A very strange problem

[bdarek]

Hi,

I bought a camera like the one in the link: https://github.com/themactep/thingino-firmware/wiki/Camera:-AliExpress-LTIA%E2%80%9037FJZ-(Vanhua-Z55-module). I disassembled it, connected the terminal, installed Thingino, and everything worked fine. The camera received an IP address and I was able to connect to the WebUI. After configuring the settings, I disconnected the terminal, restarted it, and the camera was no longer visible on the network. After multiple attempts, I determined that the camera only connects to the network when the terminal is connected. I see DHCP request packets and network traffic on the router. When I disconnect the terminal, the camera seems to start (I hear an IRcut click), but I don't see any network traffic, not even DHCP queries. After assigning a static IP address and disconnecting the terminal, the camera is also unavailable.

I'm asking for help and suggestions on what might be causing this behavior.

[alan5ab]

Maybe your not getting a good ground thru the p/s cable perhaps? Most p/s float so thats prob not the case though. I have one of these I've been wanting to do, maybe tomorrow I'll dig it out. Is it 12v or poe?

[bdarek]

Yes, that's exactly how I connected it, using a separate 12V power supply. The last time it worked, it was with a direct connection.

[alan5ab]

You could try bonding the gnd pin to one of the mounting holes

[bdarek]

My second camera arrived, I installed the Thingino, and everything works fine; it boots every time. I've tested it by swapping boards, power supplies, and LEDs. The end result is that the second camera always works correctly, while the first doesn't. I've also shorted GND directly to the power supply, with a metal LED board, but nothing helps.

[themactep]

It sounds like a hardware issue. These boards are cheap. Replace it and put the bad one to a donor box, for parts.

[bdarek]

Yes, that's exactly what I'll do.