Anyone here with CCTV security experience?

[AlanS17]

My mom lives in a gated community, but they've had three robberies in the past month or so. There's a homeowner's association with dues that paid for the gate a few years ago, but it doesn't seem to be helping much lately.

My step-dad mentioned a proposal to install security cameras. I personally think it's a great idea, but I can only imagine how much that would cost to have it done professionally.

I've found some professional grade stuff online, and I'm thinking I could install it myself. I think 2 cameras on the entry gate and 2 more on the exit gate would be way more than enough. There's a locked guard shack that is always left empty. The HOA can't afford to hire someone to stand guard all the time. I'm thinking I can securely leave the DVR in there and wire up the cameras into it. Two cameras would be wired, and two more would be wireless.

I think I can do it all for under $1500. I know there are cheaper kits and all-in-one solutions online, but I want them to have something truly heavy-duty.

Does anyone know why that would be a problem? Am I over-simplifying this whole thing? I think I can save them thousands of dollars, and I think I could have it all installed in one weekend.

[Ken Layton]

Have you checked out the package deals at www.supercircuits.com yet?

If you do outdoor cameras, it is suggested to get the aluminum camera weatherproof housings and the fan/heater accessory.

[AlanS17]

Have you checked out the package deals at www.supercircuits.com yet?

If you do outdoor cameras, it is suggested to get the aluminum camera weatherproof housings and the fan/heater accessory.

That's a site I hadn't seen yet, but I'm actually finding better cameras on other sites. They do have a great selection of DVR's, though.

[Ken Layton]

MCM Electronics (www.mcminone.com) is currently having a sale on security cameras/accessories. Worth checking them out too.

[Hildy_42]

I am a sales engineer for a security company that supplies detention grade CCTV equipment.  The stuff we use is probably a little out of your price range.  I do know we mainly use Pelco, Bosch and Panasonic cameras.  As for the DVR Pelco has a few that are four channel that might be what you are looking for.  I would probably get one that will allow you to record for at least three or four days before it starts writing over previous video.  And most DVRs you can set to only record on motion.  Probably not much help but if you have any trouble hooking anything up let me know.  I had to do installation work before I moved over to the sales group.

[AlanS17]

Cool! Thanks, Hildy.

I've already determined that I'm looking for at least 2 weatherproof, tamper resistant cameras with daylight color and infrared B/W at night. I'll also be wanting a 4CH DRV with motion sensing recording. I can always upgrade to two more cameras later.

I'm reading lots of good things about the Sony cameras, but I didn't realize Bosch even made security cameras. I know they're very well known for their optics so that is definitely a route to explore.

I'm probably looking for a DRV and 2 cameras for $1500. Is that something your company could provide?

[Hildy_42]

I can look into it.  We usually do correctional facilities but I can try and get you pricing from our vendors i.e. Bosch and Pelco.  I will see what I can come up with and let you know.  If I can't provide it I can at least point you to someone who can.

[AlanS17]

That's good enough for me. Thanks. 

[ChadTower]

In a wealthy setup like that, it's usually someone clumsy that needs quick drug money.  Or to pay off gambling debts. 

[AlanS17]

Gated communities just means it's someone in your neighborhood doing the robbing.

It's just one street. Not that many people. A lot of the houses in there are second homes for a lot of familes so they're probably more prone to theft. My mom's house is actually one of the less expensive ones, but my step-dad is president of the home owner's association.

[TOK]

With the video gear in an empty guard shack, anyone else wanna guess what the next theft will be?   

[Jess--]

The local shop was broken into about a year ago here. the only things taken were the security cameras and the recorders

[edwardvci]

I have been doing CCTV work for over 18 years now. Not being able to see what the location looks like it is hard to give a sold recommendations. But here is some things to consider.

1. is the guard shack heated and cooled if not don't expect a long life on the DVR.
2. Always use a UPS on the DVR (they are very easy to damage with power surges)
3. Use self contained outdoor cameras for outside they are smaller and cost less and don't need a housing.
4. EVERfocus is cheep but works OK http://www.everfocus.com/
5. I use Honeywell / Ademco
6. on wireless stay away from anything with the words X10 on it......
7. The more light the better the picture.
8. cheep infred cameras only see about 20 to 40 feet in the dark.
9. don't expect to read license plates.
10. always put the DVR in a lock box.
11. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!!

Hopes this helps some.

[AlanS17]

With the video gear in an empty guard shack, anyone else wanna guess what the next theft will be?   

That thought has totally crossed my mind. I've found lock boxes for all the equipment.

[AlanS17]

I have been doing CCTV work for over 18 years now. Not being able to see what the location looks like it is hard to give a sold recommendations. But here is some things to consider.

1. is the guard shack heated and cooled if not don't expect a long life on the DVR.
2. Always use a UPS on the DVR (they are very easy to damage with power surges)
3. Use self contained outdoor cameras for outside they are smaller and cost less and don't need a housing.
4. EVERfocus is cheep but works OK http://www.everfocus.com/
5. I use Honeywell / Ademco
6. on wireless stay away from anything with the words X10 on it......
7. The more light the better the picture.
8. cheep infred cameras only see about 20 to 40 feet in the dark.
9. don't expect to read license plates.
10. always put the DVR in a lock box.
11. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!!

