Marrkk

2 of my domes will be daisy-chained because they are nearly inline to my DVMre (furthest one at about 730 feet). The other one comes from a different direction thus the need for a KTD-83. I just got one on Ebay for $43.00, I'm keeping my finger crossed on that (it's worth the risk at that amount). Gem electronics has an amplified transceiver that will connect 4 cameras, and it's about $100/ vs. $250 x 2 for two GE single camera transceivers (p/n KTS-271). Thanks for the input. Regards, Mark

I am upgrading my company's surveillance system and have replaced the panasonic VCR with a DVR. Because we are locked into GE's SecurePerfect access control system and wanting to integrate it with the surveillamce system, I went with the GE DVMre. For the same reason (ease of integration) I decided to go with GE's new Legend PTZ domes (how can they be legends when they just came out??) to replace my ancient Pelco Intercept domes. The three new PTZs arrived last week. I'm now discovering that I will need additional wiring to the PTZ locations, as the Pelco PTZ communication was via the coax. Not a big issue since the previous installer use CATV coax, so it had to be replaced anyway. However, the hook-up to the DVMre is also much more complicated. With the Pelco set-up, the coax simply went to a switch to allow camera selection for the Coaxitron controller, then looped to the VCR. Now, even though I paid $1k for the SecurePerfect camera integration package to allow me to control my cameras from SecurePerfect, I still need a GE keypad (KTD-405 0r KTD-400) to the tune of $400-$700 to program the cameras if I want to preset positions (for movement to an alarm location, for example). Also, the PTZ can't be directly wired to the key pad - I need another device (I believe a KTD-83) to accomplish that task. In addition I believe I need a second intermediary device between the keypad and the DVMre. I'm not certain what that device is for a three camera set-up. Can anyone out ther help me understand the communication (data) set-up of my system? Thr DVMre and Legend installation manuals are of little help - they focus on their individual set-up issues, not interconnection. Also, GE says to use 22 guage UTP (Unshielded Twisted-pair) wire for data, which eliminates CAT 5 or 6, which are 24 and 23 gauge. Any source for this? If I can find it, I'd like to use an outdoor rated cable as I have to bring it across a roof area and would like to avoid the need for conduit. Two twisted pair wire would also allow me to bring the video signal down and I would not have to run coax (the runs are 500-800 feet). Thanks in advance forr any advice/assistance Mark

I have a posting in the "General system design" section of the forum concerning an system upgrade involving a GE DVMre and several GE Legend domes (as well as other cameras). In that posting, I discuss my proposed wiring using outdoor cable runs. I plan to daisy-chain the data, but GE recommends 22 awg UTP wire for the data (they don't like the idea of CAT5/5E). Does any one know of a source for outdoor(UV resistant, weatherproof) 22 awg single or double-pair UTP? I know outdoor CAT5 and CAT6 (23 awg) are available. I only need a total of 4 pairs if I daisy-chain the data wires (2 domes plus one other camera). Is there a problem running data signals down one of the pairs of the CAT cable with video on the other three? I'm calling GE again tomorrow. Thanks for any suggestions. Mark

If I use a Pelco PTZ mount, I will use my existing coaxitron controller for it initially and tie it into DVMre control later if i want to spend the $ for for the GE to Pelco converter. Again, thanks for the feedback Regards, Mark

I would like to do just what you say (use CAT 5 or 5e), but my conversations with a GE tech support personnel led me believe the following: a) The data wiring should be min. 22 awg (CAT 5 is 24 ga., 0.511mm nom. dia,) b) It is not a good idea to run the data signal from more than one camera in a single cable (which contradicts the method they themselves provide for daisy-chaining) c) The dome presets must be programmed via a KTD keyboard (and cannot be set via WaveReader) If the above is all bad info from GE, I would plan to to do the following per your suggestion using a single run of outdoor rated CAT5E (24 awg) or CAT6 (23 awg). 1. Start at the first GE dome and connect the CAT 1st pair for the data and the 2nd pair for video. 2. Come to the next-in-line camera and tie in to the 3rd pair for video or video/data via coaxitron) using a balun. This will a standard camera in an enclosure, either fixed or on a Pelco PTZ mount. 3. Come to the third-in-line camera, another GE dome and daisy-chain the 1st pair for video and tie into the 4th pair for video. Terminate the daisy-chain at the camera. 4. Run the CAT5/6 to the DVMre location and tie pairs 2, 3 and 4 into an RS232/coax converter and then from the converter into their respective DVMre BNC coax ports. 5. Terminate the 1st pair in a RJ45 (RJ11?) connector and plug into a KTD-83 (the third GE dome comes from different location and cannot be daisy-chained). 6. Connect the KTD directly to the DVMre or to a KTD keyboard (if I can't do camera presets from WaveReader). Does this make sense/ will it work? Thanks! Mark

I'm revamping my complete camera surveillance system and would like some suggestions on monitors. I currently have three 19" Panasonic monitors which completely fill the provided 5' (60")wide space. I have plenty of depth, so I see no point in going to LCD monitors, as everything I have read indicates that they are generally inferior to CRT monitors (except for very pricey high-end models). I have also heard that the best CRT is the Sony Trinitron. I'd like to replace the Panasonics with FST (Flat Square Tube) monitors. The SONY 19" (20" tube) SSM20L1 lists for about twice what most others sell for (over $1k ea.). Are there any other companies using the 20" Sony FST trinitron in their monitors? Also, this website is advertising "B Stock: Sony monitors for $262.50: http://www.bpcvalue.com/InventoryDetail.cfm?Rec_Num=4328 Any experiences/ suggestions?

