Skill: CCTV Tester to Send and Receive Video Signals
Skill level: 3
CCTV & Networking
Learning Objective
Learn how to use a CCTV tester in two ways:
As a signal generator — sending a standard test pattern to confirm cables/monitors work.
As a portable monitor — displaying a live feed directly from a CCTV camera (analogue or HD over coax).
This dual function is vital during first fix, fault-finding, and aiming/focusing cameras.
1. Overview
A CCTV tester is more than just a screen — it can generate test signals, receive camera feeds, and in many models, even provide PoE (power over ethernet) power. By using it both as a signal source and a portable monitor, engineers can confirm cable integrity, check camera function, and avoid wasted time running back and forth to the recorder.
2. Tools & Materials Required
CCTV tester (with video output and video input functions)
BNC test lead (for coax connections)
HDMI or VGA lead (if testing monitors)
Short patch leads (for working near DVR/NVR)
Camera under test (for input testing)
Labels/marker for confirmed runs
3. Preparation Before Testing
Ensure tester is fully charged. Charge it in your van before arriving to a job.
Confirm monitor is on correct input (HDMI, VGA, Video).
Verify connectors (BNC crimps, HDMI ends) are intact.
Identify whether you’re testing cable/monitor path (tester → monitor) or camera output (camera → tester).
If using tester as a monitor, ensure camera is powered (via PSU, PoE, or test power output on the tester if supported).
4. Procedure: Using CCTV Tester
In this lesson we are exploring analog or digital camera signals, NOT IP cctv, although that is possible with the correct IP CCTV tester. But in that case, a laptop also works.
The tester we are using can be configured to either send a signal or to receive a signal. Therefore it can be used to tes a monitor, a camera, and a cable run. By sending a known good signal down a cable and/or directly to a monitor we can ascertain whether or not the monitor or cable run is OK.
A. Sending Test Signal (Tester → Monitor):
Power on tester and select Video Output Mode.
Choose correct format:
CVBS (analogue)
HD-TVI / AHD / CVI (HD over coax)
HDMI/VGA (if monitor supports digital input).Pick a test pattern (colour bars, grey screen).
Connect the tester directly to the monitor via the same input that you are testing. If you get an image then your monitor is good.
Next connect tester → cable → monitor/DVR input. If you get an image then you can confirm your monitor AND cable are good.
Confirm test pattern displays.
✅ Pattern appears = cable & monitor path are good.
❌ No signal = check cable continuity, monitor input, or format setting.
B. Receiving Camera Feed (Camera → Tester):
Connect camera’s video output (BNC) into tester’s Video In port.
On tester, select Video Input / Camera Test Mode.
Confirm live camera feed shows on tester screen. If you have no image on your tester then the camera id not outputting and image.
For HD over coax, select the correct format (TVI, AHD, CVI).
Adjust camera aim/focus while viewing feed directly on tester.
If tester supports PoE, power IP camera directly and confirm live stream (IP test mode).
If you have no image from the camera then test that the camera is getting power. Most testers havce a 12vDC power output presicely for suppliying cameras for testing.
5. Best Practices
Test every run at first fix with a generated test pattern to rule out cable faults early.
Use tester as a portable monitor when aiming/focusing cameras on ladders — saves repeated trips to NVR.
Carry a short labelled BNC patch lead — easier to connect in tight spaces.
Label cables once tested to avoid duplication.
Where multiple cameras exist, note which ones were confirmed on tester in job notes.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Forgetting to switch tester between Output and Input mode.
🚫 Using wrong video standard (CVBS vs HD-TVI/AHD/CVI).
🚫 Leaving monitor on wrong source input.
🚫 Misdiagnosing camera fault when actually cable/monitor not selected correctly.
🚫 Not powering the camera properly during tester use.
🚫 Failing to label tested cables, leading to repeated checks.
7. Safety Information
SSOW – Electrical Safety: isolate power when swapping connections.
RAMS – Work at Height: if using tester on a ladder, use tool belt or neck strap to prevent dropping.
Avoid trailing patch leads in public or customer walkways (trip hazard).
Handle tester carefully — LCD screens and ports are easily damaged.
Ensure PoE output (if using) matches camera requirements to avoid overloading.
Typical CCTV tester