Paddy’s infrared camera stopped being infrared!

It turned out that the IR array in the camera had blown. We noticed the camera had been getting a little warm and after a while this resulted in the Infrared array ceasing to work despite the rest of the camera being fine.

If you have CCTV cameras you have more than likely come across this design a couple of times.

There are a few different types of these cameras floating around. I’ve seen a plastic version, a metal model and this metal vandal-proof model. I particularly like these cameras because they are difficult to grab a hold of and solid enough to survive a frontal assault.

VideoSecu Day Night Vision CCTV Infrared Home Security Camera Color CCD Outdoor VaQndal Proof 420TVL 3.6mm Wide View Angle Lens with Free Power Supply CEP

If the camera is mounted you will need to unscrew the two little Allen key nuts on the side of the base a little, then rotate the cover until it pops free. Watch out that you don’t pull the camera off the plugs otherwise you may have to go fishing in the roof space.

We found our replacement IR Array on Amazon for less than $10 – CCD Cctv Camera 5mm 48-LED Lamp 60 Degree IR Infrared Board.

Once the camera is free from its mounting you can unscrew one part of the camera ball to show the camera internals.

Unscrew the two screws that hold the IR board in place

Then slowly lift the IR board up, you will notice that a foam ring will be dragged up with it. If you like you can use a screw driver to lift the foam ring off before you lift the IR array up.

Once the foam ring is off and the IR board is loose you will be able to reach the cable that attaches the IR board to the camera circuitry.

These plugs look easy to get off but can be a pain in tight spaces. I find it is best to bend the plug in the socket a little, on the side with the gap in the socket plastic, then the plug will come away easily.

Once you have unplugged the board you can replace it with the new IR board and plug in the wire.

When you go to position the IR board back on the stands make sure the screw at the bottom of the camera lens lines up with the notch in the IR board.

Reattach the screws and place the foam ring back in place

My replacement IR board came with a foam ring but I found that it was too big to fit my camera so I re-used the foam ring from the original IR board.

Screw the top half of the camera ball back.

Re-attach the camera to the eave.

Test the camera at night 🙂

So if you’re looking for a replacement infrared board, they are cheap and easy to install yourself. If you think this looks too difficult or you don’t have the time, consider a brand new camera for less than $40