Security Camera Thread - Home Solution Write Up

[holdover]

I got the Eufy system, its wireless and has a 4x zoom . I have 5 in my front yard . Theyre OK, I havent had any problem with them I like the fact they are wireless and I can view it on my phone . I have two set up pointing away from my house so I can see anyone approaching or leaving and three to cover the front yard and driveway. People can see them if they look. I feel thats been a good deterrent since I havent had my car broken into since I got them , and I caught a couple of hot chicks walking thier dogs, BONUS!

 

[Blimey]

I got the Eufy system, its wireless and has a 4x zoom . I have 5 in my front yard . Theyre OK, I havent had any problem with them I like the fact they are wireless and I can view it on my phone . I have two set up pointing away from my house so I can see anyone approaching or leaving and three to cover the front yard and driveway. People can see them if they look. I feel thats been a good deterrent since I havent had my car broken into since I got them , and I caught a couple of hot chicks walking thier dogs, BONUS!

Pics of chicks—to confirm image quality, I mean.

 

[Cooolone]

@holdover

Which Eufy system? I just installed their doorbell cam and it's really good (the Best Buy version which is spec'd for them). Resolution is great. Subsequently have looked at their systems too. Always on the fence with these systems though because the distance from my home to road is about 90'... Anyways, your thoughts are appreciated.

Best Regards

 

[holdover]

This is the one I have

eufyCam 2 Pro 2K Indoor/Outdoor 2-Camera Security System​

Mine came with 3 cameras and I added 2 more. I cant say for sure about the distance but at least 50 ft because thats how mine is set up . Im no expert on security cameras, but it works fine for what I need .I like the fact that its a charge and go wireless system system, easy to install just a couple of screws . I did talk with my uncle at Christmas and he said he liked mine better than the Arlo one he had Im going to add 2 more in the summer in my yard

Eufy

Amazon.com

tip: Never buy your electronics off of Amazon, 90% of the time they are refurbished junk, go to best buy or someplace like that .

 

[Cooolone]

Yeah, I was liking the battery units because I would put one in my tree closer to the road that would get the plates or anyone coming down the driveway. But worry about (wireless) range... Lol

Don't want to invest $1000 in a security system, let alone because I'll probably be here not much longer. This also makes the wireless attractive too as it can be moved without much effort (a few screws)

 

[holdover]

Yeah, I was liking the battery units because I would put one in my tree closer to the road that would get the plates or anyone coming down the driveway. But worry about (wireless) range... Lol

Don't want to invest $1000 in a security system, let alone because I'll probably be here not much longer. This also makes the wireless attractive too as it can be moved without much effort (a few screws)

The Eufy camera can be placed 300 feet from its Homebase, and there are Wi-Fi extenders that you can buy to extend this range. Your Wi-Fi extender’s field will depend on the type of product you buy, as well as your internet bandwidth.

How Far Can the Eufy Camera Be from the Base? Can You Extend Its Range? | Smart Home Starter

smarthomestarter.com

 

[holdover]

 

[Cooolone]

View attachment video_cutter_1.mp4

A sample from the doorbell cam...

Works nicely, so I'll assume their cams do as well. Video shows the schmuck throw the package onto my porch and then go up and nicely place it at the door before taking a pic. Not sure if it was because he had seen the doorbell cam after the throw, lolz

 

[Pissed Off Patriot]

I updated the first post a bit to reflect some newer hardware, etc. Right now I am recommending to everyone who wants to build a good system, to use this "Build a System" link. 4MP cameras (your choice of dome, turret or bullet), either an NVR or Blue Iris, wiring, etc.

All the NVR's via your link are out of stock. My older HDView NVR that came with the house just died, and since it, and the HDView cameras, are from their obsolete NLA "economic" series, they don't play nice with newer stuff.

Ugh.

 

[cgrutt]

Not sure if this is right place to ask but replacing windows for my nephew his house is wires with old fashioned window Reed switches I'm assuming NO unless the magnetic counterpart is nearby then switch closed. The old windows were pretty much on same plane so switch was pretty much aligned when window was closed. New window are Andersens and sash is approx 1/4" below frame. Do they make a replacement switch where magnet is offset approximately 1/4" to switch? Or magnets that are powerful enough where they don't have to be perfectly aligned? @NYGuns

 

[HIghlander]

Not sure if this is right place to ask but replacing windows for my nephew his house is wires with old fashioned window Reed switches I'm assuming NO unless the magnetic counterpart is nearby then switch closed. The old windows were pretty much on same plane so switch was pretty much aligned when window was closed. New window are Andersens and sash is approx 1/4" below frame. Do they make a replacement switch where magnet is offset approximately 1/4" to switch? Or magnets that are powerful enough where they don't have to be perfectly aligned? @NYGuns

The magnet was in-bedded into the window sash to activate the reed switch when window was closed/opened.

 

[1075tech]

@NYGuns since most of the stuff in your original post is OOS, what do you recommend for a complete system?

 

[SomeSoldier]

All the NVR's via your link are out of stock. My older HDView NVR that came with the house just died, and since it, and the HDView cameras, are from their obsolete NLA "economic" series, they don't play nice with newer stuff.

Ugh.

I still think ubiquiti is the the way to go. Upgrade your home firewall and get an NVR all in one. POE for all your cameras or outlet with wifi.

 

[NYGuns]

@NYGuns since most of the stuff in your original post is OOS, what do you recommend for a complete system?

I will update post 1, thanks!

I still think ubiquiti is the the way to go. Upgrade your home firewall and get an NVR all in one. POE for all your cameras or outlet with wifi.

Meh

 

[SomeSoldier]

Meh

What don't you like about their gear? I personally have used their cameras for commercial use and right now I have their dreamachine and poe switches. I plan to use their cameras again in my next house.

