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Posted: 9/4/2012 9:47:14 PM EDT
[#1]
Originally Posted By the_ak_kid:
I'm gonna tag this for future reading. I'm about to build a new house and want CCTV everywhere. I'm sure I'll have a million questions. I'm an oilfield guy. Electronics ARE NOT my thing. Great thread.  Run cables... lots of cables (predominately Cat6). Have them all terminated in a central wiring closet. Make sure you design ventilation into the wiring closet. Putting a warm-air return at the top of the closet that connects to your main air-return duct is a great idea... and an AC vent in the bottom, that you can close in the wintertime. My rack cabinet exhausts into the attic... there was no way to connect it to the main air-return. I lose heat through it in the wintertime (that I could recycle), but I also don't have a higher cooling load in the summertime... it probably balances out. Any place where you even THINK you might put a camera? Have some cable run there. We're talking corners of the house, front porch, front door, back door, garage, kids rooms, etc, etc... If you THINK you might want a camera there, go ahead and have them pull the cable. You won't regret doing this... and retrofitting later is MUCH more expensive. |
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USA
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Posted: 9/11/2012 2:16:24 AM EDT
[#2]
Originally Posted By TheGrayMan:
OK... evaluating one of these as a potential long-range license plate camera. http://www.acti.com/file/Product/images/KCM-5211E_KCM-5311E_Front_l_0727.jpg 2MP, WDR (they call it SDR), and 35x optical zoom (none of that "digital zoom" graininess). Here's a cropped license plate, from 80 yards at maximum zoom (confirmed with my Leupold laser range-finder). http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg286/TGrayman/Acti%205311E/licenseplate80yrdsday.jpg  TheGrayMan, I've been reading this thread since I am in the market for a camera. I am looking at this Acti camera to identify license plates and make/models of cars. How do you like the one you have? Would you recommend it? Anything else to add? Thanks. |
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Posted: 9/11/2012 8:13:15 AM EDT
[#3]
Originally Posted By MikeV45:
Originally Posted By TheGrayMan:
OK... evaluating one of these as a potential long-range license plate camera. http://www.acti.com/file/Product/images/KCM-5211E_KCM-5311E_Front_l_0727.jpg 2MP, WDR (they call it SDR), and 35x optical zoom (none of that "digital zoom" graininess). Here's a cropped license plate, from 80 yards at maximum zoom (confirmed with my Leupold laser range-finder). http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg286/TGrayman/Acti%205311E/licenseplate80yrdsday.jpg TheGrayMan, I've been reading this thread since I am in the market for a camera. I am looking at this Acti camera to identify license plates and make/models of cars. How do you like the one you have? Would you recommend it? Anything else to add? Thanks. Acti makes some good cameras... their latest offerings in domes are very nice. Unfortunately, they have a vaporware problem; the camera I linked above was supposed to have on-board storage. After I purchased it (it's NOT cheap), I discovered that this advertised feature didn't exist yet... they hadn't enabled it in firmware. I emailed them, and was assured that feature was imminent. That was 9-10 months ago. We're now 3-4 firmware-updates into the life of this camera, and they STILL haven't enabled it. What's more, they just consolidated their outdoor box-camera line... so they EOL'd this camera. In other words, I may NEVER get the firmware update that allows me to use the MicroSD-card storage. They advertised a BS feature, and wasted my money... naturally, this pisses me off. Here's a screen-grab, taken this very morning, from Acti's own website. Note the first screen grab? Yeah. 
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Posted: 9/11/2012 10:18:28 AM EDT
[#4]
Originally Posted By TheGrayMan: Well said, I completely agree. Given that just had to run cat6 all through my house, in the attic, the basement, etc.Originally Posted By the_ak_kid: I'm gonna tag this for future reading. I'm about to build a new house and want CCTV everywhere. I'm sure I'll have a million questions. I'm an oilfield guy. Electronics ARE NOT my thing. Great thread. Run cables... lots of cables (predominately Cat6). Have them all terminated in a central wiring closet. Make sure you design ventilation into the wiring closet. Putting a warm-air return at the top of the closet that connects to your main air-return duct is a great idea... and an AC vent in the bottom, that you can close in the wintertime. My rack cabinet exhausts into the attic... there was no way to connect it to the main air-return. I lose heat through it in the wintertime (that I could recycle), but I also don't have a higher cooling load in the summertime... it probably balances out. Any place where you even THINK you might put a camera? Have some cable run there. We're talking corners of the house, front porch, front door, back door, garage, kids rooms, etc, etc... If you THINK you might want a camera there, go ahead and have them pull the cable. You won't regret doing this... and retrofitting later is MUCH more expensive. |
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Posted: 9/11/2012 11:45:35 AM EDT
[#5]
Originally Posted By bcauz3y:
Originally Posted By TheGrayMan:
Well said, I completely agree. Given that just had to run cat6 all through my house, in the attic, the basement, etc.
