Tech-Tips
Our How To Fit CCTV guides are aimed at helping you to install CCTV equipment. If you are looking for answers on “how to fit CCTV” or perhaps “how to network a DVR or NVR” or even “how to get CCTV on your mobile phone,” our full range of CCTV installation tips are free to download and print for our trade customers. There are over 300 CCTV installation tips to choose from and you will find the answers to many frequently asked questions related to CCTV here. Browse or search by tip number or keywords.
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If there is anything you'd like to know about CCTV equipment, accessories or its installation then please don't hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team. We'd be more than happy to help.
Digital Video Recorders (DVRs)
Technology Explained
- How can using a UPS make your DVR more reliable? [Tip 95]
- Which CCTV Lens do I need [Tip 138]
- How do I network a Digital Video Recorder? [Tip 185]
- What problems may I enounter using Internet Explorer 8 or 9? [Tip 197]
- Time Synchronisation using a NTP server? [Tip 210]
- Alien Client Software - Reported Issues and Resolutions? [Tip 219]
- Alien DVR Substream settings for improving network viewing performance - CCTVWindow? [Tip 224]
- MediaStream Server Installation Notes - for CCTVWindow? [Tip 225]
- How do I configure Email functionality with an Alien DVR? [Tip 228]
- How do I update the firmware on an AlienDVR? [Tip 230]
- How do I configure a BT business router to enable remote access to Alien DVR? [Tip 231]
- What is comprehensive HDD management? [Tip 233]
- What is the difference between Video Motion Detection and Instant Detective? [Tip 235]
- How can I keep my CCTV equipment secure and cool at the same time? [Tip 258]
- How do I wire an IR CCTV control module? [Tip 262]
- Alien WebCam - How it works? [Tip 274]
- How can I watch CCTV images on my mobile? [Tip 275]
- How do I configure my alien DDNS? [Tip 296]
- Which CCTV technology should I use for my installation? [Tip 299]
- How can I install a SATA hard drive into my DVR? [Tip 301]
- What is the difference between analogue and HD CCTV video images? [Tip 354]
- What is the PushMessenger feature on my alien DVR and how does it work? [Tip 359]
- How can I view and control a DVR from another room? [Tip 365]
- How can I keep my DVR safe and secure from hackers? [Tip 398]
- What is port forwarding and how does alienDVR port forwarding work? [Tip 400]
- How do I configure Email functionality with an Alien DVR via CCTV window client? [Tip 228]
Latest alienDVR range Megahero MaxPix MaxPix+
- How do I reset my DVR to its default settings? [Tip 370]
- How can I update firmware on an alien DVR? [Tip 371]
- How do I format an alienDVR hard disk drive? [Tip 372]
- How do I check the HDD status on an alienDVR hard disk drive? [Tip 373]
- How do I perform a password reset on an alienDVR? [Tip 375]
- How can I easily set up an alienDVR? [Tip 376]
- How to fit CCTV How can I create an Emap in AlienVision? [Tip 356]
- What is the PushMessenger feature on my alien DVR and how does it work? [Tip 359]
- How can I set up automatic Daylight Savings Time on my DVR? [Tip 343]
- How can I add alarm inputs to an alien DVR? [Tip 311]
- How can I use the Kontrol and Kommand module? [Tip 276]
- How Do I Setup Motion Detection Using AlienVision [Tip 390]
- How Do I Configure The AlienVision Cient [Tip 378]
Alien HD-SDI
Alien Hybrid
- Alienhybrid - how to set up alarm signals over IP? [Tip 277]
- How can I use the Kontrol and Kommand module? [Tip 276]
- How can I add alarm inputs to an alien DVR? [Tip 311]
- How can I backup recorded CCTV footage via CCTVWindow? [Tip 309]
- How do I configure Email functionality with an Alien DVR? [Tip 228]
- What is comprehensive HDD management? [Tip 233]
- Alien DVR Substream settings for improving network viewing performance - CCTVWindow? [Tip 224]
- How do I assign an IP address to the DVR from a modem or router? [Tip 226]
Alien Hero
- How do I assign an IP address to the DVR from a modem or router? [Tip 226]
