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The Graveyard - Products No Longer Supported => IP Cameras => DCS-932L => Topic started by: kwsplash on May 25, 2011, 05:54:12 AM

Title: Disable DCS-932L Infrared LEDs
Post by: kwsplash on May 25, 2011, 05:54:12 AM
Just got my first DCS-932L, in addition to 2 existing 920's.  The new camera is being used to monitor my driveway and is pointed out a window.  Works great during the day, but unfortunately the infrared LED's at night are reflecting off the window and blinding the camera.  Can't find any settings that allow for disabling the infrared LEDs, only the single status LED.
Title: Re: Disable DCS-932L Infrared LEDs
Post by: JavaLawyer on May 25, 2011, 07:27:24 AM
The technology used to provide night vision on low-cost consumer grade cameras requires an array of IR illuminators surrounding the lens that emits the red glow you're referring to. More expensive cameras use a higher wavelength of light that is not visible to the human eye, but the camera must be very sensitive (and thus very expensive) to detect this very low light level.

So, to answer your question, if you disable the IR illuminators (i.e. LEDs), you disable the night vision.
Title: Re: Disable DCS-932L Infrared LEDs
Post by: kwsplash on May 25, 2011, 08:04:26 AM
@JavaLawyer:  Thanks, but I am aware of this.  I have no red glow, just the bright white reflection of the IR LEDs against the window.  I know I need IR illumination, but to avoid the blinding reflection, I would like to disable the incorporated IR LEDs in the 932L, and then I'll use an external IR illuminator (big and better) to light the camera recording field of vision and which will not be right next to camera thus avoiding the glare issue.  But in order to do that, I need to disable the LED's.  I was hoping there was a setting, but its starting to seem like I may need to go basic, e.g. electrical tape or something.
Title: Re: Disable DCS-932L Infrared LEDs
Post by: JavaLawyer on May 25, 2011, 08:44:27 AM
Looks like electrical tape (or some other mask) is the only sure solution here. There are no user controls for the IR illuminator in the web interface. Another option to try is placing a non-reflective coating on the window.
Title: Re: Disable DCS-932L Infrared LEDs
Post by: rjmmoon on May 25, 2011, 01:04:55 PM
You can turn the ir lights. In MyDlink.com, click the the 'Camera Settings' tab, then the 'Camera Web Page' tab. Once connected to the web interface, go to the 'Live Video' tab, and on the bottom, turn off the 'Night Mode'. As a default in case of a power loss, or if you unplug your camera, it will turn on again.
Better method is to set up a schedule for the night mode in the 'Setup' tab, under the 'Day/Night Mode' tab.
Let me know if this helps.
Title: Re: Disable DCS-932L Infrared LEDs
Post by: JavaLawyer on May 25, 2011, 01:15:28 PM
You can turn the ir lights. . .Once connected to the web interface, go to the 'Live Video' tab, and on the bottom, turn off the 'Night Mode'.

He wants to disable the IR illuminator while night mode is enabled. This functionality is not available through the web interface.
Title: Re: Disable DCS-932L Infrared LEDs
Post by: rjmmoon on May 26, 2011, 06:44:36 AM
He wants to disable the IR illuminator while night mode is enabled. This functionality is not available through the web interface.

I think he wants to turn off the lights as I described because you get too much reflection back from the window. You can turn off the blinking green 'status' light AND the night lights if you want to.
You can turn off the 'IR illuminator', you just will not get any 'illumination'.
Title: Re: Disable DCS-932L Infrared LEDs
Post by: JavaLawyer on May 26, 2011, 12:29:09 PM
I think he wants to turn off the lights as I described because you get too much reflection back from the window. You can turn off the blinking green 'status' light AND the night lights if you want to.
You can turn off the 'IR illuminator', you just will not get any 'illumination'.

The real question here is when "Night Mode" is disabled, will the camera sensor still adjust to the dark and permit night vision (using an external IR illuminator).
Title: Re: Disable DCS-932L Infrared LEDs
Post by: three_jeeps on May 31, 2011, 07:25:27 AM
Actually, it seems that the real question as posed by the OP is "Can I turn off the IR LEDs in night mode?"