Originally Posted By the_ak_kid:
I'm gonna tag this for future reading. I'm about to build a new house and want CCTV everywhere. I'm sure I'll have a million questions. I'm an oilfield guy. Electronics ARE NOT my thing. Great thread. Run cables... lots of cables (predominately Cat6). Have them all terminated in a central wiring closet. Make sure you design ventilation into the wiring closet. Putting a warm-air return at the top of the closet that connects to your main air-return duct is a great idea... and an AC vent in the bottom, that you can close in the wintertime. My rack cabinet exhausts into the attic... there was no way to connect it to the main air-return. I lose heat through it in the wintertime (that I could recycle), but I also don't have a higher cooling load in the summertime... it probably balances out. Any place where you even THINK you might put a camera? Have some cable run there. We're talking corners of the house, front porch, front door, back door, garage, kids rooms, etc, etc... If you THINK you might want a camera there, go ahead and have them pull the cable. You won't regret doing this... and retrofitting later is MUCH more expensive. *nodding* And running/pulling cable in existing construction can be a REAL pain-in-the-a** |
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Posted: 9/11/2012 2:05:14 PM EDT
[#6]
I've been keeping up-to-date on this thread over the past few months. I've wanted to install cameras throughout my house, but really didn't want to run network cable all over.
I finally came across the Foscam FI8910W, which is a wireless camera that's fully remotely controllable (300 degrees horizontally, and something like 120 degrees vertically). I installed four of them (two outside, two inside), and am so far thrilled with the results. The pan-tilt on the cameras is awesome, and the video quality is pretty good. I'm also very impressed with the night vision. In full darkness, it easily illuminates a large room. I figured outside would be a problem, but the IR illuminators seem good out to around 75 feet. That, coupled with the automatic low-light lense (switches on automatically) lets me easily visualize out to a range of 100-150 feet (or my entire 1/2 acre yard if the motion lights kick on). The remote control on the cameras can be a bit choppy depending on your internet connection and how close/strong the wifi signal to the camera is, but I expected that. There are also great android apps that give you full control over all of the cameras functions (pan, tilt, duplex audio, IR on and off, etc). My only concern is the durability and longevity of the outdoor units. This model is rated for indoor use, but there's an FAQ on their web site that says it can be used outdoors if it's sheltered from precipitation and extreme weather. They recommend mounting upside down under an overhang, which is what I did. On the plus side...all of these cameras are warrantied for 2-years, so if one craps out I'll swap it for a new one (provided it doesnt look like it fell in a lake). I bought two 2-packs directly from FOSCAM.US, which cost around $160 each (or $80/camera). I think you can also get them on Amazon, and there was a groupon (with a better price) recently. I don't want to hijack the OP's thread, so please let me know if anyone has any interest or wants sample camera pictures, and I'll IM them. |
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Posted: 9/11/2012 2:49:22 PM EDT
[#7]
Originally Posted By billyjoebob:
I've been keeping up-to-date on this thread over the past few months. I've wanted to install cameras throughout my house, but really didn't want to run network cable all over. I finally came across the Foscam FI8910W, which is a wireless camera that's fully remotely controllable (300 degrees horizontally, and something like 120 degrees vertically). I installed four of them (two outside, two inside), and am so far thrilled with the results. The pan-tilt on the cameras is awesome, and the video quality is pretty good. I'm also very impressed with the night vision. In full darkness, it easily illuminates a large room. I figured outside would be a problem, but the IR illuminators seem good out to around 75 feet. That, coupled with the automatic low-light lense (switches on automatically) lets me easily visualize out to a range of 100-150 feet (or my entire 1/2 acre yard if the motion lights kick on). The remote control on the cameras can be a bit choppy depending on your internet connection and how close/strong the wifi signal to the camera is, but I expected that. There are also great android apps that give you full control over all of the cameras functions (pan, tilt, duplex audio, IR on and off, etc). My only concern is the durability and longevity of the outdoor units. This model is rated for indoor use, but there's an FAQ on their web site that says it can be used outdoors if it's sheltered from precipitation and extreme weather. They recommend mounting upside down under an overhang, which is what I did. On the plus side...all of these cameras are warrantied for 2-years, so if one craps out I'll swap it for a new one (provided it doesnt look like it fell in a lake). I bought two 2-packs directly from FOSCAM.US, which cost around $160 each (or $80/camera). I think you can also get them on Amazon, and there was a groupon (with a better price) recently. I don't want to hijack the OP's thread, so please let me know if anyone has any interest or wants sample camera pictures, and I'll IM them. No no... This thread is for everybody. Please... if you want to post some pics of the installation, pics through the cameras, etc, then by all means feel free. I'm not selling anything, and your information might be very valuable to another poster. Have at it! |