- Alien DVR Substream settings for improving network viewing performance - CCTVWindow? [Tip 224]
- How do I configure Email functionality with an Alien DVR? [Tip 228]
- What is comprehensive HDD management? [Tip 233]
- How can I back up recorded CCTV footage on an AlienHero DVR? [Tip 308]
- How can I backup recorded CCTV footage via CCTVWindow? [Tip 309]
- How can I quickly back up recorded CCTV footage on an AlienHero DVR? [Tip 310]
- How can I add alarm inputs to an alien DVR? [Tip 311]
- How can I control 3rd party equipment through an alien DVR? [Tip 312]
- How can I use the Kontrol and Kommand module? [Tip 276]
Older Alien Models
- How can I use the Kontrol and Kommand module? [Tip 276]
- How can I add alarm inputs to an alien DVR? [Tip 311]
- How can I backup recorded CCTV footage via CCTVWindow? [Tip 309]
- How can I set up automatic Daylight Savings Time on my DVR? [Tip 343]
- How do I configure Email functionality with an Alien DVR? [Tip 228]
- Configuring an Alienpro to send email subject to alarm? [Tip 198]
- AlienPro Lite Menu Help Guide? [Tip 206]
- How do I assign an IP address to the DVR from a modem or router? [Tip 226]
- CCTVWindow Client - How it Works with a Dual Monitor Configuration? [Tip 227]
- Alien and AlienPro - Menu Layout Summary? [Tip 190]
- Alien DVR Substream settings for improving network viewing performance - IPPowerVision? [Tip 193]
Alien and AlienPro
PTZ
PTZ - Analogue
- How do I control CCTV cameras with a combo cable? [Tip 242]
- How do I control a PTZ CCTV camera down a single RG59 cable? [Tip 194]
- How can I control 10 devices over the internet with 1 box? [Tip 315]
- How can I add an extra PTZ camera to an existing CCTV system? [Tip 291]
- How can I save time testing PTZ CCTV cameras? [Tip 272]
PTZ - HD-TVI
PTZ - HD-SDI
PTZ - IP
Protocols and Control
- How can I control 10 devices over the internet with 1 box? [Tip 315]
- How can I add an extra PTZ camera to an existing CCTV system? [Tip 291]
- How can I use a PIR sensor to trigger health and safety warnings? [Tip 270]
- How to control lighting with a wrirefree keyfob? [Tip 280]
- How can I control multiple PTZ domes using multiple DVRs or keypads? [Tip 200]
- How do I control a PTZ CCTV camera down a single RG59 cable? [Tip 194]
- Resuming a PTZ tour following an alarm trigger? [Tip 137]
- PTZ400 Range - intitiate a tour using keypads "91 Call"? [Tip 96]
- PTZ130 - Slow focus time? [Tip 104]
- PTZ730 cable connections for RS485 on the RJ45 connector? [Tip 120]
- PTZ220 - available protocols? [Tip 87]
PTZ Fault Finding
Cameras
General
- What size power supply do I need when installing CCTV cameras? [Tip 341]
- How can I control 10 devices over the internet with 1 box? [Tip 315]
- What are mechanical IR filters in CCTV cameras and how do they work? [Tip 316]
- How do I wire an auto iris CCTV plug? [Tip 322]
- How do I fit a C mount lens onto a CS mount CCTV camera? [Tip 323]
- What settings do CCTV cameras feature and how do they work? [Tip 295]
- What is condensation and how can I cure condensation problems? [Tip 369]
- What are advantages of nitedevils lower light technology? [Tip 264]
- Why is lighting important in my CCTV installation? [Tip 253]
- What are the dos and donts of IR LED lighting? [Tip 254]
- What degree of recognition for my CCTV camera is most suitable? [Tip 255]
- What is IR LED lighting in CCTV cameras? [Tip 257]
- How do I wire an IR CCTV control module? [Tip 262]
- CCTV camera Jargon Buster [Tip 290]
- What settings do CCTV cameras feature? [Tip 295]
- Which CCTV technology should I use for my installation? [Tip 299]
- How can I install a SATA hard drive into my DVR? [Tip 301]
- CCT460 - Adjusting a 3 Axis Camera? [Tip 103]
- How do you correctly set the back focus of a CCTV camera? [Tip 49]
- General Discussion - Infrared Cameras? [Tip 63]
- Board camera holder for the CCT434 and CCT433 empty domes? [Tip 143]
- Camera Connection Diagrams? [Tip 158]
- Camera cabling using a junction box? [Tip 160]
- Infra Red Light - the Inverse Square Rule Explained? [Tip 161]
