Video Overview: The Right Tools for the Job

I've had this tool for a while, and I use it daily. Last month I lent it to one of our trainees for a few minutes and he somehow subjected it to unimaginable G-forces. This resulted in a very positive warranty experience with Paladin Tools which reminded me that good warranty service is an essential ingredient in making for a happy customer.

This tool is a product of collaboration between Paladin and SOG, a company known for its high-quality tactical knivery. The PT-540 is 30 tools in one, designed just for datacomm, telecom & electrical applications. I use about five of the features on a regular basis. It does save time, and it does come in very handy, and the leather carrier passes muster too.

Features include:

• Needle Nose & Gripping Pliers

• 110 & 66 Punchdown Blades

• Wire Hook & Spudger

• 18/20/22/24 AWG Strippers Built-Into Punchdown Blades

• Large ROMEX®non-metallic building electrical wire & Hard Wire Cutter.

• UTP & Round Cable Stripper

• 12/14/16 AWG & ROMEX® Stripper

• SOG Knife with 1/2 Serrated Blade

• 1/4” Socket Drive with Hex Bit Adapter

• 26-18 AWG Smaller Terminal Lug Crimper

• 16-10 AWG Large Terminal Lug Crimper

• #4 & #6 Slotted Screwdrivers

• #1 Phillips Screwdriver

• 3-in-1 File

• Bottle Cap Opener

• Scissors

Its Compound Leverage™ System delivers twice the gripping and cutting power yet requires less hand force. Unique interlocking gears operate the tool smoothly - you'll feel the difference and feel the power.

Information: 800-272-8665, www.paladin-tools.com .

NVT Video Transceiver

The NVT Model NV-214A-M Video Transceiver is a passive (non-amplified) device called a ‘balun' that allows the transmission of real-time monochrome or color video over Unshielded Twisted-Pair (UTP) telephone wire. Baseband (composite) signals of any type are supported. Since UTP wire is cheaper than coax, these devices can save you money.

Also by using UTP baluns, you are soft transitioning the site to Ethernet cameras since NVT Baluns use the same type of cable used on networks.

This product is an improvement over NVT's popular NV-213A video transceiver. The passive NV-214A-M has a 9” mini-coax mini lead which allows in-camera enclosure mounting in most dome cameras and a greater number of mounting options in general at both ends of the system. It delivers a fully equalized signal to the DVR when used with any Active NVT Receiver, yet is compatible with all of NVT‘s passive products for applications under 750 feet (225m). The NV-214A-M Video Transceiver also incorporates improved transient protection that eliminates the need for a ground screw.

The interference rejection and low emissions of the NV-214A-M allow video signals to co-exist in the same wire bundle as telephone, datacom, or low-voltage power circuits. This allows the use of a shared or existing cable plant.

Information: 800-959-9870. www.nvt.com

CCTV IMPORTS SERVICE MONITOR KIT

The less time I spend on ladders the better I like it, so I more or less constantly on the hunt for installation tools that help keep the action moving.

A portable video monitor is helpful for getting cameras set up, especially when the viewing monitor is a distance from the cameras. A monitor that can be worn on the wrist is ideal, and that's what the CCTV Imports LCD4-KIT Service Monitor Kit is - a monitor and case with Velcro straps for attaching to the arm. The screen is big enough to produce an image adequate for aiming and more importantly focusing the camera, so repeated trips up the ladder, or requiring an additional tech standing by at the monitor is eliminated or perhaps reduced.

We also do installations where work is performed in phases. First wire is pulled, then cameras are installed, then the DVRs and monitors are installed. If the DVRs are not up and running at the time of camera installation, it can mean repeat trips to the site and up ladders. This is especially true when it comes to PTZ cameras. Most PTZ cameras use a separate RS-485 cable for sending joystick commands from the viewing location(s) to the PTZ camera. When installing the camera, it is nice to know that the camera is not bad out of the box and that the RS-485 line is intact and operational. I like to pre-program a scan or a few presets so the client can get some idea of what the camera's range of view is before the final programming session begins.