Common Troubleshooting Questions
Trouble shooting Guide
Blue Screen:
If you can't find the answer here please call us 641-472-643
- Trouble shutting the lid, don't force it.
- Check the lid groove to see if there's anything in it.
- If the date and time stop working, it's time to change the batteries
- Be sure that the SD card ‘clicks’ into place.
- Make sure SD is Unlocked – see small yellow tab on left side.
- To remove SD card, push it in so it ‘click’s and then pops out a bit. DON’T just pull it out.
- Clean off your SD card every day.
- USE stabilizers on the camera ALL THE TIME!!!!
- Make sure there's nothing on the reeler when you close the case.
Blue Screen:
- Check the 1AMP fuse
- Flip the SD Bypass switch to see if you have an image. If you don’t check the camera/cable connections.
- Check the Cam1/Cam2 Switch (if you have it) (Cam 2 is for auto focus tilt cameras and Lighthouse)
- Check the AFT/Combo switch (if you have it)
- Check F9 on the keyboard for video overlay screen and not blue (if you have a keyboard)
- Make sure ALL cables are connected before sending camera up the chimney.
If you can't find the answer here please call us 641-472-643
Q. Lost image on screen?
A. All units have a 1 amp fuse that protects the circuit.
If you have lost image, check the fuse and check your cable connectors to see if they are plugged together correctly.
Also check to see your power cord has come unplugged from the unit. If it's not pushed in all the way you can lose image.
Next check to make sure your monitor is on AV1.
If none of these work - give us a call 641-472-7643
If you have lost image, check the fuse and check your cable connectors to see if they are plugged together correctly.
Also check to see your power cord has come unplugged from the unit. If it's not pushed in all the way you can lose image.
Next check to make sure your monitor is on AV1.
If none of these work - give us a call 641-472-7643
Q. My camera image is grainy?
In large flues and smoke chamber areas, this can be problem. Generally this happens when there isn’t enough light. Either turn up the light level on the controller or use an add-on exterior LED light source.
FYI - for Auto Focus cameras built after 1997 a light upgrade is available. We replace the old screwin bulbs with a LED light ring.
FYI - for Auto Focus cameras built after 1997 a light upgrade is available. We replace the old screwin bulbs with a LED light ring.
Q. Having trouble getting the camera up thru clean out doors or thimbles?
Watch Chim-Scan AFT Camera through a Thimble on our Video page and...
Ask about our “Thimble kit”!! This uses two 1/2” starter rods, then add, eight 5/8“ white rod and then the grey K.L. rods. If your going thru regular fireplace dampers, us ½” rod for flexibility to start then switch to the 7/8” grey K.L. rods.
In larger fireplaces, like those seen at a Crackerbarrel ® Restaurants, the gray rods will provide control to the camera and maneuver through the larger dampers.
Ask about our “Thimble kit”!! This uses two 1/2” starter rods, then add, eight 5/8“ white rod and then the grey K.L. rods. If your going thru regular fireplace dampers, us ½” rod for flexibility to start then switch to the 7/8” grey K.L. rods.
In larger fireplaces, like those seen at a Crackerbarrel ® Restaurants, the gray rods will provide control to the camera and maneuver through the larger dampers.