- Where can I find a viewguide for an Advanced Vision CCTV lens? [Tip 162]
- What is Wide Dynamic Range and where can it be used? [Tip 207]
- How do I control CCTV cameras with a combo cable? [Tip 242]
- 5 Easy Ways to Increase CCTV Sales [Tip 386]
- How do I conduct a Privacy Impact Assessment? [Tip 401]
- How can I get a 12V DC output with only a 24V AC PSU installed? [Tip 260]
- How can I calculate my CCTV lens requirement? [Tip 268]
Analogue Cameras
- How can I set up a home CCTV system without channel interference? [Tip 240]
- How do I upgrade my CCTV system with audio and extra cameras? [Tip 292]
- How can I link up to 8 CCTV cameras to 1 or more TVs on 8 separate TV channels? [Tip 251]
- How can I transmit 3 CCTV video signals one way and 1 video signal the other way down 1 coax cable? [Tip 266]
- How can I transmit 3 CCTV video signals and 1 audio signal the opposite way through 1 coax cable? [Tip 267]
- How can I control 10 devices over the internet with 1 box? [Tip 315]
Advanced Vision
IP Cameras
- White balance setting to control image white out in IP-CAM760? [Tip 221]
- How can I control 10 devices over the internet with 1 box? [Tip 315]
- How can I control IP CCTV cameras with POE? [Tip 319]
- How can I send IP CCTV cameras down 1 coax cable? [Tip 360]
- AlienHybrid - how to set up alarm signals over IP? [Tip 277]
- How do I use a LAN tester? [Tip 313]
HD-SDI Cameras
Video Transmission
Wirefree Video Transmitters
- Overcome transmission problems with low-cost ABS boxes? [Tip 293]
- How can I see and control CCTV images from a remote location? [Tip 243]
- Wirefree CCTV transmission on a large commercial site? [Tip 285]
- What does a video transmitter line of sight mean? [Tip 239]
- Is a wired or wireless transmission better for my CCTV system? [Tip 139]
- How can I get the best performance from my wirefree CCTV system? [Tip 397]
Cabling
- How can I retrieve CCTV cable through awkward holes? [Tip 321]
- How can I control IP CCTV cameras with POE? [Tip 319]
- How can I prevent ground loop interference? [Tip 344]
- How can I solve problems with long cable runs? [Tip 245]
- What are the differences betwen AWG and SWG wire gauge systems? [Tip 345]
- How can I connect to twisted pair or 4 core alarm cable? [Tip 340]
- How can I get more from my CCTV cables? [Tip 331]
- HDMI Pin outputs guide [Tip 361]
- How can I create home made storage using a PVC pipe? [Tip 352]
- What are the best type of cables suitable for TVI CCTV technology? [Tip 355]
- What are 3 easy ways to pull CCTV cable? [Tip 368]
- How can I use fish tape to pull wires? [Tip 314]
- How can I easily remove BNC connectors? [Tip 294]
- How can I properly install CCTV cabling? [Tip 300]
- What is the difference between a copper coated core and a solid copper core cable? [Tip 302]
- DOs and DONTs when running out CO-AX Cable? [Tip 281]
- What is the best way to get a good CCTV picture? [Tip 246]
- How do I crimp a 3pc BNC plug? [Tip 248]
- How do I crimp a 2pc BNC plug? [Tip 249]
- What is the fastest way to bare power cores into a DC connection? [Tip 250]
- How do I wire a CAT5 cable? [Tip 244]
- How can I solve problems with long cable runs? [Tip 245]
- How can I overcome CCTV video loss on a long cable run? [Tip 263]
- Send Video and Power down one low-cost CAT5 cable with and without a balun? [Tip 151]
- How can I protect my CCTV Equipment against power spikes and surges? [Tip 152]
- How to combat voltage drop? [Tip 140]
- What is a low cost way to run CCTV cable? [Tip 141]
- What outputs are on a 21 pin SCART socket? [Tip 155]
- How can I remove Earth loop interference from CCTV installations? [Tip 159]
- Camera cabling using a junction box? [Tip 160]
- How do I control a PTZ CCTV camera down a single RG59 cable? [Tip 194]
- What cable do I need for the RS485 data connections to my PTZ dome? [Tip 88]
- How do I connect a RJ45 plug onto a standard CAT5 cable? [Tip 38]
Baluns
- What are CCTV baluns and what is the advantage of using CAT5 cabling? [Tip 67]
- How can I solve poor or no picture when using CCTV baluns? (Balun Troubleshooting)? [Tip 124]
