Numb-nuts

Make sure that brand name is a well known CCTV brand other than Swann.

Regardless, with analogue wiring if you use cat5 and baluns you are likely going to still need BNC plugs at both ends, that is unless you use individual Baluns at either end. So until there is no more analogue, we remain dependent on BNCs long may they remain. I kinda like them anyway.

I did arrive on the jobsite early on Sunday and it was cold but not so bad that I wasn't able to get moving. I wore my thermal underwear and hardly noticed the cold and frost. The ground was quite slippery. Oh believe me I worked hard all day Saturday and Sunday but I really enjoyed it. Come to think of it, I always enjoy my job even if sometimes things are hard or I am having difficulties, the feeling of overcoming problems is really satisfying. On this last job, I was surrounded by horses which I really liked as I don't have much opportunity to be around horses these days. This was a nice change.

did anyone see Coronation Street this evening?

Cat5 is the right choice here, passive or powered baluns depending on distance to a dstribution box at each garage hwere you can either 1. end with a 4 way balun and use coax to the camera 2. Use a idc junction box and CAT5 to each camera ending with a single balun 3. for long distances from the DVR to distribution points use active or powered baluns to distribution points and then end with coax. at each distribution point take a feed to a 12v PSU from mains and go to each camera Are your PT heads 12VDC or 24VAC? They are usually 24VAC but if they come with the camera they may be 12VDC. if they were 24VAC I would run 24VAC from the distribution points to the cameras and step down to 12vDC at the camera, that way you'd have 24VAC for the PT heads and 12VDC for the cameras. BIT MESSY though. If your budget will allow, there are 10 and 16 and 25 pair UTP cables available but they are hard to find and expensive. In the UK try Batt cables or Eland.

It was a little warmer today Rory, of course London will be warmer still as it's not countryside and all the buildings and people make for a slightly warmer climate. I am 200 miles from London but there is usually some syncopation between there and here London always being slightly warmer. I hope you will enjoy London, I am originally from London and I am very proud of my home city. I do a lot of my work there and travel down about 3 times per month. You are right about that, I always find that trying to save a client money always ends up costing me money, so I would not reduce the cost of either the equipment or my labour in fact I have factored in 10% contingency and always charge for sundries like cable etc. I also ask for 50% deposit. I will accept it up to 7 days before the job is scheduled to start. I like to include a day for commissioning and a days training for the DVR etc. I might drop the day training but they always come back to you a hundred times with questions so I am not sure it's worth it, The client I was working for today, which ran over from Saturday is such an appreciative client, he even assisted me in some parts of the job and gave me £25.00 bonus at the end of the job. I improved the wiring of the original install. Don't get me wrong, I am not criticizing the installer, just some of his practices were a little ropey. With regard to siamese or shotgun cable I find it very tiring to work with especially on longer runs. This last job took nearly 95m of the stuff. My arms are dead now as my arms were way above my head literally all day. owwwwwwwww The jobs I find most satisfying is when the client is really interested in what you are doing and asks questions as you go along. I know this irritates some people, but I don't mind so much.

It's a tidy install which is at least a positive in your favour. I just wonder if it is possible to move it and keep the trees trimmed. That way you might be able to utilize the alarms and presets even tours. To prevent passers by noticing where your camera is pointing, try either a tinted dome or a chrome dome if available. This will prevent anyone from knowing where your camera is pointing. It doesn't look that bad actually, in the pictures you can't tell where it's pointing and there is a reflection off the dome. Anyway so far as I am aware there is no law to stop you recording video in a public place. There may be exceptions but I've just got in from working all day at a livery stables, (2days installing single camera) and I'm really too tired to think about it. (This one camera has taken two days to complete because of the existing wiring, the nature of the stables, and the moving horses around and storage sheds full of stuff. I have to add it was lot of fun though)

Here in the UK we do have the seal tight connectors and they are great but no widely available other than from ebay also I would have more confidence to use them if they were branded like Greenpar or AMP etc. Unfortunately not yet available here with the exception of Farnell or RS components who both charge ridiculous prices for them. I buy my RG59 BNCs from a UK source I found at IFSEC and I buy by the bag of 100. I am using more these days as most installs are using Cat5 baluns we still have to make up the patch leads so I suppose we'll never supersede the BNC. I do like the EZ RJ45 plugs and hope they will become cheaper with time as they are so easy to fit well. 3 piece crimps meantime remain the realistic economic option.

Where in the world area you? Also what is the location you want to conceal in is it a garden, a car park or a yard? You'd need to consider something that would not look out of place in such locations so a watertight junction box on a wall might not look out of place in an industrial setting but a bird-box might, in contrast the opposite is also relevant. I think you probably would want to buy in your own country so let us know where that is. Generally, you should make your own, the concealments available commercially aren't that wonderful and usually contain a camera which 90% of the time is not suitable for purpose.

