Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Kimmiland]

I've had my 5020L for a month and it was working very well until a day or so ago.  The image is now very dark, to the extent that I can only make out shadows.  The LED's are all lit and I've checked the contrast setting, as well as the night/day setting (I have it set on auto, but if I switch back and forth from day to night, nothing changes).  The connection appears to be good and all other functions are working.  Help!

[JavaLawyer]

Perform a factory reset and see if that corrects the issue. I recommend saving a Configuration Settings file before performing the factory reset so you can quickly upload/restore your user settings.

• DCS Network Cameras - Factory Reset Procedure
  
• DCS Network Cameras - Configuration Settings File
  

[RYAT3]

all lit and I've checked the contrast setting,

You did that by logging into the firmware Web pages?

What happens if you shine a light into it. Can you see that?

[Kimmiland]

I tried the factory re-set, with the same results.  When I shine a flashlight on it, the image is much clearer, but as soon as the room is dark, I can see nothing. 

I was on the firmware page.  Just to clarify, my contrast, brightness and saturation are all set at +0.  The  night/day mode is on auto.  Thanks for your reply.

[JavaLawyer]

Are daytime images clear and focused? The DCS-5020L lens can be manually focused by spinning the outer rim on the face of the camera that will impact image quality -- although I can't see focus correlating to brightness.

[Kimmiland]

Yes - it works fine in daylight.  A d-link tech suggested a "re-flash" of the firmware.  I'm sure if that would help though, nor do I understand how to do it.

[JavaLawyer]

Yes - it works fine in daylight.  A d-link tech suggested a "re-flash" of the firmware.  I'm sure if that would help though, nor do I understand how to do it.

The technician is referring to a factory reset and then reloading the current firmware. How did you perform the factory reset earlier? Did you try holding down the recessed button on the rear of the camera for > 9 seconds? Also, as the technician suggested, uploading the FW again can't help. You can also try stepping back to an earlier FW version (after performing the factory reset) to see if that helps.

[Kimmiland]

Yes - I did hold down the button to do the factory re-set.  I can't imagine rolling it back to a previous version would help, as it was working fine with the most updated version and to my knowledge, there have been no new firmware downloads since.  I think I just have a defective camera, which is disappointing, as I've already thrown away the original packaging.

[JavaLawyer]

Yes - I did hold down the button to do the factory re-set.  I can't imagine rolling it back to a previous version would help, as it was working fine with the most updated version and to my knowledge, there have been no new firmware downloads since.  I think I just have a defective camera, which is disappointing, as I've already thrown away the original packaging.

If the camera is under warranty (< 1 year old) then you still have the option of using the D-Link RMA process.  If you're approved for an RMA and provide a credit card for collateral, then D-Link will ship a new camera in advance, then you can return the defective camera in the packaging that arrived with the replacement.  This approach is a workaround for not having the original packaging.

The only downside is that you'll have to pay for shipping the defective camera back to D-Link.

[Kimmiland]

I've only had it a month, so that's good to know. 

[JavaLawyer]

Please post back after you've had a chance to look into getting an RMA (if that's he route you choose).

[RYAT3]

I've only had it a month, so that's good to know.

So there is NO click on switching from day to night mode?  Your ir cut off filter isn't working anymore.

[Kimmiland]

JavaLawyer ~ Thank you for your help.  I will update you on the outcome.

No - no click when I switch between day/night.

[JavaLawyer]

JavaLawyer ~ Thank you for your help.  I will update you on the outcome.

No - no click when I switch between day/night.

If there's no click then there's definitely a physical problem with the camera.  The DCS-5020L uses a magnet to engage/disengage the IR cutfilter, and makes a distinct clicking sound when transitioning between Day and Night modes. As RYAT pointed out, the camera is most likely stuck in Day mode, which would explain why the working IR illuminators are not doing their job -- the IR illuminators won't help in low light if the camera is in Day mode.

[Kimmiland]

Is this a problem that you folks run into often, or did I just get a lemon?