Someone Casing My Pad: THREAD, Got Me Thinking?!?!? (Security Camera Related)

[mike_the_wino]

100 bucks more and you can get the 8 camera set up

Link?

And are there better namebrands that I should look for? Ones to avoid?

[97F1504RAD]

For me it is several things. I have no idea what is good stuff or what i even need, then I have no clue how to install and run wiring through the walls etc. I would be willing to spend some money to get some decent stuff but still have no clue how to set it all up and I really do not trust people to come and do it.

[Casual_Shooter]

For me it is several things. I have no idea what is good stuff or what i even need, then I have no clue how to install and run wiring through the walls etc. I would be willing to spend some money to get some decent stuff but still have no clue how to set it all up and I really do not trust people to come and do it.

I have just started looking over the system I purchased. Seems relatively straight forward. A video line and a power line for each camera. Using Cat5 (ethernet) cable, you can use one cable for both power and video.

Depending on my motivation, I'll take photos/ notes along the way and post for all to see/ laugh at/ criticize etc.

The wiring I'm not too worried about, but the software set up is where I think I may struggle.... that and figuring out where is the "best" spot for everything.

[97F1504RAD]

Yeah I think the biggest issue with me is running the wiring through a wall from the exterior of the house. I figuree all hardware can saty in the garage. The setup I can probably deal with but when it comes to the internet stuff I am at a complete loss. I know just enough to be dangerous when it comes to computers and do not take chances as I am afraid of screwing things up.

[V8toytruck]

100 bucks more and you can get the 8 camera set up

I rather have 4 HD cameras and be able to identify faces. 1 wire POE install was a big benefit as well in case I want to switch to PTZ camera.
later.

If you got 8 cameras for $100 more with that quality and ease of POE install then looks like I made a wrong purchase.


When I posted the deal on a security camera forum to get their input (mostly installers), some said they hope their customers don't find out about that deal because it is very good, some didn't like the home owners buying a camera from Costco and then coming to them for support. The cameras were cheaper from Costco than buying direct from China via Alibaba from unknown sellers.

[V8toytruck]

Anyone know if this is good? Best price I've seen for a complete 720P HD system, and a single CAT5 cable for each cam will make installs very easy (PoE). Too bad it's only 4 cameras though. 6 would be nice. Oh, and the possibility of offsite recording provides some redundancy.

$699 after $200 instant rebate

http://www.costco.com/Q-See-4-Channe...100003211.html

FYI....the DVR and cameras pull 41 watts at night (IR LED ons) and 31 watts during the daytime. About $40/year in electricity to run 24/7

Just this morning as I was sitting at my computer, I saw 2 Johovah's witnesses walk up my driveway. Saved me a trip to the front door.

[thomascrowe]

Lots of camera systems these days run on cat5 wire and no longer use the traditional power wire with coax cable. Not saying its not used just lots of the home security stuff is on cat 5. And if its not you can get adapters that switch you from BNC to cat5 cable with 8 pin connector. We do a lot of commercial camera installs usually 100+ camera systems. If you have a guy coming in your house running data cables have him run a few extra for cameras. If you have a single story house you should be ashamed if you do not have a camera system. And in some two story homes they are still possible to install with very little drywall to no drywall damage. Not always it depends on how your house is built.
Even the cheap Qsee type cameras are a lot better and smaller than they used to be.
There are cameras installed in intercom systems where if someone rings the doorbell it takes a pic of their face. There is a ton of stuff out there and it's getting better every day.
As for running wires that's just experience. You can have a pro run the wires for you with no equipment installation.

This is the way I do it, PoE to the Camera's make it so much easier.

[hedgehog]

I rather have 4 HD cameras and be able to identify faces. 1 wire POE install was a big benefit as well in case I want to switch to PTZ camera.
later.

If you got 8 cameras for $100 more with that quality and ease of POE install then looks like I made a wrong purchase.


When I posted the deal on a security camera forum to get their input (mostly installers), some said they hope their customers don't find out about that deal because it is very good, some didn't like the home owners buying a camera from Costco and then coming to them for support. The cameras were cheaper from Costco than buying direct from China via Alibaba from unknown sellers.

Thanks V8. Some more great info. I think I'm sold on this system unless there is such a thing as an 8 camera version for $100 more.