From the thread discussion, having direct control of the LEDs in any mode would seem to be a better feature, with the default being: daylight-LEDs off, night, LEDs on, and if there is a button to turn LEDs on/off, that would override the default setting that accompanies the mode.  Is there such a feature on the web interface?

-J
Title: Re: Disable DCS-932L Infrared LEDs
Post by: JavaLawyer on May 31, 2011, 07:58:22 AM
From the thread discussion, having direct control of the LEDs in any mode would seem to be a better feature, with the default being: daylight-LEDs off, night, LEDs on, and if there is a button to turn LEDs on/off, that would override the default setting that accompanies the mode.  Is there such a feature on the web interface?

No, this option is not in the web interface (ergo this discussion thread).

The ability to disable the IR illuminator would be a relatively odd feature to have on a consumer grade camera at this price point. The vast majority of users do not use an independent IR illuminator. The option would most likely cause more confusion than good by users accidentally shutting off the integrated IR illuminator and then complaining that "Night Mode" is broken.
Title: Re: Disable DCS-932L Infrared LEDs
Post by: kpaulson on July 31, 2011, 09:49:47 PM
  I ran into the same problem with a reflective window.  I bought some adhesive putty at an office supply store and placed it in a ring just inside the circle of LEDs.  I removed the base and use the putty to mount the camera.  The daytime images are fine and the night images are no longer showing any interference from reflections.  Because the window is so reflective, the images are not very bright but they are considerably better than they were.

  I am going to install an external source of IR light when I get a chance.  If you have an external source, you could completely cover up the LEDs with putty.  I believe the top one is a light sensor so you would want to leave that open (don't have access to the camera right now so I can't check).
Title: Re: Disable DCS-932L Infrared LEDs
Post by: JavaLawyer on August 01, 2011, 04:58:17 AM
I am going to install an external source of IR light when I get a chance.  If you have an external source, you could completely cover up the LEDs with putty.  I believe the top one is a light sensor so you would want to leave that open (don't have access to the camera right now so I can't check).

If you consider the front of the camera as a clock face, then the IR sensors are located at 1, 5, 7, and 10 o'clock, the light sensor is located at 12 o'clock, and the microphone is located at 6 o'clock.
Title: Re: Disable DCS-932L Infrared LEDs
Post by: DenisP61 on October 08, 2011, 08:38:51 AM
I have the same problem, the infrared LED's at night are reflecting off the window.
I want to open the case to disable the LED, does someone know how to do this.
I buy this camera to monitor the exterior but it was not usable because the light reflect in the windows.
I know the warranty will be void, but I have the choice to open it or buy another brand.  If it works I will buy two more to monitor the exterior.
It will be great if D-Link add an option to activate the night vision without activating the IR LED.
Title: Re: Disable DCS-932L Infrared LEDs
Post by: JavaLawyer on October 08, 2011, 10:42:38 AM
I have the same problem, the infrared LED's at night are reflecting off the window.
I want to open the case to disable the LED, does someone know how to do this.
I buy this camera to monitor the exterior but it was not usable because the light reflect in the windows.
I know the warranty will be void, but I have the choice to open it or buy another brand.  If it works I will buy two more to monitor the exterior.
It will be great if D-Link add an option to activate the night vision without activating the IR LED.

You can cover the LEDs with electrical tape to prevent the light from coming through.
Title: Re: Disable DCS-932L Infrared LEDs
Post by: rjmmoon on October 08, 2011, 11:46:31 AM
Just disable the LED's by following these steps:
1. Sign in to mydlink.
2. Click on 'Camera info'.
3. Click on 'Advanced Setting".
4. Log into this area.
5. Click "Live Video" button.
6. Turn "Night Mode" to 'off' position on bottom.
7. Logout of this area.
8. You are done; LED'd are now disabled.
Post here if this works for you!
If you lose power, or unplug the camera, the LED's will default back 'on'; if you want to turn the LED's on at a later time, follow stepsto #6 and turn "Night Mode" to 'on' position.
Title: Re: Disable DCS-932L Infrared LEDs
Post by: JavaLawyer on October 08, 2011, 11:52:52 AM
Just disable the LED's by following these steps:
1. Sign in to mydlink.
2. Click on 'Camera info'.
3. Click on 'Advanced Setting".
4. Log into this area.
5. Click "Live Video" button.
6. Turn "Night Mode" to 'off' position on bottom.
7. Logout of this area.
8. You are done; LED'd are now disabled.
Post here if this works for you!
If you lose power, or unplug the camera, the LED's will default back 'on'; if you want to turn the LED's on at a later time, follow stepsto #6 and turn "Night Mode" to 'on' position.

