Security Camera pays off

[woodlandfarms]

We are in such an obscure area the chances of anyone coming up on our property are pretty slim. But as we are not around full time I decided to spring for a cheap security camera. I bought it for $50 from Home Depot, rigged it up to the computer (no cost as I had a converter and spare computer). It points along the side of the house and down the road. I leave it up 24/7. The software emails me when something triggers movement. That is usually the spider on the lense or the occassional leaf.

We are a major part of a water project on our road. We are "sponsoring" the water tanks. Lots of construction over the fall and now winter.

On Dec 3 I got a few emails with someone wandering around the house. This is not uncommon as the construction guys may be looking for water or a quick 110 hookup. But something on it did not feel right so I left the emails and video clips for my return home.

Well, we land up here just before X-mas.. Everything looks OK. Late in the evening I am looking through my open air carport and I suddenly realize I do not see my auto jacks or our window AC unit. These items I had hurridly put out in the carport as I had to return unexpectedly to LA and did not have time to make space in our tiny shed. I figured buried behind a tractor and pickup out of sight they would be safe.

Well, we called the Sheriff, they came out, suggested we contact the contractors. Within 24 hours I received a return call from the contractor, saying I should have the Sheriff call him.

Long story short within 2 days I had all my stuff returned and the culprit in the pokey. Sheriff returned our stuff personally (would never happen in LA).

Anyway, just wanted to say the video stuff works and I know a bit more than I used to on the subject if someone has specific questions.

Carl

 

[MossRoad]

What software package are you using? The one that came with the camera or something else?

 

[woodlandfarms]

I have a Mac. SecuritySpy is the software I am using...securityspy.com I think. No, did not use any software with the camera....

 

[Hookblock]

Can you give some more details on the setup, I have a spare computer, but not much computer knowledge (very little, I can't even get photos posted yet) Other systems I have looked at start at 1000 dollars, 50 bucks sounds much better. I was interested in a 2 camera setup, if that makes a difference. Thanks.

 

[Savagepike]

I'm very interested in this as well. I've found some good units with DVR from Costco, but I don't think they email you. Your setup odviously works so I'd like to duplicate it if I may.

 

[SpringHollow]

You can add me to the list of people interested!

Ken

 

[bjcsc]

I use a similar system for my office. It uses any PC camera. The software I use is called "DigiWatcher". I think it was $30 or so, available online. When it detects movement, you can control what it does, including emailing you stills (in case the computer gets stolen), recording and emailing video clips, etc.. It also keeps a log of activity. Cheap and effective.

Congrats on your apprehension...

 

[woodlandfarms]

I am going to suggest to anyone to send me a PM and I can answer specific questions, I have tried to write what I know and it turns into pages of stuff. But I have a ton of sources and I am in the midst of upgrading my system from a simple one camera/computer to a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) with 4 cameras that I can access via the internet, and also keep the project under $400 that the boss allowed me to spend. The very big deal on this is that most DVR's that you can access over the internet cost 1K to get into. I found a deal on the net, and maybe it will work out for me (Will know on the 3rd of January).

This all said, I bought a camera at Home Depot. It cost under $50. No software. I ran its wire into the house and tried to get it to hook up to my computer. Problem is that most computers are not capable of taking in video from an RCA or BNC connector. So, I grabbed up an old DV to firewire converter and that got the signal into the computer. You can use an old Video Camera (old means a year or two). Most of them can hook to the computer and let you pass through video with the side plugins. I then downloaded securityspy software and set it up. There is a lot you can do with this type of software, including setting up your computer so you can view the camera live. You have to do a couple of things that are kinda technical, but they are easy to do and worth the effort to see the video live from anywhere in the world.

So, there is so much to look for. Here are some pictures of what a $50 camera will give you. It is not much, and this camera is a year old.

The 12/03 picture is of our thief

The 12/27 is of snow and our road.

The 12/29 is a current snap of the camera at night. It has only 6 little LED's so the night vision is really marginal.

I am replacing this camera with a $250 version Lots of LED's and a big color chip. I got the camera for $80 off of ebay. I am also setting up two $30 cameras that have less LED's and picture quality, but should be way better than this camera (again, ebay scores). Those will cover the front door and the carport. I will keep this current camera for another angle looking at another part of the property.

Like I said, PM me and I will be happy to help out. I don't want to get too off topic here at TBN...

Carl

 

[weldingisfun]

He deserved to get caught just because he wore a pink jacket.

