Security camera installation ... suggestions?

[John T]

I'm just talking out loud

More than likely I will buy two more HD cameras

Life is short

 

[Beemer533]

This system uses cat5 cables for the cameras

No separate power needed...

The additional cams are 250 each

I could use two more

But don't really want to spend another 500

I am wondering if they make an adapter from Bbc to cat5

Then I can buy a couple cheaper cameras

I think these cameras are rebranded Hikvision cameras, which are only $150 or so... You may want to do some research and see if the Hikvision cameras will work with your Swann NVR...

What do you mean by "Bbc to cat5" adapter? For POE power, the camera has to be an IP camera that uses POE...

 

[John T]

Sorry
I meant BNC

 

[Wuaname]

Noob question...

I am guessing the answer is yes, but you never know. Is there a security system that I would be able to log into from a remote laptop or iphone and check up on things when I am traveling? Aside, from it's normal daily functions of monitoring....

 

[John T]

Yes absolutely.

 

[Beemer533]

Sorry
I meant BNC

Ahh, that makes sense.. Well there are adapters like that, but they cannot be used for IP/POE applications.

They are converters (balun) for strictly a video signal. Basically they allow you to convert from coax to CAT5e.

Noob question...

I am guessing the answer is yes, but you never know. Is there a security system that I would be able to log into from a remote laptop or iphone and check up on things when I am traveling? Aside, from it's normal daily functions of monitoring....

I would say that pretty much any IP camera based system will have this. Even the newer analog style systems will have a provision for remote capabilities.

 

[spotco2]

I think these cameras are rebranded Hikvision cameras, which are only $150 or so... You may want to do some research and see if the Hikvision cameras will work with your Swann NVR...

What do you mean by "Bbc to cat5" adapter? For POE power, the camera has to be an IP camera that uses POE...

Correct they are Hikvision DS-2CD2032-I that are rebranded for Swann. Excellent cameras and can actually be purchased for less if you buy direct from China.

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/pro...P-IR-ip-camera-support/638300_1397052584.html

Reputable seller that you don't have to be afraid to order from. Just specify what lens you want (4, 6 & 12mm are available usually) and specify that you want the English firmware.

There are actually no real distributors in the US for Hikvision that I know of. They sell direct from China to service providers and installers and not to retailers.

 

[American]

What happens if one pukes on ya? I understand that $89 delivered compared to $130+ compensates for a few dying but still.... just a question.

Distributors for North America: http://www.hikvision.com/en/us/distributionPartner-india.asp?cid=17 but... these are warehouse distributors, not retailers.

So if you go to say.. .Nellys: http://www.nellyssecurity.com/cameras/hi-def-cameras/ip-cameras/3-mp/hikvision-ds-2cd2032-i.html

Then they offer a 3 year warranty, which I'm betting is internal AND for $168 they can afford to do that as I bet they pay less than $89 ea for these.


How about some info about going with 6mm or 12mm vs the 'stock' 4mm lenses? Field of view or ??

 

[Beemer533]

What happens if one pukes on ya? I understand that $89 delivered compared to $130+ compensates for a few dying but still.... just a question.

Distributors for North America: http://www.hikvision.com/en/us/distributionPartner-india.asp?cid=17 but... these are warehouse distributors, not retailers.

So if you go to say.. .Nellys: http://www.nellyssecurity.com/cameras/hi-def-cameras/ip-cameras/3-mp/hikvision-ds-2cd2032-i.html

Then they offer a 3 year warranty, which I'm betting is internal AND for $168 they can afford to do that as I bet they pay less than $89 ea for these.


How about some info about going with 6mm or 12mm vs the 'stock' 4mm lenses? Field of view or ??

I bought my first couple from Amazon, but if you want warranty and support, I bought most of my stuff (cameras, NVR) from LTS Security.

I found them through ipcamtalk.com.

They are an OEM for Hikvision and sell rebranded Hikvision with full warranty support.


Here is a really good place to start as far as camera lenses and FOV..

http://www.ipcamtalk.com/showthread.php?331-Camera-Lens-Reference-Diagram

 

[JT-3]

Been using the Q-see system from HD online. I mounted the DVR system in a hidden location, away from the TV and electronics.

Works good, caught the neighbor kid stealing my pumpkin.

 

[American]

Black Friday deal, just ordered this for my office from Office Depot:

http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/701160/Night-Owl-NVR7P-441-4-Channel/

$649 everywhere else, on for $399 today. 4 x IP 720P IR cameras with a 1TB NVR.

Figured for the office it would be perfect.