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USA
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Posted: 9/13/2012 12:18:46 AM EDT
[Last Edit: MikeV45]
[#8]
Originally Posted By TheGrayMan:
Originally Posted By MikeV45:
Originally Posted By TheGrayMan:
OK... evaluating one of these as a potential long-range license plate camera. http://www.acti.com/file/Product/images/KCM-5211E_KCM-5311E_Front_l_0727.jpg 2MP, WDR (they call it SDR), and 35x optical zoom (none of that "digital zoom" graininess). Here's a cropped license plate, from 80 yards at maximum zoom (confirmed with my Leupold laser range-finder). TheGrayMan, I've been reading this thread since I am in the market for a camera. I am looking at this Acti camera to identify license plates and make/models of cars. How do you like the one you have? Would you recommend it? Anything else to add? Thanks. Acti makes some good cameras... their latest offerings in domes are very nice. Unfortunately, they have a vaporware problem; the camera I linked above was supposed to have on-board storage. After I purchased it (it's NOT cheap), I discovered that this advertised feature didn't exist yet... they hadn't enabled it in firmware. I emailed them, and was assured that feature was imminent. That was 9-10 months ago. We're now 3-4 firmware-updates into the life of this camera, and they STILL haven't enabled it. What's more, they just consolidated their outdoor box-camera line... so they EOL'd this camera. In other words, I may NEVER get the firmware update that allows me to use the MicroSD-card storage. They advertised a BS feature, and wasted my money... naturally, this pisses me off. Here's a screen-grab, taken this very morning, from Acti's own website. Note the first screen grab? Yeah. Thanks for the info. It sucks that Acti would do that with the firmware, especially on such an expensive camera. Sounds borderline bait-and-switch to me 
Are there any other cameras that you would recommend to capture license plates? |
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Posted: 9/14/2012 1:22:27 AM EDT
[#9]
Originally Posted By MikeV45:
Originally Posted By TheGrayMan:
Originally Posted By MikeV45:
Originally Posted By TheGrayMan:
OK... evaluating one of these as a potential long-range license plate camera. http://www.acti.com/file/Product/images/KCM-5211E_KCM-5311E_Front_l_0727.jpg 2MP, WDR (they call it SDR), and 35x optical zoom (none of that "digital zoom" graininess). Here's a cropped license plate, from 80 yards at maximum zoom (confirmed with my Leupold laser range-finder). TheGrayMan, I've been reading this thread since I am in the market for a camera. I am looking at this Acti camera to identify license plates and make/models of cars. How do you like the one you have? Would you recommend it? Anything else to add? Thanks. Acti makes some good cameras... their latest offerings in domes are very nice. Unfortunately, they have a vaporware problem; the camera I linked above was supposed to have on-board storage. After I purchased it (it's NOT cheap), I discovered that this advertised feature didn't exist yet... they hadn't enabled it in firmware. I emailed them, and was assured that feature was imminent. That was 9-10 months ago. We're now 3-4 firmware-updates into the life of this camera, and they STILL haven't enabled it. What's more, they just consolidated their outdoor box-camera line... so they EOL'd this camera. In other words, I may NEVER get the firmware update that allows me to use the MicroSD-card storage. They advertised a BS feature, and wasted my money... naturally, this pisses me off. Here's a screen-grab, taken this very morning, from Acti's own website. Note the first screen grab? Yeah. Thanks for the info. It sucks that Acti would do that with the firmware, especially on such an expensive camera. Sounds borderline bait-and-switch to me
Are there any other cameras that you would recommend to capture license plates? Not so far... haven't found an economical solution yet. License-plate cameras tend to be a highly-specialized item, and VERY expensive. |
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Posted: 9/14/2012 1:23:07 AM EDT
[#10]
BTW, will have a review on a new camera in a few days... something I'm testing:
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Posted: 9/20/2012 6:26:50 AM EDT
[#11]
So far, not that impressed with the Brickcom camera. It may LOOK like the Axis, but I had great difficulty getting it to talk to either of my access points (one a Dlink, and one a Ubiquiti Unifi). In fact, it took a firmware upgrade to enable it to talk to the Dlink... and it still won't talk to the UniFi.
