jblynch@pacbell.net

There are devices that will allow you to set the view, angle and lens at the install point so you know in advance what you will be looking at on the back end. These devices have small camcorder-like lcd displays that work off the wires out of the camera. Good ones are not inexpensive--a reason why you'd want to use a pro installer unless you have $200+ in your project budget. Good luck. jl

I've been trying to work an install again this year after a January break-in. I'm close to having decided on the equipment I want to buy. Because of the layout of my home, I'm having to run cable in flex and emt for 4 of the 6 cameras in the plan. As a CPA and shopper, I know pricing rather well and don't mind reasonable markups if there's a reason. I'm having an issue finding someone who will just partner in Ventura County CA for install only. Having said that, I'm still working the cabling issues and possibilities of inline mics where I'd like to use a 24VAC setup. Best wishes to you. jl

Trying to confirm all that I've read. It appears to me that one can use the 4 pairs of UTP as: 1 pair video 1 pair audio 2 pair power It seems that most refer to the audio above for PTZ control and I'm not going that direction. Can this be done? thx Jeff Lynch

I'll give those suggestings some thought and do some research. Thanks for responding! jl

Here's my situation for 4 of the 6 cameras on my proposed system. First-I don't really have any attic space due to my 2-story floor plan where most of the first floor ceilings are raised or cathedral. I've got 4 cameras in the run for the sides and back of the house. The plan is to locate them on the walls partly under the level of the 2/4 eve borders. If it's necessary to run flex over to a point where emt is needed on the North side of the house, it and the cable (the other question) will be run and tacked onto the eve 2/4 as it routes around. EMT will be used on the North where we have to run it down to a ledge at the bottom of the North wall and to the point where it will punch through a wall to the 24 VAC power box in the office bedroom. I'm a bit frustrated with the cabling choices. Using 59U could result in a section of this run (lengths are 140/120/47/47 feet respectively) will fully 4 cables in it. Belden Homechoice 7952A looks like a possible option if going UTP and if?? power and possible audio for these 4 cameras could be shared on the 4 conductors then re-split from the powerbox to the DVR. Does anyone have experience with a situation like this? Thanks! Jeff Lynch