Homebuilt ROVs Forum

So, I have a cheap security camera, a cheap 12v monitor and a Sandisk Vmate DVR. I've split the camera feed, with a terminal strip, to the monitor and the DVR. The signal's fine to the monitor but it's messed up at the DVR. I've tried disconnecting the monitor but that doesn't make a difference.
Do I need to run the camera signal through something before the DVR? Am I missing something basic?

You say you split the signal? How? Don't the DVR's usually have a pass through?

Camera plugs into the "Video In" on DVR then there should be a "Video Out" from the DVR to the monitor.

I could be wrong but I think that's how it should work.

-Steve

PAL or NTSC selected on the recorder?

Also make sure you have a good SD card. Ideally for video, you should be using a CLASS 10 card... anything lower, and there may be issue where the DVR can not write to the SD card quick enough...

Specs for the video output:
• Codecs: MPEG-4 SP, H.263
• Formats: MP4, 3GP, 3G2
• Resolution: Up to 640 x 480
• Frames per second: Up to 30

Here is a link to the USERS GUIDE.

Thanks for the tips. I had it set to PAL. Much better but still room for improvement. I'm going to try a better SD card. If that doesn't help I may upgrade to a good camera.
The Vmate goes to a blank screen as soon as you hit Record, which is why I split the signal. Luckily the monitor has 2 inputs.
The controller is now basically done so it's time to work on the tether. Thanks again.