Also doesn't stream that well over wifi... the stream often freezes, or doesn't come across at all. Doesn't seem to have that problem when hardwired. |
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Posted: 9/20/2012 12:46:01 PM EDT
[#12]
Originally Posted By TheGrayMan: So far, not that impressed with the Brickcom camera. It may LOOK like the Axis, but I had great difficulty getting it to talk to either of my access points (one a Dlink, and one a Ubiquiti Unifi). In fact, it took a firmware upgrade to enable it to talk to the Dlink... and it still won't talk to the UniFi. Also doesn't stream that well over wifi... the stream often freezes, or doesn't come across at all. Doesn't seem to have that problem when hardwired. Yuck! |
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Posted: 9/20/2012 11:12:41 PM EDT
[#13]
Originally Posted By billyjoebob: I've been keeping up-to-date on this thread over the past few months. I've wanted to install cameras throughout my house, but really didn't want to run network cable all over. I finally came across the Foscam FI8910W, which is a wireless camera that's fully remotely controllable (300 degrees horizontally, and something like 120 degrees vertically). I installed four of them (two outside, two inside), and am so far thrilled with the results. The pan-tilt on the cameras is awesome, and the video quality is pretty good. I'm also very impressed with the night vision. In full darkness, it easily illuminates a large room. I figured outside would be a problem, but the IR illuminators seem good out to around 75 feet. That, coupled with the automatic low-light lense (switches on automatically) lets me easily visualize out to a range of 100-150 feet (or my entire 1/2 acre yard if the motion lights kick on). The remote control on the cameras can be a bit choppy depending on your internet connection and how close/strong the wifi signal to the camera is, but I expected that. There are also great android apps that give you full control over all of the cameras functions (pan, tilt, duplex audio, IR on and off, etc). My only concern is the durability and longevity of the outdoor units. This model is rated for indoor use, but there's an FAQ on their web site that says it can be used outdoors if it's sheltered from precipitation and extreme weather. They recommend mounting upside down under an overhang, which is what I did. On the plus side...all of these cameras are warrantied for 2-years, so if one craps out I'll swap it for a new one (provided it doesnt look like it fell in a lake). I bought two 2-packs directly from FOSCAM.US, which cost around $160 each (or $80/camera). I think you can also get them on Amazon, and there was a groupon (with a better price) recently. I don't want to hijack the OP's thread, so please let me know if anyone has any interest or wants sample camera pictures, and I'll IM them. I was looking at these the other day. Do they record video or capture motion? |
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Posted: 9/21/2012 5:04:07 PM EDT
[#14]
tag.
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USA
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Posted: 10/3/2012 11:37:59 AM EDT
[Last Edit: smokenruger]
[#15]
Wow, incredible thread.
TGM, I know you haven't done an analog install in a while but I was hoping to get your thoughts on this camera and my intended use. This is an existing system I want to upgrade. I'm looking to mount it on the side of the house looking straight down covering 2 garage doors, and the cars in the driveway. Driveway is big enough to fit 4 cars in a 2x2 parking pattern. Camera is mounted approx 25' above ground. I'll get pics of the current install tonight to give you a better idea of what I'm trying to do or maybe an MS Paint today just for fun. Amazon Link ETA: Camera will be exposed to all elements. Wind, rain and snow. No cover available. |
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Posted: 10/3/2012 7:11:38 PM EDT
[#16]
Originally Posted By smokenruger:
Wow, incredible thread. TGM, I know you haven't done an analog install in a while but I was hoping to get your thoughts on this camera and my intended use. This is an existing system I want to upgrade. I'm looking to mount it on the side of the house looking straight down covering 2 garage doors, and the cars in the driveway. Driveway is big enough to fit 4 cars in a 2x2 parking pattern. Camera is mounted approx 25' above ground. I'll get pics of the current install tonight to give you a better idea of what I'm trying to do or maybe an MS Paint today just for fun. Amazon Link ETA: Camera will be exposed to all elements. Wind, rain and snow. No cover available. I have used that model camera before... it should take the elements just fine. |
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NC, USA
