Self Contained Security Cameras

[multiweb]

I'm considering buying some of these (http://www.absoluteautomation.com/dakotaalert/mini-dvr/index.html) . I don't want to go through a whole wiring/set-up in the house with recording equipment. This sounds simple enough, mobile and self-contained. Records locally and doesn't rely on external power, just got to change the batteries. Does anybody have experience with security cameras and the self-contained type in particular? Good enough, no good, forget it? Would love some pointers. Thanks in advance. :thumbsup:

[mswhin63]

I wouldn't install them outside, look nifty, but would be concern about resolution for security purposes you would need to at least get some detail. Then you would need to pull them down everytime you wanted to download or remove the SD card.

I feel personally this as being a novelty item, and most novelty items are usually discarded. Maybe not too much installation needed but too much maintence required.

[Jeeps]

It depends on how much you want to spend and what the purpose is for but i run 5 of these listed below at different locations including one at my residence. I get approx 4-6 days of 24/hr recording with 8 cameras attached.

http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=QV3044&CATID=13&form=CAT&SUBCATID=451

I have had multiple smaller, discreet cameras vandalised and/or stolen whereas a big chunky 'in your face' camera is far more valuable as a deterrant as it shows you mean business. As soon as the big cameras went up almost all incidents ceased.

It's not cheap, but usually trying to catch someone after the fact is a lot harder than deterring them in the first place - especially when lower image quality cameras are used.

cheers

[multiweb]

Thanks a lot so far. Very good info there. So, Sam, you reckon the small stuff is not the way to go hey? You need to show you mean business. Very interesting. This JayCar system you linked too is the receiver unit correct? You need to take it slow with me. I know zip about CCTV and all that stuff. How are the cameras linked to it? Wirelessly? Also does it have its own internal network capability or you need a separate router with DHCP to run it? Looks complicated and high-end.

I have a 2 storey home so the camera mounting brackets would be right on the wall under the eaves, high enough to be off reach and out of the weather.

[mswhin63]

With the initial system you were considering once it is stolen so is the recording. I used to work for in the day Maxpro in the early days and used to maintain the Perth CBD camera system and you wouldn't believe what people do and don't care if they are viewed while commiting the act.

I also worked for the Railway's and maintained the security system for the train stations as well. I also collected the video footage for the police and again you wouldn't believe what they do even if they see a camera.

Second floor cameras would need extra resolution to capture details from a distance, You would need higher resolution especially if you still require wide angle coverage.

[snowyskiesau]

Hi Marc,

I've got some wireless cameras sitting here doing nothing, you're welcome to them if they're of any use
There's 2 minicameras for indoor use and one IR outdoor camera plus a receiver unit that connects to your PC or other recording device.

[tlgerdes]

People might get paranoid and think you are planning on spying on them. ;)

[multiweb]

Wahh... unbelievable! I'm really starting to think if it's worth getting any then. :question:

Thanks a lot Geoff :thumbsup: But TBH I don't even know what I'm going to do at this stage. Testing the waters.



There's that too. Apparently you cannot have neighbourghs backyard within your FOV.

[mswhin63]

I personally wouldn't use wireless cameras now as you can buy small handheld monitors to view every camera around the house. No wireless camera is coded to prevent this from happening.

Wired is the best way.

[mswhin63]

Only way to quickly convict a person without hte need for personal court evidence. There are still people that are scared of them so they are still a good option.

It is possible the public places I mentioned are targeted for those that want to get arrested. Many crims like prisons for a free feed and luxuries.

[multiweb]

Thanks for all the info Malcolm. Priceless. :thumbsup: I'm going to do my homework and take on board all what you guys said. Sounds like there's no shortcuts and I'd rather do it right and only one.

[AdrianF]

Have a look in IIS classifieds there is a set in there.

Adrian

Ignore this post I was a bit late.

[Jeeps]

Yes that's the receiver/recorder. It has a built in hard drive and internet capabilities. You still need a camera, and the cable to go back to the receiver.