- How can I resolve poor or no picture when using Baluns? [Tip 127]
- How can I pair passive and active baluns to extend my CCTV transmission? [Tip 317]
Modulators
Quads
Networking
General
- How do I network a DVR in my CCTV installation? [Tip 374]
- What is the difference between patch and crossover network cables? [Tip 412]
- What are the key CCTV networking terms and internet protocols? [Tip 413]
- How can I get the most out of Power over Ethernet? (PoE) [Tip 399]
- How can I create storage for my tools? [Tip 351]
- How do I wire a CAT5 cable? [Tip 244]
- How do I use a LAN tester? [Tip 313]
- Windows Vista - Setting the Computers IP Address? [Tip 179]
- Windows Vista - How to Disable User Account Control (UAC)? [Tip 183]
- How do I network a Digital Video Recorder? [Tip 185]
- How do I assign an IP address to the DVR from a modem or router? [Tip 226]
- Connecting two ethernet devices together using a cross over cable? [Tip 84]
- Windows 2000 / XP - Setting the Computers IP Address? [Tip 117]
Routers and Internet Access
- How can I configure a Netgear router for internet access to a DVR? [Tip 58]
- Configuring a NET800 router for internet access to a DVR? [Tip 2]
- How do I configure BT Home Hub for internet access to DVR? [Tip 216]
- Configuring a BT Home Hub 2.0 for Dynamic DNS? [Tip 217]
- How do I configure a BT business router to enable remote access to Alien DVR? [Tip 231]
Ping and ARP Commands
Dynamic DNS
Miscellaneous
Monitors
Housings and Enclosures
VoiceOFF
- How to record your own sound files for the VoiceOff? [Tip 287]
- How can I adjust the volume on the VoiceOff unit in my CCTV system? [Tip 304]
- How do I use the VoiceOff talkback feature with an Alien DVR? [Tip 305]
- How can I set up the RS232 connection for playback of up to 9,999 sounds in VoiceOff? [Tip 306]
- What can be used to trigger the VoiceOff audio alarm unit? [Tip 307]
DoorKnox Video Door Entry
Rascal - Relays, times, voltage boosters & isolation relays
Handy Tips
Misc
Safety
Security
- How do I watch & play CCTV on a phone? [Tip 191]
- How can I catch a criminal without them knowing they're looking at a CCTV camera? [Tip 320]
- How can I control security lights with a wirefree keyfob? [Tip 318]
- How can I secure my home whilst Im away on holiday? [Tip 357]
- What degree of recognition for my CCTV camera is most suitable? [Tip 255]
- How do I conduct a Privacy Impact Assessment? [Tip 401]
- How can my CCTV installation comply with the Data Protection Act? [Tip 261]
Tools
- Which screwdriver bit do I need for my CCTV installation? [Tip 269]
- What are some more life hacks for CCTV installers? [Tip 364]
- How can I quickly identify my tools? [Tip 329]
- How can I create storage for my tools? [Tip 351]
- What are the strangest items that can be found in a toolbox? [Tip 332]
- How can I magnetise a screwdriver with a horseshoe magnet? [Tip 334]
- How can I build a quick and easy power drill storage and charging station? [Tip 348]
- How do I decide which drill bit I need for wall plugs? [Tip 336]
- What are the advantages of using a gas soldering iron? [Tip 338]
- Which size holesaw do I need? [Tip 347]
- What are the DO�S and DON�TS of power supplies? [Tip 283]
- What are the Dos and Don'ts of Power Supplies? [Tip 259]
- How can I test CCTV video levels? [Tip 271]
- Should I use a clamp meter or a voltage tester? [Tip 339]
Money savers
- How can I create home made storage using a PVC pipe? [Tip 352]
- How can I create organised storage for screws and other bits? [Tip 350]
- How can I reduce energy consumption around the home? [Tip 324]
- What are some more life hacks for CCTV installers? [Tip 364]
- What are 3 easy ways to pull CCTV cable? [Tip 368]
- How do I control a PTZ CCTV camera down a single RG59 cable? [Tip 194]
- What is the difference between PVC and LSZH/LSHF cable? [Tip 423]
- Make a halogen bulb last 20 years.? [Tip 164]
- 5 Easy Ways to Save Time on Your Next CCTV Job? [Tip 384]
Discontinued Items
Discontinued DVRS
- HDD Identify Error when first fitting a hard drive.? [Tip 130]