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Posted: 10/3/2012 8:07:11 PM EDT
[#17]
Originally Posted By TheGrayMan:
Originally Posted By smokenruger:
Wow, incredible thread. TGM, I know you haven't done an analog install in a while but I was hoping to get your thoughts on this camera and my intended use. This is an existing system I want to upgrade. I'm looking to mount it on the side of the house looking straight down covering 2 garage doors, and the cars in the driveway. Driveway is big enough to fit 4 cars in a 2x2 parking pattern. Camera is mounted approx 25' above ground. I'll get pics of the current install tonight to give you a better idea of what I'm trying to do or maybe an MS Paint today just for fun. Amazon Link ETA: Camera will be exposed to all elements. Wind, rain and snow. No cover available. I have used that model camera before... it should take the elements just fine. I have installed dozens and dozens of the CNB cameras, they do make a bracket to mount the dome so you can get a better FOV. |
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Posted: 10/4/2012 9:42:35 PM EDT
[#18]
GrayMan,
Any chance you could do a quick writeup on your server set up? I am already planning on going to the next level and would like some suggestions. |
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Posted: 10/5/2012 1:31:02 AM EDT
[#19]
Originally Posted By jake-cutter:
GrayMan, Any chance you could do a quick writeup on your server set up? I am already planning on going to the next level and would like some suggestions. Sure. My current home server is a Luxriot-based NVR. It's been running strong for about three years now (I recently had to change out the drives, after I discovered my UPS was glitchy, and killing the server once-a-week... I had disk errors out-the-wazoo). Anyway... Specs: Intel Core-2-Quad processor (Q9650) 2GB RAM (Crucial) Intel Micro-ATX MB (DG45ID) ATX power supply 3 x 2TB Seagate 5900RPM Sata-2 drives (Video storage) 1 x 60GB SSD OCZ Vertex Sata-2 drive (system drive) 2U Rackmount case (NORCO RPC-230) Intel Pro-1000 PCI-E low-profile gigabit network card Windows XP 16-channel Luxriot software 
Works great... runs a server load of 25-30% most of the time... and that's with recording probably 20 megapixels worth of network cameras 24/7. It has enough horsepower left to run a CounterStrike server for my kids. 
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Posted: 10/5/2012 8:10:25 PM EDT
[#20]
How do you have your hard drives set up, RAID or as individual drives?
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Posted: 10/6/2012 1:10:00 AM EDT
[#21]
Originally Posted By jake-cutter:
How do you have your hard drives set up, RAID or as individual drives? Individual drives... no RAID. |
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Posted: 10/6/2012 10:37:51 AM EDT
[#22]
Originally Posted By TheGrayMan:
Originally Posted By jake-cutter:
How do you have your hard drives set up, RAID or as individual drives? Individual drives... no RAID. Thanks, I am already upgrading and its only been a few months since I started. I am moving towards a rack mount server setup with a firewall, larger POE switch, server, and battery backup. I will also be using the server for other home networking and will probably go with an I3 processor and use some spare parts I already have. Been searching ebay and newegg for a switch and firewall. |
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Posted: 10/9/2012 5:03:07 PM EDT
[#23]
GrayMan,
When my power goes out (rare, but happens) my IP address changes and I have to redo the IP address on the app on my phone. What can I do to assign a static IP? |
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Posted: 10/10/2012 3:51:22 AM EDT
[Last Edit: TheGrayMan]
[#24]
Originally Posted By jake-cutter:
GrayMan, When my power goes out (rare, but happens) my IP address changes and I have to redo the IP address on the app on my phone. What can I do to assign a static IP? You'll have to get one from your ISP. I have a static IP that costs me an extra $5/mo... keeps me from having to mess with DynDNS or other methods of tracking my IP address. Even if your equipment stays energized 24/7, and is on redundant power (mine is)... you'll still get a new IP address assigned every so often. It might be six months before you get a new IP, but it will happen. Static IP is well worth the money, IMHO. |
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Posted: 10/10/2012 10:16:58 AM EDT
[#25]
How long do you generally keep your videos, assuming nothing happens? Do you have a standard length of time before deletion? (ie: "Everything is kept for one month and then deleted to open space for new video")
I imagine that keeping it for any serious length of time would eat up lost of money and storage space. Just curious, thanks.
