Support

Support for security and low-voltage systems

We provide ongoing service and support for security cameras, access control, video intercoms and networking systems in Chicago North Shore and the City of Chicago – both for systems we installed and for existing systems that need to be stabilised, repaired or upgraded.

Estimates for new projects are free, and new service clients receive a 50% discount on the first service visit within our service area for troubleshooting and diagnostics.

Request service or support View equipment & brands we work with

What “support” means in our work

A security system is not a one-time project. Networks change, tenants move in and out, hardware ages and new needs appear. Support for us is about keeping the full system healthy – not just swapping hardware when it fails.

Troubleshooting cameras and recorders that go offline or misbehave.
Adjusting camera views, motion zones and recording schedules.
Adding, removing or changing access control users, cards and fobs.
Updating video intercom directories, unit calls and call flows.
Reviewing networking and PoE when systems become unstable.
Cleaning up undocumented wiring, patch panels and low-voltage closets.

For many sites we combine scheduled maintenance with on-demand service visits so systems stay reliable without constant firefighting.

Support for systems we did not install

We are often called to fix existing systems that were installed years ago by other vendors or as one-time projects. Typical situations we see in Chicago buildings:

Cameras from multiple brands, with no documentation or login details.
Recorders that nobody can access anymore, or that overwrite important footage.
Access control panels with unknown programming and missing keys or fobs.
Intercoms that are noisy, unreliable or out of sync with real tenants.
Networks where cameras, intercoms and office devices all share one unmanaged switch and fight for bandwidth.

In these cases we start with an audit: documenting what is there, stabilising what can be stabilised and proposing realistic upgrade steps instead of forcing a full rip-and-replace on day one.

Common service scenarios we handle

Cameras & recorders

Critical cameras with no picture or washed-out night image.
NVR / DVR full, not recording or missing key dates.
Remote viewing apps that stopped working after internet or router changes.
License plate or lobby cameras that need better positioning or lenses.

Access control & intercoms

Doors that stay unlocked, do not lock on schedule or buzz randomly.
Fobs and cards that work at some doors but not others.
Residents not receiving calls from the video intercom or app.
Legacy card formats (HID Prox, iCLASS, etc.) that need a migration path to modern credentials.

Networking & power

Unstable PoE switches that reboot cameras or controllers under load.
Single points of failure with no UPS or surge protection.
Wireless links to gates or garages that drop during bad weather or due to interference.
Flat networks with no VLANs, where a single infected device can affect the entire security system.

Documentation & clean-up

Re-labelling panels, patch cords and breakers.
Creating diagrams, IP plans and user lists for future vendors and staff.
Removing abandoned hardware and cabling that confuses troubleshooting.
Writing simple run-books for building staff and management.

Brands and technologies we service

We maintain and troubleshoot systems built on a wide range of brands, including both current and legacy equipment. On the networking side this often includes Ubiquiti, enterprise switches and firewalls. For cameras, access control and intercoms we frequently work with:

We also see many legacy systems based on manufacturers such as Dahua, Hikvision and Uniview. For these we typically recommend isolated local networks with no direct internet access and a planned migration path to modern platforms.

If you are not sure which brand you have, you can attach photos of recorders, door controllers, readers or intercom panels to your message on the Contact page – we will recognise the hardware and suggest realistic options.

Service plans for buildings and businesses

For multifamily buildings, HOAs and small businesses it often makes sense to have a simple service arrangement instead of waiting until something breaks. A typical support plan might include:

Regular health checks for cameras, recorders and access control panels.
Review of recording, storage and retention settings so critical footage is not lost.
Verification of backups, UPS status and surge protection.
Review of user lists: residents, staff, vendors and guests – removing access for people who left.
Scheduled firmware updates on core components to keep systems secure and supported.

Together we design a support approach that matches your building, budget and internal processes – from “call us when needed” to proactive quarterly visits.

How a typical service visit works

1. Short intake by phone or email. You describe the problem, send photos or a short video of what you see and share any previous reports.
2. On-site diagnostics. We check devices, wiring, power and network, review logs and verify how the system is currently used.
3. Immediate stabilisation. Where possible we implement quick fixes on the first visit to restore basic functionality.
4. Written findings & options. You receive a summary of what we found, which risks remain and which repair or upgrade options make sense.
5. Follow-up work. If you approve the plan, we schedule further work, order parts if needed and keep you updated until everything is completed.

For urgent issues we do our best to prioritise critical failures, such as main entrance readers, garage gates, recorder outages or complete camera loss.

FAQ about support and service

Do you service systems installed by another company?

Yes. Many projects start with existing systems that were installed years ago by other vendors. We can audit what you have, fix urgent issues and propose a plan to stabilise and upgrade step by step.

Do you charge for estimates?

No. We offer free estimates for projects in our service area. You can describe your system and goals and we will provide a design and pricing without charge.

Is there a discount for new service clients?

Yes. New service clients receive a 50% discount on the first service visit within our service area, for troubleshooting and diagnostics of existing systems.

Which areas do you cover?

We primarily serve Chicago North Shore (Winnetka, Wilmette, Evanston, Glencoe, Glenview and nearby suburbs) and selected neighbourhoods in the City of Chicago. For larger projects we may travel further – just mention the address in your request.

Can you work on older brands like Dahua or Hikvision?

Yes. We regularly service legacy systems based on Dahua, Hikvision and similar brands. In most cases we recommend isolating these systems from the internet and planning a migration to more modern platforms over time.

Do you offer after-hours or emergency support?

For multi-building clients and critical facilities we can discuss extended support options and response expectations. For standard sites we schedule visits during normal working hours with priority given to security-critical issues.

Can you document our existing system for insurance or compliance?

Yes. As part of an audit or service engagement we can produce diagrams, device lists and configuration summaries that help with insurance requirements, lender questions or internal policies.

How do we get started?

Use the Contact page, describe the issue in plain language and attach any photos of panels, equipment rooms or error messages. We will reply with next steps and an estimate for the first visit.

Need help with a system that is not working the way it should?

Whether your problem is a single camera, a buzzing door strike, an unstable NVR or a full building that needs a fresh look, we can help you stabilise what you have and plan realistic upgrades.

Estimates are free, and new service clients receive 50% off the first service visit.

Request service visit Check supported brands & devices