The Best CCTV Testers

How Does a CCTV Tester Work?

A CCTV Tester, short for Closed-Circuit Television tester, is a test gear/monitor that aids CCTV security-system installers during installation. This device is used to check and configure properly whether the CCTV cameras are in the right place, have the right angles, clear to view, and more.

They are sometimes referred to as an LCD Field monitor, CCTV field monitor, CCTV video tester, CCTV camera testing tool, or IP camera testing equipment. Some of these devices also don’t limit to CCTV testers. They can also be used to check TVI cameras, AHD cameras, HD-SDI cameras, and network IP cameras.

The CCTV testers are often handheld for the reason that they are used during installation and for convenience as well. Furthermore, some of them have built-in power output that supplies power to the camera that is tested.

What Should I Consider Before Buying a CCTV Tester?

Buying a CCTV Tester is as tricky as buying the CCTV itself. After all, before the latter can do its job well, it needs to be properly configured. That is why before you jump right in and purchase a CCTV, you need a tester. To be exact, a very good CCTV tester.

So to help you with this, we have below some notes you can take in mind during your shopping. They are:

First thing when buying almost anything, you need to check the durability. This is even more important for CCTV testers. The strength of the product relies on whether it can last for use.

CCTV cameras need to be checked from time to time. And a good CCTV tester is needed that can help you with this even after it hasn’t been put to use for long.

Another reason why you need a CCTV tester that is durable or has a robust design is that this device is often used high-up. Installers are often from a height when checking CCTV cameras. And if the product cannot withstand falls, then it won’t be good for the job and would cost you more.

Another consideration is the usage. When getting a CCTV test monitor, you need to make sure to cover the following steps that will thoroughly check your cameras:

• Video Signal – The video signal must be, first and foremost, be of good quality. It should properly depict what is caught on camera. Likewise, it should be clear and has no problems with the cables, etc.
• Power – Your CCTV test monitor could check whether the camera is receiving sufficient power and that voltage drop has not occurred due to some cabling run. This ensures that your cameras are always on the look-out.
• Data Signal – Look at how the cameras match your test monitor. This means, you need to look out for the consistency like speed, protocol, Baud, rate, and more. The commands should be in sync.

Most CCTV tester have some special features in them installed. So it can be quite long if we list them all one by one. To put it simply, always consider their features and how they match with others. Take note of their technology and other special commands.

But aside from those however, there are still some features that we think a CCTV tester can’t help to be without. And that is having a lanyard or wrist attachments. This will help avoid the device from falling for more safety.

What are the Problems a CCTV Tester is Trying to Solve?

Commonly known is that installing CCTV cameras is not a one-man job. It would take a team to properly coordinate and check whether the cameras are working and angled properly or not.

There would be someone who will install the cameras while another person would look into a screen from below in order to look at the state of the CCTV. Also, they would need to connect it to a service monitor that is of the size of a desktop or even television.

But through a CCTV tester, these devices are often handheld. So instead of having two or more people working on a simple task, you can now install it on your own. The CCTV tester is a portable handheld service monitor that can help an installer configure the cameras right on their fingertips.

We went through a number of surveillance shops and those alike in order to get our hands on some of the most commonly purchased CCTV testers. And as with people’s varying preferences, we got a long list of the product.

So we then thought of narrowing down the list into the top most recommendable CCTV testers around. This task we set ourselves up to was not easy of course. We have to eliminate quite a lot in order to reach five.

We began our elimination by first carrying out research on various forums from those who usually buy the products like CCTV Forum. We also listen to people’s opinions. From here, we removed from our list those devices that have more negative reviews in them.

Then, we went on to do product testing ourselves. We established a common buying criterion based on the feedbacks we received as well as some expert advice. We also applied those written above in the buyer’s guide. Scoring the products accordingly, those with lowest were soon taken down.

And thus, we arrived on our top five most recommendable CCTV testers. All of the remaining products thoroughly underwent product-testing and were ranked according to their overall delivery—one being the highest.

Throughout the process, it helps to acknowledge that as we conducted the product evaluation, there were no inducements entertained from any brands, vendors, or manufacturers that would influence our decision. Everything written are bias-free.

On the top of our list is the CCTV Surveillance Camera Tester from EVERTECH. This product is quite simple, which is why we love it. And we think it is super friendly to all users, be it their first-time installing CCTVs or not.

This device is first, very portable. With the size 7 x 4.3 x 1.6 inches plus the handle-like design, you can trust that this tester fits perfectly within your grip. You can use any place and any time. It is easy to hold.

Furthermore, the monitor is a sufficient 4.3”. Though small, you can trust that you can see the video clearly since it is high image resolution.

Also, his device supports DC Power for camera. This means that it is convenient for users to check the condition and direction of the CCTV cameras.

The device also has 5 to 8 hours of working time. It is rechargeable for 6 hours. The long work time as equipped by its lithium battery will allow you to take as much time as you want to configure.

Another plus is the clasp ring found at the bottom. It can fit all chains. This allows the device to be suspended safely from any environments—be it high or low.

With all those good things, there are still some setbacks however. One is that this device is only suitable for viewing a standard analog camera. It can’t work on digital IP cameras unless you have a computer or tablet and a network that can allow it.

Moreover, this device cannot show a picture from a newer cvi cameras either. But overall, this device will suit well for any users who wants to check their standard analog cameras.