|
|
Monitors 101
Monitor Noise: Why do you hear static? The two main causes of static are due to weak signal and/or interference. Read below to find out common causes for weak signal/interference and prevention suggestions. Weak Signal – think of your AM/FM radio in your car, the further you drive from the city or radio station transmitter, the weaker the signal. So the further the parent unit is from the nursery unit, the greater the chances for static. Also, read your product instructions for maximum range – this is the best case tested range, but will be affected or reduced by interference. Interference – there are many things that disrupt your monitor’s reception. Below is a list of common causes of interference and prevention suggestions. - Background Noise: Your monitor’s job is to pick up sounds in the nursery – this includes background noise that may not be static.
- Channels:
- The monitors allow you to manually change channels. On Analog monitors, make sure you change the channel on both the parent and nursery units. On Digital monitors, you only need to change the channel on the nursery unit.
- Ask your neighbor if they are using a baby monitor. You may have to change channels to avoid interference with their monitor.
- Try changing channels on other wireless equipment in your home (WiFi modems and routers). - Other Electronics: Lots of signals are being transmitted at the same frequency as your monitor, which will cause interference.
- Analog monitors operate at 49Mhz and 900Mhz, similar to AM/FM radios and some cordless phones.
- Digital monitors operate at 900Mhz and 2.4Ghz, which also supports some cordless telephones, WiFi, Bluetooth, microwave ovens and other wireless devices.
- Try turning off other electronics and wireless devices one at a time to see which device may be interfering.
- Keep your cell phones away from both the parent and nursery unit. - Batteries:
- Low batteries or dead batteries cause interference.
- Make sure both nursery and parent units batteries are charged. - Construction/Furniture/Plants:
- Signals can be weakened or blocked by construction materials in your home (metal studs, wire mesh for stucco, plumbing or A/C ducts, etc.).
- Avoid placing your nursery and parent units on metal objects, this also causes a weak-signal condition.
- Even non-metal items can interfere – Did you know long needles on some pine trees are the perfect length to absorb 900Mhz signals – like a Christmas tree? - Motors: Motors will cause interference.
- This includes washer, dryer, vacuum cleaner, ceiling fans, humidifiers, air filter, dish washers, treadmill, furnace, kitchen appliances, and refrigerators. - Sun:
- The FCC requires radio stations to reduce power output at night to keep them from interfering with each other after the sun goes down.
- Energy from the sun will increase background noise on analog monitors and cause weak signal conditions for digital monitors.
- Lightning storms can cause interference.
Privacy: Not all monitors are private. There are two types of monitors – analog and digital. Read below to understand the difference between the two technologies. - Analog – simple, continuous sound transmission at a fixed frequency. Note, some video monitors are analog, so both the audio and video signals will NOT be secure.
- Digital – clear, secure connection that offers privacy and virtually eliminates static and interference.
Batteries: Understanding rechargeable vs. non-rechargeable. There are two types of batteries – rechargeable and non-rechargeable. Read below to learn how to optimize the performance of your batteries. - Rechargeable Batteries:
• First use – charge the rechargeable batteries for at least 16 hours before first use. Parent units should be able to run 8-10 hours before needing a recharge.
• Battery lifespan:
- Rechargeable batteries have a limited number of times they can be charged.
- The battery storage capacity diminishes over time, so the batteries will not hold a charge as long over the life of the battery.
- Battery should last about 2-3 years. - Non-rechargeable batteries:
• Do NOT mix old and new batteries.
• Check or replace backup batteries on nursery units periodically (just like you should check the batteries on your smoke alarms regularly).
Note: Nursery units are constantly transmitting a signal when they are ON, which will use up battery life if they are not plugged into AC power.
Important Walmart Disclaimer: All content, including but not limited to, recipe and
health information provided in In Stores Now, is for educational purposes only. Such content is
intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional.
Such content does not cover all possible side effects of any new or different health program.
Consult your medical professional for guidance before changing or undertaking a new diet or exercise program.
Advance consultation with your physician is particularly important if you are under eighteen (18) years old,
pregnant, nursing, or have health problems.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or allergies, always read the ingredient list carefully for all food
products prior to consumption. Allergens and their derivatives can have various names and may be present
in some food brands but not others. If the ingredient list is not available on the food product, check
with the food manufacturer, or do not consume the product. If you have a food allergy, speak to your
physician and/or a registered dietitian for a comprehensive list of foods and their derivatives to avoid
prior to using any recipe from Walmart.com. Neither the author nor Walmart.com assumes any responsibility
for errors, omissions or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein.
Product information is provided by the supplier or manufacturer of the product and should not be construed as
advice. Walmart does not sponsor, recommend or endorse any third party, product, service or information
provided on this site.
|
|
