WiLife Security Systems

[split2112]

Both of my WiLife Cameras have hardware failure.  There are some posts online that show how to fix the problem, but they do not show how to disassemble the camera.  Could someone point me in the right direction of how to open up the camera so that I can replace the dead capacitors?

[macx]

My camera was out of warranty so just highlighting a concern about voiding the warranty with a disassembly. 

The wrong voltage rating capacitors are installed in the camera as a result of a manufacturing or engineering defect. If your camera has these capacitors, it will fail. The replacement of the failed capacitors will usually restore an inoperative or flaky camera.

1.  Unplug the camera!

2. To dissassemble the camera (see the warranty caution), carefully remove the two strips along the sides and underneath the camera housing.

3. Remove the six screws found and carefully separate the housing halves. 

4. On a anti-static mat and using a wrist strap, remove the AC line shrinkwrap and cut the tiewrap securing the ferrite bead over the line cord. unplug the line cord from the board and slide the ferrite bead to the end.  Bend the cord back to clear the board. 

5. Remove the two screws holding the board in place and slide the board back until the LED circuit board in front are clear. 

6. You may now work on the board to replace any capacitors that have ruptured, burned up, have swollen tops where the vent lines are inscribed or if you have an ESR meter, those that have a high series resistance.

This fixed all non-operative WiLife cameras I have worked on!

Good luck!

[mekelly]

Thanks for the tip!  

Do you have any experience troubleshooting failed indoor camera power supplies?  I would venture that more of the originally designed ones have failed at some point (at least that's my experience).

If so, what typically fails on them and how do you repair them?

Thanks in advance!