FAQ

Absolutely we do. Our range of Cat6 Pre-Terminated CCTV cables come in Blue, and in lengths of 5m, 10m, 15m 20m, 25m and 50m from stock. No wasting time cutting, crimping and terminating cables with RJ45 plugs. No need to worry about cable pairing conventions. With these high quality leads, run between the NVR and the camera. Plug one end into the camera, the other into the NVR and that link is done.

When to Expect Your Refund:
We strive to process refunds swiftly and efficiently. Here’s how our refund process works:

1. For Returned Goods:
   • If you return an item with an authorized Return Authorization (RA) number, we’ll start the refund process once we email you to confirm the receipt, inspection, and written acceptance of the returned item, ensuring it aligns with our return policy. Signing for, and receiving returned goods does not signify acceptance and confirmation of the goods for the purpose of a refund. This only signifies that we have received the goods you have returned and that we will assess them in line with our returns policy.
2. For Cancelled Orders:
   • If your order hasn’t shipped and doesn’t involve custom-built or special order items, we’ll process your refund once we confirm in writing that your order has been cancelled as per your instructions.
3. Written Confirmation of Refunds:
   • If we confirm via written communication that a refund will be issued for any specified reason, we’ll initiate the refund process accordingly.
4. EFT Payments:
   • If you paid via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) and a refund is due, we’ll need you to provide your bank details (including your Name, BSB, and Account Number) to process the refund. The refund process begins the day after we receive your bank details.

Refund Timing:
Refunds are generally processed by us within 7-10 business days from the applicable date based on the scenarios above, however this can vary over holiday periods. It may take a few days longer for refunds returned to the credit card used to pay for the original transaction to appear on your account, depending on your bank or other financial institution. Refunds made by us via EFT will in most cases appear on the same day we process the refund, or alternatively, the next business day.

Refund Method:

• For payments made by methods other than EFT, your refund will be credited back to your original payment method.
• For payments made by EFT, upon receiving your bank details, we will process your refund via EFT.

Providing Bank Details for EFT Refunds:
To process an EFT refund, we require your bank account information. Please ensure you provide accurate details to avoid any delays in receiving your refund. We will require: : Account Name, BSB, and Account #.

Questions?
If you have any questions regarding the refund process or require assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact our customer service team. We’re here to help ensure your refund is processed smoothly.

Online via our Comms Direct website.

The simplest and fastest method is to browse through our products, select the item you wish to purchase, choose the quantity, and click on the “Add to Cart” button. Once you’re ready to complete your purchase, navigate to your shopping cart and click on the “Checkout” button. Follow the instructions to provide shipping information, select a payment method, and review your order before finalising the purchase. Major credit cards accepted include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB and others. You will receive a payment confirmation email if you pay by any method other than EFT.

Depending on which payment method you select, the charge will appear on your statement as either of:

1. SKS Distribution Australia Pty Ltd; or
2. Comms Direct SKS Aust

You will receive a separate email with your order confirmation which will provide information relating to your purchase including details of the items purchased..

Your order number will appear on the confirmation emails, and should be used in any correspondence or communications.

A Tax Invoice will automatically be sent to you upon the items being shipped.

Offline purchases

Sometimes the nature of your requirements needs a more personalised approach to order generation, billing, and fulfilment. If this is required call our sales team, and we can work through this with you and generate an invoice for payment. This process takes longer than purchasing directly online as it is a manual process.

Please note that if you simply require an invoice for payment, you can achieve this by selecting EFT as the payment method at checkout and completing the order. The system will email you a pro-forma invoice and place your order on hold pending payment. Once payment is made the order will be processed. A Tax Invoice will automatically be sent to you upon the items being shipped.

If a product is out of stock, you can request to be notified when it becomes available again by entering your email on the product page. We restock our products regularly.

Yes, you can indeed purchase our products as a private individual, even if you do not own a business. We are committed to making our range of products accessible to all our customers, regardless of whether they are buying for personal use or for a business.

However, it’s important to note that while purchasing the product is straightforward, some of our items require installation by qualified technicians and/or tradesmen to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. This is particularly true for products that are complex, require specific technical expertise for installation, or have legal stipulations regarding their installation and use. A professional installer can also assist when evaluating your requirements, and ensuring you order the right products to meet your needs.