[Yugo]

I have just started looking over the system I purchased. Seems relatively straight forward. A video line and a power line for each camera. Using Cat5 (ethernet) cable, you can use one cable for both power and video.

Depending on my motivation, I'll take photos/ notes along the way and post for all to see/ laugh at/ criticize etc.

The wiring I'm not too worried about, but the software set up is where I think I may struggle.... that and figuring out where is the "best" spot for everything.

the setup is pretty straight forward ....the hardest part will be opening up the right ports on your router I will walk you through it if you get stuck.

[Rob454]

I rather have 4 HD cameras and be able to identify faces. 1 wire POE install was a big benefit as well in case I want to switch to PTZ camera.
later.

If you got 8 cameras for $100 more with that quality and ease of POE install then looks like I made a wrong purchase.


When I posted the deal on a security camera forum to get their input (mostly installers), some said they hope their customers don't find out about that deal because it is very good, some didn't like the home owners buying a camera from Costco and then coming to them for support. The cameras were cheaper from Costco than buying direct from China via Alibaba from unknown sellers.

Well like anything else quality goes up as you go up in price. I put some cameras in at a juvenile hall where you (and I kid you not ) could see a persons nose hairs from 200 yards. With zoom focus. But those cameras were 1500 EACH that was the camera no lens. Add another 400 for the lens.
Personally I have no problem with the Costco camera systems. Are there better systems out there? Sure. Do they cost more? Sure. The 8 camera system I saw at Costco was on the shelf. I know they all have sometimes different packages on the shelf. Here is a link to Costco http://www.costco.com/surveillance-systems.html
I also have no problem with a person approaching me and wanting just to run Wires or hook up customer provided equipment. I hook them up power them and connect to the monitor. After that the programming and other connections to his network etc is on him. I don't do much sidework simply because I get really busy at work but I do make exceptions for friends or people that were referred to me by friends. I have installed quite a few QSee camera systems in businesses. Besides once you run the wiring you can ALWAYS upgrade to better cameras.

[empty the mag]

Once you get cameras you will wonder how you lived without them. You can run them under the eves like someone mentioned. People have concerns about the location if someone were to cut the wire. First they would have to know you have cameras. My neighbors did not know till I told some in conversation. 2nd if they do they are already recorded on camera.

[Yugo]

Well like anything else quality goes up as you go up in price. I put some cameras in at a juvenile hall where you (and I kid you not ) could see a persons nose hairs from 200 yards. With zoom focus. But those cameras were 1500 EACH that was the camera no lens. Add another 400 for the lens.
Personally I have no problem with the Costco camera systems. Are there better systems out there? Sure. Do they cost more? Sure. The 8 camera system I saw at Costco was on the shelf. I know they all have sometimes different packages on the shelf. Here is a link to Costco http://www.costco.com/surveillance-systems.html
I also have no problem with a person approaching me and wanting just to run Wires or hook up customer provided equipment. I hook them up power them and connect to the monitor. After that the programming and other connections to his network etc is on him. I don't do much sidework simply because I get really busy at work but I do make exceptions for friends or people that were referred to me by friends. I have installed quite a few QSee camera systems in businesses. Besides once you run the wiring you can ALWAYS upgrade to better cameras.

I believe most Q-See systems come with wire that will not allow you to upgrade only if you run cat5/6 or coax with power you can upgrade....or you will have to do some splicing.

[Yugo]

I think its time to bump this thread for those that missed it.

[colossians323]

Hardly impossible. My 5 minute solution to your issue is described in this professional graphic:



Drill a hole through your wall / stucco / wood / whatever is in the way, and go grab some plastic tubing from homedepot and a pair of corresponding rubber endcaps to prevent moisture from coming in, and pass your wires through that. I did about 6 of these holes through out my outer stucco with no problem. =D

Need to put this on the calguns sketch dump

[gemoose23]

Now that Spring is here.. I think it's time to get some form of security system setup.

The cameras with in the Costco packages, will they be able to survive Iowa Winters or Do i need to find a different "weatherproof" camera?

My solution is easier... one point of entrance to the property wanted a system to motion detect and record when a vehicle leaves the road and turns into the property(east side). Extra cameras for North, South, and West (entrance door) are just a bonus.