 

[kamlung]

sorry for the newbie question... is there a difference in the end result of DVR vs NVR? I would like the ease of PoE as I can easily fish cat5/5e/6 through my attic... but essentially I just need some basic recording for the front and back of my garage...

some of the packages offered by Costco or previously mentioned in this thread will probably be sufficient to my needs where I can hopefully keep it under $500?

is there a system that is expandable to accept a wireless camera? I have one corner where running wiring might not work.

 

[Beemer533]

The primary difference is that an NVR is typically just on a network connected to IP cameras. There are hybrid models that can also accept the analog type like would be connected to a DVR..
In the end they are both recording video primarily..

If you want to use IP cameras, you really just need an NVR.

$500 is borderline for a couple of decent cameras like say Hikvision (3mp) and a POE NVR..

I bought a $90 NVR just to hook up to my main TV to view the camera's, so you can get them fairly cheap. It is quite limited though, compared to my main one, which is installed too far from my TV to bother running an HDMI cable..

I also didn't bother putting a HD in it.. So that made it cheaper.
I can get some links when I get to my pc..

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[kamlung]

The primary difference is that an NVR is typically just on a network connected to IP cameras. There are hybrid models that can also accept the analog type like would be connected to a DVR..
In the end they are both recording video primarily..

If you want to use IP cameras, you really just need an NVR.

$500 is borderline for a couple of decent cameras like say Hikvision (3mp) and a POE NVR..

I bought a $90 NVR just to hook up to my main TV to view the cameras; my main NVR is to far to bother running an HDMI cable..

I can get some links when I get to my pc..

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thanks mate... I think an NVR is what I need then... I currently have 1 IP Camera (Foscam) working as a baby monitor... but it is only a live feed with no recording capabilities... I don't plan to connect the foscam to the NVR...

any links to complete systems would be greatly appreciated.

cheers

 

[Beemer533]

No problem, I'd do it now, but it is kind of a pain on the phone..

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[American]

If you want to venture over to http://www.ipcamtalk.com signup and then PM the user 'milkisbad' (http://www.ltsecurityinc.com) he can hook you up with some pretty good Hikvision pricing.

 

[Beemer533]

Yeah, he is where I bought almost all off my parts from, other than HDD, POE switch and extra NVR.

http://wrightwoodsurveillance.com/ is where I got my extra NVR...

I'll put some links up shortly for specific parts...

 

[Beemer533]

Kamlung, I know you wanted links to complete systems, but here is a post I made earlier in the thread that links to my current system...

For a cheaper setup:

Here is a nice 4 port POE switch (this was the first one I used, but I needed more than 4 ports eventually, so I bought the Netgear below)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003CFATT2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

This is the $99 NVR I got for my TV.. not sure if it still available, but it does work fine, if a little basic..
http://www.nellyssecurity.com/eyesu...nel-1080p-hi-def-mini-nvr-for-ip-cameras.html

3MP 4mm bullet; you can save a little with the 1.3MP, but IMO, not enough to bother...
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G7GMEOG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

WD 3TB Purple drive:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IMPO5N8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

The Items above add up to roughly $390. not bad at all. You can also add up to 3 more cameras if needed.

I can't personally recommend any packages as I have only put mine systems together from scratch, but here are a couple places to start;

http://www.nellyssecurity.com/custom-systems-packages.html

Here is the cheapest 3MP package they carry using Hikvision cameras and NVR (note that for this price you still need to buy a hard drive!)
http://www.nellyssecurity.com/custo...n-3mp-bullet-dome-ip-surveillance-system.html

Obviously, there are tons of other options out there...

You can get some really cheap packages but you usually get what you pay for..

Take a look at my post #89 for a really good place to start....

For some other packages, American linked to one a few posts ago for a good price...

Not sure where you are in your purchase decision, but this is what I am using :

3 MP IP POE powered cameras
Hikvision DS-2CD2032-I

Hikvision DS-2CD2132-I

For POE power I prefer to have a separate poe switch like this;
POE switch

But you can get an NVR with built in POE if you want to keep the networking work to a minimum : http://wrightwoodsurveillance.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=67&products_id=380

I use a similar model just without without POE built in: http://www.hikvision.com/en/Products_show.asp?id=6489&showid=1

Note that if you stick with all Hikvision cameras you can use their free NVR software on a PC. It is a cheaper option than a standalone NVR, but depending on the number of cameras, you will need a pretty strong PC to be able to record at the higher resolutions.

WD purple 3tb

Screen capture from the free app that you can use with the NVR. This one is from my Galaxy note 10.1. Keep in mind this isn't the full resolution that I record at, this is just for mobile monitoring.

 

[kamlung]

American - thanks, i signed up and msged him but it looks like he is out on vacation until the first week of Dec... i'll wait to hear back from him...

