| TROUBLESHOOTING QUESTIONS |
| Q |
I purchased a camera kit that came with just one (or two) cameras. Can I connect an additional camera? |
| A |
Depending on your receiver type, you can connect up to four (4) cameras to one receiver. However, we recommend that users only connect up to three cameras to one receiver due to the increased possibility of interference. The receiver has buttons that will allow you to view all 3 (or 4) cameras individually. You can order additional cameras at: http://www.astakshop.com, under the Camera/Receiver Parts section. All cameras in that section are compatible with your receiver. The number on the camera is also the channel number. *Please be sure to fill out the comments box when you order, in order to inform us of the channel number(s) of your existing camera(s).* We need to know your existing camera's channel numbers so that we can send additional cameras with different channel numbers in order to avoid interference. Thank you for buying the Astak camera! |
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| Q |
I'm experiencing interference problems. How do I solve this? |
| A |
There are several things you can try.
a) If you have a 2.4GHz cordless phone or wireless internet router, then those devices maybe causing the interference. Try to change the channels of those devices. On a wireless router, you can change the channel from the router's setup. For the cordless phone, if you cannot change channels then try to turn off the power from the phone base, and then turn on the camera and receiver to see it still has interference. Then try to turn on the base phone again. Some phones will automatically change to a different channel if there is conflict with another device.
b) In the rare case of serious interference, try the following. Place the camera where there is the fewest number of obstructions between the camera and receiver. Obstructions include ceramic tiles, concrete, microwaves, and even stacks of newspapers, as well as Blue tooth-enabled devices such as laptops and PDAs.
c) Try making adjustments to the locations of the camera and receiver. Finding the best position is a matter of trial-and-error. Moving the location of the camera and/or receiver in any direction by only a few inches will often improve the reception. Try moving your camera around and changing the antenna angle. Also, try placing the receiver higher than the camera. Avoid a location near your microwave oven. |
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| Q |
The image looks foggy. What's going on? |
| A |
The problem is caused by water droplets that condensed from the air, usually at night, onto cool surfaces. When the temperature drops, dew drops accumulate on the face of the camera, just like a car parked outside in the winter. To solve this problem, try putting the camera under an awning or the eaves of your home. If that does not work, you might consider buying an outdoor camera casing with heater and blower (available for purchase elsewhere), but they usually cost around $75 + S&H. |
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| Q |
I connected the camera to my TV, but I'm seeing a "snow" effect on my screen. Or I'm seeing a blue/black screen on my TV. How do I solve this TV connection problem? |
| A |
If you get a blue/black screen, it means you didn't select the correct TV mode. Please use the TV/Video (AV) button on your TV remote control to select the correct display mode on your TV. If you get a snowing effect it means the receiver didn't get a signal from the camera. Please try the following steps. Make sure that you're using a 12-Volt adaptor for the receiver. Then make sure that you're using a 8-Volt adaptor for the camera (for now, don't use a battery). Look to see which channel number is printed on the camera (it should be either 1, 2, 3, or 4). Then select the same exact channel number on your receiver. Then use the A/V cable (yellow for video, red for audio) to connect to your TV, and then use your TV remote's TV/Video button to select video1 or video2 (this depends on your TV set). If this still does not work, please feel free to contact one of our customer service representatives. |
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| Q |
Why am I getting a white screen? |
| A |
This is a common situation known as Whitewash or Washout, which occurs when a strong light (sunlight or other light source) shines directly into the lens and sensor, and overpowers the video signal and Electronic Iris. This does not harm the camera and the picture will return to normal if the light source is moved out of that position. Please remember to NOT point your camera directly into any light source. |
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| Q |
Can I record the event I see on my TV? |
| A |
Yes, you can. You need a normal VCR if it is a manual recording. However, if you need to record for a long time while you are away from home or the office, you will need a special VCR such as time-lapse VCR or DVR (Digital Video Recorder). A time-lapse VCR allows you to record the camera picture from 6 hours up to 960 hours (40 days) using a standard video tape. |
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| Q |
How do I connect my new camera to a VCR? |
| A |
We highly recommend that you connect the camera to your TV first in order to make sure that the camera is working, before you connect to your VCR. You need a VCR or DVR to record the images your see on your TV. Once you have confirmed that you can see an image on your TV screen, try the following steps. First connect the A/V cable from the receiver to A/V input on your VCR. Then connect from A/V output on your VCR to your TV's A/V input. After you have made all the connections, you will need to refer to your VCR user's manual to make a recording. In most cases, you will need to select line 1 or line 2 on your VCR to make a recording. Try changing to channel 2 in your VCR, and then pushing channel "-" in the remote that will get line 1. When you can see the image on your TV, then you can push the record button to record. |
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| Q |
Can I connect my camera to my computer, PC or a laptop? |
| A |
We highly discourage connecting our wireless or wired cameras to your computer/laptop. Only the Network IP cameras are designed to work together with computers. Our wireless and wired cameras are NOT designed to work with computers. That said, if your computer is equipped with a Frame Grabber Board or TV/Video Board with A/V input, or a Video Card or TV Card with RCA connectors, then the Astak camera might work with your computer. However, it takes a lot of technical expertise, and since Astak technicians do not specialize in computers, if you choose to connect your wireless or wired camera to your computer, we simply CANNOT provide technical support on this issue. You will need to consult with your computer specialist instead. Thank you for your understanding.
