home surveillance?

[VaSteve]

Anyone here have any experience in setting up a small surveillance system for their home? I see a lot of these offered on ebay and I wondered about peoples experiences using such a device.

[stomachmonkey]

Been looking into them myself lately.

The one thing that bugs me buying sight unseen is what is the camera quality like?

One of the primary negative review points is poor picture quality on cheaper stuff.

But more expensive is no guarantee either.

[id10t]

We're looking at one of these units to record the activities of an endagered species of mouse...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16881523014&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-Surveillance+-+Video+Monitoring+Kits+/+All+in+One+Systems-_-Zmodo-_-81523014

[VINMAN]

I have a Night Owl 8 channel infrared system. works pretty good. I can access through my phone and look at any cam i want at any time. If one of the cameras is activated it calls me. Only issue is like previously stated camera quality isnt the best. I upgraded to high res. on a couple of the cams. At night it looks like daylight.

[krystar]

when u shop, remember to shop critical points

1) cameras weatherproof?
2) cameras fittings weatherproof? (power, signal)
3) what kind of lines for power? do you have a power outlet near every camera location you're going to spare?
4) what about for video signal? component or cat5 or wireless? precut cables? what if you need more length?

[charlesbahn]

I've been using Q-see products for years, home, office, rental property; indoors, outdoors, wired and wireless. Inexpensive, easy to install, and trouble free. Available on Amazon, etc.

[VaSteve]

Thanks....looked at a couple inexpensive systems complete in box. I also looked up the q-see stuff, its a little more expensive....are camera interchangeable between systesms?

[Rick V]

I can't imagine living somewhere that this is actually a consideration.

[madmmac]

I bought the qsee high definition package from Costco online. If you are not happy, you can always take it back one of their stores.

After finding my ISP was port blocking the ports I was trying to forward, I can now view my other home from my phone or laptop. Get emails and text messages when a camera detects motion and then review it.

Pretty good cameras. Kind of clunky software, but overall, not bad.

[VaSteve]

Forgot all about Costco and their return policy.

Originally Posted by Rick V

I can't imagine living somewhere that this is actually a consideration.

I can't exactly control who was approved to move in next to me and the trouble they bring with them.

[plumb4u2]

Originally Posted by Rick V

I can't imagine living somewhere that this is actually a consideration.

Really, you think living in a nice area with a nice home means you are safe from crime?

I've gotta stop watching the news

[Rick V]

I know Steve and even though you live in a nice neighborhood there are elements right around the corner.
Plumb, I have been in this house for over 20 years and guess what, I have no idea where my house key is and I am not alone here. There are areas of the country that are still safe, believe it or not

[porsche4life]

Nope, rick is like me in that he lives in a semi rural area and it well known that if you eff around in those areas the homeowners will shoot...

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by Rick V

I know Steve and even though you live in a nice neighborhood there are elements right around the corner.
Plumb, I have been in this house for over 20 years and guess what, I have no idea where my house key is and I am not alone here. There are areas of the country that are still safe, believe it or not

I think it's generally pleny safe here, but there is a situation developing that I'd like to keep an eye on.

I do gotta laugh a little Rick about your statement, since I know you carry. But damn, if I came down your way again...is your house even on the map?

[Rick V]

Originally Posted by VaSteve

I think it's generally pleny safe here, but there is a situation developing that I'd like to keep an eye on.

I do gotta laugh a little Rick about your statement, since I know you carry. But damn, if I came down your way again...is your house even on the map?

No maps here, we give directions by tractor paths and old trees. Besides if the worst thing I had to worry about was you Steve I wouldn't sleep but 8-9 hours at night.
Besides the old bitty across the street would call me and tell me you were here. vehicle description including license plate

[Rick V]

Originally Posted by porsche4life

Nope, rick is like me in that he lives in a semi rural area and it well known that if you eff around in those areas the homeowners will shoot...

Semi? Sid there are more cows and horses here then people. Ask Steve, he'll tell ya

[VaSteve]

Back to this....Situation resolved itself. I had bought a system but returned it since I didn't want to deal with wiring it up and hiding the wires. I'm thinking of getting another system and just dealing with the wires. Neighbors are reporting issues with their cars. I'm not sure it's not the wind setting off the alarms or "user error" but thinking about setting up a system. How do you all run the wiring for this? I'm less concerned about the wires getting cut, just routing them all over the place to whereever I keep the box. Thoughts?

[sammyg2]

iffn cameras and such seem a little over the top, you can always spend $20 on e-bay and buy those little alarm company signs for the flowerbeds and stickers for the windows.
Works just as good as the real thing and is way cheaper.

security signs | eBay



On these the phone number even works.
Not bad fer $12.95

[motion]

Originally Posted by VaSteve

Back to this....Situation resolved itself. I had bought a system but returned it since I didn't want to deal with wiring it up and hiding the wires. I'm thinking of getting another system and just dealing with the wires. Neighbors are reporting issues with their cars. I'm not sure it's not the wind setting off the alarms or "user error" but thinking about setting up a system. How do you all run the wiring for this? I'm less concerned about the wires getting cut, just routing them all over the place to whereever I keep the box. Thoughts?

I use DropCams. They're wireless. They have a subscription DVR service that sends you alerts when motion is detected.

[motion]

Originally Posted by sammyg2

iffn cameras and such seem a little over the top, you can always spend $20 on e-bay and buy those little alarm company signs for the flowerbeds and stickers for the windows.
Works just as good as the real thing and is way cheaper.

security signs | eBay



On these the phone number even works.
Not bad fer $12.95

That is some amazing new camera technology in those stickers.