CCTV: Long cable runs

[R-CAD]

Hi,

I'm currently installing 4 CCTV cameras around my home. The plan is to connect these to my PC Server by way of a multi-channel DVR Card.

The cameras are excellant quality (in my opinion) and when connected to the DVR card via short cable lengths give a near perfect results.

Two of the cameras wil be positioned a fair distance from the PC Server containing the DVR Card, leading to cable runs of approx. 35-40 meters.

I have purchased 2 x 50m CCTV extension cables (video, audio & power)

Trialling these prior to install I find that the picture quality degrades to an unacceptable level, and I get two horizontal fuzzy bands about 1/3 & 2/3 up the screen.

Not only does this make the recorded image of little use, but it also does not allow the motion detection software to do its job, as it is always sensing motion.

Having done a little searching I can see there are coaxial and Cat5 options for me to persue. And it seems that I could send power down the Cat5 as well.

However, I don't wish to just purchase another solution without some confidence that it will give me what I require.

So, any ideas of the "best" solution for up to 40m CCTV (Video & Audio), prefereably incl. power to avoid separate cable runs for power.

Thanks in advance.

Edit: On consideration, I really do not require the audio signal. I'm therefore looking to carry the video and, if possible, the power for the 40m cable route.

[vex]

If you are trying to do it over coax then look at some of the CAT5e adaptors you can get. These can allow you to run signal up to 1000ft!

Google MadNat some ideas.

[R-CAD]

I'm not sure if my current cabling is coaxial, I had assumed not. It's a multi-core cable with moulded joints at each end splitting to three separate connectors: video, audio & power.

Thanks for the link, it certainly points me at the suitable products for running Cat5. And with quoted max cable length of 670m for colour video, it really shouldn't be a problem.

[iFrame]

If you want to run CCTV cables upto a maximum of 250 metres you can use urm70 coaxial cable without any problems and you could power the camera locally where you fit it.

You could also use UTP CAT5 with video baluns. one at either end of the cable.

Remember to keep any CCTV cables away from mains cables.

John

[R-CAD]

Thanks for your input iFrame.

I've chosen the Cat5e route, and all the bits I need (cable, connectors, baluns, adapters and crimping tool) have just turned up so I'm trialing a test run of 40m of cable and will see how I get on.