If you want to connect your camera to a computer because you want to avoid recording to tapes, please consider purchasing a DVR set. |
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| Q |
Can I use ASTAK weather-proof cameras outdoors? |
| A |
Yes, the Astak weather-proof cameras are designed for outdoor use. Ideally, however, the cameras will perform optimally if placed under fixtures (for example, an overhang or awning). |
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| Q |
I'm experiencing problems with water getting into the camera. |
| A |
Although our cameras are weatherproof, we don't recommend directly exposing them in the rain. For best results, please put the camera under some kind of cover. If the glass gets wet or foggy, you can open the cover to clean it or send it back to us. We will replace it. |
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| Q |
What is the maximum distance I can have between the camera and the receiver? |
| A |
The maximum distance you can have between the camera and receiver is 300 feet. |
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| Q |
If your cameras are wireless, why do they still need to be attached to an external power source? |
| A |
ALL wireless cameras need to have some type of power source. Wireless refers to the fact that no wires are needed to connect the camera to the receiver. For some models there is a built-in rechargeable battery, but it only runs for 5-6 hours on battery power. It is easy to hook up an extension cord from any outdoor outlet to supply power to the camera. If there is not an outlet nearby, you can buy a screw-in outlet from your local hardware store for your porch or patio light. The charger is then plugged into the extension cord and make sure to always use electrical tape (available from most hardware stores) to keep water from getting into the connection. That should be all you need to do. Only the receiver needs to be kept indoors. |
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| Q |
Are ASTAK wireless cameras easy to install? |
| A |
Yes, the Astak Security Video Camera easily connects to any TV or VCR. Just connect the camera to an AC adapter (included), and connect the wireless receiver to your TV or VCR and use your TV remote control to view the camera picture. It's that simple! |
| Q |
Can I connect the 918T2 or 818T3 to a DVR? |
| A |
A: We do not recommend connecting our wireless cameras to a Security DVR because Security DVRs do not work well with wireless cameras (both the 918T2 and 818T3 are wireless camera systems). Instead, Security DVRs work best with wired cameras because a wired camera eliminates interference problems. We offer DVR & wired camera packages under the DVR section of our website. |
| Q |
Can I add one or more additional cameras to my 818T3 or 918T2 camera system? |
| A |
If you own the 818T3 system, then you can add one more camera. This system accommodates up to 4 cameras. Please make sure you specify the channel number for the new camera, and make sure that it does not match the channel numbers for the cameras you already own. That way, the cameras will not interfere with each other. If you own the 918T2 system, then you cannot add any additional cameras. You also cannot buy 2 sets of 918T2 (for a total of 4 cameras and 2 receivers) because they will interfere with each other. |
| Q |
I own a CM-A815 system. Can I add another A815 camera? And can I add another type of camera to my system? |
| A |
If you would like to add additional cameras to your system, as long as it's a 2.4GHz camera, it should be compatible with your receiver. So, for example, the 906D camera would work with your system. If you want to add another A815 camera, just make sure to order one in a different channel than the one you already have to avoid interfering channels. |
| Q |
I want to view the picture from my camera(s) from two (or more) different TVs. How do I do this? Can I just add an additional receiver to my other TV? |
| A |
You can purchase an extra receiver from us, then connect a receiver to each TV that you wish to view from. Receivers can be purchased under the Accessories section of our products. |
| Q |
I want a camera that has motion detection or motion sensor capabilities. I only want the camera to record something if it detects a movement. Which camera should I buy? |
| A |
For motion detection capabilities, we have two solutions:
1) You can purchase a DVR with wired cameras system, which provides motion detection capabilities.
