Multiple IP3M-941 Failures

[hawkeye62]

I have had three IP3M-941 cameras fail within the last three weeks! (At least I think the cameras have failed.) Maybe the power adapters have failed. I can't think of how to test. The power adapter on the only working IP3M camera I have, has an oblong input port. All of my other adapters have a round plug. If I had a known good power adapter It would be easy to trouble shoot. Or if I had a known good IP3M camera it would be easy to trouble shoot. I have a voltmeter to test for presence of power, but the points on probe are too big to get to the internal surface. Any advice will be appreciated.

Regards, Jim

[Revo2Maxx]

The 941 with the long connector is a 941V3 and does have a different connector then the older style 941 with the mini connector. My guess is if they have all failed in short time of one another and they were bought about the same time it most likely is the Power supply..

So is your power supply for the older 941 USB style or just plugged direct. Before the newer 941V3 came out the ones sold as the older model had a 2 part power supply Cable and Brick. If you have that style, You can test the camera by using the USB plug and install into your DVR/NVR USB port. All of my Amcrest recorders have enough current to power the 841, 941 and 1051s that I own.. I do have a few different brand DVR/NVRs that the USB ports are not strong enough.. Just a way to test if you happen to have a newer style power supply..

[hawkeye62]

Thanks for your reply Revo. The only camera I have working has a power input port that looks like a USB C port. The other cameras all have the round mini connector at the end of a wire that is connected to a "brick" that plugs into a surge bar. I guess my only solution is to buy a new power supply.

Regards, Jim

[Revo2Maxx]

So after talking about buying one, I looked on Amcrest and it seems the one they offer is out of stock. But the one offered is from newer old type that I was talking about with a USB to a brick that you can plug into the DVR/NVR as i was saying.. In case the future you find it goes bad once you get the replacement that is... And could test if ever needed.. I do have an extra cable only issue is that the connector when on a camera isn't making a good connection so I just using for back up if needed in future. I will change connector with a good one if one of the other cables goes bad.

https://amcrest.com/amcrest-us-standard ... black.html

[Pogo]

...the points on probe are too big to get to the internal surface. Any advice will be appreciated.

Regards, Jim

Use a paper clip and measure away -- DC.

Also double and triple check your camera and wi-fi configurations for changes or errors.

[Revo2Maxx]

Just keep in mind, if you happen to test for voltage with your meter, It really can give you a sense of false hope because when you are testing at times the voltage of a failed power supply can show the right reading. Yet when you put that power supply on the device because of the damage type to the supply the voltage falls below working voltage. For instance that a CAP in the supply normally was able to store enough power when the device was plugged in to where the CAP now only has 1/32 its normal capacity, so when you plug in the camera not enough reserve to push over the threshold. Also ESR and leakage currents in the cap can have same effects..

[hawkeye62]

Pogo: I had that bright idea earlier today. You are spot on, worked great!

Revo: I don't know what caused all of the failures, but, taking the cameras down along with the power adapters and working with them on a bench fixed whatever was wrong. All cameras are now working! The camera that I asked about with the blurry image is still blurry. I would like to replace it but, I can't find any Amcrest cameras, new or rebuilt that has zoom like the IP3M-941. Neither the 1041 or the 1051 have zoom. Any suggestions?

Regards, Jim

[Revo2Maxx]

Well the old series 841 2mp, 941 3mp and 1051 4mp did have the digital zoom that was able to be setup in presets and things like that. The new V3 line 841v3, 941v3 and 1041 that is the 4mp v3 for the 1051 don't offer the zoom in presets anymore. While it did look ok when using the zoom in general it was software driven not Optical. So for today the cameras offered with real zoom 4 and 5x and starting around 229 so nothing in the less then 99 market anymore. They do offer higher tech features of the Ai market.

Outside of that, Would have to keep an eye on Ebay for some Old Stock 941 or 1051 that do come up for sale every now and again. Sometimes the sellers are out of their minds on the price other times fair price.

2112EW-AI 229 with 5x zoom (Optical)
1093EW-AI 269 with 5x zoom (Optical)

Maybe someone could find on Ebay at lower price used but I would personally stick with new ones for Warranty reasons..