magohn

Hello All, I am still in the process of setting up a home CCTV - PC based - system. I have three of the Sharx 30fps IP (WiFi) cameras, a Wifi PTZ and a wired Trendnet IP camera. I have discovered that if I add more than three of the cameras at one time, I notice (any combo) the frame rate drops to approx 2 fps and cameras begin to disappear/reappear in the CCTV software. Keeping the # of cameras to <=3 and the system is much more stable with fps approx 5-7. Should'nt a Linksys 54mbps "G" router handle more than this bandwidth demand? I figure 2-3mbps = approx 12mbps for 4 cameras. This is way under the 54mbps the router can handle. I do have other devices connecting to the same router but they are things like laptops and desktops that use bandwidth "on demand". Can anyone comment if my expectations are high? I am about to order a Axis 214 and I am now concerned that my network cant handle it. Could it be my PC based CCTV hub? Its a P4 3.0ghz, 512mb ram (I have another 1gb on order) ? Could the low ram amount cause this behavior? Thanks, John

Thanks Sawbones - all good suggestions. I will test over the next day or so. I would have tested sooner but hte flu came-a-calling...

I have the gear but dont have the knowledge. I am setting up a PC based IP camera system. I have : PC WRT54GL Router (acting as Client-Bridge and connects to my Internet) Netgear POE Switch I have the PC and router setup and communicating to the net. What do I plug into the switch other that the camera - and where? I was expecting to see a specific jack on the switch to connect the switch to the router/internet but all I have is powererd and non-powered CAT5 jacks. I assume the POE IP cameras connect to the switch but does the switch then connect to the PC so the captured images can be saved to my CCTV software? I have searched but cannot find a simple diagram shoewing the POE /PC /Router setup. Any advice appreciated - magohn

Thanks for your idea! I think you are correct here. Last night I tried all three cameras on a different machine and the fps still averaged 2-5 fps. I also had the CCTV software closed out. However, this AM I tested again and now the FPS shot up to an average of 10 FPS with the CCTV software active, one camera actually hit 20fps for a minute or so. Its as if the network goes thru phases of good/poor performance. I am running DD-WRT on the Linksys router and there are many different options. Any ideas as to how I could test/adjust my network? I guess I could try plugging in a CAT5 cable to a camera and see if that improves things...any other suggestion welcome. John

Hello, Thanks for replying. I am using Sharx IP cameras. http://www.sharxsecurity.com/products.html#pet - SCNC2607 They appear to be great little camera - 30 fps MPEG4 codec Based on your theory I just did a test. I bypassed the CCTV software and went directly to the Web site that is served from within the IP camera. I changed the FPS to 30 fps (from 10) and then viewed the stream from the same internal Web site (not the CCTV spawned Web site) . True enough, the camera displayed 25-30 fps, and then I heard the fan of the PC hosting the CCTV software go into overdrive. I was viewing the 30fps on a second PC, the PC hosting the CCTV software is a completely separate box but it WAS working hard when I viewed the stream on the second PC. Perhaps this is my issue - the 512mb just cant handle > 3 cameras and cr@ps out with camera disconnects and low fps? Does it sound reasonable to assume? The host PC was definitely working hard when viewing 30 fps on the second PC. Thanks so far, John

Thanks JD - that is all good info. As far as other routers are concerned, we are lucky enough to be living "out of town" on a private 3-acre lot away from other people/routers. I do have one neighbor who's SSID I can "see", but I think his effect on my setup is negligible. Your point about IP cameras and ram is something I'm not clear on. If all the "work" is being performed in the camera itself and then transmitted to the PC/Software - wouldnt the RAM cost be negligible because the work has already ben done within the camera? I do see how RAM is needed for the PC software to perform motion detection comparisons faster but don't see how this would affect the FPS coming from the camera as the work is already "done". Any comments welcome! Thanks again, John

Thank you for all the feedback - I will play arounf tonight and report back!

Thanks Christopher. So I just connect a cable from the router (in Client-Bridge) to ANY non-POE jack on the switch? I am assuming that makes the switch internet "live" and then the IP camera is setup in the monitoring software on the PC using the wireless IP address coming from the router (in Client-Bridge) mode - does that sound correct? Sorry for the newb questions - as I stated I cant find a diagram of this setup anyplace....

Hello All, My plan is to have 3 or 4 IP cameras hooked up to a router working as a wireless hub. Will POE work by just plugging in a camera to the router? Will an IP camera work like this or does it have to be wired to power in some way? Thanks, Magohn

But don't forget dear old Uncle Sam - that brings the cost to the same as Amazon...

