Security Camera Thread - Home Solution Write Up

[NYGuns]

Good thread. Thanks for all the info. I already have an alarm system but I want a little extra security.

I am in the process of researching surveillance systems for the outside of the house that I can see on my iPhone or iPad. My house is only about 1800 square feet so all I need is 6 cameras. I am still not too sure if I want to go full wired right to the DVR for camera power and signal or go wireless. If I go wireless I still need to run wire into the house for power and at that point running wires behind the walls is easy in my house. I am no electrician but I do car stereo installations as a side job so I have the patience to snake wires around the house.

Don't go wireless, period.

 

[Bob]

The third camera is up and running. I've moved the instance of Blue Iris to a desktop PC with a 4th gen I5 processor and 8gb of RAM. The entire machine is currently running on a 120GB SSD. I'm eventually going to add a Western Digital Purple drive for the image capture and utilize the SSD solely for the OS.

This view is what I see with the web interface. Yes, I have it set up so I can sit at my office at work and watch all of the cameras live. The weather data is being fed from a personal weather station about three blocks from me.

I'm still doing some tweaking with motion detection, alarms, and notifications via email/SMS.

Thanks to @NYGuns for giving me the motivation to get the project back up and running, and for offering me some occasional technical support.

 

[Blimey]

Great thread!

I've had three outdoor Hikvision 3MP cameras running for over two years now. They are very reliable. I have to reboot them every 6 months or so at the very most, and I can't conclusively say that is the camera's fault. No problems with my turret cameras down to the temps we've had.

I do think a wifi camera like the google cam makes sense for a lot of people because of how insanely easy it is to setup, though. IP cams are definitely a lot more complex to get going.

My setup doesn't use an NVR. I have the cameras writing directly to shares on a PC on the network, which made it more complex than using a dedicated NVR. In truth I've never used an NVR. I know they are much easier as they are mostly plug and play. And definitely wired is the way to go if you can. More reliable by far. Also, my system costs me nothing now that it's setup--no monthly fees at all.

I firmly believe everyone should have security cameras. My neighborhood is exceptionally safe but it's just something we should all have; how can you not know what happens on your property? To me it's just weird not knowing now. I've been the reason several neighbors have gotten some cameras.

Even two+ years on my cameras that I paid $100-150 for look amazing compared to those on the market. Very clean images. I store about 5 days back of 24/7 video and I wrote some custom software that pulls images into a dated folder so I can go back a couple of weeks on motion detection. My camera still beats a neighbor's new $200 google cam, and he pays $10/month for its storage anyway.

If I ever end up building another house I will pre-run some cat 6 to a bunch of different points because it would be easier than after the fact.

 

[Bushmaster]

NY Guns & Bob.... That's some fancy stuff. Hope ya get on camera the POS people who cut the ground cables off telephone poles for copper. Had my entire road done once, so I took a drive around and seen every road within 10 miles of me done. Talk to the guys who came to fix mine and they said it is done weekly EVERYWHERE... And VERY DANGEROUS for them the pole workers if they don't notice it before working on them.

 

[Bob]

I caught my next door neighbor's car being repossessed today.

 

[fartgamer]

I had Swann wired cameras and they couldn't read a license plate from even less than 50 ft away. Today everyone knows about cameras so head down or covered.
Yeah, I saw the UPS guy, the letter carrier, and a deer or three.
My new house has an alarm system.
What am I missing?

 

[Bushmaster]

I caught my next door neighbor's car being repossessed today.

In Texas they get shot doing that for some legal gray area reason?

 

[Bushmaster]

Only thing missing? German Shepherd? LOL

 

[Doc8404]

Any of this stuff allow me to see live feed from an iPhone?

 

[NYGuns]

Any of this stuff allow me to see live feed from an iPhone?

Yes of course, all of it.

 

[Bob]

Yup. BlueIris has a built-in web server that allows you to see everything live from any web browser on the internet. It also has an app that allows for remote viewing and management. It also does push notifications, so your phone alerts when a camera goes into alarm.