We strongly recommend consulting with a professional installer or service provider to ensure that any installation is done safely and in accordance with all applicable standards and regulations. This approach helps in safeguarding not only the integrity of the product but also your safety and compliance with legal requirements.

If you have any queries, please feel free to contact our customer support team.

If you’ve forgotten your password, don’t worry! Resetting your password is a simple and secure process. Just follow these steps to regain access to your account:

1. Go to the password reset page by clicking on the RESET PASSWORD link below.
2. Enter the email address associated with your account in the provided field.
3. Click on the “Reset Password” button. You will receive an email with instructions on how to create a new password.
4. Open the email and follow the provided link to set up a new password. If you don’t see the email in your inbox, please check your spam or junk folder.
5. Choose a new, strong password. It’s recommended to use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols to enhance security.
6. Once your new password is set, you can use it to log in to your account.

If you encounter any issues during this process or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our customer support for help.

RESET PASSWORD

Security cameras come in various types, each designed with specific features to meet different surveillance needs. Understanding the difference between turret, bullet, PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom), varifocal, and dome cameras can help you select the right camera for your security system. Here’s a breakdown of each type:

1. Turret Cameras

Features:

• These are an excellent general use camera, and are our most popular camera type. Also known as “eyeball” cameras, turret cameras have a ball-and-socket design that allows them to rotate freely in any direction when manually adjusted.
• They provide a wide range of view adjustments without being limited by a fixed casing.
• Turret cameras typically come with built-in infrared (IR) LEDs for night vision and are less susceptible to IR reflection or glare issues because of their separate glass enclosures.

Best For:

• Areas where camera direction may need frequent adjustments.
• General indoor and outdoor use, especially in scenarios where glare from IR LEDs on dome cameras might be an issue.

2. Bullet Cameras

Features:

• Characterized by their cylindrical, bullet-like shape.
• Often designed for outdoor use with strong weatherproof casings.
• Have a fixed viewing angle and usually come with IR LEDs for night vision.
• Easier to install and direct towards a particular area due to their shape.

Best For:

• Monitoring long, straight areas like corridors, perimeter fences, and long outdoor pathways.
• Situations where a visible security presence is beneficial as a deterrent.

3. PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) Cameras

Features:

• PTZ cameras offer remote directional and zoom control, making them highly versatile.
• They can pan (move horizontally), tilt (move vertically), and zoom in on specific areas for detailed monitoring.
• Often used in surveillance systems that require active monitoring, as they can be controlled by an operator or software to follow suspicious activity. As they generally require active user intervention, they are not generally recommended for residential use in urban environments.

Best For:

• Large, open areas where active, real-time monitoring is needed to cover vast expanses or follow moving subjects, such as parking lots or city surveillance. If using PTZ with greater optical zoom, (25x, 45x), these cameras may also be useful in rural property settings.

4. Varifocal Cameras

Features:

• Equipped with varifocal lenses, allowing the focal length and thus the field of view to be manually or automatically adjusted.
• Offer flexibility in setting up the camera view, balancing between wider angles and detailed close-ups, much like a pair of binoculars in which the lens moves in and out and you adjust the dial. In this distance, the dial is electronic.
• Can be found in various camera types, including bullet and dome configurations.

Best For:

• Areas where the monitoring focus might need to be changed based on specific times or events, providing versatility without physically moving the camera.

5. Dome Cameras

Features:

• Named for their dome-shaped casing, which makes it difficult to see the camera’s direction, adding an element of uncertainty for potential intruders.
• The dome casing also protects the camera from environmental elements and vandalism.
• Often equipped with varifocal lenses and IR LEDs for night vision, suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations.

Best For:

• Situations where it’s beneficial to conceal the camera’s viewing direction, such as retail spaces, restaurants, or any public area where discreet surveillance is preferred.

Each camera type has its advantages and ideal use cases based on the specific requirements of a surveillance system, such as the need for discretion, the ability to monitor large areas, or the need for detailed viewing of specific points of interes

The weight capacity of a data cabinet can range significantly, from around 50kg for a small 4RU cabinet to over 1000kg for a robust 45RU model. To calculate what you need, sum up the weight of all equipment, including any shelves or drawers you plan to add. It’s critical to choose a cabinet that not only supports the total weight of your current equipment but also has extra capacity for any future additions.