I paid the same at Amazon (incl tax etc) minus the newegg $25 "gift card" - but thanks for the heads up!

I dont understand this logic - if a mid-level price for a PTZ is $1500, why not just go buy the $90 ebay PTZ's if anything less that $1500 is not up to par? Surely a $600 camera is better than a $90 camera? The reason I am asking is that I am looking for PTZ cameras and at first my budget was $500 per camera - after research it has now reluctantly gone up to $1000 per camera - are you now stating that even at $1500 per camera, the camera is just "OK". Very confusing

At first glance, Exacq seems to support more cams in MPEG4/ H.264 than Icatcher. They only have a hybrid if you buy their box, though. As far as other features, they have an evaluation 1 channel version available to test, why not try it for yourself. www.exacq.com ,talk to Thewireguys about it. I have never used icatcher so I can't really compare the two. Exacq is a enterprise solution which can support thousands of cameras. They have a virtual matrix, audio recording, event based recording, event logic, Exacq replay, Event Monitor, Digital PTZ, Multi-Monitor Support, SmartSearch and the list goes on and on. My favorite feature is how you export video... video/audio gets exported as a .exe and it works on Windows, Linux, MAC. Also it looks and functions just like the client software. Thanks to all - after much research this weekend I have decided to go the PC,switch and IP camera route - I just ordered a NETGEAR FS726TP switch and so will now look at the Exacq software. I cant justify $1000 for a system (Nuuo Mini) that only supports 4 camera - i will need a minimum of 4 cameras and dont want to be blocked by expandbilty issues. As stated, it seems the Exacq software is resource friendly and as most of the grunt work will be done via the IP camera and the switch, I am hoping I will soon be good to go - any recommendations on a camera? (PTZ,day/night) Thanks again, Magohn

Hi guys, Still researching my system. Originally i was going to go with a PC based system with IP cameras. However, it seems the most trouble-less systems appear to be standalone CCTV DVR's - is this true? Can anyone suggest a system that has: DVR for 4-8 cameras Cameras Night/Day PTZ preferred Motion Detection on DVR (dont need 24/7 recording) Web Access (prefer firefox and IE) Newbie Questions : Can the power A/V be carried over one cable? Any info much apprecaited.... Thanks, John

NETGEAR FS726TP cheaper and more ports Thank you so much for this recommendation - I checked out the reviews on Amazon and all were positive - I purchased the switch for $295 incl tax and shipping - no onto finding a decent IP camera

Hi Scorpion, The system is for use as general outside home security on a 3-acre remote farm (little night lighting). I would like at least 2 cameras to cover my truck etc and the side of the house. I am very able with PC hardware/software but also realize the beauty of a "standalone" system that does one thing and does it well. I have been looking at the Nuuo Mini (4 cams) and was just about to pull the trigger on the very cool system but realized the following: It has no iPhone access for remote viewing (IE only) I am limited to 4 cams It does not appear to have built in motion detection. So, is it possible to get around these shortcomings in the camera software? I know I would be limited to 4 cams - I can live with that if I have to. However, decent motion detection is a MUST - I do not want 24/7 recording and as we have a lot of wind/trees, the motion detection will be my main trigger. Presently I am using the iCatcher software with regular PC webcams - works well but has poor quality pics. I want to spend around 3k - for the whole setup (less if possible) Thanks for your time, Magohn The Mini doesn't need built in motion detection because it is done in the IP cameras. Exacq does this the same way and it is very good. If you want to use either Exacq or the Mini with analog cameras you can use a video encoder so you have plenty of options and room to grow into megapixel cameras. advantage with the MINI: Cheap Standalone headless system Raid no client software required Advantage Exacq expandable works with all browsers works with Iphone and BlackBerry phones works with Wiindows, Linux, Mac event logic very light on system requrements Both are great systems just depends on your requirements. Exacq software costs $150.00 per license.... /quote] Hmmmm - interesting. Do you know if the Exacq software is better than the software I am using right now, and why? iCatcher - http://www.icode.co.uk/icatcher/products/console.html

