luxury1

Does anyone have a step by step instruction guide to installing an outdoor camera system with pictures, etc. I am BRAND new to this as you can see from my few posts but you have to start somewhere. I just don't know much of anything at this point. Thanks!

Wow! Thanks! I am in the Pittsburgh area (just outside)

Thanks again! I think I was editing while you were typing so how do you mount a camera in a brick wall (do screws drill into brick)? And how do you run wires to a camera from the DVR in new construction - do you stable them to the wood beams? How do you get them from inside the house to the outside-do you drill a hole in the brick wall?

This is definitely a good start but let me ask a few more questions: - set-up, adjust, and clean the camera before mounting. (What kind of set-up is usually required for dome cameras?) - mount in a location that allows for easy cleaning or adjustments. do not ground the camera at the install location. (What is grounding a camera? Also, how do you mount a camera in a brick wall? And how do you run wires to a camera from the DVR in new construction - do you stable them to the wood beams? How do you get them from inside the house to the outside-do you drill a hole in the wall?) - test voltage before connecting. (How do you do this? Also, do these systems plug into the wall with a standard outlet?) - connect voltage and test with small portable monitor, if you have one. adjust video angle/view. - connect video cables at camera. (Does this plug in like speaker wire to a speaker?) - connect to DVR (Same question about connection) - if all goes well, weatherproof outdoor connects. (What does this mean) - have a cold beer! (Does it matter what kind? Kidding of course on this one) Sorry that these are so basic but I am really green.

Thanks for the info on pricing. Who are dealers? Rory, VST_Man, etc that I see quite frequently? Also, what don't you like about the equipment list?

My home builder said he uses a Elan system for speakers, cameras, etc. Does anyone know if the Elan cameras are any good?

It is for outside.

Do you think this is risky?

Do you think it is generic? The link is below: http://www.elanhomesystems.com/product/video_comm/v_c/camkit.asp

I just found this forum today and LOVE it! You guys really know your stuff! So I am building a 3,000 sq ft house in Pittsburgh, PA and plan to purchase a 4 camera outdoor system to keep an eye on the entrances. Here is what I was thinking: 4 dome black & white outdoor fixed cameras with brick wall mounts (preferably gooseneck type design or the like) DVR recording device One flat panel monitor (15â€

I was speaking to a guy yesterday and he said that the pelco camera's are very good but they are expensive and a nice alternative for outdoor residential use might be panasonic. Does anyone have any input on this?

You guys amaze me with your knowledge! Thanks SO much!!!

Thanks for the help! I know some of these questions are basic but here they go: Do outdoor cameras need power? If so, do I have a regular outlet installed where the camera is? What is the difference between CAT5 and siamese cables? What brand of outdoor domes do you recommend (given that I only need fixed, b/w). Is there a specific model you would go with? Also, do you have a DVR brand/model you might recommend for this given the budget amount? Is there a detailed list of items that will be needed? Are there any good turnkey systems for this price range? Besides the cable runs, is this a do it yourself project or should I have this done professionally? I am not exactly a guru at anything like this but can usually figure things out if I take the time.