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NC, USA
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Posted: 10/10/2012 10:37:41 AM EDT
[#26]
Originally Posted By SparticleBrane:
How long do you generally keep your videos, assuming nothing happens? Do you have a standard length of time before deletion? (ie: "Everything is kept for one month and then deleted to open space for new video") I imagine that keeping it for any serious length of time would eat up lost of money and storage space. Just curious, thanks. Most DVR's can be set for circular recording, than factor in the size of your hard drive, the number of cameras, how the cameras are recording ( event only, continous, etc) the amount of activity you have and you can record for a couple of weeks to a couple of months. Once the hard drive becomes full it starts to record over older memory. example: your dvr has thirty days of memory on day 31 it starts recording over day 1. And continues from there, it one reason i tell my customers if they have a clip they want to save they should pull it from the hard drive before its too late. |
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Posted: 10/10/2012 5:15:24 PM EDT
[#27]
Originally Posted By SaltyDog:
Originally Posted By SparticleBrane:
How long do you generally keep your videos, assuming nothing happens? Do you have a standard length of time before deletion? (ie: "Everything is kept for one month and then deleted to open space for new video") I imagine that keeping it for any serious length of time would eat up lost of money and storage space. Just curious, thanks. Most DVR's can be set for circular recording, than factor in the size of your hard drive, the number of cameras, how the cameras are recording ( event only, continous, etc) the amount of activity you have and you can record for a couple of weeks to a couple of months. Once the hard drive becomes full it starts to record over older memory. example: your dvr has thirty days of memory on day 31 it starts recording over day 1. And continues from there, it one reason i tell my customers if they have a clip they want to save they should pull it from the hard drive before its too late. +1 I use Luxriot, and it automatically over-writes the older footage. |
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Posted: 10/16/2012 12:31:50 PM EDT
[Last Edit: speedracer422]
[#28]
Not to take away from this thread, but I've been reading up on Dahua brand IP cams and NVRs on other forums and it looks like they are now being re branded by Q-see and sold at Costco.
They have a (4) 1.3 MP cam system w/ the Dahua NVR w/ built in POE switch and 1TB HD for only $699  The cams are pretty popular; ir cut filter, wide flood IR leds, nice daylight image...http://www.costco.com/Q-See-4-Channel-HD-Digital-NVR-with-1TB-Hard-Drive-and-4-HD-720p-IP-Cameras.product.100003211.html#BVRRWidgetID (Though those are 1.3 cams, you must set them all at 720P to record all 4 chans simultaneously) The Dahua stuff is making a lot of waves right now due to their price. Their policy is to only sell to other dealers to be re-branded and sold in the NA market, but a number of grey market guys have popped up, offering their OEM cams/DVRs/NVRs for low prices and their own warranties since buying grey market voids any manufacturer support  Still, $200 for a 2MP Dome camera, IP66 rated is hard to beat!The ability to buy them from an American company with established aftermarket support right at Costco seems pretty sweet  Here is a review of the cams in that kit: http://www.networkcameracritic.com/?p=882 And here is a review of their Non-POE NVR: http://www.networkcameracritic.com/?p=962 (it's the same model line as the costco one, but doesn't include the built in POE switch). ETA: those are the 6mm version with the package though. Those cameras are generally sold with the 3.6mm lenses )Here is day and nighttime video of the 6mm cams at 720P and the full 30fps recording: (click on youtube to watch them in full 720P) Day:  Night: Speed |
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Posted: 10/16/2012 9:15:17 PM EDT
[#29]
No apologies necessary... this thread is about information. As tech progresses, this stuff should steadily become cheaper.
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Posted: 10/16/2012 9:31:14 PM EDT
[#30]
Sounds like a wonderful product for the price Speed!
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Posted: 10/16/2012 9:32:08 PM EDT
[#31]
Here's a set of burglars caught on-tape. They cased the home for 13 minutes before breaking in the front door.
James Bond Gang The home they hit had unclaimed packages on the front porch (a sure sign of a vacant house), and an alarm that was disabled by simply ripping the panel off the wall. A set of emails from external cameras would have alerted the owners that somebody was snooping around, and allowed them to tip the police to the presence of the prowlers. |
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Posted: 10/18/2012 11:22:23 AM EDT
[#32]
How do you handle streaming the video offsite for security purposes? I'm trying to eliminate the possibility that thieves might find the DVR.
