Wachhund

We used the motherboard, video card and ram recommended but the system froze with two cards. Then we made two systems to see if it would clear up but they both froze within 15 minutes. We were told to return them. Nice software but we weren't paying another 40 USD to return the cards and then pay for shipping on the replacement cards to find out they might not work only to lose more money returning them. They sit on a shelf as expensive bookends.

We got three of our techs Fiber Optic cert. through Light Brigade for $1200 each. Fiber is definitely the way to go if you can afford it. An 8 channel converter T/R can go $10k. To set up your company to do simple splicing and polishing is a couple of grand. The difference is amazing on long runs, especially here in N.Y.C. where these old sky scrapers have crappy wiring and a lot of EMI. IFS is a good source and so is FIS (who also do nationwide training)

Hi Cobalt- Welcome. If you need help, we're in NYC. We'll walk you through whatever tech issues you have or with the install if need be. Feel free to email, advice is always free---

We had two (real) Kodicom systems, both slow as snails. We were told it had to do with the "K compression". It kills the cpu when you need to back up files. I think they are the slowest in the industry. Just my humble opinion.

It's a Netvision card. The company posts here once in a while. - We used some of their cards but they constantly froze up. Maybe they fixed their problems. http://www.netvisiondvr.com -

Hi- If you still need a hand, let me know. We are located in N.Y.C., licensed, insured & bonded. We have the dvr and pos capability. No problem with the install and service if needed. Thanks- Ed

Hi- we use these DVR's here in New York and have placed 4 thru 16 channel models in our buildings in Manhattan. You can see them direct at dvrusa.com. If you call there, ask for John. They are solid units with pretty good remote software. Tuff to beat for the price and quality. Feel free to email me if you have any questions.

Sounds logical to me. I'll check the power & iris. Thanks for the input--

Hello All- I received a call from a new client for a maintenance call. 2 out 30 cameras suddenly went dark. The video comes through but it is very dark. All the connections are tight and nothing was added to this system which has been in place for 5+ years. The cameras look good with a portable monitor. Any thoughts? Thanks for your input.

I thought it might be a grounding problem, I just didn't think it would happen to two cameras on opposite sides of the building at the same time. Also, the cameras are dark no matter what port they are in. The brightness control/contrast have no affect.

I'll be there

ICRealtime has some nice stuff...

A PC based system is not necessarily more expensive. You have to check with the dvr card manufacturer to see what chipset it likes and if it works with AMD or Intel processors or both. We build our own so we can have better control. You can buy a barebones kit from tigerdirect.com and get a dvr card from someone here or online....just stay away from ebay. Ask Rory...I'm sure he knows the best deals out there....

For $1500 you are going to be somewhat limited. Although you can get some quality stand alone systems, adding quality cameras will easily put you over budget - especially if you are looking for facial recognition. There are plenty of dealers on this site though. Hopefully one of them can help you out.

Thomas is right. There is really no reason to DMZ the router...you're only asking for problems down the road.

24vac allows for longer wire runs with less of a drop in voltage to the camera. You also don't have to worry about the polarity problem. If there are infrared leds in the camera, you would also want the 24vac for the extra power needed. 24v is also the standard used by installers for the most part.

The hot wire sould have a white stripe or white broken line on the side. That wire goes to the red.

FAS is right...lots of cameras out there. Nuvico has a weatherproof day/night bullet with 12 infrared leds that has a 6mm lens that would probably fit most of your needs. http://www.nuvico.com/product_detail.asp?strCategoryCD=CC001&strModel=&prod_cd=NP0039&Page=4 Speco also sells a bullet cam in a set of motion detector lights for over the garage with a 3.6mm lens. http://www.specotech.com/cart/products/default.asp?action=viewcat&catid=67 We've installed many of these with great results. This should give you some info on where to start looking. Good luck.

Try using a T-connector at the camera and split to the two monitors. It should be okay without an amp but if not, put the amp at the camera side to boost your signal.

We've installed many ED350s without incident. We usually use an Altronix or Napco power supply box but we have on occasion used individual power supplies. MGI seems to be a reliable power supply. Test yours under load to see if it drops. Here is their contact info if you want to ask them directly about a problem: Email: techsupport@everfocus.com Phone Number: (626) 303-3166 (Option 2) Technical Support Services are available Monday - Friday 6:00am to 5:00pm Pacific Time.

Sal - Here is one link. I'm trying to find the other article. http://www.cctvforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=5414&highlight=smoke+detector+camera

Just for info- some states, including New York have made covert smoke detectors illegal citing a state provision that says all smoke detectors must be operational. There have been fines issued when the cameras were detected by various building inspectors and fire marshals. There is a posting on this site with a link to an article if you're interested.

Welcome...enjoy your stay....Woof...

Super Circuits has a neat little snake cam that we've used. Some of the dealers on this site may have something like it...very small with good resolution.

You should have no problem. There are heated bullet cams out there if you want. They are usually good to 0 degrees or better anyway so yes, just get a good one.