Camera Lens Terminology

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the different wireless frequencies?

2.4 GHz: 4 Channel transmitter. Approximately 2" x 2" x 1/2". No tuning required. We generally recommend 2.4 GHz over 434 MHz or 900 MHz, as the overall video quality is better. Range varies from 200' to 700' depending on environmental conditions. Operates on 12 Volts. These units are FCC approved.

900 MHz: Amateur band. 4 channels available in the 900 band. The signal goes to a dedicated receiver that is tuned from 902 to 930. Our standard transmitter is set at 916.5 MHz, but we also carry 3 other frequencies. Manual or automatic switching receiver. Range can vary from 200 to 700 feet or more depending on environmental conditions. Antenna is approximately 3.5 inches. Operates on 9 Volts.

434 MHz: Lower frequency amateur band. Operates on one channel which is picked up directly by a television. You do not need a receiver. With a TV: set to channel 59, cable mode but remove actual cable from the input, and use a UHF antenna (high gain increases the range) ears to receive the signal. With a hand held TV: can be received on UHF band just below channel 14. Range can vary from 300 to 400 up to 1,000 feet. The range can vary depending on frequency interference and other environmental factors. Antenna is approximately 6.5 inches. Operates on 9 Volts.

Will a 900Mhz camera and receiver interfere with my 900Mhz cordless phone? - No, the 900MHz cameras are set to a different Band Width and Frequency than your cordless phone.

Do the receivers work through walls up to two feet thick? - Yes, as long as there isn't excessive amounts of metal in the wall.

How much will the Yagi Antennas increase reception range? - The Yagi Mini Antenna will increase your reception by 100 ft. and the Yagi Antenna will increase your reception by 200 ft.

What is a Quad? - A Quad splits your monitor into 4 sections allowing you to view 4 cameras at once on only one TV screen.

Do you have a monitor that has a built-in Quad? - No, we do not have a monitor with a built-in Quad.

Will a Quad allow four cameras to record at the same time? - Yes, you can record all four cameras at the same time. You can also record using a switching monitor, which will record the camera that is showing at that moment.

Do the plug and play connections require extra wire to run the signal back to the VCR or TV? - Yes, you need to buy the length of cable you need. We offer the CA-25', CA-50', CA-100', CA-150' and CA-500' cables for your ordering convenience.

How do I hook up the Plug and Play connection camera? - This is done by running the RCA (Aux) line into the VIDEO IN of the VCR or TV. The TV or VCR must be set on the correct channel (channel 59) to view the VIDEO IN picture sent to the VCR or TV from the camera.

Do I need cable on my TV to get channel 59 to work? - No, you just need the cable setting for your TV or VCR and then turn it to cable channel 59.

Do the display screens work on the cell phone or the beeper? - No, nothing but the camera works on the cell phone and the beeper.

Do I need a VCR from you or can I use my own VCR? - You can use your own VCR for recording. However, the VCR will have to be recording all the time. If you are using the motion detector video system, you will need to buy a VCR from us because the motion detector video system has to be installed into the VCR to work.

Do you need a VCR to record or will the cameras record? - You must have a VCR if you want to record.

How many cameras can I hook up to one TV?
-Only one 434MHz camera.
-Three 900MHz cameras.
-Four 2.4GHz cameras. You will need a Quad or a Switching Monitor.

How long will the camera last with a 9-volt battery? - The 434MHz and the 900 MHz cameras will last about ten hours. The 2.4GHz will last about five hours.

What are the operating temperatures of the cameras?
The operating temperatures of the B/W cameras are -23°C to +50°C or -10ºF to +122ºF.
The operation temperatures of the color cameras are -23ºC to +40ºC or -10ºF to +104ºF.
The storage temperature & humidity is -30ºC to +70ºC or -22ºF to +158ºF.

What is CCD? - It is analog technology. The CCD camera has a little bit higher resolution than CMOS. The camera also functions better in low light. A CCD camera drains a little bit more power than the CMOS cameras. It uses 12 Volts instead of 9 Volts. CMOS camera is smaller than a CCD camera and works longer with the 9 Volt battery.

What is the size of a CCD imager? Expect: 1/3", 1/2", rarely 2/3". If the CCD imager is 1/3" you need a 1/3" lens. (1/2" and 2/3" will work) If a CCD imager is 1/2" you need a 1/2" lens. (2/3" will work) If a CCD imager is 2/3" you need a 2/3" lens. (no other size will work) The rule is use a lens that is the same or longer focal length than the CCD imager. Do not use a smaller lens.

Should I use a Manual Iris or an Auto Iris lens? You can save money by using a Manual Iris lens when the scene illumination never changes. Example: Illuminated store, office or inside a warehouse. An Auto Iris lens is always a better choice. Especially when there is outside light or direct light where the camera is pointing.

What focal length lens do I need? The smaller focal length number the wider the field of view. If you have a camera in the office or warehouse and you want to see as much as you can, you need a 2.9mm or 4mm lens. (wide somewhat distant view) If you want to observe a limited area, like an entrance, or if you want to see detail close up, use an 8mm or 12mm lens. (narrow view and objects are closer) The rule is use Varifocal lenses for flexibility and the best field of view.

What is LUX? - LUX is the measurement of low light needed for the camera to view and record properly.

What do the different camera lens terms mean?

Auto Iris Lens - A lens in which the iris aperture automatically opens or closes to maintain proper light levels on the face-plate of the camera pickup device.

Video Type Auto Iris Lens - An auto iris lens with internal circuit which receives voltage and a video signal from the camera to adjust the iris.

DC Type Auto Iris Lens - An auto iris lens without an internal circuit to control the iris. All iris control voltages come from a circuit located within the camera.

Manual Iris Lens - A lens with a manual adjustment to set the iris opening (F stop) in a fixed position. Generally used for fixed lighting applications.

Angle of View - The angular range that can be focused within the image size. Small focal lengths give a wide angle of view and large focal lengths give a narrow field of view.

F-Stop - A term used to indicate the speed of a lens. The smaller the f-number, the greater is the amount of light passing through the lens.

If we have not answered your question with the above information you can contact us at customerservice@1home-security.com.