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This guide provides detailed troubleshooting steps for the CN101 Series - 4K Deterrence IP PoE Wired Turret Camera when paired with the RN101 Series - 4K Wired NVR. For setup and product specifications, refer to the CN101 Support Page.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Reset Button & MicroSD Card Slot Location
- No Picture / Signal
- Picture is Too Bright
- Picture is Too Dark
- Night Vision is Not Working
- Picture is Not Clear
- Bright Spots or Glare in Night Video
- No Audio
- Camera or NVR Not Powering On
- Network or Connection Problems
- Video Lag or Poor Image Performance
- Remote Viewing or App Issues
- Smart Person/Vehicle Detection Not Working
- Firmware and Maintenance
- Environmental and Mounting Notes
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Related Articles
Reset Button & MicroSD Card Slot Location
The reset button and microSD card slot are located inside a sealed compartment on the underside of the camera, directly above the speaker area.
To access and use these components
- Locate the small metal RESET / microSD compartment cover below the camera lens and the microphone.
- Use a small screwdriver to remove the two screws on either side of the cover.
- Lift the cover to reveal both the reset pinhole button and the microSD card slot.
To reset the camera
- Ensure the camera is powered on.
- Insert a pin or paperclip into the reset pinhole.
- Press and hold for 10 seconds until you hear an audio prompt confirming the reset.
- The camera will reboot automatically and reconnect to your NVR within 1-2 minutes.
- Replace the compartment cover and reattach both screws to maintain the IP67 weather seal.
To install or replace a microSD card
- Insert a Class 10 or higher microSD card (up to 256 GB) with the label facing outward.
- Push gently until it clicks into place.
- The camera will automatically detect and prepare the card on the next reboot.
- Replace the compartment cover and reattach both screws to maintain the IP67 weather seal.
Note: The reset process restores all camera settings, including passwords, network configuration, and motion zones, to factory defaults. The microSD slot allows for independent local recording; footage can be accessed through the camera’s web interface and does not upload to the NVR or cloud.
No Picture / Signal
- Confirm your recorder supports 4K IP cameras. See Lorex.com/compatibility.
- The CN101 may take up to 60 seconds to power on after connection. Wait two minutes before troubleshooting.
- Ensure the camera is connected directly to the RN101’s PoE port or through a PoE switch (IEEE 802.3af compliant).
- If using a LAN connection, search your network for cameras in the NVR’s Device Search menu. See the RN101 Troubleshooting Guide.
- Check cables:
- Use a known-good Ethernet cable to test.
- Maximum recommended cable length: 300 ft (90 m).
- If using 12V DC instead of PoE, ensure a regulated 12 V DC power supply is used; the camera’s maximum power draw is 8.2 W.
- Ensure your NVR output (HDMI or VGA) is properly connected and set to a supported resolution (4K or 1080p).
Picture is Too Bright
- Avoid pointing the camera directly at light sources such as the sun, headlights, or spotlights.
- Reposition the camera or angle it downward by approximately 15°.
- Enable DWDR (Digital Wide Dynamic Range) in the NVR’s image settings.
- Adjust brightness and contrast in the NVR’s image controls.
Picture is Too Dark
- Adjust the camera’s brightness and exposure settings in the NVR menu.
- Enable Color Night Vision (requires low ambient light).
Night Vision is Not Working
- The IR LEDs automatically activate in low-light conditions.
- If night vision does not activate:
- Ensure the surrounding area is dark enough for IR mode to trigger.
- Look for a faint red glow from the IR LEDs in total darkness.
- Clean the lens and IR LED window with a soft, dry cloth.
- Confirm that Smart IR or Night Vision settings are enabled on the NVR.
- Listen for a soft clicking noise when switching between day and night modes-this indicates the IR cut filter is operating correctly.
- IR range: Up to 82 ft (25 m) in total darkness.