I personally like having control of data and only give access as I see fit.

 

[NYGuns]

What don't you like about their gear? I personally have used their cameras for commercial use and right now I have their dreamachine and poe switches. I plan to use their cameras again in my next house.

I personally like having control of data and only give access as I see fit.

Honestly, I love their gear. IMO, Ubiquiti makes the best P2P's, AP's, firewalls, switches, etc. Their cameras are decent enough, but are a bit too overpriced and underwhelming for me to consider on a professional level. As far as residential, there are def less expensive and "better" cameras available. I will update the first post soon

 

[NYGuns]

I updated the first post to reflect 2022's standards and technology

 

[1075tech]

I updated the first post to reflect 2022's standards and technology

Thanks

 

[MikeyCNY]

Not ready for a full security camera system.. wife keeps saying "this is our starter home", 7+ years later...

But I would like a doorbell camera (Ring, Blink etc) - which do you recommend? Obviously Ring would be 'easiest', but I'm concerned with Amazon's policies. Wouldn't necessarily need cloud recording, more for live checking who is at the door - so I know what level of response to bring. Girl scout cookies, maybe drop the battle belt...

 

[Tintalieau]

I'm having some immediate issues and need to set up something decent but wireless, can't pop holes and fish wire right now but need to get something up asap. was looking at this NVR. I would like 4-6 cameras, but need a good wifi for now. i have drives i can use for thiso until i get better hdds. Looking for cameras that would fit with this. I think this looks compatable but this isn't my strong suit as far as tech goes. input and suggestions greatly appreciated. i'm not stuck on anything specific. so if it works well other brands are options also.

EDIT: I have a spare PC that meets blue iris specs, and can just us that as the NVR, or have enough space and power to install on main computer alongside my other software.

 

[SomeSoldier]

I'm having some immediate issues and need to set up something decent but wireless, can't pop holes and fish wire right now but need to get something up asap. was looking at this NVR. I would like 4-6 cameras, but need a good wifi for now. i have drives i can use for thiso until i get better hdds. Looking for cameras that would fit with this. I think this looks compatable but this isn't my strong suit as far as tech goes. input and suggestions greatly appreciated. i'm not stuck on anything specific. so if it works well other brands are options also.

EDIT: I have a spare PC that meets blue iris specs, and can just us that as the NVR, or have enough space and power to install on main computer alongside my other software.

SimpliSafe Home Security Systems | Wireless Home Security Alarms

Shop award-winning home security systems from SimpliSafe. Professional monitoring, protection from break-ins and hazards, and no contracts.

simplisafe.com

 

[Tintalieau]

not bad system, but after reading the information we collect and why, and who/when/why/how they share it, hard pass. I need something self monitored, more for recording that alert. That being said having some additional types of alarms would be nice, but all seems to have to be monitored from outside. So havign the ability to remotly view cameras that could signal an alert to a device would be ok, but no outside monitoring or info access.

 

[SomeSoldier]

not bad system, but after reading the information we collect and why, and who/when/why/how they share it, hard pass. I need something self monitored, more for recording that alert. That being said having some additional types of alarms would be nice, but all seems to have to be monitored from outside. So havign the ability to remotly view cameras that could signal an alert to a device would be ok, but no outside monitoring or info access.

This is what I am planning on running for cameras.

UniFi - Introduction - Ubiquiti

UniFi is building the future of IT. Industry-leading products magically unified in an incredible software interface with scalable, license-free cloud management.

www.ui.com

 

[Acer-m14]

i just watched this a few hours ago .. you don't need to pay for the cloud if you don't want to .. just stick a memory stick into the brain unit ..

 

[Tintalieau]

This is what I am planning on running for cameras.

UniFi - Introduction - Ubiquiti

UniFi is building the future of IT. Industry-leading products magically unified in an incredible software interface with scalable, license-free cloud management.

www.ui.com

That looks really nice, but the cost is out of my range, unless i find that Exacto and extendable mini mirror and get out a kidney...... In all seriousness, I think Blue Iris on a secondary machine to network and wirelss the cameras in, think i have an old NAS sitting someplace too for storage. just a matter of finding the right cameras now.

 

[SomeSoldier]

That looks really nice, but the cost is out of my range, unless i find that Exacto and extendable mini mirror and get out a kidney...... In all seriousness, I think Blue Iris on a secondary machine to network and wirelss the cameras in, think i have an old NAS sitting someplace too for storage. just a matter of finding the right cameras now.

Just a heads up, try to find cameras that run on the 5Ghz wifi. I have a very small device sitting on my desk that could disable cameras in the 2.4Ghz range easily, it just needs to be in the area. Better would be to hardwire them.

 

[SomeSoldier]

i just watched this a few hours ago .. you don't need to pay for the cloud if you don't want to .. just stick a memory stick into the brain unit ..

If you are not going to use the cloud feature. Make sure to block the cameras access to upload. Just because you are not paying doesn't mean its not transmitting.

 

[CaseHardened]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B5G7YKXG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I bought this one last July.

It is very good for a $50 wireless.

Battery lasts for a week, and is rechargable.

Software is excellent.

I use it every day to monitor my driveway in real time.

Seems to be OOS right now, but Amazon often carries the same product by different names.

 

[CaseHardened]

Just a heads up, try to find cameras that run on the 5Ghz wifi. I have a very small device sitting on my desk that could disable cameras in the 2.4Ghz range easily, it just needs to be in the area. Better would be to hardwire them.

Disable the WiFi, but how about the SD Card most use ?

 

[SomeSoldier]

Disable the WiFi, but how about the SD Card most use ?

If the camera can't talk to the brain because the wifi is affected it can't record.