Restored An Ant Infested CCTV Video Recorder And Adaptor – RLN8-410 & 2AAL090R
This Network Video Recorder along with its Adaptor was brought to me by a new customer through a known customer with the complaint that it was dead. Yes, indeed, the complaint was checked and confirmed. I had to pry open the Adaptor to check what went wrong in the power supply. Following is a picture of the inside, which is self-explanatory:
In many electronic devices, especially that have built-in battery, small biting ants find shelter during winter seasons when their holes in the outside compound get filled with water.
This was yet another case, where the ants had taken shelter in this Adaptor and I was wondering how the hell these found an entry into a closely fixed case! Anyhow, ants are also our agents and what they did brought this device to my table! (Ha! Ha!) Let us have a look of the adaptor after I cleaned up the mess thoroughly:
Before replacing the fuse which was found open, I checked all the components in the primary and secondary and found no defectives. Replaced the fuse and applied power to get a gleam in my eyes. Checked the output voltage and found it to be 49.33 without load. Next I turned my attention to the Video Recorder.
When I opened the top cover, I could see traces of ant infestations in it too. I also saw rust formation in one corner, probably due to some dampness. I cleaned the inside thoroughly and applied power to get another gleam in my eyes! Looked like it was a gleaming day instead of gloomy day! (LOL)
I allowed the unit to be on for quite some time, before informing the customer that I would be dropping the set in their home.
Mission accomplished with double satisfaction getting added to the bag!
This article was prepared for you by Parasuraman Subramanian from India. He is 76 years old and has more than 30 years’ experience in handling antique equipment like Valve Radio, Amps, Reel Tape Recorders and currently studying latest tech-classes conducted by Kerala State Electronics Technicians’ Association. He has done graduation in BBA degree, private diploma in Radio Engineering and retired as MD of a USA company. Presently working as Consultant to Hospital and other institutions.
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Imoudu.O
July 20, 2026 at 9:51 pm
Ants can invade any device that is not air tight sealed,most often they gain entrance into this type of adaptor through the base of the cord,thanks for sharing sir.
Parasuraman S
July 20, 2026 at 10:01 pm
Yes, indirectly they too are our order booking 'agents' (Ha! Ha!) Many thanks for your prompt comments!
Albert van Bemmelen
July 20, 2026 at 9:56 pm
Apart from cleaning and replacing the fuse this must have been a very easy repair for you! Never heard the phrase before about "getting a gleam in your eye" although I knew what glimmering was. First thinking you got something in your eyes from all those infested Ants. Luckily it was just about a momentary positive event.
Speaking about Ants...I must have killed at least already 500 of them in the last couple of months that kept pestering my strawberry plants on my balcony. But after that the last week I already killed at least about 60 Wasps that keep trying to enter in any space in the walls that is open with likely their queen already inside? I hate spraying any pesticides into my walls so for now I just use my electric fly swatter to kill as many of them I can.
Parasuraman S
July 21, 2026 at 8:11 am
Yes, very true! But checking the components in the primary and secondary, sometimes removing one leg is always a time-consuming job! The ant story is interesting to read! What are the things in the world that we kill either for food or getting rid of menace or other reasons! The list is endless! Many thanks for your expert comments and sharing interesting walks of life! (By the way "Gleam in the eye" is a phrase and it means a sparkle or expression in someone's eyes that shows excitement, amusement, mischief, or the presence of a secret, and can also figuratively indicate a plan or idea that is only in its early stages.)
Mark J
July 21, 2026 at 2:09 am
That was an easy fix. good job Parasuraman .
Parasuraman S
July 21, 2026 at 8:11 am
Many thanks, dear Mark!