I find they very rarely know what size the connecters are so you will need to search under CCTV and then you are likely to find one with the right size connector but thats right it is usually a 2.1mm x 12mm DC connector. If I need a PSU from ebay I always get at lest double the power rating I require. They aren't then working at close to maximum and can last a while longer as has been advised already. Nowadays I prefer to buy 5 Amp line PSU from my main supplier they are double those on ebay but so reliable. I would say who I mean 'cept I probably get the link removed so I won't say here, but they do have a good internet presence.

I was glad of my gloves, I nearly froze to the wheelbarrow handles. I am not happy about being lifted up in an JCB's bucket, but unless I caan get hold of some combination ladders over night (some chance) that will be my only option. You can be absolutely certain I will be wearing my safety helmet and my thermal underwear . I don't like working at height anyway but this is just so ridiculously Heath Robinson (cranky) that I am already scared just thinking about it, I think I will sit down in the bucket. Honestly though if the client wasn't such a nice family I doubt I would attempt this, I would wait until Monday and call my friend that has a cherry picker and advise the client it's the only way to proceed and that there is cost involved. This client has become friends almost, so I feel I want to make the effort for them. Besides I have to finish, I have commitments on Monday and I need paying. I broke my own rule for this client, I normally take 50% deposit up front when I have supplied equipment, but I didn't feel the need with this client as the equipment is used and they are known to me.

You are so right, okay everyone has a different approach thats okay, but leave a clue at least. I hate it when I have to make repairs on an install that the installer has done everything to create difficulties for anyone that follows. For example, changing junction box screws for security screws (not a problem now) and leaving no indication of what their wiring scheme and colour scheme is for anyone that follows to immediately understand. Using jelly crimps where they are not appropriate such as in power connections. Anyone following me will have everything laid out on paper which will be in a document folder near the DVR and when I need to put in security screws I indicate on my wiring schematic. I think this is a duty to the client and a courtesy to others in the business. Still haven't bought that electric screwdriver yet, I need new ladders as a priority. After my current job ends, I may will have the spare cash to spend this month.

Put it in the loft. and enclose it in a fan assisted steel security enclosure. If someone does happen to enter your loft, and does happen to find it, they won't be able to easily damage it. It will then be out of the way and you can access it via your network, so the only stuff showing will be your home computer. I wouldn't worry about statistics, and all that jazz, if something is going to happen it will and there's little you can do except hope it gets recorded. Nobody on earth (except maybe Rory ) can cover every single aspect of a burglar's activity there is nearly always something they can do to confound your efforts, all you can do is give it your best and hope you aren't outsmarted by the criminals. I am amazed how few installations I see that have a lock box. This one doesn't show a fan but you can easily buy and fit one, this box gets screwed down to the rafters. click the pic Here is the sort of enclosure I am talking about, you can find these easily online Picture courtesy of Securitytec

I suppose some people are just too clever for us Fiona.

You have some nerve!

Yeah Welcome

I have never tried a MIlwakee power tool as until recently they weren't widely available in the UK. They look pretty well made and those who use them like them and guard them jealously. They do have a screwdriver that I am tempted by. When all I installed was two way radio, I used to use a 7.2V Makita for everything except masonry when I used some obscure brand provided by my employer. My first drill was indeed the Makita 7.2 Volt single speed. SOOOOOO useful but as time has gone on with the need for more and more power I have reverted back to my corded SDS. I do like the look of that cordless SDS Makita and with Li Ion technology I could revert back to cordless again some time, I have seen a few cordless SDS drills and I am willing to bet they are impressive in use. I would be in the market for a cordless low voltage screwdriver and the Milwakee looks great and judging by your recommendation it will have a good service life. I may well get one before the year is out.

There was time when my 18V cordless was indispensable, but as time becomes more crucial I have to use my SDS drill more and more. I have brought my dad's B&D electric out of retirement for drilling applications that need a bit more power too such as hole sawing in wood or plywood. My cordless is still very useful for running conduit (it's a hammer action too) and drilling for the conduit saddles and inserting screws. For masonry there's nothing close to an SDS droll though. My fav brand is Makita, no other comes close in my mind.

Okay You'll be knackered after those so take a little rest between cameras so you can focus on the job. I always do and a little rest between tasks can improve your concentration immensely. For health and safety reasons, never spend more than 30 minutes straight, on a ladder, take a break and continue refreshed. I always figure out what tools I think I'll need and put them in a bucket which O can hang under the ladder on a hook. A tool-vest can be useful but personally I prefer the old bucket. I don't like looking like some mechanical "transformer" and I find tool vests a little heavy as I am quite small in stature. You'll figure out your own way of coping with repeat installs and by the time you've done all the cameras you'll be slinging them up in 10 minutes.