Free Freebies??!! - I meant to say a FEW freebies!!

If the camera is designed for manual iris lenses only, why does the picture show an auto iris lens ... The picture is of a VCC-5774, which can take an auto iris lens. The camera being sold is a VCC-5774M, (M for manual) designed for controlled lighting conditions (Casinos!). Sanyo has one manual (and one picture) for both cameras. As to the reason it is inexpensive, remember it is designed to be used in a very well designed and CONTROLLED lighting and background environment. Much of the cost of cameras going in highly variable lighting (day/ night, glare from light thru glass doors, etc) goes into designing them to perform under those extremely varied conditions[/b]

I don't know that particular camera, but If it is a CS mount lens and a camera designed for a CS mount, then you probably have to adjust the camera's backplane. Look at your camera instructions. I believe the normal process with a vari-focus lens is to put both the focus ring and the zoom ring at about their mid-point (in the middle of their range) then adjust the backplane until you get close to focus. Then do your final adjustments. If you have a C-mount lens with a CS-mount camera, you need an adapter (but I doubt Spytown would sell you both on one order without indicating to you the need for the adapter). Call the Camera company's technical support. With a new camera, they should walk you through the solution to this type of problem (I doubt it's a lens issue) Good Luck!

Here are a free freebies. If you need more, let me know. http://www.sweeting.org/mark/lenses/cctv.php http://www.directlvs.com/Lens/lenscalc.htm http://www.polarisusa.com/support/lens_calculator.shtml http://www.silentwitness.com/support/lens/lenses.php http://www.webcamsoft.com/en/faq/lens_calc.html http://www.jvcpro.co.uk/solu/networks/calc_html http://www.atvideo.com/Support/tlFOVCalc.htm

I'm the Security Manager at a Facility that does (among other things) DoD research and development. After many years, we are upgrading our camera and access control system. I can't get an installer involved, since we are a Top Secret facility, so I am having to learn on-the fly. Since we are locked in to a GE (Casi-Rusco) SecurePerfect access card system, I replaced the Panasonic VCR with a GE (Kalatel) DVMre Pro, which can be integrated (alarms, viewing off-site, etc,) with SecurePerfect. I am planning to replace the 3 existing (OLD) Pelco domes with the new GE Legends for the same reason (easier integration). That leaves 12 other camera positions to upgrade/ add. I'm having trouble getting any real independent test data on cameras/lenses. For the indoor cameras, i'm planning on the Pixim DPS based Pelco CCC5100H-6 because I have 2 locations with contrast problems (outside light thru glass doors). I can get them for a very good price - anyone with experience with these or similar (GE Ultraview, JVC TKC-WD310, Baxall Hyper-D, etc.) DPS cameras? Any downside to using them as interior cameras in non- high contrast areas? (we leave the interior lights on in camera areas). For exterior cameras (the DPS chip is not good in low-light), I was going to use the Pelco CCC1390H-6, but the first one I installed failed (stuck in an overexposed mode) on the second day. It also appears a bit cheap in the construction department. One camera on which I have seen a good test report is the Bosch LTC 045 Dinion (15 bit DSP processing, hi res, wide dynamic range, good low-light performance - but not day/night switching). These cameras will be looking over parking areas that are illuminated at night by sodium vapor lamps. I don't think i need a color/mono day/night camera. Any comments/ suggestions? For lenses, I've seen a test report that listed a Cosmicar/Pentax fixed focal length auto-iris as best (over 570 lines resolution -but it was a 1/2 lens). Coming in second were 1/3 Bosch and Panasonic lenses (about 480 lines). I plan on using the Pentax fixed focal length in all locations where I don't need something in between their available 2.8, 4.0 and 8.0 lens (they are all F1.2). Any thoughts on these lenses or others? Also, should I get auto-iris lenses for my indoor cameras? Thanks for any help you experts out there can give me!

I understand the GE F0.95 is a rebranded Fujinon with about a 25% mark-up. Also the scuttlebutt at the show (from two independent sources who shall remain anonomous) is that Fuji has been having some quality problems of late and the lenses aren't what they used to be. The only camera that I saw at the show with a Fujinon was at the Sony exhibit - and I haven't heard much good about Sony cameras - only their camera chips.