Beemer - thanks so much for the links... i'll have a look... i am more than happy to piece a setup together since i need 1 to 2 cameras in the short term, and plan to expand the system once i can afford more cameras...

i was thinking perhaps an 8 channel NVR that i can store close to the router in my media cabinet... then run a line from the router to a 8 ch PoE switch where the cameras will plug into? am i missing anything?

 

[Beemer533]

American - thanks, i signed up and msged him but it looks like he is out on vacation until the first week of Dec... i'll wait to hear back from him...

Beemer - thanks so much for the links... i'll have a look... i am more than happy to piece a setup together since i need 1 to 2 cameras in the short term, and plan to expand the system once i can afford more cameras...

i was thinking perhaps an 8 channel NVR that i can store close to the router in my media cabinet... then run a line from the router to a 8 ch PoE switch where the cameras will plug into? am i missing anything?

Frankie helped me out a lot, he will definitely point you in the right direction.

Your approach will work fine; the only change then I would recommend is going with the 8 port Netgear POE switch I linked to instead of the cheaper 4 port TPlink one..

The netgear is better for a couple reasons : most obvious it that it has 8 POE ports vs 4.
The primary benefit for IP camera use is that in addition to the 8 fast ethernet POE ports, it has 2 gigabit uplink ports (with a couple SFP modules, these allow you to connect fibers well..) to connect to your network. Each camera doesn't need more than a 100m connection, but all together they can swamp a network so the gigabit uplink is perfect. The second gigabit port should be used to connect room your NVR.
The last benefit is minimal, depending on your particular network needs: the switch is a smart switch that allows setting up vlans and other things like QoS to help with network efficiency.

Basically your router plugs into one of the uplink ports, the NVR plugs into the Other and all the camera's plug into the POE ports.

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[Beemer533]

FYI, for those looking into putting a system together, the Hikvision DS-2CD2032-I 3mp bullet is now $115!
Note that this is for the version with the 4mm lens (this is the widest angle Hikvision offers)

Really good price... I have 3 of these and they work really well.

 

[ADCS]

I bought my cameras from this seller on Aliexpress. Good prices and comes with English firmware. The free shipping takes 1-2 weeks and DHL shipping takes a few days.

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/638300

 

[Beemer533]

Definitely a good price, but personally, I would rather spend a few more dollars and be able to get support if needed..

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[eastbaysubaru]

Frankie helped me out a lot, he will definitely point you in the right direction.

Your approach will work fine; the only change then I would recommend is going with the 8 port Netgear POE switch I linked to instead of the cheaper 4 port TPlink one..

The netgear is better for a couple reasons : most obvious it that it has 8 POE ports vs 4.
The primary benefit for IP camera use is that in addition to the 8 fast ethernet POE ports, it has 2 gigabit uplink ports (with a couple SFP modules, these allow you to connect fibers well..) to connect to your network. Each camera doesn't need more than a 100m connection, but all together they can swamp a network so the gigabit uplink is perfect. The second gigabit port should be used to connect room your NVR.
The last benefit is minimal, depending on your particular network needs: the switch is a smart switch that allows setting up vlans and other things like QoS to help with network efficiency.

Basically your router plugs into one of the uplink ports, the NVR plugs into the Other and all the camera's plug into the POE ports.

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Which Netgear POE switch would you recommend? There seem to be a number of them on Amazon and it seems they vary greatly in their feature-sets.

-Brian

 

[CamarosRus]

Anybody reading this thread have a contact person in Seattle/Tacoma WA who can install
or at least baby sit the tech side of a residential/shop installation.

I would buy equip from the above misc vendors, but I'm not experienced or competent
to set up the computer side after doing the misc install of cameras, wiring, etc

Please text 206-226-6465 or Email [email protected]

 

[Ross/Kzoo]

On Thanksgiving I gave my 15 YO grandson all the gear and one camera and asked him if he could set up the IT part and I would give him some Christmas money.

 

[Beemer533]

Which Netgear POE switch would you recommend? There seem to be a number of them on Amazon and it seems they vary greatly in their feature-sets.

-Brian

How many POE ports do you need? And do you need any management features, like in a "smart" switch..(eg, QOS, vlan, etc) ?

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[rockcrawler]

I've been looking around at some systems for my girlfriend's house but she has a two story. There is no crawl space between floors so I cannot run wires in the wall or ceiling/attic. Is there any way to run a wired system in a two story house? Is a wireless system my only option? If so, how bad is the video with these systems and is it even worth it? It will only need maybe three to four cameras, but if the video is not good I don't see the point.

