CA101 Series - 1080p Analog Wired Turret Camera - FAQ & Troubleshooting Guide

Modified on February 03, 2026

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The CA101 Series is a 1080p analog HD wired turret camera designed for indoor/outdoor use. It connects to a compatible DVR using a BNC video connection and is powered by a 12V DC adapter.

Helpful links: Product support page | Installation guide | Compatibility page


TABLE OF CONTENTS


Quick Specs

  • Video: 1080p (1920 × 1080) analog HD over coax (BNC)
  • Supported formats: TVI / AHD / CVI / CVBS
  • Lens: Fixed 2.8mm (F2.0)
  • Field of View: 88° (H) / 48° (V) / 104° (D)
  • Minimum focus distance: 6.6 ft / 2 m
  • Night vision: IR up to 65 ft / 20 m (in total darkness; varies by scene)
  • Weather rating: IP66 (not intended for submersion; sheltered installation recommended)
  • Operating range: -22°F to 131°F (-30°C to 55°C), up to 90% RH
  • Power: 12V DC (±30%), up to 3.5W (IR on)

Before You Start

  • Confirm compatibility: CA101 is compatible with select Lorex DVRs. Use the Compatibility page and search for your DVR model.
  • Know the connections: CA101 uses BNC for video and 12V DC for power. (The BNC connection does not supply power.)
  • Test before drilling: Connect the camera to the DVR and power it on first so you can confirm video, framing, and night vision before final mounting.
  • Avoid cable issues: For best reliability, use a single continuous cable run between camera and DVR whenever possible. Avoid stacking multiple extensions together.

Quick Install Checklist

  • Placement: Install about 8–10 ft (2.5–3 m) high and angle the camera slightly downward to capture faces and key details.
  • Reduce night glare: Keep nearby walls, soffits, gutters, or reflective surfaces out of the camera’s immediate view to reduce IR reflection (night “white haze”).
  • Outdoor installs: Although rated for outdoor use, install in a sheltered location when possible to reduce direct exposure to heavy rain and debris.
  • Cable routing: The camera bracket includes a cable notch for routing the camera cable. Before routing the cable, use pliers to carefully pull out the plastic insert inside the notch. Remove it gently to avoid damaging or breaking the bracket.
  • Finish-up: Remove any protective film from the lens after mounting and aiming.

FAQ

Does the CA101 work without a DVR?

CA101 is an analog wired camera designed to send video to a compatible DVR over BNC. If you don’t have a DVR with analog BNC inputs, you won’t be able to view/record video.

Can I connect the CA101 directly to my router, Wi-Fi, or an NVR (PoE)?

No. CA101 is analog (BNC), not an IP/PoE camera. It does not connect directly to a router via Ethernet and it does not connect to Wi-Fi. To view remotely on a phone, the DVR must be connected to the internet.

What’s included with the CA101 camera?

Typical box contents include the camera, mounting hardware (template/anchors/screws), a BNC/DC combined cable, and a 12V power adapter.

What resolution will I see and record?

The camera supports 1080p (1920×1080). Actual recorded resolution and frame rate depend on the DVR and its settings. Some DVRs may record 1080p at a lower frame rate to save storage.

Does the CA101 record audio?

The CA101 is a video-focused analog camera and is commonly used without audio. If you need audio, you typically need either a compatible analog audio camera (audio-over-coax) or an external microphone connected to the DVR (model-dependent). Always follow local laws regarding audio recording and consent.

What’s the best way to reduce false motion alerts?

Motion detection is handled by the DVR. Reduce alerts by:

  • Lowering sensitivity slightly
  • Drawing a smaller motion zone that excludes trees, busy roads, and reflective surfaces
  • Aiming away from headlights and direct sunlight
  • Using person/vehicle detection if your DVR supports it (limits may apply)
How far can the night vision see?

Up to 65 ft (20 m) in ideal, total darkness. Real-world range depends on the scene (open areas vs. tight corners), nearby reflections, and available ambient light.