 

[NYGuns]

Yup. BlueIris has a built-in web server that allows you to see everything live from any web browser on the internet. It also has an app that allows for remote viewing and management. It also does push notifications, so your phone alerts when a camera goes into alarm.

You can also view the live feeds without using Blue Iris. If you're using an NVR you can view them too...In fact, you can even view live feeds if you aren't recording.

 

[Doc8404]

Thanks.
Just toured my house

Should i really install under the eaves at 20' up?

 

[NYGuns]

Thanks.
Just toured my house

Should i really install under the eaves at 20' up?

I did...Just get 4mm lens if you're going 20' up. 2.8mm will be zoomed out more. I have a 4mm bullet camera on my driveway and it reads license plates, lettering on vehicles and even text on shirts.

 

[Doc8404]

Time to google
"How do you run cable on lower floor of house" LOL. Might just run externally and throw some crown molding up. She's always wanted it.

 

[NYGuns]

Time to google
"How do you run cable on lower floor of house" LOL. Might just run externally and throw some crown molding up. She's always wanted it.

If you're going to run the wire outside, get outdoor rated cable. The indoor rated stuff will dry rot and crack with the sun blasting on it.

 

[Doc8404]

Inside I think. Sorry. Meant outside of wall inside the house.

 

[NYGuns]

Inside I think. Sorry. Meant outside of wall inside the house.

Got ya...If your house has an attic, it's really not hard to run the wires inside walls (if they are sheetrock), then into the attic. Just time consuming.

 

[Doc8404]

That would work. The more I think about it the easier it sounds as I can run into the garage and the place that would house the gear shares a wall.
I just might make this my late fall project!

 

[Cleck]

Holy hell, this is quite the investment, and completely blew away anything I had thought of. I have no idea what to budget now, but now I don't want to waste $100-300 on wifi camera systems if they're not gonna work Just looking at one of those recommended cameras told me my budget wasn't gonna be enough.

Le sigh. Gonna be like building an AR now, lol.

 

[masterswimmer]

Holy hell, this is quite the investment, and completely blew away anything I had thought of. I have no idea what to budget now, but now I don't want to waste $100-300 on wifi camera systems if they're not gonna work Just looking at one of those recommended cameras told me my budget wasn't gonna be enough.

Le sigh. Gonna be like building an AR now, lol.

Like most things in life, you get what you pay for.
Buy cheap, spend twice.
Buy quality, spend once.

I like to spend once. I'm in the saving for this project mode right now.

 

[Doc8404]

Same here.
Buy once. Cry once.

Just like hookers and blow.
Don't cheap out.

 

[NYGuns]

The thing is, you don't have to buy all the cameras at once. Buy the NVR and hard drive now and 1 camera. Point the camera on your driveway so you see anyone who pulls in and out of your property. Or, buy 2 now, 1 for driveway, 1 for front door, then piecemeal the rest. That's what I did...I started with 1 camera at my house, now I have 12

 

[Cleck]

Oh, I get it. It's just more of a project than it was before. Gotta plan and budget more carefully.

 

[freddy]

I have seen this topic come up a few times on the forum so figured I would create a thread since I have several years experience in the security camera world. Today's best bet for easy, cost effective home security cameras are IP Cameras. These run over your home network and are powered and data is sent over one cat5e (ethernet) cable per camera. This process is called POE (Power Over Ethernet).

There are a few things to keep in mind when putting together a home camera system. The first thing is, avoid WiFi cameras where possible, or completely. The fact of the matter is WiFi cameras are nowhere near as stable as hard wired cameras and can go out at some point, even if only for 30 seconds at a time. Simply put, do not use WiFi cameras unless for silly things like leaving them inside to see the animals / kids, etc. Do not put them in important spots such as the front door, driveway, entry points, or outside. I personally don't use them anywhere, all the cameras at my house are hard wired.

There are several components you need to put together a reliable, steady and secure camera system for your home.

• Cameras
• NVR (Network Video Recorder) or computer software to record the cameras such as Blue Iris
• Hard Disk Drive for the NVR
• cat5e or cat6 (cat6 is not necessary)
• Beer / booze of some sort

If you would like to view your cameras from your phone remotely, you will need internet service and a router.