- Smart2 DVR - How to enable alarms? [Tip 180]
- Smart2 DVR - Some camera channels cannot be seen via network client? [Tip 182]
- DVR365 Backup disc does not contain the standalone player? [Tip 184]
- Smart2 DVR - Setting up PTZ Presets Using the Mouse? [Tip 167]
- DVR365 - Unable to get a network connection / Authorised Connections Only? [Tip 168]
- How to start a tour in the PTZ300 series using the DVR365? [Tip 174]
- Smart2 DVR - DSD154/158/160 Backup Player Update? [Tip 176]
- CCT730 - Answers to Six Common Problems? [Tip 68]
- Smart DVRs 1 and 2 - PTZ addressing? [Tip 71]
- CCT715 - Compact Flash card reader damaged ? [Tip 72]
- Maximizing your record times? [Tip 74]
- Slow response when controlling a PTZ from the Remote Viewer Software? [Tip 75]
- DVR365 - Locked out after unsuccessful attempts to login? [Tip 76]
- DVR365 - Unable to play back very short files recorded as a result of motion detect? [Tip 77]
- Problems playing back a specific incident? [Tip 80]
- I am having problems trying to backup data from my DVR to a memory stick? [Tip 83]
- When accessing the DVR365 no camera images are displayed? [Tip 85]
- CCT715 - Not displaying the Date and Time on the monitor? [Tip 86]
- CCT721 - Built in screen switches off? [Tip 89]
- DVR365 - No camera images displayed, but menus are? [Tip 90]
- CCT711 - BIOS Upgrade Procedure? [Tip 106]
- CCT706 hard drive showing 123% full? [Tip 108]
- DVR365 - 16 Way CCT728, Complete List of PTZ Protocols? [Tip 109]
- The Tardis is in record mode but I cannot find files doing a Search or Search List? [Tip 112]
- Video Tardis Quick Start Guide For models 2006-2005? [Tip 128]
- The CCT716 DVR- Channels display in BW but the camera is a colour one? [Tip 129]
- TARDIS How do I set an area up in motion detection? [Tip 99]
- Why cant I enter the Smart1 DVR menu? [Tip 101]
- Setting which cameras the Tardis records from? [Tip 91]
- Smart DVR - plays back only in quad mode? [Tip 92]
- Smart DVR - Missing recordings when setup to record 27 x 7? [Tip 93]
- Internet Explorer 6 and 7 Security Settings Prevent the ActiveX Plugin Loading? [Tip 94]
- DVR365 - Rebooting on its own? [Tip 50]
- Can I download the player software for the SMART1 DVR (not Smart2) ? [Tip 51]
- How to playback a file saved from a DVR365 or Tardis? [Tip 55]
- Where can I get the client software for an old CCT720 DVR? [Tip 62]
- How to convert DVR365 recordings to AVI format? [Tip 66]
- DVR365 - Typical Record Times? [Tip 34]
- DVR365 - Hard disk error or no hard drive error? [Tip 35]
- DVR365 - Switching video output VGA-to-Composite (and vice versa)? [Tip 40]
- How to remove the Internet Explorer ActiveX Plugin? [Tip 43]
- CCT715 - Displays "Keylock" even after powering up? [Tip 44]
- CCT710 - Unable to access the DVR menus when the unit is recording? [Tip 47]
- CCT706 DVR cannot be seen on certain IP address ranges? [Tip 1]
- DVR365 - Problems caused by adjusting the date or time? [Tip 4]
- Smart1 DVR menu not visible? [Tip 6]
- CCT711 LOCKED UP? [Tip 13]
- CCT711 locked up data needed for evidence? [Tip 15]
- CCT706 - A green lines appears across the video output? [Tip 17]
- How do you search on the CCT706 using the Remote Viewer software? [Tip 23]
- Problem connecting to the CCT706 using the viewer software? [Tip 24]
- DVR365 Silver series the bulit in CDRW is not found? [Tip 27]
- DVR365 - Remote control does not work properly? [Tip 28]
- Controlling a CCT767 PTZ unit from a Video Tardis? [Tip 33]
NET200 Video Transmitter
Discontinued Cameras
Popular guides include:
- Dynamic DNS Service for the alienHero DVR [Tip 296]
- How do I network a Digital Video Recorder [Tip 185]
- How do I crimp a 3pc BNC plug? [Tip 248]
- What problems may I enounter using Internet Explorer 8 or 9? [Tip 197]
- What settings do CCTV cameras feature? [Tip 295]
- How do I configure BT Home Hub for internet access to DVR? [Tip 216]
- How can I watch CCTV images on my mobile? [Tip 275]
- What are advantages of NiteDevils lower light technology? [Tip 264]
- How can I test CCTV video levels? [Tip 271]
Useful Resources
Categories