 

[john_bud]

Putrid pilfering pink parka'ed punk pinched purloining personal property!

Woodlandfarms film at 11:00.....

jb

But he did drive a nice car. Some states allow for the confiscation of vehicles used in the commision of a crime. Maybe take away momma's wheels from him? You can also possibly sue in civil court and have the cost of a full blown security system paid for as he is responsible for the theft of your security and well being.

 

[Skipholiday]

Putrid pilfering pink parka'ed punk pinched purloining personal property!

Thats funny

 

[MossRoad]

Putrid pilfering pink parka'ed punk pinched purloining personal property!

The first thing I thought was "Where did he steal that coat?" the I read your post! Too funny!!!

 

[Savagepike]

Thanks for the info, I think I'm going with a DVR setup too. I don't want to cheapout on security for my home or family.

 

[Timber]

Pink is my favorite color

 

[Willl]

Pink is my favorite color

This comes as no surprise.

 

[woodlandfarms]

Thanks for the info, I think I'm going with a DVR setup too. I don't want to cheapout on security for my home or family.

You can get an OK setup out of Costco for 300 to 400 but it does not allow internet access. I also think the cables are a bit short but it is no reason not to buy the system.

Give me a couple of days as my new stuff arrives on wednesday and I can tell you the quality of more expensive cameras.

 

[woodlandfarms]

Can you give some more details on the setup, I have a spare computer, but not much computer knowledge (very little, I can't even get photos posted yet) Other systems I have looked at start at 1000 dollars, 50 bucks sounds much better. I was interested in a 2 camera setup, if that makes a difference. Thanks.

If you want a two camera there are three choices that hold the costs down. First is getting IP Cameras. They are wired and wireles (wireless cameras are expensive and not really worth it as the signal length is short and they still need power (so they need wires)). These cameras plug into your router and are assigned a specific IP address (this sounds big but it is not, especially if you have a 12 year old). The computer has the video capture software and you can tell it where to look. Problem is these cameras are $200 or so. They are also big. I am enclosing links to a website so you can see what I am talking about, but do NOT take this as a recommendation as a place to buy yet. Also there choices are limited.

IP Camera = KingOfGadgets.com GS4600

The second choice for multiple cameras is a card in your computer. Usually around $90 and you hardwire your cameras in.

Card = GEOVISION GV-600 30 FPS PCI VIDEO CAPTURE CARD

Camera = KingOfGadgets.com GS306

This system works the same, where the software in the computer will look at this card and take the video off of it.

You have to set up the software on these systems if you want the computer to email you or... And you have to select hot spots where if motion happens the computer triggers recording. Again, fairly easy stuff but a lot of trial and error on creating a hotspot that will not trigger to often with trees blowing in the wind an such.

The final system is just buying a dedicated package with DVR. Costco and other retailers start out at around $300 to $400. They are usually not internet capable but with some smart shopping you can get an internet system for nearly the same price

Hope this helps.

Carl

 

[woodlandfarms]

How about a bit on cameras.

So, Like I said before there are two three ways to get a signal to your system. Wireless through and IP, Wired through and IP or hardwire into a video converter card.

But what camera? It really goes to your application (indoor, outdoor, secure, wide angle, night vision...

But for basic consumer selling points here are the things to look for. In no particular order...

Night Vision. The More LED's the better the night vision. Most of the chips in cameras are sensitive to Infra Red so Nightvision is easy if they have an IR source (or you have a strong motion sensor light)

Chip Size and Type. The bigger the chip generally the higher quality image. 1/3" inch is the new large size, 1/4" is general size, and smaller exists on the cheapcameras. CMOS and CCD... Yes, there is a difference, will you really care? Probably not.

Lense size. A lense size is predicated on the chip size (the bigger the chip the lense width changes to see the same angle), but here is my advice. a 3mm to 4mm is wide angle. 70 to 90 degree angles of view. These cameras can up to 12mm (25 degree angle of view and kinda telephoto) so you need to think through it. Lense quality might be important. I feel at this point you get what you pay for.

Connections. You may have to play connector jockey depending on your application. RCA connectors are common with the cheap cameras, BNC is more comon with higher quality. but adapters can be easily had.

Hope this helps

Carl

 

[BruceR]

Great post. Keep us updated on the gear.

Thanks,
Bruce

 

[Savagepike]

Thanks for all the great info, I'll be scouring the internet looking for some good options...