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Posted: 10/18/2012 11:35:24 AM EDT
[#33]
Originally Posted By TheGrayMan: A set of emails from external cameras would have alerted the owners that somebody was snooping around, and allowed them to tip the police to the presence of the prowlers. Yep, makes all of the difference. Uninvited guests:   |
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Posted: 10/18/2012 11:41:44 AM EDT
[#34]
Originally Posted By Rino451:
How do you handle streaming the video offsite for security purposes? I'm trying to eliminate the possibility that thieves might find the DVR. I FTP over wifi to an NAS at a neighbor's. I also have email notification with images, sent to my cell-phone. The cameras also record internally to Flash/SD cards. That's all in addition to the full-motion stream being recorded to the NVR. One way or another, I'm going to know what happened. Redundancy is your friend. |
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Posted: 10/18/2012 1:06:00 PM EDT
[#35]
Originally Posted By bcauz3y:
Originally Posted By TheGrayMan:
A set of emails from external cameras would have alerted the owners that somebody was snooping around, and allowed them to tip the police to the presence of the prowlers. Yep, makes all of the difference. Uninvited guests: https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IKY-GVNM-rk/UDJZizgtMwI/AAAAAAAAL2k/9V-H-eHDRXg/s1024/Image.jpg https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bpDKGXsqWFA/UBf9fAnGdJI/AAAAAAAALco/pLTlZ1fjF4A/s352/ch05.jpg Needs more land mines.
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Posted: 10/18/2012 3:52:14 PM EDT
[#36]
Originally Posted By Desert_AIP: Naw, I like my UPS guy. He brings me toys. Needs more land mines.  |
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Posted: 10/18/2012 4:03:04 PM EDT
[#37]
Originally Posted By bcauz3y:
Originally Posted By Desert_AIP:
Naw, I like my UPS guy. He brings me toys. Needs more land mines.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-N0qJcofzDIM/UIBdzh5Np2I/AAAAAAAAMR8/PUzV9XDjAZw/s1024/Image.jpg Did you ever get that telephone pole planted? 
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Posted: 10/18/2012 4:04:38 PM EDT
[#38]
Originally Posted By TheGrayMan: Originally Posted By bcauz3y: Originally Posted By Desert_AIP: Naw, I like my UPS guy. He brings me toys. Needs more land mines. https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-N0qJcofzDIM/UIBdzh5Np2I/AAAAAAAAMR8/PUzV9XDjAZw/s1024/Image.jpg Did you ever get that telephone pole planted? Actually, it is on my project list for next week!! I'm taking the week off because my dad is visiting and we always tackle a few fun projects. I can't wait. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 10/18/2012 10:58:46 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Libertyhillguy]
[#39]
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Posted: 10/19/2012 7:49:01 AM EDT
[#40]
Originally Posted By Libertyhillguy:
this may be a stupid buy what about this: Foscam I do here good things about it for the price For a cheap plastic camera, they're not bad. I set up a friend with one of those as a baby-cam, next to the crib. Bear in mind they're NOT waterproof, or vandal-resistant, or anywhere CLOSE to the advertised range on the IR.
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USA
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Posted: 10/20/2012 5:16:24 PM EDT
[#41]
How do you guys deal with motion detection notifications when you are home? I recently put a camera to monitor my garage but there is no way to easily disable motion detection when I am home and working in the garage or to re-enable it when I leave. I dont have a dvr computer setup yet so maybe the built in camera options are just too limited but is there some dvr software/hardware that can tie into an alarm system so it only sends motion notifications when the alarm is active?
Thanks! |
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Posted: 10/20/2012 5:54:23 PM EDT
[#42]
Originally Posted By BLITZKRIEG:
How do you guys deal with motion detection notifications when you are home? I recently put a camera to monitor my garage but there is no way to easily disable motion detection when I am home and working in the garage or to re-enable it when I leave. I dont have a dvr computer setup yet so maybe the built in camera options are just too limited but is there some dvr software/hardware that can tie into an alarm system so it only sends motion notifications when the alarm is active? Thanks! You could tie your home alarm into a central DVR/NVR through one of the contacts on the back. There should be a way to enable motion detection. The Mobotix cameras will also do that, through a Master/Slave relationship between the cameras. You can have one camera trigger (through a contact or I/O interface) a "Master" camera, and activate the other cameras on the network. |
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USA
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Posted: 10/21/2012 2:47:44 AM EDT
[#43]
Thank you, I didnt realize that dvr systems had input contacts on them.
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Posted: 10/21/2012 9:23:19 PM EDT
[#44]
Any recommendations for an indoor camera with built in IR for my garage? I already have 2 Acti and 1 Vivotek. I really like the user interface on the Acti and the only thing they have is the TCM-3511. Just seeing if there are any other options.
