructed! I have never had an easier time taking written instruction from within a forum.  One more question arose for me. If I were watching a cable channel and a camera triggers, will the VCR still record what it needs to?  You've been just what I needed. Thank you!
Title: Re: Having problems configuring a multi camera system with a VCR to record.javascrip
Post by: Noam on January 19, 2012, 06:53:09 PM
If I were watching a cable channel and a camera triggers, will the VCR still record what it needs to?  You've been just what I needed.

The way you described it, the cable feed goes right into the TV. As long as the DVD/VCR is set to the correct input for the camera, it should record just fine.
Title: Re: Having problems configuring a multi camera system with a VCR to record.javascrip
Post by: LoTwisted on January 19, 2012, 07:31:11 PM
 It didn't work when I had the RF cable connected directly to the TV's RF so, I had to go from the wall, into the DVD/VCR then out from the DVD/VCR to the televisions RF.  I don't have an understanding of whether the DVD/VCR can receive and transmit a cable station through one port then ,at the same time, record something coming in through the "AV in". When I get all the motion sensors set up and tuned in, I'll try it out to see if it will record when the cameras are tripped and Cable TV is being viewed .Thank you!
Title: Re: Having problems configuring a multi camera system with a VCR to record.javascrip
Post by: Noam on January 19, 2012, 08:45:34 PM
It didn't work when I had the RF cable connected directly to the TV's RF so, I had to go from the wall, into the DVD/VCR then out from the DVD/VCR to the televisions RF.  I don't have an understanding of whether the DVD/VCR can receive and transmit a cable station through one port then ,at the same time, record something coming in through the "AV in". When I get all the motion sensors set up and tuned in, I'll try it out to see if it will record when the cameras are tripped and Cable TV is being viewed .Thank you!

Your DVD/VCR might be able to record from one of the inputs, while still passing the RF through, but you'd have to figure that out by reading the manual.
I'm not sure why you weren't able to view the RF cable feed on your TV. You should be able to do so, just by changing to the correct channel on the TV.
Title: Re: Having problems configuring a multi camera system with a VCR to record.javascrip
Post by: LoTwisted on January 19, 2012, 09:20:01 PM
Yes
 Even I, with little understanding, thought I should be able to view Cable on the correct input. But, I went through them all with no success. So, I'll try this out and go through the VCR manual again and see how it all meshes. I'll report back. Much thanks!
Title: Re: Having problems configuring a multi camera system with a VCR to record.javascrip
Post by: Noam on January 19, 2012, 09:46:45 PM
You need to use the "tuner" input, and you may need to set it up correctly for the right type of cable TV signal. Check the manual for your TV.
Title: Re: Having problems configuring a multi camera system with a VCR to record.javascrip
Post by: LoTwisted on January 19, 2012, 10:10:27 PM
Okay,
Thank you ;)