This procedure will not work. The poster wants to enable night mode while disabling the IR Illuminators. There are a number of DCS owners who want to use third party IR Illuminators with their DCS camera(s) while in night mode.
Title: Re: Disable DCS-932L Infrared LEDs
Post by: rjmmoon on October 08, 2011, 12:15:11 PM
This procedure will not work. The poster wants to enable night mode while disabling the IR Illuminators. There are a number of DCS owners who want to use third party IR Illuminators with their DCS camera(s) while in night mode.

OK, then the tape method will have to do.
Title: Re: Disable DCS-932L Infrared LEDs
Post by: JavaLawyer on October 08, 2011, 02:28:57 PM
Yeah, unfortunately night mode is an all-or-nothing proposition. This is a consumer grade camera and using a third-party IR Illuminator is not something the typical owner will use.
Title: Re: Disable DCS-932L Infrared LEDs
Post by: TME on November 29, 2011, 11:59:10 PM
I popped open the cam and cut the board traces which power the LEDs with a razor blade.  It's a better long term solution than covering from the front.. Or at least better looking.  The day filter still opens at night to increase sensitivity, but eliminates the LED reflection from a window.   LEDs can be re-enabled with a small solder jumper if necessary later.   Each pair of LEDs (top, bottom) are in series, so only two cuts were necessary. 
Title: Re: Disable DCS-932L Infrared LEDs
Post by: JavaLawyer on November 30, 2011, 04:09:41 AM
I popped open the cam and cut the board traces which power the LEDs with a razor blade.  It's a better long term solution than covering from the front.. Or at least better looking.  The day filter still opens at night to increase sensitivity, but eliminates the LED reflection from a window.   LEDs can be re-enabled with a small solder jumper if necessary later.   Each pair of LEDs (top, bottom) are in series, so only two cuts were necessary. 

Thank you for sharing your solution with us.
Title: Re: Disable DCS-932L Infrared LEDs
Post by: aljmc on April 21, 2014, 08:41:24 PM
I tried the putty over the icons idea, alot of the IR bleeds through, this is not a solution.
I then tried unplugging one of the wires going to the sub-board, this proved to be not a solution.
I used the method suggested by TME, cutting the board traces. I had to puzzle over where to cut the traces.
As TME mentioned, only 2 cuts are required, one on the top and one on the bottom. To identify where to cut, look closely at the board and you will see + and - near the IR LEDs. The cut needs to be made on the thin trace leading to the + side of the top pair of LEDs and to the + side of the bottom LEDs
Al
Title: Re: Disable DCS-932L Infrared LEDs
Post by: JavaLawyer on April 28, 2014, 07:50:13 AM
I tried the putty over the icons idea, alot of the IR bleeds through, this is not a solution.

Other camera owners have successfully used electrical tape.
Title: Re: Disable DCS-932L Infrared LEDs
Post by: aljmc on April 28, 2014, 08:37:17 AM
I tried electrical tape first. I found that electrical tape is transparent to IR. Makes sense since IR is essentially heat, once the tape heats up it is a source of IR even if it doesn't let the original IR source through.

This whole topic need not even be discussed if D-Link would expose turning the IR off setting in it's web settings page. (I'm convinced that someone with telnet access to the camera could edit a config file to turn off the IR lights.)
1. We're asked to keep the camera out of the elements.
2. Logic dictates that many applications would place the unit behind a window.
3. This makes the unit useless at night unless the owner can choose to illumine the outside with his own IR source and turn off the IR lights on the camera.
Title: Re: Disable DCS-932L Infrared LEDs
Post by: JavaLawyer on April 28, 2014, 08:41:33 AM
I tried electrical tape first. I found that electrical tape is transparent to IR. Makes sense since IR is essentially heat, once the tape heats up it is a source of IR even if it doesn't let the original IR source through.

