(E-Mail Removed) wrote:
> This security monitor has four camera inputs and a built in sequencer.
> It clicks only and will not power up. The camera cables connect to the
> monitor with 8 pin RJ45 type modular connectors. I'm not familiar with
> this system at all. Is this digital video or composite? Are there any
> service notes on this unit or is anyone familiar with it? If this is
> composite then with baluns installed on the cables I should be able to
> substitute a different monitor and external switcher if the the monitor
> is unrepairable right? Thanks for any advice. Lenny Stein, Barlen
> Electronics.
Lenny,
We have a similar Exxis system in my wife's store that was installed
by the previous owner ~ 1996. Not sure if its the same model,
but uses the same proprietary cabling and large RJ45 connectors.
These cameras output regular composite video, and our camera also
had a mic. in it. Don't know if the audio is direct feed from the mic,
or line level (preamp in camera). The monitor also provides 15 Vdc
to the camera. (I measured it when I opened the camera to see what
was inside.) I would bet that the cable just has a couple thin coaxial
lines for video/audio, plus a few unshielded for power, etc.
Our monitor also had one of those RJ-45s for the VCR I/O. It used
a ribbon cable with 4 RCA plugs on the other end to go to the VCR
A/V I/O jacks. The coax lines in that cable were the diameter of
a 20 ga. wire. I suspect similar coax is inside the camera cables
and just center & shield go straight into the RJ-45s with no baluns
needed.
Once you figure out the pinouts of the camera cables, you should
be able to cut the RJ45s off, wire up some connectors, and a 15 V
power supply and use your external switcher.
Exxis was pretty worthless as far as support on these. That's why
I avoid these "package" systems with their proprietary cabling
and everything built into the monitor. Our monitor needed a new
CRT a few years ago, and I e-mailed Exxis via the link on their
website, and all they replied was "that monitor is discontinued.
we have our replacement monitor available for $3??."
I was able to get a replacement CRT from Video Display Corp
for about $60 and ours is still working.
It sounds like you have a power supply problem, if the monitor portion
doesn't power up. Our unit had a regular B&W monitor chassis in the
bottom, and all Exxis's additional features (switcher, camera power)
were on a large board mounted to the side wall of the monitor,
so it should be fairly simple to troubleshoot if the problem is in the
monitor or power supply.
Mike
WB2MEP