Same camera goes out every year

[8trek]

I have 3 EmpireTech IPC-Color4K-X all purchased in 2022. 1 of these cameras was sent in for repair a year or so ago and sent back saying there was nothing wrong with it. Once plugged back in it worked again. Now a year or so later this same camera is not responding. Have attempted to unplug and replug at the POE switch. Next will try unplugging and replug at the camera. If this doesn't work will have to send back a second time. My question is does anyone have any other suggestions to try before sending in and does anyone have any thoughts as to why this keeps happening to the same camera?

Thanks.

 

[ThomasCamFan]

If re-plugging the camera end gets it going then contamination and moisture are likely involved. Inspect the RJ45 contacts on all mating surfaces for corrosion. If they look good then gently clean the RJ45 contacts with alcohol then apply DeoxIT.

It is also helpful to check the cable using one of those cheap $15 UTP cable testing tools that has LEDs to indicate open and shorted wires. Despite their simplicity, those things have saved me several times.

If you find the camera works if you plug it directly into the POE switch using a short patch cable then your CAT5 cable run needs attention. For example, problems can be caused by a sharp cable bend, staple penetration, inadequately crimped RJ45 connectors, or something evil like CCA cable was used instead of pure copper.

 

[TonyR]

+1^^ and if it DOES turn out to be a corrosion/oxidation issue I suggest after you get it cleaned up and working again to squirt some dielectric grease into that male/female RJ-45 union to help it resist such issues in the future.

NOTE: clean hands thoroughly after use, don't get into eyes (irritation), avoid contact with hand tools (slipppery).

 

[8trek]

Nope, same problem as the last time before i sent this thing to Andy. Put a spare camera at the same spot and works. Then tried connecting the IPC-Color4K-X directly to the POE switch and get nothing. Once again, dead. Last time i sent it in he said there wasn't anything wrong with it and it magically worked when i got it back. Any other ideas?