Can I use longer cables than what’s included?

Yes—longer BNC/power extension options may be used, but reliability depends on cable quality and total run length. For best results, use a single continuous run and do not chain multiple extensions together.


Troubleshooting

Tip: Start with the basics: confirm power, confirm video cable, then confirm DVR channel/settings.

No video / black screen / “Camera not detected”
  • Check power: Ensure the camera’s 12V DC power adapter is firmly connected and the outlet is working (try a different outlet).
  • Check BNC connection: Push and twist the BNC connector until it locks. A loose BNC is the most common cause of no video.
  • Swap test: Connect the camera to a different DVR channel using the same cable. If it works, the original channel or setting may be the issue.
  • Cable test: Try the camera with a known-good cable (or test the camera closer to the DVR). Long or damaged cables can cause signal loss.
  • Signal format mismatch: If your DVR has a “Camera Type” or “Signal Type” setting, set it to AUTO first. If AUTO fails, try switching to a specific format (for example, TVI or AHD) supported by your DVR.
Video is blurry, hazy, or out of focus
  • Remove the lens film: Confirm the protective vinyl film has been removed from the lens.
  • Clean the lens: Use a microfiber cloth; avoid harsh cleaners or abrasive materials.
  • Minimum focus distance: Objects closer than about 6.6 ft (2 m) may not appear sharp.
  • Check the DVR recording quality: Low bitrate/frame rate settings can reduce clarity, especially during motion.
Night image is washed out / bright “fog” / white glare at night
  • IR reflection: Move the camera away from walls/overhangs or re-aim so the lens is not too close to nearby surfaces.
  • Remove obstructions: Ensure no cables, spiderwebs, or objects are near the lens.
  • Clean the dome/lens area: Dirt and water spots can reflect IR light.
  • Try a slightly different angle: Small adjustments can significantly reduce IR bounce-back.
Flickering, rolling lines, or image “waves”
  • Power interference: Keep camera cabling away from high-voltage lines, transformers, and large motors.
  • Try another power outlet: Electrical noise or grounding issues can cause interference.
  • Check video format settings: If your DVR is set to PAL but your system expects NTSC (or vice versa), you may see abnormal output.
  • Replace suspect cables: Damaged coax or connectors can introduce noise.
Picture is too dark at night
  • Scene range: Night vision range varies—large open areas may appear darker at distance.
  • Reduce competing light: Bright porch lights or streetlights can cause the camera to expose for the bright area and darken the rest.
  • Reposition for better coverage: Aim toward key areas (doorway, driveway) rather than wide open space.
Motion alerts/recordings are missing
  • Confirm recording mode: Motion recording is controlled by the DVR schedule/settings.
  • Check motion zone: Make sure the active detection area includes where motion happens.
  • Adjust sensitivity: If set too low, motion may not trigger; if too high, you may get false triggers.
  • Storage full: If storage is full and overwrite is off, recordings may stop.
I can see video on the DVR but not on my phone
  • This is usually a DVR/network issue, not the camera: The DVR must be connected to your router and the internet.
  • Confirm the DVR is online: Check network status on the DVR (or indicators in the mobile app).
  • Same network for setup: When initially adding the DVR to the app, your phone and DVR typically must be on the same network.

If You’re Using an RD101/RD501 DVR

  • Camera connection basics: Connect the camera’s BNC to a DVR video input and connect the camera to power. For best results, use one continuous cable run between camera and DVR and avoid chaining extensions.
  • Signal format: In channel/live view settings, set Camera Type to AUTO first. If needed, manually select TVI or AHD based on what displays correctly.
  • Motion & AI limits: If you’re using AI detection features, some systems limit how many channels can run AI detection at the same time, and certain AI modes can’t be enabled together on the same channel.
  • “Stop recording” doesn’t stop schedules: Stopping manual recording does not disable scheduled recording—adjust the recording schedule if needed.

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