Cooperman

Then again, if this was a test range for aircraft using laser guided bombs, the use of a video "Laser Link" might not be the preferred option

I'm not getting into the politics of supplying the US military, but as Data has come up with some good points:- Infra red light is not, and does not, have any affect on existing radio / microwave frequencies (or vice versa). Perhaps this is the only site on earth where invisible light frequencies can somehow scramble radio signals Anyhow, if two units, i.e. the transmitter (which looks like a conventional weatherproof housing) and the receiver (ditto) are positioned high up "line of sight", then the only animals likely to momentarily break the beam are birds. Quite obviously if any permanent obstruction is placed in the light beam, then it just ain't gonna work! With long range models in excess of 1000 metres, the transmitter usually has a number of emitters, which means that a slightly wider beam is transmitted, and that is inherently less prone to interuption. As the light frequency is Infra Red, a 1000 metre range transmitter (which is actually de-rated to this distance to allow for probable obscuratiion caused by fog and cloud) would provide a very high reliability over a relatively short distance of some 200 metres. If the camera image is considered 'Top secret', the signal (which can only be intercepted along a relatively narrow beam width) can easily be scrambled to prevent unauthorised access. Then again, you could use the same technique, slap a length of 50/125 cable between the transmitter and receiver, and call it a Fibre Optic system

The blurb suggests that you don't need a video monitor to set up the camera - so how exactly due you position the camera without being able to see the area being viewed? You are spot on VST about having a point of reference in the field of view. The meter may indicate that the general image is sharp, but the optimum focus point may well be somewhere else, within that field of view; and that is something a meter (no matter how accurate and how expensive) cannot possibly tell you. Unfortunately that is something called experience, and as far as I am aware, you can't actually buy that over the counter. Personally, I wouldn't use a focus meter even if it was provided free of charge and the supplier paid me to use it. Nuff said!

jisaacmagee, If wireless (microwave) may potentially be problematic, have you considered using a wireless video 'laser link' (using low power infra red laser LED transmitter). No problems with cross channel interference, no cables to run, 600 feet / 200 metres shouldn't be a problem, so it may be worth checking out as an option. VST-Man has made a good suggestion about checking out what if any existing cables are available (surplus), and as Wireless Eye has already pointed out, if you need long range IR illumination, you're going to need one heck of a large solar cell array to power up high output illuminators; after all, even if the camera were pointing straight down to the ground, thats 65 metres range before you start looking away. If money is not an issue, depending on the site and its requirements, you could look at the image intensifier cameras available for military use (not generally available to us mere mortals). If they want true day / night operation, you could possibly strap a conventional CCTV camera / lens combo alongside an optimised night vision package. Not a problem to do, provided you have the bucks

I agree with rory about whether to cable a particular way - each job is different, so whichever way suits the installation. Personally, I always used to cable back from the camera positions, but maybe that's just a weird Brit. thing. Also each camera should be tested (in isolation) as it's connected up, not that all should be tested togethor at the end. That helps to eliminate mid install problems which can take up a lot of time fault finding.

Hey Metz, We used to call them "spleen scritters" although not always intentionally The last analogue unit I think was made by JVC, but as Picture in Picture devices became more popular, that did away with the 2 channel splitters. I did see a brochure recently for a Quad with screen split options, but I think it may only be available in the UK (not much use eh!). I'll see if I can check it out over the next couple of days.

Hi smokey and welcome, I don't have the C10ZAME-2 wiring, but if it's any help the C10ZAME is as follows:- AI lead - 6 core screened:- Red= +ve, White= Video In, LEVEL= Green (not normally used), ALC Remote= Yellow (not normally used, Gnd (0v)= Black Zoom + Focus control lead - 7 core screened:- 3 possible versions 6v & 12v DC 6v using four conductors, for Zoom = Red & Green, and for Focus = White and Blue. 6v or 12v using three conductors, Zoom = Green, Focus = Blue, and Common = White If you're not sure which voltage applies to your lens, best try a 6v supply first Hope this helps.

No replies ... how sad. Both are reputable manufacturers, and quite honestly everyone seems to have their own personal preferance for either towers or poles. On balance I would guess that poles way outsell towers, although in practice, you usually find poles used for street and public area locations, and towers restricted to commercial premises like factories, warehousing etc. The best thing is to consider the size and weight of your proposed loading, and then ask the manufacturers for their suggestions based on potential wind loadings where you intend to install them. The most important rule is not to go any higher than you absolutely have to, otherwise camera stability can become a real problem.

If there was serious money in confusion, I should be filthy rich by know; I've been confused for years! Maybe there's just no justice

Just a guess, but it sounds like he had photography in mind. The frame lines are usually found on the 'screen' fitted into medium and large format photographic cameras. If you can find out when it was written, that might provide a clue .... be do, be do ....