This whole topic need not even be discussed if D-Link would expose turning the IR off setting in it's web settings page. (I'm convinced that someone with telnet access to the camera could edit a config file to turn off the IR lights.)
1. We're asked to keep the camera out of the elements.
2. Logic dictates that many applications would place the unit behind a window.
3. This makes the unit useless at night unless the owner can choose to illumine the outside with his own IR source and turn off the IR lights on the camera.

Some of the more advanced Cloud cameras have the ability to disable the IR illuminators through the web UI, but not the DCS-9XX series. This item was added to our DCS-932 - Firmware Wishlist (http://forums.dlink.com/index.php?topic=40692.0) thread a long time ago.
Title: Re: Disable DCS-932L Infrared LEDs
Post by: ReverendTed on May 18, 2014, 10:30:44 AM
Perhaps we could use the "problem" from the add-on lenses as a solution here?

The small magnet ring that is used to attach add-on lenses to the camera prevents travel of the IR-cut filter.  Perhaps if the camera was set to Night mode, and then the magnet attached, then when the camera was set back to Day mode the IR cut filter would remain in place.

This way, you'd leave the camera in Day mode (which would turn the illuminators off) and still have the benefit of the IR cut filter, making it ideal for use at night with an external illuminator.  The drawback with this solution is that the IR cut filter produces a few strange color effects in full light.
Title: Re: Disable DCS-932L Infrared LEDs
Post by: JavaLawyer on May 19, 2014, 06:26:34 AM
I'm sure it's possible to find an opaque material to put around the periphery of the lens to cover the IR illuminators (e.g. a shield fashioned out of aluminum foil should work).
Title: Re: Disable DCS-932L Infrared LEDs
Post by: FTLOSM on July 04, 2014, 08:13:15 PM
I just got 2 932L's to add to my 2 daytime only 930's, I "planned" to use them indoors out the window to the driveway for night viewing, the 930's did the job but were dark even with outside lights on, well yeah i ran into the IR reflection problem described here :(

I ended up using the 932 day/nights indoors so now I don't have to worry if there is enough light on when I leave to catch someone going thru the house, and I just have the 930's back on the driveway for the best view possible at least they don't have any reflection (i did black electric tape then white ductape over the led).

Is there a way to disable the 932's green blinking light?
Title: Re: Disable DCS-932L Infrared LEDs
Post by: acellier on July 05, 2014, 02:40:58 PM
On the camera's webpage (cameraip/advanced.htm), Admin, middle of the page -
"LED Control" - Normal/Off
Title: Re: Disable DCS-932L Infrared LEDs
Post by: W6IRE on July 17, 2014, 08:56:36 PM
Can someone who has disabled the LEDs by cutting the PCB trace please post a more exact location (perhaps with a photo) of where the trace should be cut?
Title: Re: Disable DCS-932L Infrared LEDs
Post by: slvrscoobie on February 02, 2015, 02:25:22 PM
On the camera's webpage (cameraip/advanced.htm), Admin, middle of the page -
"LED Control" - Normal/Off

Sorry this disables the LED on the front of the camera to show its on/recording. Does nothing (for me) for the night mode LEDs.

I think ill try the electrical tape - IR is NOT heat. (take a quick look at wikipedia at the EMS, IR has SWIR (750-2000nm, these LEDS are probably in the 800-850 range similar to the best response of the CMOS sensor) MWIR (2-7um) and LWIR (7-20um) LWIR is 'heat' and requires a FLIR camera (or Seek) to view it. LEDS emit almost 0 LWIR.
Title: Re: Disable DCS-932L Infrared LEDs
Post by: JavaLawyer on February 03, 2015, 06:36:23 AM
I think ill try the electrical tape - IR is NOT heat. (take a quick look at wikipedia at the EMS, IR has SWIR (750-2000nm, these LEDS are probably in the 800-850 range similar to the best response of the CMOS sensor) MWIR (2-7um) and LWIR (7-20um) LWIR is 'heat' and requires a FLIR camera (or Seek) to view it. LEDS emit almost 0 LWIR.

Electrical tape seems to work for most users. And correct, the IR illuminators detect wavelengths of light outside of the range of the human eye (i.e. infra red radiation).
Title: Re: Disable DCS-932L Infrared LEDs
Post by: JavaLawyer on February 03, 2015, 06:41:18 AM
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