Hopes this helps some.

Thanks for the tips. I've already taken heating/cooling the guard shack into consideration. A lock box is a must. Maybe I can find one with a refidgeration unit. By self-contained cameras, are you refering to the "bullet" cameras I've been seeing?

I kind of want very large cameras (or at least large enclosures). I don't want to catch someone in the act.  I'd much rather scare them off before they ever do anything.

[dstone]

I've just finished setting up a small system for my home using two 4-port capture cards and some Linux software called Zoneminder (www.zoneminder.com). It's been running for about a week with no problems, however I haven't tackled the motion detection setup yet, should be able to get to it this weekend. I think there's even a way to have the software upload frames to an FTP server (great if you put a camera on the box and set it to motion detect, then you could see who's going after the DVR box). It might be worth playing around with a PC based solution before spending the big $$$ to help figure out what features you need/want.

[ChadTower]

All this effort to stop some rich kid from getting his weed money.

[shardian]

One question: What is to stop them from hopping a fence in someone's back yard, or worse, just walking thru someones yard that isn't fully enclosed by a fence? Are you even sure the people are using the main gate?

[AlanS17]

One question: What is to stop them from hopping a fence in someone's back yard, or worse, just walking thru someones yard that isn't fully enclosed by a fence? Are you even sure the people are using the main gate?

Well I know among other things that a golf cart was stolen. That's not something you can fit in your pocket.

[ChadTower]

A golf cart?  That's big, slow, and loud.  People saw that. 

It's either insurance fraud, which happens all the time in second homes, or there are witnesses that aren't coming forward.

[shardian]

A golf cart?  That's big, slow, and loud.  People saw that. 

It's either insurance fraud, which happens all the time in second homes, or there are witnesses that aren't coming forward.

Apparently you've never drove an electric golf cart have you? Silent operation, fairly small compared to car, and can be fairly quick. We used to steal the guards golf cart all the time in high school. Good times.

[ChadTower]

I've driven them dozens of times.  Guess it depends on the cart.  The carts at some very expensive golf courses up here all must suck.

[edwardvci]

Thanks for the tips. I've already taken heating/cooling the guard shack into consideration. A lock box is a must. Maybe I can find one with a refrigeration unit. By self-contained cameras, are you referring to the "bullet" cameras I've been seeing?

I kind of want very large cameras (or at least arge enclosures). I don't want to catch someone in the act.  I'd much rather scare them off before they ever do anything.

If you just want to scare them away save yourself some money and just put up some real camera housing and put a dark tint on the lens. Don't  buy Dummy camera because they look fake. Also real cameras don't have red lights or fisheyes dummy cameras do.

[AlanS17]

That thought had occured to me, too (about the enclosures). Those dummy cameras look incredibly fake.

And electric golf carts are silent. Very easy to steal if you can get into the garage. And there were 3 break-ins so I doubt everyone decided insurance fraud at the same time.

[ChadTower]

An intelligent fraud artist damages/robs the establishments around his own to create that appearance.  You don't just smash up your own store... you smash up the one next door too and one a couple doors down.

[AlanS17]

An intelligent fraud artist damages/robs the establishments around his own to create that appearance.  You don't just smash up your own store... you smash up the one next door too and one a couple doors down.

I won't say that's impossible. But it's hard to take such little information and make a certain deduction. Plus it's a lot harder to steal someone else's stuff than it is to steal your own.

Even if that's the case, a camera at the exit to the community would presumably catch them leaving with the stolen goods.

[Hildy_42]

Alan
   Just got some time to go over this.  It is probably not cost effect for you to buy through me.  My company makes it's money through installation not products.  So I have to mark up the cameras a lot and it is probably cheaper for you to go through the company direct. 
 
But I did get you some part numbers that I would recommend:
Camera:  Bosch Day/Night Camera (P/N LTC 0455/20)
Lenses:   Bosch 1/3" Lense (P/N LTC 3364/60)
Housing:  Bosch Corner Mnt. w/ heater and blower (P/N LTC9303/01)
DVR:        Pelco 4-channel DVR w/ CD Burner (P/N DX4004CD-160)

This is what I would recommend but it might be a little bit out of your price range.  Again sorry I couldn't help more but I put the cost together and with my mark up it would be cheaper for you to go straight to the source.  Hope this helps and let me know if you need anything else.

Hildy

[Ken Layton]

Since the last date of this thread, prices have fallen considerably on cameras and DVR's. Also, camera resolution has gone way up. Today's cameras can see much more clearly than those manufactured a few years ago. Now there are individually addressable IP cameras too.