Standard depths for data cabinets typically range from 300mm to 600mm for freestanding data cabinets., and from 600mm to 1200mm for freestanding data cabinets. To choose the right depth, consider the deepest piece of equipment you will install, including any necessary clearance for cable management, airflow, and access to the equipment’s ports and connectors. A common practice is to select a cabinet depth that exceeds the depth of your deepest equipment by at least 100mm to 200mm.

RU stands for Rack Unit, a standard measurement used to denote the height of equipment in rack-mounted systems. One RU is equivalent to 44.45mm. The right RU size for your needs depends on the total height of the equipment you plan to install in the cabinet. Sum up the height of each piece of equipment, ensuring you include extra space for ventilation, future expansion, and ease of access. For example, if your equipment totals 20RU, you might consider a 24RU or 27RU cabinet to allow for these additional factors.

Selecting the correct size data cabinet is a critical decision that affects the organization, efficiency, and scalability of your network infrastructure. Data cabinets, also known as server racks or network cabinets, come in various sizes to accommodate different amounts of IT equipment. The size of a data cabinet is typically defined by its height in Rack Units (RU or U), where 1U equals 44.45mm, and its depth in millimeters (mm). Heights can range from a compact 4U to a full-size 45U or more, with depths extending up to 1200mm to accommodate various types of equipment. Here’s how to choose the correct size data cabinet for your requirements:

1. Assess Your Equipment Size and Quantity

Begin by listing all the equipment you need to house within your data cabinet, including servers, switches, patch panels, UPS systems, and any other network devices. Start by listing all the equipment you need to house in the cabinet or rack. Include servers, network switches, UPS systems, cooling units, and any other relevant hardware. Note down the dimensions (height, width, and depth) and rack unit (U) size of each piece of equipment. The rack unit, or “U”, is a standard measurement for server height;

2. Plan for Future Expansion

Anticipate future growth to avoid the cost and hassle of replacing your cabinet when new equipment is added. It’s advisable to have at least 20-30% additional space for future needs. This extra space can accommodate additional devices, upgrades to existing equipment, or increased cable management solutions.

3. Height Consideration

Data cabinets are available in various heights, most commonly ranging from 4U to 45U. Here’s a rough guide:

• 4U to 12U: Suitable for small offices, classrooms, or home networks where only a few devices are needed.
• 18U to 22U: Good for medium-sized networks, providing enough space for several pieces of equipment and some expansion. Also used in more specialised domestic applications.
• 27U to 32U: Offers ample space for a growing network, suitable for businesses with considerable IT infrastructure.
• 42U to 45U: Standard size for most enterprise data centers, accommodating a large number of devices and future expansions.

4. Depth Requirements

Depth is equally important, especially as some modern servers and network equipment can be quite deep. Standard depths include:

• 300 to 600mm: Suitable for patch panels, smaller network switches, and other shallow equipment.
• 800mm: Offers additional room for cable management and airflow, ideal for medium-sized servers and most network equipment.
• 1000mm to 1200mm: Designed for large servers, high-density cable management, and installations requiring significant airflow. These are preferred in data centers and for hosting high-performance computing hardware.

5. Width Standards

While the standard width for equipment mounting is 19 inches (482.6mm), the overall width of the cabinet might be wider due to side panels and additional space for cable management. Ensure the chosen cabinet’s width will fit in the allocated space, including clearance for doors to open and adequate airflow.

6. Consider Ventilation and Cooling

Assess the ventilation and cooling needs of your equipment. If your gear generates a lot of heat, consider a cabinet with built-in cooling solutions, perforated doors, or space for adding external cooling systems. Ensure there is enough space around the installed equipment for air to circulate.

7. Mobility and Stability

Decide if you need a cabinet that can be easily moved (e.g., models with casters) or if a stationary cabinet meets your needs. Make sure the cabinet can support the weight of your current and anticipated equipment. Larger cabinets should have stabilization features to prevent tipping when doors are open or when partially loaded.

8. Access and Security

Think about the need for access (side panels, rear doors) and security (locks, restricted access panels). These features are crucial for maintaining and securing your equipment.

