Calling all Security Camera Gurus!!!

[Boomyal]

Well, I got hit again last nite. Early November it was my garage, all spare car keys, various tools and my Suburban.<br /><br />This morning I went outside and the tailgate of my Toyota van was wide open. Apparently I left it unlocked. Missing were several dollars of coins in a console coin holder, various pen knives out of the ashtray a VCR, a DVD and a high quality bench type drill press.<br /><br />I am fit to kill. I want to hear bones breaking on these freaking meth snorting scum. They must just be out cruisin the hoods checking out any and all easy opportunity.<br /><br />I would like to get a good quality surveillance camera with digital recording. Anyone have any experience with equipment and options? It would be nice if it could be controlled by motion in the drive or have some indicator that would sense motion and leave a tab on the recording that would allow you to zero in on the footage of anyone sneaking around at nite.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Calling all Security Camera Gurus!!!

I would use your computer and either a video capture card or similar USB device. There is lots of different software available that have motion detection, and if you have broadband you could even watch it away from home on any internet connection. I use one from time to time and I have it set up so that I can watch the live video from my cell phone. I forget the name of the software that I use though...it's been a while since I fired it up.<br /><br />Wireless cameras are pretty cheap on ebay too...

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Calling all Security Camera Gurus!!!

Its ashame that a shotgun can't be added to a camera as well! jus kiddn of course. <br /><br />About 2 years ago I had some problems. I got a cheap monitor that came with two cameras. Black and White, motion sensor, disconnect alarm, and intercom for $249. I wanted 2 more cameras. Found out the price would be almost as much as the set that I bought. So I went back and the same set was down to $199. I bought another and mentioned about buying one 2 days before for $249. The cashier said to bring in the receipt and they would take off the difference. I then went out to my van and got the receipt and went to customer service. Told the person there about the set that I bought was now on sale and I want my account credited for the difference. She said no problem. I signed the slip of paper and put my copy in my pocket. Later that night I looked at the recipt,,,,,,, she gave me a $249 credit! So I got 2 monitors and 4 cameras for $199.<br /><br />Since I installed them, I haven't had any problem. I have 1 camera on the back of the house and my boat, 2 on the cars in the driveway, and 1 on the front door.<br /><br />The cameras are under my soffit out in the open. I ran tape for awhile, but haven't used the VCR for the last year or so. I have one monitor in the computer room and the other is in the recroom in the basement. Comes in handy for visitors. It scares the crap out of them when you holler at them over the intercom.<br /><br />Its not a fancy unit, but it seems to be doing its job. Good Luck!

 

[islandboat]

Re: Calling all Security Camera Gurus!!!

Try looking for an X-10 system on ebay. It's wireless and easy to install. Works with a wireless motion detector. Lots of fun options. I've got the alarm system that controls existing inside and outside lights with audio video camera at each door. It can record to a vcr if the motion detector senses something. inexpensive.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Calling all Security Camera Gurus!!!

Keep 'em coming guys. I need to get a feel for this before I leap. I do know that I don't want a video recorder. I have to have a digital recorder to get some life on the recording.

 

[RichP1269]

Re: Calling all Security Camera Gurus!!!

Check out a company called Extreme CCTV. They have a division called Whiz Kids that make a very nice security camera for a reasonable price. They are vandal proof and extremely durable.<br />You can also hook the cameras up to a DVR with a built in multiplexor to capture the images from multiple cameras.<br />The company should be able to steer you towards a local distributor ( such as ADI or Graybar ).<br />Setup is relativly easy if you have any technical knowhow.

 

[Xcusme]

Re: Calling all Security Camera Gurus!!!

Boom, that's really a bummer for sure. I've been doing a bit of camera installs lately myself. The big thing in my neck of the woods are IP cameras. They come in wired models and wireless versions. The wired versions offer the fastest response times but are harder to install (running coax etc.) The wireless versions are easier to install, but have speed issues, there's no free lunch. The up side is that you can log into your cameras from across the Web and have a peek. Of course, you'll be able to record targets in a certain area of view too, it's software controlled.<br /><br />The lower end cameras, even the IP versions usually don't have the sensitivity to low light conditions and produce grainy pictures when the sun goes down. For the best resolution, look for black and white cameras. They usually have the lowest LUX figures (sensitivity to light). They are the best to use if you plan on using an Infrared Illuminator too. If you're handy, you can make an IR illuminator using infrared LED's in the 800-940nm range. <br /><br />Software to maintain your camera(s) is abundant too. A slick piece of software is this one... Link<br /><br />If you're looking for another option, goto Ebay, look for a card like this.. Link<br />These boards can capture at 30fps across 4 inputs. As for wired cameras, I've used Sony board cameras , like these.. Link with good results. <br />Of course, I prefer to roll my own, so to speak, at setting up the hardware. Simple soldering and a small project box is all that's needed to get one of these babies up and flying. It's really no big deal.

 

[KaGee]

Re: Calling all Security Camera Gurus!!!

Maybe this will help Boomer...<br /><br />

<br /><br />Lawrence Livermore police officer Andrew Graycar demonstrates how the new Dillon Aero gatling gun swivels as police officer Chris McKaskey (right) stands guard in Livermore Thursday.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Calling all Security Camera Gurus!!!

Talk about “boys ‘n their toys” !!! What the hell does US Berkeley need with that Gatling gun?!?