Picture is Not Clear
- Check the NVR Output Resolution. If your monitor supports 4K, set the output to 3840 × 2160 (4K). Otherwise, leave Automatic Recognition enabled or match your monitor’s native resolution.
- To adjust: go to Main Menu > Configuration > System > General > Output Configuration, then set Output Resolution that's supported by your monitor.
- Ensure the camera resolution is set to 4K (3840 × 2160 @ 15fps).
- Use Cat5e or Cat6 cables rated for your distance and environment.
- Clean the lens to remove dirt, fingerprints, or spiderwebs.
- Remove the protective vinyl film from the lens.
Bright Spots or Glare in Night Video
- Do not aim the camera through glass or reflective surfaces; IR light will reflect back into the lens.
- Reposition the camera away from walls or white ceilings that reflect IR light.
- Use exterior ambient lighting to improve clarity if the scene is too reflective.
No Audio
- Ensure your NVR supports audio input/output (the RN101 does).
- Enable audio in the NVR:
- Go to Main Menu > Record > Encode > Channel > Enable Audio.
- Turn on audio output on your monitor or mobile device.
- Ensure the microphone and speaker functions are enabled (the CN101 supports full-duplex two-way audio).
- Audio recording is disabled by default; enable it manually if needed.
- Note: Recording audio without consent may be prohibited in some regions.
Camera or NVR Not Powering On
- Verify that the NVR power adapter (48V DC / 1.5A) is working.
- Check PoE load:
- Maximum output per port: 25.5W
- Total PoE budget: 72W
- Test by connecting a single camera directly to a PoE port with no extenders or splitters.
Network or Connection Problems
- Ensure cameras are on the same network as the NVR when using an external PoE switch.
- Check for IP conflicts:
- Open the NVR menu > Camera > Device Search and ensure each camera has a unique IP address.
- Reset the camera if you suspect duplicate IPs.
- Verify your router allows the NVR’s outbound connection for remote viewing.
Video Lag or Poor Image Performance
- Check your NVR’s total bandwidth. The RN101 supports 56 Mbps total throughput.
- Lower the camera’s bitrate (4096-6144 kbps recommended) or reduce the substream resolution.
- Use AI Motion Detection recording mode instead of continuous recording to reduce bandwidth usage.
Remote Viewing or App Issues
- Use the Lorex Connect App for iOS or Android.
- Ensure a wired network connection between the NVR and your router.
- Minimum recommended upload speed: 6 Mbps per 4K channel.
- Reboot the NVR and router if cameras appear offline in the app.
- If you forgot your NVR password, follow the steps in the RN101 Password Recovery Guide.
Smart Person/Vehicle Detection Not Working
- Ensure the feature is enabled:
- Go to Main Menu > Configuration > Event > Detection Type > Person/Vehicle.
- Draw motion zones and adjust sensitivity levels (1-8).
- Angle the camera 15° downward for optimal detection accuracy.
- Avoid detecting across moving tree lines, busy streets, or reflective surfaces.
Firmware and Maintenance
- Update firmware on both the camera and NVR:
- Go to Main Menu > Maintenance > Upgrade.
- After updating, power cycle the system to reinitialize features.
- Keep firmware up to date for improved AI accuracy and bug fixes.
Environmental and Mounting Notes
- Operating temperature: −31°F to 140°F (−35°C to 60°C).
- Weather rating: IP67 - weather resistant, not submersible.
- Ensure mounting surface supports 3 lbs (1.36 kg), 3× the camera’s weight.
- Seal RJ45 Ethernet connectors with silicone if exposed to rain.
- Mount at approximately 10 ft (3 m) height, angled 15° downward for optimal coverage.
Cleaning and Maintenance
- Clean the lens regularly using a soft microfiber cloth.
- Do not use chemical-based cleaners.
- Remove spiderwebs and debris from around the lens and IR LEDs.
- For humid areas, use silica gel packs inside housing or junction boxes.