Conclusion

Choosing the right data cabinet involves understanding your current and future equipment needs, space availability, and environmental requirements. By carefully considering the size, expansion capabilities, ventilation needs, and mobility, you can select a cabinet that not only suits your immediate requirements but also accommodates future growth and changes in your IT infrastructure.

Click below to view data racks by size.

All Data Cabinets + Server Racks by Size

Hikvision, a leading provider of security products and solutions, offers a range of innovative technologies designed to enhance surveillance capabilities in various environments. Among their advanced features are DarkFighter, AcuSense, and ColorVu technologies, each developed to address specific challenges in video surveillance. Understanding the differences between these can help users select the right cameras for their security needs.

1. DarkFighter Technology

What It Is: DarkFighter technology is specifically designed to provide clear, detailed images in extremely low-light environments. Cameras equipped with DarkFighter technology can capture high-quality colored images in light conditions as low as 0.005 lux and black and white images in conditions as low as 0.001 lux.

Key Features:

• Superior low-light performance.
• High-quality colored imaging in near-darkness.
• Noise reduction capabilities to maintain image clarity.
• Wide dynamic range to handle varied light conditions.

Ideal for: Areas requiring round-the-clock monitoring with significant variations in light conditions, such as urban roads, parks, and outdoor recreational areas.

2. AcuSense Technology

What It Is: AcuSense technology utilizes advanced deep learning algorithms to distinguish between human beings, vehicles, and other moving targets, significantly reducing false alarms triggered by non-threatening movements such as animals, shadows, or rain. It also enables quick target search and retrieval from video footage.

Key Features:

• Deep learning-based motion classification.
• Accurate intrusion detection and reduced false alarms.
• Quick and easy search functionalities for incident retrieval.
• Flashing light and audio alarm on some models to deter intruders.

Ideal for: Properties looking to enhance perimeter security and reduce false alarm rates, including residential areas, warehouses, and commercial buildings.

3. ColorVu Technology

What It Is: ColorVu technology is designed to provide vivid, full-color images 24/7, even in environments with no lighting. Cameras with ColorVu are equipped with advanced lenses and high-sensitivity sensors, alongside supplemental lighting, to capture bright and clear images in total darkness.

Key Features:

• Full-color imaging, 24/7.
• Advanced lenses for enhanced light gathering.
• High-performance sensors for improved image processing.
• Supplemental lighting to illuminate dark scenes.

Ideal for: Scenarios where color information is crucial for identification and analysis, such as monitoring entrances, exits, and critical areas in residential, commercial, and industrial sites.

Comparing DarkFighter, AcuSense, and ColorVu:

• DarkFighter excels in low-light conditions, providing clear, colored images where minimal ambient light is present.
• AcuSense focuses on intelligent detection and classification of humans and vehicles, aiming to improve alarm accuracy and search efficiency.
• ColorVu ensures vivid color imaging around the clock, enhancing detail and aiding in the identification process under any lighting condition.

Each of these technologies addresses distinct challenges in surveillance, enabling users to tailor their security solutions to their specific needs. By understanding the strengths and applications of DarkFighter, AcuSense, and ColorVu, you can make informed decisions to optimize your surveillance system’s effectiveness.

To access NVR footage on your computer:

• SmartPSS Software: Download and install Dahua’s SmartPSS software on your computer. This software allows you to manage and view NVR footage easily.
• Web Interface: Enter the NVR’s IP address in a web browser on a computer connected to the same network. Log in with your credentials to view live and recorded footage.
• Direct Connection: If the NVR is connected to your network, you can map the NVR’s storage as a network drive on your computer, allowing you to directly access video files. This method requires network and sharing configuration.

To export video footage from a Dahua NVR:

• Connect a USB flash drive to the NVR.
• Access the NVR’s main menu and navigate to the “Playback” section.
• Select the camera and time frame you wish to export.
• Click the “Export” or “Backup” button, choose the video files, and then follow the on-screen instructions to save them to the USB drive.

Improving playback performance can be achieved by:

• Ensuring your NVR and client device (PC, smartphone) are on a high-speed network.
• Lowering the recording resolution and bitrate to reduce network and processing load.
• Upgrading your NVR’s HDD to a faster speed or SSD (if supported).
• Accessing recordings directly from the NVR rather than over the network, when possible.