Interference From Other Wireless Devices

The X10 Sentinel PTZ Camera can be operated both wired and wirelessly for maximum efficiency. When wireless, the Sentinel runs on a standard 2.4 GHz frequency, and can sometimes receive interference by other electronics on the same frequency.

Don’t worry just yet – if you’re unable to get a clear picture from your Sentinel on your TV, it might not be a frequency interference issue. First, try adjusting the antennas on your video receiver so they’re pointing toward each other, or simply move the video receiver closer to your TV. Sometimes even a foot closer can make a difference, but if that still doesn’t solve the problem, you can try changing the channels on the camera and the video receiver to a different letter (A, B, C, or D). Make sure the letters on both match, and try each until you find the letter that gives you the clearest picture.

If the picture is still fuzzy, it could be radio frequency interference.

What does radio frequency mean? Frequency is the measurement of the number of times in which a repeated event occurs in a given unit of time. In this context, frequency refers to radio frequency, or RF, the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum at which electromagnetic waves can be generated by alternating current fed to an antenna. Most wireless electronic devices run on a certain radio frequency, with 2.4 GHz being the most common for cordless phones, microwaves, baby monitors, wireless LAN networks, and cameras such at the Sentinel.

What you need to know about radio frequency interference. If you’ve tried all our other troubleshooting tips and you’re still not getting a clear picture, try turning off any other 2.4 GHz devices in the house until your picture clears up. Turn them off one at a time, starting with the devices closest to your Sentinel, and checking as you go until you’ve isolated the problem.

Once you’ve found out what the problem is, you can check our individual resource pages for more information about how to solve it.

Is the interference coming from your wireless router? Is the interference coming from your cordless phone? Is the interference coming from your microwave?