Cameras and AHP

[pcaboo]

I've been trying to get my wireless cameras working and it gets frustrating. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don't. I'm thinking about switching to wired cameras. My question is: How do you hook up multiple wired cameras to AHP? Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated.

[Puck]

pcaboo: Welcome to the forum.

When you say:

Sometimes they work and sometimes they don't.

What aspect of the cameras are you referring to? If it is the cameras turning on/off then wireless is not the solution. If it is the signal reception, then wireless can help.

How do you hook up multiple wired cameras to AHP?

The video signals from multiple wired cameras can be joined together, using Y-Adapters, and then connecting the single video line to your video adapter (VA11A, VA12A, etc.). Like with wireless cameras, you still must make sure only one camera is on at a time.

[pcaboo]

That's what I thought. So you can actually have alot of Y connectors if you use alot of cameras. Is there a junction box available or would it just be easier to build one. I assume the wired cameras will look much better than the wireless. Is that correct?
Thanks

[Puck]

Is there a junction box available or would it just be easier to build one.

You may be able to find a commercial unit, but since they are just wired together, it is an easy homemade item.

I assume the wired cameras will look much better than the wireless.

This is why I converted all my wireless to wired. No external RF interference & antenna alignment issues.

[steven r]

...I assume the wired cameras will look much better than the wireless....

Most definitely! This is particularly true for all cameras operating in the 2.4GHz range.
In addition most, if not all, of the X10 cameras use directional antennas with a directional receiver. This might  be ok if you only had one camera but what do you do when the the receiver is between 2 cameras that are in opposite directions. It just doesn't work. Even with an omnidirectional receiver, you have to deal with interference from microwaves, 2.4GHz cordless phones, and even wireless routers.
While it may be a pain to wire to each camera, if you're serious about your video it's the best way to go.

[BaBaLou.]

What is the difference between a Multiplexer or using a bunch of Y connectors. If I may please ask since I am about to convert two wireless X2 to make them wired.

[Puck]

What is the difference between a Multiplexer or using a bunch of Y connectors.

About $200 dollars. 

Generally a multiplexer is used to combine multiple signals into one video signal. For example, to display/record 4 cameras at once. With this you would have all cameras on at the same time. With the Y-Adapters you can only have one camera on a time.

[BaBaLou.]

good one,
So in the case of 5 cams. use 3-Y connected to 2-Ys connected to 1-Y and then into the va11a. Multiplexer can work in AHP?

[Puck]

So in the case of 5 cams. use 3-Y connected to 2-Ys connected to 1-Y and then into the va11a. Multiplexer can work in AHP?

For 5 cameras you would need 4 Y-Adapters to get down to 1 input for a VA11A.

The single output from a multiplexer could be connected to a VA11A.

[BaBaLou.]

Thank You for the help Puck. Noted.