Some companies I have seen selling security cameras, DVR's and power supplies:

http://www.apexcctv.com/



http://www.dedicatedmicrosinc.com/

http://www.dvrmaster.com/

http://www.q-see.com/

http://www.closeoutcctv.com/Security-Cameras-s/13.htm

http://www.securitycamerasdirect.com/

http://www.supercircuits.com/

http://shoppingcctv.com/index.php?osCsid=53be68f41cc10baaa54dc9b186fd73b4

http://www.swann.com/region/usa/entry/us

http://www.vitekcctv.com/

http://www.lorextechnology.com/

The Q-See, Swann, and Lorex brands are sold at Costco stores and Wal-Mart. There are so many choices out there now that it's worth it to shop around to make up a system the way you want it. Virtually all the companies now sell lockboxes for the DVR's and power supply boxes for the cameras.

[Ken Layton]

I've installed several of the Q-See brand camera systems (sold by Costco and other retailers) and am quite impressed with the systems. Cameras are sharp and night vision excellent.

A two pack of the Q-see model QM6006B cameras is available at Costco as item # 665423:

http://www2.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11761723&whse=BD_563&Ne=4000000&eCat=BD_563|77827&N=4036938&Mo=40&No=1&Nr=P_CatalogName:BD_563&cat=77827&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&topnav=national

[Ken Layton]

I picked up a cheap indoor dome camera for use in the kitchen of a restaurant near the deep fryer. This one from T-mart is ok and works fine:

http://www.tmart.com/Dome-CMOS-Color-Surveillance-Security-Camera-with-12IR-LED-NightVision_p126008.html

You can't beat the price plus free shipping too!

[lilshawn]

I picked up a cheap indoor dome camera for use in the kitchen of a restaurant near the deep fryer.

uhm....somebody deepfrying something they shouldn't be  

[Ken Layton]

I picked up a cheap indoor dome camera for use in the kitchen of a restaurant near the deep fryer.

Uhm....somebody deepfrying something they shouldn't be  

Nope, it's to watch in case of accidents or fires. The hot oil can get splashed on people and cause burns. There have been a couple of occasions where a fire started because the gas igniter started late (a malfunction of the igniter) causing a fireball. This will be to see that employees act quickly and correctly in extinguishing a fire.

[Ken Layton]

Internet addressable cameras (IP cameras) are starting to become the latest rage in security cameras. Now with "megapixel" IP cameras, the resolution is tremendously improved over analog cameras which are up to 700 line resolution. Check out the Q-See Ip style camera systems at Costco:

http://www.costco.com/Q-see-16-Channel-HD-SDI-Security-System-with-3TB-Hard-Drive-and-8-HD-1080p-Cameras.product.100039946.html

Granted, the IP style camera systems are still up there in price though. But if you need extreme details/sharpness/resolution, then the new IP camera systems are what you want to use.

[Ken Layton]

Another great Costco pre-packaged system by Q-See:

http://www.costco.com/.product.100123928.html

[Ken Layton]

MCM Electronics has a sale on some high res outdoor cameras:

82-18300 just $99.99 and it's 1000 TVL, outdoor dome. day/night, varifocal 2.8mm to 12mm lens

82-18235 just $89.99 and it's 1200 TVL, outdoor bullet, day/night, varifocal 2.8mm to 12 mm lens

82-18240 just $129.00 and it's 1200 TVL, outdoor bullet, day/night, long range varifocal 6mm to 22mm lens, IR nightvision up to 275 feet

http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/82-18240

[Ken Layton]

If you need hidden cameras, here is one built into an electrical wall plate.

http://www.dvrmaster.com/product-370--nbsp-wall-socket-1-3-quot-color-ccd-w-pin-hole-lens-and-electric-socket-case-spy-hidden-security-camera.html

[Ken Layton]

Costco has got another nice pre-packaged system on sale:

http://www.costco.com/.product.100123928.html

[Ken Layton]

The Q-See model QM6006B camera is a good starter outdoor/indoor and day/night camera. It operates on 12 volts DC, has color image in daylight and switches to black & white at night, and is 600 TVL resolution. This camera is sturdy all-aluminum housing and mounting bracket.

The QM9901B is the current model (900 TVL resolution) and it directly replaces the QM6006B. My experience with the QM6006B is that it has been a good, reliable weatherproof camera. Here are some pictures I took of a new out of the box one. The wiring passes through the mounting bracket for a clean installation.

[Ken Layton]

I just installed an 8 camera system for a friend. He got this pre-packaged system from Costco:

http://www.costco.com/Lorex-8-Channel-HD-Analog-DVR-with-2TB-HDD%2c-8-1080p-Cameras-with-130'-Night-Vision.product.100218592.html

I was very pleasantly surprised at how quickly this system installed and configured. Very good resolution (1080p) and great night vision.

Lorex used to be crap, but boy have they come up in quality now!

[ahofle]

Ken, have you ever installed an upgraded DVR/camera system like 1080p/720p on existing coax/power cables from a 480p system?  That kit looks great but I already spent a ton of time/effort running the cabling around my house for an older system (connections look the same though).  I would love a resolution upgrade now that those have come down so far in price.