 

[Ross/Kzoo]

I've been looking around at some systems for my girlfriend's house but she has a two story. There is no crawl space between floors so I cannot run wires in the wall or ceiling/attic. Is there any way to run a wired system in a two story house? Is a wireless system my only option? If so, how bad is the video with these systems and is it even worth it? It will only need maybe three to four cameras, but if the video is not good I don't see the point.

Couldn't you get to the attic and drop down to 2nd story?

 

[rockcrawler]

Couldn't you get to the attic and drop down to 2nd story?

There is no attic above the front or back doors. The second floor is the only thing above both. There is a small section of attic above part of the second floor, but not much. The only way I could even think of running wire would be to run it on the exterior of the house and drill in from the outside. Not something I'd be interested in doing.

 

[Ross/Kzoo]

That's a tough one!

 

[d0n]

You can get a decent 4 cam system from ebay with 500gb DVR for around $150 shipped. No, it won't be top quality but it will protect you and your property quite well for a small investment. I've been using a 4 cam cheapo system for 5 years and find it perfectly adequate. I did add a sony evi-d70 PTZ cam in a heated dome on the front top of my house. I can zoom in on a license plate 1/8 mile away and read it easily.

 

[Beemer533]

There is no attic above the front or back doors. The second floor is the only thing above both. There is a small section of attic above part of the second floor, but not much. The only way I could even think of running wire would be to run it on the exterior of the house and drill in from the outside. Not something I'd be interested in doing.

It is doable, I've run all my cabling in my 2 story house with no attic access.. There is a few specialized tools you need, like long flex bits, magnetic pull, fish stix, etc..

You will also need to be willing to make some small holes (usually a single gang opening is sufficient) inside...

How old is the house?

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[rburke65]

As an electrician, I worked eleven years for a company that primarily did nothing but rewire old houses. It was surprising what we were able to fish in them wall and through ceiling joist. Maybe a local contractor might be able to help rockcralwer? Good luck.

 

[rockcrawler]

It is doable, I've run all my cabling in my 2 story house with no attic access.. There is a few specialized tools you need, like long flex bits, magnetic pull, fish stix, etc..

You will also need to be willing to make some small holes (usually a single gang opening is sufficient) inside...

How old is the house?

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I think the house is about 12 to 15 years old.

 

[kamlung]

Frankie helped me out a lot, he will definitely point you in the right direction.

after a long snowy winter (mounting cameras in the snow and running cat5 in a cold attic didn't seem appealing to me), i finally put my order in with Frankie... a really great guy to work with and will have my stuff to me by tomorrow... thanks again for your help thus far Beemer and American... i'm sure i'll be back once i get stuck with set up...

i went for the 8 channel system 8708... and will start with 2 cameras.. one for front and back of my house... then i'll reevaluate coverage once things are set up and buy some more cameras to cover the gaps...

cheers!!! i'll have pics up soon...

 

[Beemer533]

Nice! What cameras did you end up going with?

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[vintagespeed1956]

...more cameras to cover the gaps... .

dont forget to have each camera covered by another camera.

 

[bnr32jason]

I'm not sure how long they have been available, but I just picked up a Monoprice NVR and a single 1080p camera from Monoprice as well. There aren't many reviews or info out there, but I've always had great experiences with Monoprice products so I think they should be pretty good. Not a cheap system, but with the Pi day sale they did it ended up being about $550 shipped. I'll add more cameras as I can afford them.

We don't close on our house for another few weeks, so the stuff won't go in for a while. Once I get it all in I'll post impressions and screenshots. Plan to wire it via HDMI to our main TV as well for live monitoring.

 

[kamlung]

dont forget to have each camera covered by another camera.

cheers, i just had to pay uncle Sam so i need to save up for more cameras, but that is the plan!!!

Nice! What cameras did you end up going with?

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Frankie hooked me up with a few of their dome cameras... the 2MP &1.3MP models are on sale...

but i went with this for the front... i wanted it as wide as possible...

http://www.ltsecurityinc.com/ip-camera/ip-dome/cmip7432-28m.html

then i did 7422 - 4mm for the rest...

i got to admit this stuff is addicting, but it was a long day... about 8 hrs in total... since i only had 1 reel of CAT5, it took me longer since i needed two wires on that side of the house... i should have bought another smaller reel and ran both the wires at the same time... all well, hindsight is 20/20

after army crawling in the crawlspace of my garage attic, i have a new respect for techs... man i'm hurting...

but we are up and operational.... i still have one more camera on my desk to do tomorrow... and then clean up and staple the wires up... then i'll start planning the rest of the coverage... i'm trying to plan the wiring with minimal destruction to my walls...