The main problem is that too many manufacturers are quite happy to be deliberately vague or deceptive. It could be argued that a displayed 'frame' or a displayed 'field' could be taken as one of 'x' "Images" per second. The only obvious difference is that a frame would have twice the vertical resolution of a field (given that 50% of the frame information is missing when a single field is displayed). Personally, I would be happy if ..... manufacturers all agreed to use the term "Frames per second" (i.e. maximum resolution) and "Images per second" to mean exactly the same thing. In my dreams

A 'frame' is made up of two interlaced 'fields'. With 30 fps (frames per second) made up of 60 fps (fields per second) for NTSC, EIAJ and 25 fps (frames per second) made up of 50 fps (fields per second) for PAL, SECAM and CCIR in real time. That's the 'old school' explanation.

Blimey, if they're old farts, what does that make me Happy birthday guys, and may all your hangovers be little ones

Not the way the Brit Police do it Data. By all accounts, the Brazilian who was shot had an expired visa, which possibly explains why he ran when challenged by armed police - all will hopefully come out in the inquiry. It's somewhat ironic that when the failed suicide bombers were cornered, they were seriously scared they were going to be shot. I suppose if they're shot that cancels out their ticket to paradise. Mind you, shooting a bomber with a Tazer stun gun is a very interesting way to find out if he's wearing a device. Quite frankly the next few weeks are likely to be the highest risk period. If further dormant cells are activated before the authorities can track them down, their controllers may just want to prove that they are still able to strike at will.

I've seen enough guns in the last week to last me a lifetime Anyhow herm, why don't you stick to using Infra Red. A decent high res. Black and White camera, fit the lens with an 830 / 850 nM pass filter (all visible frequencies are blocked), and light the area by using small 830 / 850 illuminators as uplighters, bouncing the light off the ceiling or walls (ceiling is preferable provided it's not tooooo high!). You should get shadowless lighting, and IR tends to penetrate through fog better than visible light. If the IR lights are wall mounted above two metres, nobody is going to notice, and the client could be sold on the "high tech" Infra Red angle. Just a suggestion.

First has lack of edge definition, and the second certainly looks like condensation on the lens elements or imager.

Hi traysexy and welcome, Perhaps you could let us know the camera and lens models. First thing to try is switch off the camera, remove and unplug the lens, then power up the camera in a low lit location (under the table, in a drawer etc.) and see if the lines are still present on the blank screen. Whilst a lens problem is possible, it's far more likely to be the camera.

Thanks for that rory; oh goody, another 'supporter' living in London Just a quick update for those that are interested - four or possibly five suicide bombers still on the loose, possibly with further devices, and just to cheer me up, it looks as though two of them were living about a mile away. If that isn't bad enough, one of the bombers dumped their car a short distance from yours truly. Who knows what tomorrow brings

You'll like this; Three weeks ago, President Chirac of France made erm, less than complimentary statements about British cuisine. The French absolutely hate loathe and detest English food, but as the UK has just taken over the Presidency of the European Union (for the next six months), it's just been announced that every high level EU meeting will be catered ..... with English produce. As they said on the news yesterday (I can't remember who said it originally), revenge is a dish best served cold.

The UK government took care of that issue! Now, what is IANSA - is that what happens if I ask you a question

Excuse the ignorance, but who is Rebecca Peters?

Oh Metz .... you had to pick November! Mrs. C. is threatening to drag me off on holiday for two weeks, and she's even talking about possibly California!! Now that would be ironic!! BTW, in case you haven't noticed, the French aren't too keen on the English either. Mind you, they do like the French, well some of them at least ( the rest of France is not too keen on Parisiennes! ).

Oooohhh baywatch, I didn't know we were allowed to say bar stewards

Interesting developments, Bus camera and station CCTV has led to four not exactly brilliant images of suspects being released to the Press and Media this afternoon. This morning, following what was described as "an intelligence led operation", one suspected bomber was shot dead (on a train) by armed plain clothes police officers, in South London. The race is on to catch the others, and the general mood is of people waiting to see where they will strike next. The sad fact is, nobody knows how many of "the others" are out there. It will be interesting to see what level of security there is when I drive into the city tomorrow.

Four small devices exploded, three on London Underground tube trains and one on a bus. One person injured who is thought to be a bomber, but they all managed to escape. At this stage, we have not been informed whether these were viable devices which malfunctioned, or simply 'copycat' attacks by 'amateur' terrorist sympathisers. Either way, it caused a lot of problems in general, and a heightened level of anxiety, particularly as we have been having numerous security alerts all over the city, for the last couple of weeks. Fingers crossed, if the CCTV was working on this bus and they actually get some decent images from the train systems, there should be some arrests within the next few days, we hope!