Vanity: Needing advice/info from FReepers who are using remote outdoor video security systems.

Self | 5-26-2015 | Red_Devil 232

[Red_Devil 232]

I am looking specifically for recommendations for wireless video systems. 4 remote cameras are about all I think I might need. But would like to be able to add more if I decide I need them. I am looking to monitor my front gate and driveway and the chain link fence line around my property of one acre. I don't want to have to power the remote cameras with power from the house or run cable type connections to the cameras or into the video system in the house. I understand the remote cameras will have to be battery powered in my situation. How long will the camera battery power last? Can the camera positioning be remote controlled?

I do have a good view of most of my property during the day from inside the front of my house except the fence line on both left and right and back yard. I would like to monitor the camera views from my desk top computer. Any advice and recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Red_Devil 232

[Red_Devil 232]

I will reply to comments as I can.

[barmag25]

Do you want the cameras to be hidden or in plain sight? If there not hidden then you might want to research the cameras with a solar panel to recharge the batteries.

They may be a little pricey though.

[spel_grammer_an_punct_polise]

I am interested in doing this at my house, too. I hope to see good replies.

[BitWielder1]

I bought a cheap system with a pair of wireless cameras but I get so much interference from all the Wi-Fi in the house it's almost unusable.
Which means anyone could block it.
I also realized that if my neighbor buy a similar system, they could see through my cameras.
My next system will have to be much better, professional quality, fully wired and with battery backup.

[Red_Devil 232]

I really don’t care if the cameras are visible.

[Paladin2]

Cams seem to take about 2 to 5 watts. You’ll need a big battery or some way to microwave power over.

[Envisioning]

For later. Do wired cameras have better resolution? Better video?

[cherokee1]

You’re asking a big question and need to do your homework first. One company that I use as a reference for what is available and what it costs is: New Security Technologies. They publish a hard catalog and I bet they’d be happy to send you one.

[Red_Devil 232]

I don’t know the answer to your question.

[Paladin2]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY_fz16lPvE

[Red_Devil 232]

Thanks!

[Paladin2]

The vid above moves slow but raises awareness of system specs.

[Lurker]

I use Xfiniti Home. It’s awesome. 4 outdoor color cameras with IR night vision.

L

[ontap]

Wireless systems are inherently a lot more troublesome. If at all possible I would avoid them. I assume if one spends enough this can be over come.

[Red_Devil 232]

I tried to watch, really!

[Yosemitest]

I have a friend that sets up security systems for Banks and Hotels, and some of the best "Hides" for video cameras around small businesses, are boxes that appear to be Bird Houses on a post, or in a tree or bush.
Sometimes a small "dog house" will work for low ground coverage.

[Paladin2]

I have to keep hitting the right arrow button to move through stuff I know and his recaps.

[jonose]

The first consideration for any camera is placement and angle of view. All cameras are different. If the camera view is bad then everything else is a waste of time.

Second is water, lightning, and power surges. Even the best cameras can be killed by a thunderstorm.

The third consideration is camera monitoring/ video capturing. If you just want motion detection emails that is much simpler than capturing videos.

I have used the following:
Old PC/laptop with USB Camera and YAWCAM. USB cams allow for 720p and YAWCAM is free. This is a good inexpensive way to start with security cameras.

DCS-930L cameras. These are self contained wifi (see ebay)
they have been very reliable and have a good field of view.

BLUEIRIS monitoring software. Is inexpensive and does a good job of video capture. If the cameras are on wifi then I would install a separate router just for the cameras and
make sure that home wifi is on non overlapping channel.

PicoStation access point. For wifi outdoor use these will work over long distances up to a mile if clear line of sight.

[keving]

DLink cameras from Walmart 2 for $60 - DCS-930L and they have sound. No network info required just use the ID on the camera and follow the instructions. I would keep the cameras inside the house looking through a window or outside under a soffit. Need the low enough to reprogram after a power failure and high enough not to be unplugged. Wireless refers to a network cable not the power.. Google 2 pack d link wireless N and Walmart.

[martin_fierro]

My response is based on my experience with inside-the-house webcams intended to be accessed remotely over the Web. This may be relevant to remotely-accessible outside-the-house security cams.

In short, I wasn't able to get the webcams to work such that they could be watched remotely over the internet. I kept getting hung up on the "port forwarding" required to make the video remotely watchable. Port-forwarding may be an issue with your outside-the-house security cams, so be aware.

I'm also given to understand that as port forwarding essentially "pokes a hole" in your router's security settings to allow for constant streaming of video, its not as secure as it could be. There are horror stories out there of parents who used a similar technology for baby-monitoring webcams -- and then the webcam is hacked by some creep.