The easiest solution is to use an NVR to record and power the cameras. Many NVR's come with POE ports which require an ethernet (cat5e cable w/ RJ45 jack) connected from the NVR port, wired to the camera. This will power the camera and transfer the data / video back to the NVR. You do NOT need internet access to record, only to view from a remote location.

I personally recommend using Hikvision brand products, they are inexpensive enough and extremely reliable. I have installed hundreds of these and never had to RMA one of them. Just be careful where you buy them, if you get them in the wrong place, sometimes they will have Chinese firmware which can't be updated. Not the end of the world, especially if you are using an NVR, but just something to keep in mind. I have used the Chinese Hikvision firmware cameras in the past and never had an issue. All of the hardware and internals are the same. You also don't want to buy knock-offs or lesser brands. Stay away from Foscam! No ifs, ands or buts about that. Just stay away from that brand.

The Hikvision cameras I will be recommending are High Definition, 1080P+ cameras that can read license plates and shirts during the day and have vibrant colors. At night, the IR (Infrared) kicks in and the picture is in black and white which is normal. The night picture is still good.

Depending on how high up you mount the cameras, you typically either want a 2.8mm or 4mm lens. The 2.8mm lenses have a wider viewing angle, so these are to be mounted lower to the ground, say up to about 15'ish ft from the ground or above doors (front door, back door, sliding door, etc.). Anything above 15'ish ft should be a 4mm lens - these are more "zoomed in" than the 2.8mm. You typically install 4mm cameras on soffits of houses that are higher up and facing a driveway or yard and 2.8 mm lower; the ceiling of a garage, by the front door, lower to the ground, etc. If you would like to have a camera dedicated to seeing cars pull in your driveway, I recommend picking up a Varifocal 12mm camera. Those can be zoomed in to be a license plate reader as well.

There are 2 styles that I regularly use, they are called Bullet and Exir. Bullets I typically mount higher up than Exir's / Domes because the Exir's I get are usually 2.8mm. If you need a camera that is in a spot that may get vandalized or mess with, you need a Dome style which has a protective plexiglass bubble around the camera lense. All cameras are waterproof and can survive the NY elements with no problem.

These are some Hikvision Cameras that I recommend. I have been dealing with Nelly's Security for years, they are amazing and offer a 3-year warranty on all hardware.

• 2.8mm, Exir style
  • Amazon, 3 MP (megapixel) resolution - http://amzn.to/2mjJcEj
  • Nelly's Security, 4 MP - NSC-2X4-DM 4MP WDR EXIR Turret IP Security Camera 2.8mm - 4 MP - IP Cameras - Hi-Def Cameras - Cameras - Nelly's Security
  • If you need an actual dome to protect the lens of the camera from vandals here is what I recommend
    • 2.8mm dome - NSC-214-DM 4MP WDR Fixed Dome IP Security Camera 2.8mm - IP Cameras - Hi-Def Cameras - Cameras - Nelly's Security
    • 4mm dome - NSC-215-DM 5MP WDR Fixed Dome IP Security Camera 4mm - IP Cameras - Hi-Def Cameras - Cameras - Nelly's Security
• 4mm, bullet style
  • Amazon, 4 MP - http://amzn.to/2mEeIzv
  • Nelly's Security, 4MP - NSC-204-BT Outdoor HD 4MP IP Bullet Security Camera 4mm - 4 MP - IP Cameras - Hi-Def Cameras - Cameras - Nelly's Security
• NVR 4-channel (to record and power up to 4 cameras)
  • Nelly's Security - NSN-604-4P 4 Channel POE NVR W/ Built in 4 Port POE Switch - 4 Channel - NVRs - Recorders - Nelly's Security
• NVR 8-channel (to record and power up to 8 cameras)
  • Nelly's Security - http://www.nellyssecurity.com/recor...nnel-poe-plug-n-play-hi-def-nvr-recorder.html
• NVR 16-channel (to record and power up to 16 cameras)
  • Nelly's Security - NSN-616-16P 16 Channel POE Plug N Play Hi Def NVR Recorder - 16 or more Channels - NVRs - Recorders - Nelly's Security
• Hard Drive to go inside NVR to record the cameras (you want a good hard drive, don't cheap out on this)
  • WD Purple 4TB Surveillance Hard Disk Drive- http://amzn.to/2mjHSRI -*NOTE* The larger the hard drive, the more recording space available.
• Cat5e cable - There are a few options, you can either get a spool and terminate the ends yourself, or you can buy long cables that have ends terminated already. Buying terminated cables is more expensive and if drilling holes to run the cable, the holes have to be larger to accommodate the plug. However, then you don't have to crimp ends on the cable.
  • If you are looking to buy a spool and terminate the end of the cable yourself, this is the cable I recommend http://amzn.to/2iG2Qvq
    • If purchasing a spool, you will need RJ45 plugs to terminate to the end of the wires and a crimp tool. Here is an inexpensive kit that comes with everything - http://amzn.to/2mjFk5T (Here is a good video on how to crimp the terminals to the wire)
  • If you don't want to bother terminating ends and would prefer to just buy cable ready to be plugged in, you need patch cables. Here are different sizes which work well - http://amzn.to/2nmpfh5
• Optional - Backup Power - If your power goes out, your cameras will stop recording. I recommend picking up a UPS / backup power system if you don't have a standby generator. This one will keep all your cameras, NVR, router and modem powered for a good amount of time, plenty of time to wheel out the generator if you have one - http://amzn.to/2n2QkID

