Wireless Home Security Systems

Neo | December 9, 2013 | Neo

[Neoliberalnot]

Soliciting advice from experts, aka, freepers in general. Subject: Hunting property security. I am looking for advice from experts here concerning some type of wireless camera, both indoor and outdoor, to provide real time observation to a remote computer, cell phone, and ipad. My goal is to see what is going at a property located a hundred miles away. I have internet service to the property but I need a way to observe what is going on inside the living area and outside. Is there a reliable wireless system out there that a freeper can recommend?

[woodbutcher1963]

IF you want a inexpensive “theft deterrent”, buy an ADT yard sign on EBAY. You can buy one for about $25.00. Plant it in the ground at the end of your driveway.

[broken_arrow1]

Ping

[Ghost of SVR4]

I should note, I opted for very “visible” cameras. I want people to know they are being recorded but there are some very cool concealed camera’s that can be had for not too much more money.

[AZLiberty]

Some things to think about:

It can’t be totally wireless, unless as you say you’re considering solar + battery. You have to have a power source.
Do you need an outdoor-capable camera, or is indoor-only OK?
Most Wi-Fi isn’t good beyond about 100 ft. Will that work, or do you need special antennas or wired ethernet?

[DanielRedfoot]

I second that

[logi_cal869]

As well, to clarify, I’ve worked with a friend that’s a security professional off & on for 20 years and have great personal knowledge & experience of a constantly-changing technological environment. I have my own system(s), but they’re getting dated and I can’t tell you what’s best re current gear/manufacturers.

I’d shoot you his way for some online consultation (or query him myself for you), but he has had some major family tragedy this past week and, due to impending legal processes, he’s not on my list this month of ‘reliable consultants’.

[Tenacious 1]

I have no expertise on the issue but can relate some feedback from a friend and landowner.

He had several trail cams set up on his property for game. He had one camera that sent still photos electronically when activated. Soon after setting them up some (3 I think) were stolen, one of which was wireless transmitting unit. He learned he had poachers on his property and got a pretty good picture of at least one perp as they approached the camera to steal it. At last check, he had not recovered the cameras but there was an arrest warrant issued as the perp was identified. He replaced the cameras with all wireless units. But he does have to recharge/replace batteries now and then.

[Faith65]

My game cameras paid off. Best investment made in a long time. Returned to my property over the summer to see there was more vandalism. Pulled the game cards to see pics of the perps, what they did, vehicle and license plate. Gave it to the cops, they were charged and the case was disposed of this fall.

[Fester Chugabrew]

hmmm.

“. . . ability to keep a lion at bay while awaiting its master to make the kill.”

[Gandalf_The_Gray]

Your system sounds like a "Swann Security System". They make good equipment and the price is reasonable. They sell bundled systems and bits and pieces. I've got a 16 camera setup which had 1/2 T-byte drive as purchased but was expandable to two 2 T-byte drives which I did myself. I've thought about remote cameras but the need for 12 VDC at the camera has always been a deal killer for me.

Regards,
GtG

[Red_Devil 232]

Looks like some formidable protection.

Beautiful Dog

[Neoliberalnot]

I hear you. I have a game camera located on the driveway.

[Sergio]

bkmk

[corlorde]

My daughter had a wireless system ADT, it was worthless. She acquired a Rhodesian Ridge-back, now that’s a protection system

I like how you think.

[trisham]

That's a Ridgeback. Like these:

[angcat]

We have a Simply Safe Security System.

[Faith65]

They are GREAT dogs!!!

[icemaniceman]

I have been using FrontPoint security which works well, it has a 50$ per month monitoring charge.

The outdoor cams are not cheap at $400 , the indoor ones are $200. They have motion sensors and store clips of video off site in cloud, you can view live too.

The system has, fire and smoke detectors, glass breakage detectors, water and freeze detectors and of course windows and door, all wireless and self install, actually pretty easy but you need to talk to agent to do it over phone during initial setup.

I have had no false alarms, based on cell phone service so you have to have cell coverage. and internet access for cam video.

http://www.frontpointsecurity.com/choose

I choose it because of the great reviews

http://www.yelp.com/biz/frontpoint-security-washington?nb=1

It can text or email you any sensor data you want, ie freeze warning. but humans will call you if there is a significant sensor trip like fire or break in and then call police or fire.

You can take the system with you if you ever move...nice
great customer service.

[Neoliberalnot]

Excellent. This is what I am talking about. Thank you very much. Wow, an impressive array of responses from the freeper brethren.

[Neoliberalnot]

Unfortunately, feeding the dog every 2 or 3 weeks won’t do it for most breeds. We only visit that often except for weekly in the warm seasons, ah, and deer season.