Security Camera Thread - Home Solution Write Up

[Cleck]

Thanks for that tip. For the time being, since I'm only recording MD events, I'm definitely dumping the HD out of that NVR, I'll just use that to watch now.

How's the app work, do you like it, do you recommend it?

If I setup text alerts, is it going to direct me to look in the app, or should I config it to send pics for the time being?

 

[NYGuns]

Thanks for that tip. For the time being, since I'm only recording MD events, I'm definitely dumping the HD out of that NVR, I'll just use that to watch now.

How's the app work, do you like it, do you recommend it?

If I setup text alerts, is it going to direct me to look in the app, or should I config it to send pics for the time being?

App works great, but it's $10. You can use IP Cam Viewer for live view but not for recorded clips. LMK if you want me to help you with this.

Text alerts wont point you to the app, but will get annoying with false alarms. I never enable them for clients or myself.

To get the app working remotely you need to get port forwarding working. Hate to say it but you may need to hard reset that router....Or grab an Asus router and sell that Nighthawk on eBay / CL.

 

[Cleck]

App works great, but it's $10. You can use IP Cam Viewer for live view but not for recorded clips. LMK if you want me to help you with this.

Text alerts wont point you to the app, but will get annoying with false alarms. I never enable them for clients or myself.

To get the app working remotely you need to get port forwarding working. Hate to say it but you may need to hard reset that router....Or grab an Asus router and sell that Nighthawk on eBay / CL.

lol, it works for everything but your tricky program What kinda shit you running here?

I'll have to backup my router settings most likely and try the reset. It wasn't hard to set those ports up, just time consuming, lol.

I guess I don't need to do text alerts, I won't wake up from them, haha. I'm getting better at checking tapes regularly anyways, so I probably don't need them.

 

[NYGuns]

lol, it works for everything but your tricky program What kinda shit you running here?

I'll have to backup my router settings most likely and try the reset. It wasn't hard to set those ports up, just time consuming, lol.

I guess I don't need to do text alerts, I won't wake up from them, haha. I'm getting better at checking tapes regularly anyways, so I probably don't need them.

"Tapes", lol...Old school like me.

Export your router settings and take a screenshot of your port rules, then on the fresh router try to add just BI to the port forwarding rules and check on canyouseeme.org if it's open. If it is, import your other settings and try BI again. If the port closes, hard reset and manually input each rule. If it still doesn't work, get rid of that POS Netgear and get an Asus router.

 

[HIghlander]

I went from Iris by Lowes to SmartThings with 3 Arlo Cameras. What are the steps to add the software to the Iris Keypad 2 that will allow use on SmartThings. Anyone know the steps. Online only says to do it but not when or how,.
Thanks

 

[NYGuns]

I went from Iris by Lowes to SmartThings with 3 Arlo Cameras. What are the steps to add the software to the Iris Keypad 2 that will allow use on SmartThings. Anyone know the steps. Online only says to do it but not when or how,.
Thanks

Oh man, you went from bad to worse. First step is to return those cameras if you still are within the return period.

 

[HIghlander]

Oh man, you went from bad to worse. First step is to return those cameras if you still are within the return period.

Return window ended April 10th. So I'm stuck with them. Any way I can get the keypad set up. There are 2 programs it needs to be installed but doesn't state where to install.
Thank You

 

[NYGuns]

Return window ended April 10th. So I'm stuck with them. Any way I can get the keypad set up. There are 2 programs it needs to be installed but doesn't state where to install.
Thank You

Not the answer you are looking for....but sell them on eBay or craigslist. Trust me

 

[HIghlander]

^^^
What would be a good brand without breaking the bank?

 

[NYGuns]

^^^
What would be a good brand without breaking the bank?

Check out the first post in this thread.

 

[HIghlander]

^^^
Thank You.

 

[Bvin66]

NYGUNS
In your first post you recomend Swann.
I am looking at this setup.

4 Camera 8 Channel 4K Ultra HD NVR Security System
Or one of the other similar.

What do you think of it?
Poe, 4k, 2t hard drive, different camera options available
Thanks for this thread and your knowledge

 

[Cleck]

Not the answer you are looking for....but sell them on eBay or craigslist. Trust me

Those 3 cams can't be worse than the China specials I installed!

 

[NYGuns]

NYGUNS
In your first post you recomend Swann.
I am looking at this setup.

4 Camera 8 Channel 4K Ultra HD NVR Security System
Or one of the other similar.

What do you think of it?
Poe, 4k, 2t hard drive, different camera options available
Thanks for this thread and your knowledge

I would not get these, these are lower end consumer cameras.

Those 3 cams can't be worse than the China specials I installed!

I bet they are!

 

[Bvin66]

Is there a higher grade Swann system you would recommend?
Or should I go with the hikvision or dahua?

 

[Cleck]

I would not get these, these are lower end consumer cameras.


I bet they are!

Damn, that's saying something

Is there a higher grade Swann system you would recommend?
Or should I go with the hikvision or dahua?

The Dahua/Hikvision probably isn't a bad idea. Good blend of quality and affordability. NYG should have a couple models to suggest looking at

 

[NYGuns]

Is there a higher grade Swann system you would recommend?
Or should I go with the hikvision or dahua?

Get the ones linked in my first post

 

[Defilade]

Screw all that, Go to Best buy and pick up a couple of Canary's. I have had 3 outside for 2 years! they work great with a great picture on my phone and they offer cloud storage if you wish. Just make sure you have a strong wifi signal. So easy to install too.

 

[NYGuns]

Screw all that, Go to Best buy and pick up a couple of Canary's. I have had 3 outside for 2 years! they work great with a great picture on my phone and they offer cloud storage if you wish. Just make sure you have a strong wifi signal. So easy to install too.