Once you have everything you need, you can start wiring everything. If you want to view your cameras remotely, you will need to wire the NVR to your router, via cat5e cable. If you do not require viewing cameras remotely, then you can just wire the cameras directly to the NVR, plug a monitor into the NVR and set it up that way. Wire each camera to an empty port on the back for the NVR, this will power up the camera and start sending video to the NVR. If you don't see video, you did something wrong. Check your wire, check your crimps, etc.

As mentioned above, each camera needs to be wired via cat5e cable from the NVR to the camera. Once the camera is plugged into the NVR (and as long as the wire is crimped and not damaged), the NVR should automatically detect the camera.

The NVR's have HDMI out and VGA out, so you can hook it up directly to an older computer screen or any TV with an HDMI input. This will also allow you to have your cameras on a screen at all times. The NVR also comes with a mouse, so if you plan on plugging in a monitor, you can use the mouse to go through all the options and configuration.

If you do not want to use a monitor, you can also use your computer via your network. You need to download and install SADP Tool on your computer (PC only), this will detect the IP address of the NVR and allow you to change it to match your network IP range, then login and configure. Make sure you change the IP address on your NVR to match your IP range. So if you router's IP address is 192.168.1.1, then you can make the NVR something like 192.168.1.25 (just make sure the IP address you assign to the NVR is not already in use).

You may either set the cameras to record on motion or record 24/7. There are advantages to both - on motion will get you a lot more time, for instance you can view older recordings and also easily access motion / an incident on playback, while recording all the time will never miss anything but is a pain to scroll through everything.

You can also download and install software called iVMS 4200 on your PC or MAC which will allow you to view your cameras directly from your computer.

For mobile viewing, you can use multiple apps. The 2 most popular are iVMS 4500 for Android and iPhone and IP Cam Viewer. IP Cam Viewer is best for live viewing and is really fast, iVMS can also be used for live viewing, but is mainly used for viewing recorded footage. I recommend using IP Cam Viewer for live view, and iVMS for viewing recorded videos.

In order to view your cameras remotely, you will need to setup "port forwarding" on your router (or view via VPN if you don't want to forward ports). Most ISP's will block port 80, so try to avoid using it. There are 4 ports total, typically safe ports to use are 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003. Within your router, make sure to forward these ports to the IP address you set for your NVR before in SADP.

You set up port forwarding via your router settings, which typically can be accessed by visiting http://192.168.1.1 from your web browser (you may have a different router IP address). If you need help on this, visit the forum I mention below or search on YouTube for port forwarding with your specific router.

