• Check power supply: Ensure the camera is powered on and receiving adequate power.
• Verify video connections: Check that video cables (BNC or Ethernet) are properly connected to the DVR/NVR.
• Inspect the camera status in NVR: Ensure the camera is correctly added and recognized by the NVR.
• Restart the camera and NVR: Power cycle both devices to reset connections.

✅ Step-by-step Troubleshooting

1️⃣ Check the Power

• Ensure the camera is actually powered on.

  • If powered by PoE (Power over Ethernet):

    • Check the PoE switch or the NVR’s PoE port.

    • Try plugging the camera into another PoE port.

    • Verify the total PoE power budget is not exceeded.

  • If powered by separate power adapter:

    • Check the adapter and the outlet.

    • Test with a different known-working power adapter.

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2️⃣ Inspect the Cables and Connections

• For IP cameras:

  • Check the Ethernet cable for damage or loose connections.

  • Swap the cable with a known good one.

• For analogue cameras:

  • Check both the BNC video cable and the power cable.

  • Make sure the connectors are properly seated.

  • Test with a different coaxial cable and/or balun.

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3️⃣ Test the Camera on Another Port or Recorder

• Plug the camera into a different port on the NVR/DVR.

• If possible, test the camera on another recorder to rule out a bad port.

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4️⃣ Ping the Camera (IP Cameras)

• If it’s an IP camera on the network:

  • Find the camera’s IP using SADP tool or NVR’s interface.

  • Open Command Prompt and run:

    bash

    CopyEdit

    ping <camera_ip>

  • If there’s no response, the camera is not connected to the network properly.

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5️⃣ Check Camera Settings

• If the camera is added manually by IP, ensure:

  • The IP address matches the camera.

  • The password is correct.

  • The camera’s encoding (e.g., H.264) is compatible with the NVR.

• If using plug-and-play, try deleting and re-adding the camera on the NVR.

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6️⃣ Firmware Issues

• Mismatched firmware can sometimes cause compatibility problems.

  • Make sure both the NVR and camera firmware are up-to-date.

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7️⃣ Camera Hardware Fault

• If after all of the above the camera still shows no signal, test another camera on the same port.

• If another camera works, your original camera may be faulty.

• If no camera works on that port, the port or the recorder may have failed.

 

 

Hikvision Camera Diagnostic Sheet

Camera Location/ID: ___________________________
Date: ___________________
Technician: ___________________________

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Step 1: Power Check

✅ Is the camera powered on?
☐ Yes
☐ No

Power source:

• ☐ PoE (via NVR/Switch)

• ☐ 12V DC Adapter

If PoE:

• Port LED indicator lights up?
  ☐ Yes
  ☐ No

• Try another PoE port:
  ☐ Works
  ☐ Doesn’t Work

If Adapter:

• Voltage tested OK?
  ☐ Yes
  ☐ No

• Tried different adapter?
  ☐ Yes
  ☐ No

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Step 2: Cabling Check

✅ Inspect cables and connections:

• Cable securely plugged in at both ends?
  ☐ Yes
  ☐ No

• Visible cable damage?
  ☐ Yes
  ☐ No

• Tried a new cable?
  ☐ Yes
  ☐ No

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Step 3: Recorder/Port Check

✅ Test on another port:
☐ Works
☐ Doesn’t Work

✅ Test another camera on this port:
☐ Works
☐ Doesn’t Work

✅ Test this camera on another recorder (if available):
☐ Works
☐ Doesn’t Work

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Step 4: Network Check (IP Cameras)

✅ Camera detected by SADP tool?
☐ Yes
☐ No

✅ Camera responds to ping?
☐ Yes
☐ No

✅ Correct IP address and subnet?
☐ Yes
☐ No

✅ Password correct?
☐ Yes
☐ No

✅ Protocol and stream type compatible?
☐ Yes
☐ No

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Step 5: Firmware/Settings

✅ NVR firmware up-to-date?
☐ Yes
☐ No

✅ Camera firmware up-to-date?
☐ Yes
☐ No

✅ Camera added properly on NVR?
☐ Yes
☐ No

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Findings & Next Steps:

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✅ Conclusion:

• ☐ Camera operational after troubleshooting

• ☐ Camera likely faulty — recommend replacement

• ☐ Recorder/port issue — further testing needed

• ☐ Other: ___________________________