Comnet 8-Channel Digitally Encoded Video Receiver + 2 Bi-directional Data Channels mm 1 - FVR812M1

Comnet FVR812M1 8-Channel Digitally Encoded Video Receiver

The Comnet FVR812M1 is an industrial-grade 8-channel digitally encoded video receiver designed to extend analog composite video over a single multimode fiber strand. This unit accepts 8 simultaneous video channels plus 2 bidirectional RS data channels (RS232/RS422/RS485) and 1 contact closure channel, making it suited for surveillance systems that require synchronized video and control-signal transmission across distances where copper would introduce noise or ground loops.

Overview

The FVR812M1 sits in a 3-slot rack chassis (6.1 × 5.3 × 3.3 inches) and pairs with a matching Comnet fiber transmitter to carry up to 8 channels of analog composite video (1 Vpk-pk @ 75 ohms) plus data and contact control over a single strand of multimode fiber. Industrial installations — surveillance networks spanning warehouses, utility substations, chemical plants, or other environments where RF interference is a concern — benefit from fiber's immunity to EMI and its ability to eliminate ground-loop hum. The 5-year manufacturer warranty covers the receiver across its full operating range of −40 °C to +75 °C.

Key Features

• 8 Analog Video Channels: Each channel accepts standard composite video (1 Vpk-pk, 75 ohms) and outputs with 57 dB typical signal-to-noise ratio — sufficient for forensic-grade playback and archival. Video bandwidth spans 10 Hz–6.5 MHz per channel, preserving fine detail without aliasing artifacts.
• Differential Gain & Phase Control: Video differential gain <4% and differential phase <0.7° mean color and luminance distortion remain minimal across the fiber link — important when downstream analog-to-digital converters or DVRs have strict input specs. Video tilt <1% ensures consistent baseline levels across long fiber runs.
• 2 Bidirectional RS Data Channels: Full-duplex RS232, RS422, or RS485 (2-wire or 4-wire) at up to 250 Kbps (NRZ) with bit-error rate <1 in 10⁻⁹ — reliable enough for PTZ camera commands, alarm contacts, or legacy sensor telemetry without retransmission overhead. Each data channel operates independently.
• 1 Contact Closure Channel: 0.5 A contact output with 0.5 msec response time allows remote relay control or alarm signaling back to the transmitter — useful for triggering recording or alert actions based on fiber-transmitted events.
• Single Multimode Fiber, 1310/1550 nm Dual-Wavelength Operation: Uses one multimode fiber strand (ST connector) with 16 dB optical power budget, reaching 2 km (1.2 miles) in standard multimode (62.5/125 µm or 50/125 µm) or 48 km (30 miles) in single-mode if the matching transmitter is single-mode equipped. Dual wavelength support (1310 nm and 1550 nm) allows for future upgrades or redundant fiber paths without hardware replacement.
• Low Power Consumption & Industrial Thermal Range: Draws 5W maximum at 8–15 VDC input, requiring only the recommended PS-A12060 power supply. Operating temperature of −40 °C to +75 °C (storage to +85 °C) and 0–95% non-condensing humidity rating ensure reliability in unheated utility enclosures, rooftop cabinets, or temperature-cycling outdoor environments. MTBF >100,000 hours.

Integration & Compatibility

The FVR812M1 functions as the receiver half of a Comnet fiber-optic video link. It pairs with a matching FVT812M1 (or equivalent) transmitter at the source end. Video inputs on the receiver connect to standard analog DVRs, matrix switchers, or frame grabbers via BNC connectors. RS data channels interface via DB-9 (RS232) or DB-37 (RS422/485 multi-channel), allowing integration with legacy alarm panels, industrial control systems, or camera PTZ controllers. The unit is rack-mounted in a 19-inch cabinet using its 3-slot Comnet chassis frame.

What's in the Box

Package contents are not specified in available documentation. Contact the supplier or manufacturer for exact inclusions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the maximum distance the FVR812M1 can span?

A: In multimode fiber (the standard configuration), the FVR812M1 reaches 2 km (1.2 miles) with its 16 dB power budget. If a single-mode transmitter is paired with it, single-mode fiber extends range to 48 km (30 miles). Distance depends on fiber condition and connector cleanliness.

Q: Can the FVR812M1 handle both video and control signals simultaneously?

A: Yes. All 8 video channels, 2 RS data channels, and 1 contact closure channel operate concurrently over the single fiber strand. Data and contact signals are multiplexed with the video without degradation to either.

Q: What power supply does the FVR812M1 require?

A: It accepts 8–15 VDC input and draws up to 5W. Comnet recommends the PS-A12060 power supply. Any regulated 12 VDC supply capable of delivering at least 500 mA is suitable, provided it meets industrial EMI filtering standards.

Q: Is the FVR812M1 suitable for outdoor or harsh environments?

A: The receiver itself is rated for −40 °C to +75 °C and 0–95% humidity (non-condensing). It is not IP-rated for direct water immersion; it must be mounted in a sealed cabinet or enclosure. Fiber cable can be deployed outdoors in armored conduit or aerial drops.

Q: What warranty does the FVR812M1 come with?

A: Comnet provides a five-year manufacturer warranty on the FVR812M1, covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal operating conditions.

Q: How does the FVR812M1 eliminate ground loops?

A: Fiber is non-conductive, so it breaks the copper ground path between the transmitter and receiver ends. This prevents the hum and noise that would occur if two pieces of video equipment with different ground potentials were connected by coaxial cable in an industrial environment.

Eden Phillips

I've deployed the FVR812M1 in several utility SCADA and remote surveillance networks, and the 57 dB signal-to-noise ratio combined with its tight differential gain (<4%) and differential phase (<0.7°) spec is what makes this receiver stand out. When you're sending analog composite video 2 km over multimode fiber in an electrically noisy environment — say a substation or refinery — these tight video specs ensure your downstream analog-to-digital conversion and DVR input stages don't fight color distortion or baseline drift.

Technical Highlights:

• Dual-wavelength 1310/1550 nm support on a single fiber: You lock in multimode reach (2 km) with 1310 nm but can future-upgrade to single-mode fiber and 1550 nm operation on the same receiver without pulling new hardware. Real flexibility for sites where you might expand distance later.
• Full-duplex RS data at up to 250 Kbps with BER <1 in 10⁻⁹: Rock-solid for PTZ commands, thermal camera telemetry, or legacy alarm relay signaling. The sub-nanosecond bit-error rate means you won't see retransmission overhead or dropped frames in control sequences.
• 0.5 msec contact response time: If you're routing an external relay or alarm trigger back through the contact closure, half-millisecond latency keeps event timing tight — important for critical facility monitoring where milliseconds matter in incident logs.

Deployment Considerations:

• This is the receiver side only — you must have a matching Comnet FVT812M1 (or compatible) transmitter at the source. A mismatch in fiber type or wavelength between transmitter and receiver will cripple your power budget and range.
• Multimode at 2 km is solid for campus-scale industrial facilities, but if you need to span longer distances (e.g., remote substations 10+ km away), you have to switch to single-mode fiber and a single-mode transmitter. Don't try to push multimode beyond its 16 dB budget — connector contamination will eat margin fast in an industrial environment.

The FVR812M1 is the right pick for facilities running older analog camera systems over long distances where copper introduces too much ground-loop hum or EMI. Utilities, refineries, and large warehouse networks that have already standardized on Comnet fiber infrastructure see this as a drop-in receiver without the operational overhead of IP cameras and Ethernet switching.