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Posted: 10/21/2012 9:29:09 PM EDT
[#45]
Originally Posted By jake-cutter:
Any recommendations for an indoor camera with built in IR for my garage? I already have 2 Acti and 1 Vivotek. I really like the user interface on the Acti and the only thing they have is the TCM-3511. Just seeing if there are any other options. I would seriously reconsider that. I always use external illuminators... none of the built-in IR cameras have a wide-enough light dispersion, and in a garage area, it will attract bugs and spiders. Just get a regular day/night Acti, and put a separate illuminator in the center of the garage ceiling. That's what I did, and the pic quality is great. I even wired my Acti to a garage-door contact, so I get an email slide-show every time the garage door is opened. Very happy with it. |
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Posted: 10/21/2012 9:42:48 PM EDT
[#46]
Originally Posted By TheGrayMan: Originally Posted By jake-cutter: Any recommendations for an indoor camera with built in IR for my garage? I already have 2 Acti and 1 Vivotek. I really like the user interface on the Acti and the only thing they have is the TCM-3511. Just seeing if there are any other options. I would seriously reconsider that. I always use external illuminators... none of the built-in IR cameras have a wide-enough light dispersion, and in a garage area, it will attract bugs and spiders. Just get a regular day/night Acti, and put a separate illuminator in the center of the garage ceiling. That's what I did, and the pic quality is great. I even wired my Acti to a garage-door contact, so I get an email slide-show every time the garage door is opened. Very happy with it. I am on this bandwagon now. |
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Posted: 10/21/2012 10:27:52 PM EDT
[#47]
Originally Posted By TheGrayMan:
Originally Posted By jake-cutter:
Any recommendations for an indoor camera with built in IR for my garage? I already have 2 Acti and 1 Vivotek. I really like the user interface on the Acti and the only thing they have is the TCM-3511. Just seeing if there are any other options. I would seriously reconsider that. I always use external illuminators... none of the built-in IR cameras have a wide-enough light dispersion, and in a garage area, it will attract bugs and spiders. Just get a regular day/night Acti, and put a separate illuminator in the center of the garage ceiling. That's what I did, and the pic quality is great. I even wired my Acti to a garage-door contact, so I get an email slide-show every time the garage door is opened. Very happy with it. Did you ever find a replacement IR dome illuminator like your old one? I don't see too many options on ebay. |
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Posted: 10/21/2012 10:49:28 PM EDT
[Last Edit: TheGrayMan]
[#48]
Originally Posted By jake-cutter:
Originally Posted By TheGrayMan:
Originally Posted By jake-cutter:
Any recommendations for an indoor camera with built in IR for my garage? I already have 2 Acti and 1 Vivotek. I really like the user interface on the Acti and the only thing they have is the TCM-3511. Just seeing if there are any other options. I would seriously reconsider that. I always use external illuminators... none of the built-in IR cameras have a wide-enough light dispersion, and in a garage area, it will attract bugs and spiders. Just get a regular day/night Acti, and put a separate illuminator in the center of the garage ceiling. That's what I did, and the pic quality is great. I even wired my Acti to a garage-door contact, so I get an email slide-show every time the garage door is opened. Very happy with it. Did you ever find a replacement IR dome illuminator like your old one? I don't see too many options on ebay. I've bought a handful of these and they seem to work pretty well. They provide area coverage about as well as the ones I was using before, but are about $20 more expensive. On the upside, the build quality seems to be significantly better than the other ones, so you may actually be getting more for your money. I haven't had them long enough to tell you anything about the durability. ETA: if you prefer amazon, I've also tried out this one. It works about as well as the one I linked above, and is available with PRIME shipping. |
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Posted: 10/23/2012 10:03:33 AM EDT
[#49]
I will reaffirm the importance of placement. We had $20k in air conditioners stolen from one of our locations last week. I installed all the cameras in the showroom, and told the store manager to call me when he was ready to order the outside camera and I would cover a couple things. He did it without calling me, put a standard outside pedestal camera, and pointed it straight down at the units. Then he ran the cable along a gutter and penetrated the wall at shoulder height. So after 10 minutes of watching a St. Louis Cardinals hat, two hoodies and a beanie steal our a/c's-they cut the cord and stole the camera.
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Posted: 10/23/2012 12:27:42 PM EDT
[#50]
Originally Posted By proto_moose:
I will reaffirm the importance of placement. We had $20k in air conditioners stolen from one of our locations last week. I installed all the cameras in the showroom, and told the store manager to call me when he was ready to order the outside camera and I would cover a couple things. He did it without calling me, put a standard outside pedestal camera, and pointed it straight down at the units. Then he ran the cable along a gutter and penetrated the wall at shoulder height. So after 10 minutes of watching a St. Louis Cardinals hat, two hoodies and a beanie steal our a/c's-they cut the cord and stole the camera. Doh... 
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