Security camera system

[1Admin]

Anyone use a camera setup to augment their security at their retreat or homestead?

We have used a combination of a couple small sets over the years, but are looking at upgrading.

For those that have systems, what have you been happy with, what haven't you been happy with, what would you do differently?

Any and all insights on this technology would be greatly appreciated.

Robert

[tired-medic]

I have used a 4 camera DVR setup and liked it. It needs an internet connection for the remote monitoring but has a lot of neat features. The brand I used is Q-SEE. the only gripe is the CMOS cameras worked great in florescent light but not so great in shaded sunlight. The night vision was good in darkness. I replaced the cameras with cheap CCD cams and had quite an improvement in video quality. Motion sensor function records and can email a pic or video to a smart phone.

I like the ability to see who is coming and going when I am away or just don't want to look out the window. May not prevent theft but gives a record of who it was. No real proof but the dogs did not alert nearly as often after we installed the cameras. As always YMMV.

[tech]

I am currently running "many" cameras. I had thought the "Q-see" would be a good idea, but it lasted about 3 weeks before the fan started screaming and the system recorder went into a bootup-shutdown loop constantly. I went back to the older 16 channel multiplexer with a time-lapse vhs recorder. No remote internet monitoring, but at least the system works!

The CCD cameras are (typically) better than the CMOS. but if possible, do a side-by-side before you buy. Don't forget to check the brilliance of the IR video as well...BIG differences there.

Biggest thing I would have done differently is to not buy the Q-See. It was only 8 channel and poor quality control, inside and out.

[rockriver]

great question and thanks

for the responses so far.

[1Admin]

Does the siamese cable suffer from "line loss" on long runs like 12 volt wiring does?

TIA

[mosby's men]

i have a system i have hooked to my cable so i can watch the security screen on channel 83 from any room in the house .
well the cable company just came out with a new box and i cant get it to take channel 83 , im not happy right now i have a few other
things to try first before i start calling the cable company to see what they can do about it .

[tech]

"Does the siamese cable suffer from "line loss" on long runs like 12 volt wiring does?"

I'm sure it does, but the system at my work is using some runs of 200 feet without noticeable signal degradation. Not sure if this helps or not, but RG59 coax is good for 750' runs, RG6 up to 1500', and RG11U is 1800'.

[Lowdown3]

Sure does, thanks Tech!

[Irish-Tech]

OK lets resurrect an old thread. What systems do you guys suggest in the $600 range. I'm looking at 4 cameras: front door, driveway, back door, back yard. if the DVR had the option for a 8 inputs that would be cool so i can get expansion in the future. the wife has finally given me a PO on getting something.

[610Alpha]

OK lets resurrect an old thread. What systems do you guys suggest in the $600 range. I'm looking at 4 cameras: front door, driveway, back door, back yard. if the DVR had the option for a 8 inputs that would be cool so i can get expansion in the future. the wife has finally given me a PO on getting something.

Begin with the end in mind. I would start by reading some buyer guides to see what all the bells and whistles are then determine your current needs and also put down future wants. No easy answers unfortunately, are there systems in this price range, yes. Do you want Night Vision or motion detection? Can you add cameras from different suppliers?

If you can't explain how it works to a 12 year old don't buy it.

http://www.apexcctv.com/CCTVBuyerGuide.aspx

http://www.samsclub.com/sams/8-cam-dvr-security-500gb-hdd/prod6790052.ip?navAction=

Hope this helps.

[rvans]

I am affilliated with a security camera business. Go to stallwatch.com. Although this system is/was initally desigend for the equine industry it has numerous other applications. The neat thing about this system is that it needs no internet connection, it only needs power. The camera stream is viewable on a computer, iphone, smart phone or ipad from anywhere in the world. A seven day loop is stored in a cloud based server. In the event you need to view an occurance you can call it up from the saved stream or have our technician do it for you. We don't sell the system, we lease it at a very reasonable cost. Check it out on line. We also have a PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) unit that can be mounted outdoors. We have one on a construction site that recently documented a late night break in.

[Irish-Tech]

Thank you gentlemen I'll check those out. That buying guide looks like my starting place.