If two independent installers were that close in their quotes, you can be sure that they aren't being over the top in their pricing, however I would be interested to see their proposals and if they had overdone it in terms of specifying a system. What number of cameras would there have been, how long recording on the HDD a day, month, 3 months? What type of cameras and what sort of locations? Would they need a cherry-picker and how long would the installation take? These are all things that affect the final price. As for the DVR that you say looked like it was from Maplin, it may well have looked poor but its the performance that really matters. I would say that in general good equipment looks the part too, but there are some very cheap LOOKING DVRs and Cameras that do their job more than adequately but look really nasty. £4750 doesn't sound too excessive but what would you have got for the money and did that include the first years maintenance and a day or more of training and what commissioning time did these guys allow for? Too many factors to judge alone on price.

Can't do that in the UK Rory. No right to bear arms here and even if you do posses a firearm, legally or otherwise you are not allowed to shoot a poor criminal thats trying to run away from you. They gaol you for that here. (Note the British spelling of Jail) LOL cant do that here either .. just saying .. except here they say if you do shoot the criminal, make sure drag him back into your home so they dont charge you .. tsk tsk tsk Naughty BOY...

Can't do that in the UK Rory. No right to bear arms here and even if you do posses a firearm, legally or otherwise you are not allowed to shoot a poor criminal thats trying to run away from you. They gaol you for that here. (Note the British spelling of Jail)

First attempt eh, here's hoping you find it an enjoyable experience. I would recommend that while you have reasonable weather, get the outdoor cameras up and ready so that if the weather changes for the worst it won't stop you working. I always put up outdoor cameras first if the weather is good. On the other hand if the weather is bad, start inside and be prepared to fit the outside cameras when the weather improves, then when and if the weather is bad you can be comfortable working inside the property and not risking life and limb up some wobbly ladder in the rain. By the way, Cat5, good choice " title="Applause" /> " title="Applause" /> " title="Applause" /> Enjoy your project.

Well it was nice to have a few weeks without having to worry about work. It was nice to spend some time at home with family and friends I have not seen for a while and don;t get to see often. But now all that is over and it's time to get back to work. The time during the holidays has allowed me time to buy a van and some new ladders. I will pick up my van either today or tomorrow, then next weekend I have to travel nearly 200 miles to collect roof equipment I bought for the van, ladder slides and a conduit carrier. Saved a considerable amount on those. I am kind of relieved that the holidays are over because I have spent a fortune, now I need to see some money coming in again. I get nervous when I spend loads and earn nothing don't we all? Are you relieved to be returning to work again and what hopes and plans do you have for 2012?

Don't make the mistake so many businesses make, trying to save money and ending up with a bum system which is ineffective. I can tell you now that system won't touch what you want from it. Frankly, you need to look at a system that is going to be both useful and taken seriously by those concerned. If the cameras look too much DIY, they tend not to be taken seriously and the reduction in risk can be lost. I was called to London after the riots to tidy up a couple of cameras that were atacked my miscreants. The ones I installed, professional cameras, were a bit messy with some gunk but they had not been compromised. The two businesses either side I noticed had their cameras attacked and none I could see had survived. They were all the static type you showed (not PTZ). You might need a combination or visual deterrent and evidence gathering capability. The security industry has thousands of different products that solve various and unique problems and risks. You won't know until you have properly identified the areas of risk and your operational requirements. Don't worry, you won't be the first to consider CCTV back to front, it's very common, but very ineffective. As has rightly been said already, you need to identify and asses each camera location, it's operational requirement and buy a camera to suit those needs. Buying ready made solutions is a big COMPROMISE. If indeed you need just four cameras you should be looking at an 8 channel DVR or you won't have any expansion capacity and the cameras selected for their particular job. Unless you are willing to spend the entire business day watching the place with a PTZ camera, or employ a security guard. See, installing a PTZ has already cost you the salary of a security guard, what about £18,000 pa? Think how many static cameras and the quality you could have bought for £18000. CCTV, that is real CCTV costs what it costs or just throw the money in the gutter. Don't think CCTV is the answer to all your worries, it won't be. You need to look at an overall strategy which may well include CCTV as part of your plan. Identify the risks, and decide how you might reduce the risks and gather evidence in the event of failure. Based on the fact that almost nothing is going to stop a determined crook, but there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of being victimized. Hope this is a help and has not discouraged you, but given you some food for thought.