When configuring the NVR, you will see the port settings in the "Network" section. Set the ports accordingly and note the HTTP port. You will have to use that port if you are accessing the NVR from the web. The address will be http://IP: PORT (no spaces)

Unless you have a static IP address via your ISP (which unless you are paying extra for, chances are you don't), you will need to set up DDNS. Asus routers come with a free DDNS service built in, but there are other services that offer it for free (www.no-ip.com is one, and Hikvision cameras are compatible with no-ip). You will use your DDNS address when setting up the apps on your phone for remote viewing.

Notes:

• Avoid WiFi cameras for "important" cameras or in general
• Never by Foscam products, they are garbage. Trust me on this, just don't buy them
• Recommended Brands: Hikvision, Dahua, Swann
• 2.8mm have a wider angle than 4mm, so use 2.8mm cameras in lower spots.
• 4mm cameras have a more "zoomed in" focus, so use them on higher places such as soffits on a house, etc.
• The cat5e cable I recommended has 8 small lines of solid copper cable inside the plastic coating. Try to avoid bending the cable, you don't want to break any of the cables inside. You can snake it and be rough, just don't fold it in half or anything like that.
• If using Hikvision NVR or cameras, the default login username is admin and the default password is 12345

There is a great forum with over 30K people on it dedicated to IP cameras here - IP Cam Talk

Good luck! Get your property secure and have eyes on it on all times.

Feel free to ask some questions, I know this can be overwhelming and confusing but it's really not that bad.

How about for the perimeter of a property?

Does a camera like this exist at any price?...
A. Battery powered, at least a month.
B. Night vision no-glow leds, about 100 foot range.
C. Strong lens, long enough focal length to identify peoples faces at 100-150 feet.
D. Either onboard recording, or wifi/similar.
E. Outdoor rated, weather proof.
F. Either continuous, or triggered recording.

Anything?

 

[masterswimmer]

How about for the perimeter of a property?

Does a camera like this exist at any price?...
A. Battery powered, at least a month.
B. Night vision no-glow leds, about 100 foot range.
C. Strong lens, long enough focal length to identify peoples faces at 100-150 feet.
D. Either onboard recording, or wifi/similar.
E. Outdoor rated, weather proof.
F. Either continuous, or triggered recording.

Anything?

It's called a sentry In a turret. No batteries, just food and water. No need to worry about an EMP attack either.

 

[Acer-m14]

@NYGuns .. you have any input using cell phones to monitor a area ..?? i have a older 1/2 smart phone .. i would like to put in my shop with camera on
and plugged in to charger .. cast to my desktop or my new phone ? ..

 

[agalipe1]

NYGuns, have you used this system before? http://www.nellyssecurity.com/nsdv-208q-8-channel-1080-720p-tribrid-hd-tvi-dvr.html

What do you think of it? I already have a Geovision pc setup but its older and would like to upgrade, the Geovision card I have now is the GV800

Thanks for the thread very informative

 

[Fenucho]

They are available, but you're looking at around $5K if you include solar charging.
You are not going to identify anyone on wide angle, so it needs auto motion/zoom recording.

How about for the perimeter of a property?

Does a camera like this exist at any price?...
A. Battery powered, at least a month.
B. Night vision no-glow leds, about 100 foot range.
C. Strong lens, long enough focal length to identify peoples faces at 100-150 feet.
D. Either onboard recording, or wifi/similar.
E. Outdoor rated, weather proof.
F. Either continuous, or triggered recording.

Anything?

They are available, but you're looking at $$$ if you include solar charging.
You are not going to identify anyone on wide angle, so it needs auto motion/zoom recording.
What is the size of the area you want to cover?

 

[freddy]

They are available, but you're looking at around $5K if you include solar charging.
You are not going to identify anyone on wide angle, so it needs auto motion/zoom recording.



They are available, but you're looking at $$$ if you include solar charging.
You are not going to identify anyone on wide angle, so it needs auto motion/zoom recording.
What is the size of the area you want to cover?

Thanks for the reply.

At minimum I want to cover a linear 50 yards (driveway entrance). The dense forest will preclude solar. Can you point to a few examples of the cameras you describe? Also, any battery system to drive them.