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Calling all Security Camera Gurus!!!

Boom-yup – I’m kind of where you are; someone (think it is a neighbor) has started molesting the boat in the driveway. Take a look at the Toshiba IK-WB11A. It’s a wireless security camera that will integrate into your home network and is viewable over the web. I think it can also be T10/100 ethernet hardwired. Features:<br /><br />Res: user define from 160x120 to 1280x960<br /><br />Indoor/outdoor.<br /><br />Operating temp: -4 to 122F, 90% humidity<br /><br />Based on 802.11b wi-fi, WEP (but not WPA).<br /><br />Daylight/night viewing function. Auto/man switch to b/w low lux.<br /><br />Pan/Tilt/Zoom over the web. S/W included.<br /><br />Built in alarm function.<br /><br />Built in motion detection function.<br /><br />User defined motion detection area.<br /><br />Has privacy screen, if you need that.<br /><br />Vandal “resistant” cover available, optional.<br /><br />Panasonic also has similar product, not as many features. Axis Communications seems to make some really nice cameras, not cheap, but them none of the good one are. Prices from $550-$1200 or so.<br /><br />Xcusme – one of the reviews about that model Toshiba sez this wireless camera’s response time is not slow unless your internet connect is slow…duhh. Same for watching, slower connections get slower video. I presume that would be true of any over the net camera.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Calling all Security Camera Gurus!!!

Originally posted by Xcusme:<br /> The lower end cameras, even the IP versions usually don't have the sensitivity to low light conditions and produce grainy pictures when the sun goes down. For the best resolution, look for black and white cameras. They usually have the lowest LUX figures (sensitivity to light). They are the best to use if you plan on using an Infrared Illuminator too. If you're handy, you can make an IR illuminator using infrared LED's in the 800-940nm range.

The lowest lux I have found is .1 (Axis Comm camera), but I don’t know what that means. Last night I was watching some of the Toshiba cameras over the web. The camera in Mexico took about 15 to 30 seconds to respond to my pan/tilt/zoom requests. Kind of nice to be able to see real cameras working, to see what the image will really look like if purchased. I wish all of the camera manf’s would have websites like that. Here’s that Toshiba camera:<br /><br />www.camerawebpage.com<br /><br />Don’t have a clue what is needed for night viewing, how to guestimate the low lux stuff. Maybe a trip to a local security store I needed.

 

[KaGee]

Re: Calling all Security Camera Gurus!!!

Originally posted by 18R:<br /> Talk about “boys ‘n their toys” !!! What the hell does US Berkeley need with that Gatling gun?!?

Livermore has enough Plutonium stored there to make approx. 300 Nukes, that's why.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Calling all Security Camera Gurus!!!

Yeah, but even an Islamic terrorist isn't willing to go to Calif to get it.<br />

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Calling all Security Camera Gurus!!!

Well, I've certainly gotten an introduction. Thanks all. Not sure if I want to tackle it myself or consult an expert. I want to be able to see some usable detail when my property is invaded. Some kind of notification alarm would be good as well.<br /><br />Wireless would be good, infrared illumination seems a must, motion sensed recording and zoom for detail would also be nice. But there are so many variables I think it would be like learning a new career to do it right.<br /><br />I'd really like to go the extra mile to nail these slime bags. I kinda look at it as a public service. If I'm getting nailed so are countless others. I think they talk amongst themselves and relate where they have had good pickins.

 

[cpj]

Re: Calling all Security Camera Gurus!!!

Boom, the camera part is easy. You do need IR illumination to make it easier to see the scumbags faces.The recorder part is going to be the tricky (and expensive, depending on what you want)part. You get what you pay for on cameras, thats for sure. I know that you want a digital recorder, and I cant help you with that, but I do have alot of cameras that you might be interested in, including a couple of phillips cams with IR illumination built in. Post your email if you want some more info.<br /><br />EDIT: 18r just saw your post, same goes for you also.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Calling all Security Camera Gurus!!!

Originally posted by cpj:<br /> Boom, the camera part is easy. You do need IR illumination to make it easier to see the scumbags faces.The recorder part is going to be the tricky (and expensive, depending on what you want)part. You get what you pay for on cameras, thats for sure. I know that you want a digital recorder, and I cant help you with that, but I do have alot of cameras that you might be interested in, including a couple of phillips cams with IR illumination built in. Post your email if you want some more info.<br />

Thanks

 

[cpj]

Re: Calling all Security Camera Gurus!!!

Youve got mail. You can edit out your email addy if you wish.

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: Calling all Security Camera Gurus!!!

This place has a good variety to give you a feel for cost and features/options. We've ordered infrared weatherproof cameras from them in the past. http://www.supercircuits.com/ <br /><br />Hardwired cameras need 2 things, power and an RF coax cable. They pretty much all run on 12v. As CPJ said it's the recording that can get expensive and complicated. The simplist way would to be 1 camera/1 timelapse vcr or dvr. If you want multiple cameras and one recording device you need a piece of hardware in between like a multiplexer (mentioned above) or a sequencer. That's all you really need to get up and recording. If you like you can get fancy and webcast the signal or modulate it and inject it onto a TV channel for cctv viewing from any TV in your house but that isn't really necessary.<br /><br />Same crap going on around here, oxycontin junkies are burglerizing homes and shops to stay high another day. You are right, if you help catch even one you are doing everyone a service.