Hi Scorpion, The system is for use as general outside home security on a 3-acre remote farm (little night lighting). I would like at least 2 cameras to cover my truck etc and the side of the house. I am very able with PC hardware/software but also realize the beauty of a "standalone" system that does one thing and does it well. I have been looking at the Nuuo Mini (4 cams) and was just about to pull the trigger on the very cool system but realized the following: It has no iPhone access for remote viewing (IE only) I am limited to 4 cams It does not appear to have built in motion detection. So, is it possible to get around these shortcomings in the camera software? I know I would be limited to 4 cams - I can live with that if I have to. However, decent motion detection is a MUST - I do not want 24/7 recording and as we have a lot of wind/trees, the motion detection will be my main trigger. Presently I am using the iCatcher software with regular PC webcams - works well but has poor quality pics. I want to spend around 3k - for the whole setup (less if possible) Thanks for your time, Magohn

Is there a camera out there that does decent daytime pics and "passable" night time pics - where there is NO light (farmers field). I see numerous IR cams but the one I have only illuminates about 15 feet. Night vision does not have to be excellent, if I can make out wildlife passing I would be thrilled. I have read MANY threads, but there is a definite lack of night vision, posted image samples...could somebody please help me out? Im ready to buy but dont want to pay close to $1000 for an IP camera that is useless at night, especially with the long dark nights approaching... Much appreciated, Magohn

Thanks all - especially for the posted pis - very impressive. I will go and check out the suggestions...

Thanks you all for the information - ther scenario is now a lot clearer

Let's start with the requirements. How many feet do you need to illuminate? Best, Christopher Thanks for replying Chris - The camera will be mounted on the side of the house and ideally could "see" 100-150' at night - as I said, I dont need detail at night, just enough to make out images etc. We are having a HUGE problems with wolves, believe it or not and want day/night coverage of the chicken barn/field. The camera would be neat to see what is going on after the lights go out and show us what we are dealing with. At dusk last night, I looked outside and was thrilled to see we had a baby dear in the backyard, until he looked up - the "deer" was a very large wolf - kinda freaky.... Please suggest.....Thanks!

Hmmm - interesting. I just did a quick scan on Amazon and could only find single port options - is there a 4-port option at a good price? Thanks, Magohn

Hello All, I posted a question recently asking about possible "good" wifi cameras to add to my existing PC based system. It seems that wifi cameras are something of a "lemon" and the only "OK" one available being a Toshiba (1K-WB11A) that is 5yrs old and has lukewarm reviews. So, I am in your hands. What do I need to run two (expandable with time to approx 6) decent PTZ cameras via PC based software (iCatcher). Im assuming I will also need a new PC to run the system. My current PC server is only 1.6ghz/1GB ram. This is fine for my current "webcam" type cameras but doesn't look like it will work for "real" cameras. Therefore I needs recommended (within a medium budget) items for: PC - What PC specs? Cmera - What Cameras (PTZ) and good night vision? What cables? What hub? Anything else? I really dont want to run cables (brand new house) but it looks as if I may have no choice. Will POE mean that I only have to run CAT5 cable to power/control an IP camera? Would I still need 120v to the camera? As I said, Im a little confused. My goal is a "simple" but effective Home security type system that will not be lacking in power. It also must be viewable from the web - so this will limit the need for huge image resolutions. 800x600 would be fine. I am only concerned with day/night motion detection and do not need the system recording 24/7 Please advise and THANKS!

Hello All, First time poster who needs some advice - please . I am running excellent surveillance software with a couple of cheap wireless I P cams. As the dark days are coming these cameras will be rendered almost useless as they do not provide any type of image when dark - just static. I want to replace them. Here is my criteria: Budget - approx total of $1000 for 2 or 3 quality cameras that must have: I P Type (wireless as I dont want to run cable) Good night time (IR?) and daytime picture Optical Zoom Reliability SD card (optional) Outdoor I have been looking at the Toshiba 1K-WB11A but it is priced at close to $600 and is over 4 yrs old. Any suggestions on a decent CCTV camera? Thanks!

I agree - newb as I am, after a little reading most "decent" cams are around the $1k a piece mark. I have two options, increase the $ or go without PTZ - Im prepared to be flexible on either option if it means a quality camera. However, Im also coming to the realization that there are not that many 802.11 cameras out there. i was confused by thinking a "IP Camera" was a wifi camera -not so, as it seems you still have to run CAT5 cable - I dont want to do that - I am not handy at putting holes in walls etc. I would prefer something like the Toshiba IK-WB11A that is WiFi, PTZ and outdoor but that camera seems old technology. So to cut a long story short, what are my camera options in the 802.11x (wifi) arena (with night option)? Thanks for the help so far....magohn