LOL, thanks for the laugh. Yeah, go buy garbage cameras and pay for monthly service...Or, buy good cameras and don't pay a monthly service.

 

[Defilade]

LOL, thanks for the laugh. Yeah, go buy garbage cameras and pay for monthly service...Or, buy good cameras and don't pay a monthly service.

My cameras have a real good picture. All HD. 2 years out in all the elements NY throws at it. Running like a champ.

 

[NYGuns]

My cameras have a real good picture. All HD. 2 years out in all the elements NY throws at it. Running like a champ.

That's great, but the fact of the matter is they are low end, consumer grade toys that Best Buy sells for a manufacturer whose business model is to lock you into paying for their cloud service, which is proprietary. They are not real surveillance grade cameras, but I'm glad they are working for you.

However, this thread is about real professional grade cameras and systems for DIY'ers that don't mind running some cables and setting up a true and proper system that banks, hotels, businesses and houses use.

Not trying to be a dick, just telling it like it is.

 

[ManrisFrack]

Welp, my house got egged last weekend while the wife was dozing on the couch. Now I'm looking for a camera system...

First, thanks for the thread @NYGuns. It has been and, I'm sure, will continue to be very helpful.

Second, NVR or PC? I think I still have a motherboard, processor and RAM that used to be my gaming rig - 1st gen i7 as I recall. Any video card requirements or would a low to mid range card be sufficient? Also, would it handle low end gaming at the same time (thinking Minecraft or something similar for the kids).

 

[NYGuns]

Welp, my house got egged last weekend while the wife was dozing on the couch. Now I'm looking for a camera system...

First, thanks for the thread @NYGuns. It has been and, I'm sure, will continue to be very helpful.

Second, NVR or PC? I think I still have a motherboard, processor and RAM that used to be my gaming rig - 1st gen i7 as I recall. Any video card requirements or would a low to mid range card be sufficient? Also, would it handle low end gaming at the same time (thinking Minecraft or something similar for the kids).

Can you get me the exact processor? Also, how many cameras at how many megapixels? I'll tell you exactly what to get.

 

[ManrisFrack]

Used - Very Good: Intel Core i7-920 2.66 GHz LGA 1366 BX80601920 Processor - Newegg.com

I figure at least 4 cameras, no idea how many megapixels. I think I'd want mid to high end picture quality. Don't really want to go through the hassle and cheap out on the cameras. Also, we're a bit over 200ft from the road (all yard) and would like to cover as much of that distance as we can.

How well do they play with motion activated floods at night? Evidently that's a non-negotiable feature that we need to add.

 

[NYGuns]

Used - Very Good: Intel Core i7-920 2.66 GHz LGA 1366 BX80601920 Processor - Newegg.com

I figure at least 4 cameras, no idea how many megapixels. I think I'd want mid to high end picture quality. Don't really want to go through the hassle and cheap out on the cameras. Also, we're a bit over 200ft from the road (all yard) and would like to cover as much of that distance as we can.

How well do they play with motion activated floods at night? Evidently that's a non-negotiable feature that we need to add.

Do you have the computer already built and not doing anything or would you need to piece it together / buy more components?

 

[ManrisFrack]

Do you have the computer already built and not doing anything or would you need to piece it together / buy more components?

I'd have to buy more parts. Case, HD or two (which I'd have to buy anyway), power supply, wireless mouse, keyboard and OS - not a whole lot really. I've got some 'retired' video cards too that might work in a pinch. Was planning to hook it up to the TV.

 

[NYGuns]

I'd have to buy more parts. Case, HD or two (which I'd have to buy anyway), power supply, wireless mouse, keyboard and OS - not a whole lot really. I've got some 'retired' video cards too that might work in a pinch. Was planning to hook it up to the TV.

Save your money, don't build around that processor, it's a slug at this point. Buy this, a WD Purple, Blue Iris and you're golden. If you want to get real fancy get a cheap SSD. This computer will hum right along with 4+. You'll need to get Windows if you purchase that one, otherwise this would also work great.

 

[ManrisFrack]

Save your money, don't build around that processor, it's a slug at this point. Buy this, a WD Purple, Blue Iris and you're golden. If you want to get real fancy get a cheap SSD. This computer will hum right along with 4+. You'll need to get Windows if you purchase that one, otherwise this would also work great.

I ended up going with this one. 6th gen I5 but more importantly it has an SSD with Win 10 and, from what I have seen on YouTube, a free spot for a 3.5" drive. A lot of the SFF machines don't have space to put two drives in so I would've had to swap the Windows install - doable but kind of a pain.

Any recommendations on a POE switch? I looked back through the thread and didn't see one. Also, is there an advantage to using Cat6 rather than Cat5e?

 

[NYGuns]

I ended up going with this one. 6th gen I5 but more importantly it has an SSD with Win 10 and, from what I have seen on YouTube, a free spot for a 3.5" drive. A lot of the SFF machines don't have space to put two drives in so I would've had to swap the Windows install - doable but kind of a pain.

Any recommendations on a POE switch? I looked back through the thread and didn't see one. Also, is there an advantage to using Cat6 rather than Cat5e?

Dude you did good, that's comp will work great, good job! I like these POE switches - https://amzn.to/2Erw0bp (note that only 4 of these ports are POE)

 

[Cleck]

I went w/ this Netgear POE switch, I've been happy w/ it so far. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MRO4M73/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They have a few options, depending on how many cameras you need powered

My Blue Iris and camera setup has been running so flawlessly, I haven't even noticed. I need to upgrade to the new version though, it says I'm eligible. Finally got my settings where I like them and have started using profiles for day/night.