2) Or you can purchase one of our Network IP cameras, such as the IP-500, IP-600, or IP-700. They are advanced cameras that will give you the ability to choose when to record, and setup motion sensitivity so that smaller movements are not recorded while bigger movements are recorded. However, our Network IP cameras are made for indoor use only. |
| Q |
I want a camera that I can view through the internet. Which one should I get? |
| A |
Any of our Network IP cameras will work (IP500, IP600, or IP700). They will connect to the internet, and you can view from anywhere in the world as long as you have access to the internet. |
| Q |
I need the AC power adaptor for my camera/receiver. Which one should I buy? |
| A |
If you need the AC adaptor for your receiver, purchase the 8Volt 300mA adaptor. If you need the AC adaptor for the 818T3 camera, purchase the 8Volt 200mA adaptor. For the 918T2 cameras, purchase the 12Volt 500mA adaptor. |
| Q |
I want to buy an antenna to boost the signal of my receiver. Do you sell any antennas? |
| A |
Any 2.4 GHz single-booster antenna might be compatible. |
| Q |
I want to record multiple cameras at the same time. How do I do this? |
| A |
You can purchase a DVR system, which will allow you to record multiple cameras at the same time. OR, if you have more than one TV/VCR system, you can purchase an additional receiver for each TV/VCR set, and record two different cameras via your two receivers. |
| Q |
The camera is showing a mirror image (left and right are reversed). How can this be fixed? |
| A |
Please try unplugging the AC adaptor of your camera for about a minute. After a minute, re-plug the adaptor and the image should return to normal. |
| Q |
Will my camera work if I aim or shoot it through a window? |
| A |
During the day, it is fine but your camera will not work through a window at night. This is because the infrared LED lights which provide Night Vision cannot penetrate the glass of a window. The infrared light will only reflect back into the camera. |
| Q |
I have a laptop and/or a desktop PC that has RCA connections and I want to connect the camera. But I cannot find the cameras on my PC. What do I do? |
| A |
The connections on your desktop PC/laptop must be RCA input for it to work. Most computer RCA connections are output and if that's the case on your computer, that's why it's not working. If you happen to have RCA audio/video input, then please consult your computer manual or computer technician, as we are not qualified to give tech support about the functionality of your computer. |
| Q |
I want to add one more camera to the CM-818-C2 system. Which camera should I buy? |
| A |
You can purchase a single camera, the 818TR, from our website under the Accessories section. This camera should be compatible with your existing system. Please make sure to specify the channel number you need for the camera when you checkout. Make sure the channel number is NOT the same as the channel numbers on the cameras you already own. |
| Q |
Do your Network IP cameras work with a MAC computer? |
| A |
Currently only our IP-700 camera works with Macintosh computer systems. The IP600 and Ip500 do not. |
| Q |
Why do the 9 volt batteries that came with my camera system not work after a few hours? |
| A |
The batteries are for testing purposes only, to be used only when you initially install the camera. They are not meant to last more than 3 or 4 hours. Please use the AC adaptors to give power to your cameras instead. Just plug the adaptors into the closest power outlet. |
| Q |
The receiver doesn’t seem to be connecting correctly to the TV because the picture flickers on and off. How do I fix this? |
| A |
Please check to see that the cable is securely connected to both your receiver and your TV. |
| Q |
I connected everything but can’t hear the audio sound. What can I do to fix this? |
| A |
The best way to test whether the audio works is to place the camera very close to your TV, then turn up the volume on your TV. If you hear an echo, then it means the audio is working. |
| Q |
I want to record my wireless cameras for a long period of time. (Wireless cams are 818T3, 918T2, 812C2, and all other models listed under the Wireless section of this site.) A regular VCR only records a few hours at a time, so how can I record for longer periods of time? |
| A |
Please try a Time Lapse VCR, which will enable you to record for 40 days or even 50 days continuously. Astak does not see time lapse VCRs, but you should be able to find them at your local electronics store, or buy online. (We do not recommend using a security DVR as a recording device with our wireless cameras.) |
| Q |
I'm seeing a black and white picture during the daytime (no color). OR, I don't see anything during nighttime, but I can see color pictures during the day. How do I resolve this? |
| A |
If you have this problem, then it means the IR cutter inside the camera is not in the correct position. To solve this, please first turn off your camera. Then gently shake the camera from left to right, horizontally. This will help the IR cutter to align properly in the correct position. Then turn your camera back on. |
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