Thanks for all the discussion, guys. ADI had a day-long seminar (company hype) and security products show in Santa Clara today which I attended. I got to talk to the Bosch, GE, Tamron and Computar reps and local sales agents. Panasonic wasn't there and I missed the Toshiba exhibit. The Bosch guy committed to providing me a camera for a "shoot out", and Panasonic agreed to the same over the phone. Sam at ADI said he would contact the Toshiba rep, and I better include GE (especially since I will be using their Legend domes and DVMre). I'll keep you posted.

I would welcome that. I'm in CA, Oakland area. ADI gives me (our company) good prices, near installer (we can't use an installer because of our classified work). I've my ADI prices against some of yours in the last week and they are within a few dollars. Their location is three blocks from our facility, so it's very convenient, but they don't always have what I need in stock. I have no problem using on-line sources when it makes sense. Thanks for the interest and I'll continue to check your site.

Thanks, Spytown My local ADI guy also suggested Toshiba. I'll check tomorrow it is the same one you mentioned.

Thanks for the info, cctvgeeknz. I called both the Bosch and Panasonic reps and we are going to have a "shoot-out". I'm also trying out the Pelco CCC5100 in a high contrast indoor location. If you have tried both The Bosch and the Panasonic, what are there relative strengths and weakness (i.e., where would you choose one over the other, and vice-versa?) Thanks again!

Thanks, Rory. I'm the same person looking for camera suggestions on the other thread that you responded to - I did notice you suggestion for GE monitors there also. I will be using two of these monitors in split screen mode to view a total of 16 cameras fed from a GE DVMre- so both will probably be in 9 camera mode with the third on full screen. Your camera suggestions were good, but a bit too pricey for me. I'll probably stay with conventional 1/3" cameras in an enclosure. (I don't have the environmental problems here in California that you probably have, so the Extreme would be overkill). I really would like flat screen monitors, I don't think the GE is one. Thanks again!

Thanks again for all your input. My investigation of lenses based on your recommendations has led me to a strange conclusion - available high quality aspherical low F-stop (F1.0 and below) fixed focus lens are more expensive than their veri-focal brethren - the only aspherical fixed I can find are Computar at about 1 1/2 to twice the going rate for the 3mm-8mm/10mm varis! I've zeroed in on three varis based your inputs - the Fujinon YV2.7x2.9LA-SA (F0.95, 2.9-8mm Zoom), The Computar TG3Z3510FCS-IR (F1.0, 3.5-10.5mm Zoom), and the Tamron 13VG308ASIR-SQ (F1.0, 3-8mm Zoom). Only the Fujinon and Tamrom list on their spec sheets that they are aspherical. Only the Tamron and Computar mention that they are IR lenses, but the Fujinon says it has a "built-in filter of T360, supporting super sensitive cameras" (we will not be using IR illumination). The prices are very close, with the Fujinon being about 20% less that the Tamron, with the Computar in the middle. Any comments on these choices? (I'm leaning toward the Fujinon). Back to the cameras - I'm going to order one each of the Panasonic WV-CP484 and the Bosch LTC 0495 (I left a digit out of the number in my first post) and put them to the test. The Bosch has "Lens wizard" to "help focus the lens at maximum opening to maintain proper 24 hr focus" - don't know how this corresponds to the Panasonic Auto Back focus. For white balance, the Bosch has ATW, AWB hold, and Manual WB selectable vs. ATW1, ATW2 and AWC on the Panasonic. Bosch's selling point seems to be the 15 bit processing. The cameras are about the same price on-line (comparing best prices -no single source seems to carry both), but I don't know until tomorrow what my local supplier's prices will be. I have a Sony Trinitron Monitor with A and B inputs, and can try some side-by-side tests using the same lens, both day/night and indoor/outdoor. Any further comments on cameras? Again, thanks for helping out this CCTV do-it-yourselfer.

Thanks to both of you for the great info, I have two questions about your replies and then an additional question, 1. I'm getting better than catalog prices (but not quite best installer prices) at a local security wholesaler, so my checking of on-line prices indicate i will probably get the Panos at about the price I'm paying for the (soon to be returned) Pelco CCC1390s. But I was getting a great (!!!?) price on the CCC5100 (they are back-ordered from Pelco untill 11/10 so I don't have them yet). I'm sure th Panos will be more than the CCC5100s. What camera recommendations can you give for my less demanding indoor locations (very even indoor lighting 24/7). that could sve me money? 2. I've gone on the Fujinon site and only see an F0.95 aspherical lens in a Varifocal lens (2.9mm-9mm). Their auto-iris fixed focal lens are listed at F1.2 to F1.4. Do you have part numbers for F0.95 or less fixed focal length lenses? 3. What about cable - the original installer used non-copper CATV coax, so I'll have to re-pull the proper cable. Some are incouraging me to use CAT-5 and a BNC adapter/converter at each end (it woud be easier to run). My gut says stick with RG-59 and RG-6. I have two runs of about 750', the others are less than 500'. Should I use RG-6 for the long runs? Any problems with brands of cable as long as it is 95% min. copper braid/ core CCTV cable? Thanks again for any and all input!