Jaycar provides pre-wired cable which i've found to be very good quality. It has 3 plugs - one for the video signal, one for the 12v power and one for audio. Some camera have built in audio and they all use about 1-300 milliamps at 12 volt so you can use simple power adapters from jaycar or dicksmith to power them. The cable has a male power plug on one end (to plug into camera) and a female on the other (power plug). The same applies for the BNC video (the receiver/recorder has BNC plugs on the back) and RCA audio plugs.

I use some jaycar cameras and cameras they don't sell anymore for my systems. I use these colour domes for indoor areas. They're less than$100 and surprisingly good:

http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=QC8616&CATID=13&form=CAT&SUBCATID=547


Vandalproof domes for under eaves and such where they are in reach:

http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=QC3293&CATID=13&form=CAT&SUBCATID=547

Something similar to this for outside dark areas:

http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=QC8612&CATID=13&form=CAT&SUBCATID=547

I have some of these for long range use in the pitch black for driveways and areas i need to regos and faces. They glow a dim red colour and people notice them but anything within 50-100metres is lit up in the pitch black:

http://image.made-in-china.com/2f0j00CBdENqyFivkP/Surveillance-Infrared-Waterproof-CCTV-Camera-NO-8803-.jpg


I know it's a lot of money, but i started with the receiver and 1 camera at home and just add another camera one at a time to any areas i think need them. Wired is definately the way to go. You can leave the receiver in the roof cavity, under the house etc hidden somewhere and use a wireless AV sender to send the signal to your TV if you like, but that's not fully secure - works ok in you're on acreage.

About 3 weeks ago i was outside at 1am with my dob doing some neb hunting and i heard some voices and whispering. I'm on acreage so there shouldn't be anyone around, particularly at 1am on a monday morning. It was pitch black and i couldn't see anything so i quietly went inside, turned on the telly and had a scan around the property and sure enough there were two fellas walking up and down the road. I went out with a torch and lit them up and they decided to leave. It turns out they were simply teenagers visiting some mates down the road.

I have no reason to have a CCTV system at home, except for the reason that i deal with them daily at work and i bought half a dozen systems for work so i got them quite cheap so i got another one for me ;)

cheers

[multiweb]

Thanks Sam. I'll go to JayCar this week and have a peek. :thumbsup:

[jenchris]

I have a couple of small cameras inside the house pointing at the windows.
They're 400 line colour cmos and you can recognise someone about 20 metres away
They aren't wired in, they're a deterrent - but I can wire them if I feel like it
I have one low light camera (.05lux) which I will wire in. Same 400 line system with sound - when I am not around - on holiday etc.
Accessible by Web.

[mswhin63]

Careful of IR LED cameas if you are into AP in the Backyard as it will be worse than light pollution especially if you capture any IR.

[kinetic]

Marc,

another option I can suggest is webcam(s) and a cheap logging
and motion detect software running 24/7.

I've done this recently and after a bit of tweaking of the
motion detect sensitivity it works well.

Limitations are obviously:
- you need a rock solid pc that won't crash
- a nice large HD,
- limited with distances from pc to webcam (but you can network them over a hub)....

but the benefits are that it has a time stamp, can be uploaded to a
URL on motion detect or run an app.

Here's a good start for software...works very well.
http://ispy.developerinabox.com/

As far as hard wired video cameras and a multi-cam head end (a multiplexer),
I have also done that too.
I good start would be the Jaycar setups suggested so far by Sam.

The cameras are the key to good footage for criminal evidence.
Again, good cameras suggested so far by Sam.
My only other suggestion in regards to the darker driveways where
IR cameras seem the only solution.....use sensor lights to bathe
the area in good light...a daylight colour camera works well and shows
skin colour, clothing, features, car colours/ number plates etc better than an IR camera at night.

FWIW.

Steve

[mswhin63]

That is interesting idea using Webcams, I just received an email from one of my suppliers regarding a new USB interconnecting cable that can extend wired USB up to 50 metres. This means only a single cable instead of power and video.

I dont know what these USB cables are like but they are bought in certain lengths and daisy chained for maxium length. I would need to check more about them to see if there is any catches.

[multiweb]

Thanks again guys. So much info. I need to get my head around all this now and start understanding the technology. So many choices but you've definitely pointed out potential pitfalls and given me a lot to think about. :thumbsup: