Lolo Wolf

I picked up a few of those Acers - (Newegg has them on sale jus now excellent price with free ship) I found that if you use the Acer e-color Management (bult in with the monitor control) and use the Movie Mode it helps with any ghosting. Been lucky with the ones I got no dead pixels and overall a fine Monitor. A lot of real estate for split screens and quad setups. Im using the DVI-outs - of puter-DVRs - no issues, havent tried with a stand alone DVR but I am satisfied with the PIC quality compared to others Ive used.... regards

I dont see a "TX Connection" or "Cam COMM" in the power-on (menu) diagnostic? From your picture I assume that the ZOOM Module is the communication test. Since both cams failed I would start checking your terminations/RS-control at the DVR-controller. Ive used quite a lot of Mini 10x PTZs and avoid turning them on and off unless need to reboot for a diagnostic or power failure. Seems that you may have a comm faut in the hardwire connection did you use the same control method-hardware when you tested the second PTZ? If so I would revisit the connections-wire. Also check that the voltage level is within the spec. sometimes that can cause abnormal cam operation and status. Good Luck- Regards

You might want to consider protection on the corded assembly- crawl areas are notorious for rodent chew.

cctv_seeker wrote: "With my home situated on 6 acres with the closest public road access being 300' away" To add to scorpions advice I would suggest that you try to get cam coverage at or near the point of entry to the property-set up a descreet position if distance is a problem then use a cam with tele-fixed on the area so you can monitor entry and exit traffic exclusive- keep this cam isolated from your other typical visible mounted cams in cojunction with your system. From what you describe sounds like a lot of systems Ive designed for (larger) rural properties and have worked very well. If possible the addition of service dog(s) will aid in preventing occurrences by instilling doubt and second thought, often suspects will move on to another property when they know dogs are present. Good Luck

Some more cctv history.... what is considered to be the first CCTV system was installed by Siemens AG at Test Stand VII in Peenemünde, Germany in 1942, for observing the launch of V2-rockets.The German engineer Walter Bruch was responsible for the design and installation of the system. Born in Neustadt an der Weinstraße, Germany, he developed the system collaborating with Manfred von Ardenne and Hungarian inventor Dénes von Mihaly, during the decade of 1930s. In 1935 he started working at Telefunken in the Department of research in television and physics, headed by Professor Fritz Schröter. In the summer of 1936, Olympic Games were held in Berlin, a pioneering date for audiovisual technology. Bruch was able to test on the field the first iconoscopic camera whose development he had contributed. A year later, in the Paris International Exposition, he introduced an iconoscopic television unit he had created. During World War II he operated a closed-circuit television system installed at the Peenemünde launch site, so that the V-2 rocket launches could be watched from a bunker. In 1950, Telefunken commissioned him to develop the first post-war television receptors. Some time later, he committed again to his research in the field of physics and later in the field of color television. He studied and tested thoroughly the American system NTSC and what it would become French SECAM. His work led him to the conception of a new color television system. His creation was based on automatically correcting all color distortion that could occur along the transmission channel. On 3 January 1963 he made the first public presentation of his Phase Alternation Line System in Hannover to an assembly of experts in the European Radiophonic Union. This can be considered the birth date of the PAL-Telefunken system, later adopted by more than thirty countries (at present, more than one hundred).

Ive used some of the Videoalarm gear for rual apps, perhaps you can find their gear effective for your application.....http://www.videolarm.com/content/com.videolarm.productfamilies.ProductFamily/215/SolarPwr.pdf

In or near the crawl space: the receptacle at or below grade level must be GFI-protected. Aside from the possibility of nusance trips or service to examine your fuses within the PS you should be alright. If you do decide to do this I would dedicate the GFI outlet - wire it so it protects and feeds only the PS. You can either use a corded assembly from the outlet to the PS or hardwire direct from the GFI - depndent on the placement of the outlet - end of run etc.. either way pigtail your connections in the outlet box so gfi doesnt protect other outlets and keep the protection dedicated to that outlet (if hardwire use a junction box and hook to the load side of the gfi-load terminals. (outlet protects the line out to PSbox either by cord or hardwire use proper rated wire for the install dependent on the circuit (15amp/20amp)

Scorpion, try www.memorysystems.net/s_products.asp they may have a similar prod....

GrMT wrote:"I also have unshielded copper coax wires running right over the fluorescent lights" You need to pay close attention to bend degree and bend location with your coax as well your runs should avoid AC power lines and fluorescent lights - after you troubleshoot your power issues (noted by Scorpion) I would revisit all your paths perhaps that is adding to your quality issues - conduit and/or cable tray is optional depending on the individual building requirements. Regards

Ive used the CTVSM-81 for 8-in (switch-mod to single channel) perhaps that will work for you, aside from that you could combine several mods together - there are several muliti input modulators on the market (single-2-3-4 channel versions) You didnt specify the type of TV system you are modulating into so dependent on that you will have to explore the differnt methods to set up your channel selection and perhaps need to work around any digital-box considerations. The CTVSM-81 you can view at http://www.markertek.com/index.asp Ive had positive results buying from them and you can view the spec-setup diagram here: http://www.cabletronix.com/products/ scroll down to:CTVSM-81 good luck regards

RAPPORT2-PRO (Wonwoo) wonwoo.com - upgraded to a Lithium Polymer battery - ability to record (DVR) 1 GB SD Card included with unit. I Had issues with the earlier Rapport 337 as well perhaps this newer model has addressed those issues, I like the flip screen design but waiting for more hands on field opinion/review before purchase.

In most cases If a cam was to go down - the blown fuse in a box would be a indicator to a wire fault or internal power issue within the cam itself thus eliminating a suspected single failed PS, whereas you would be able to start troubleshooting the path and after correcting the issue just replace the fuse more cost effective than a trans replace. You stated :"Appearances and extra wires do not concern me. Since it's a commercial location" ..... All the more reason to adhere to a "clean" install with good wire management and proper safe methods for your install. Restaurants are filled with motors, appliances,light fixtures etc all that can induce electrical pollution and disrupt cctv devices. Attention to all cable/wire paths is important. Terminating all your devices to a central PS that is protected and mechanicaly sound (secured and mounted) is a added plus to achiveing a quality install. A PS strip layin around on a shelf or on the floor is prone to physical disruption, better to build a system that you can walk away from and wont haunt you later. Dont know your location but be advised -low-voltage and limited energy wire supported by T-Bar ceilings - some locales have codes pertaining to (LV) and dont allow electrical wiring to be secured to ceiling support wires. However, independent support wires may be installed and used to secure low voltage wiring - the low-voltage and limited energy wiring must be supported by the building structure in such a manner that cables will not be damaged by normal building use. Cables cannot lie on top of ceiling tiles but must be properly supported. Being a commercial situation and in the event you are called on a fire inspection or related inspections from a building authority it pays to follow code. Just my thoughts... good luck sir regards

From a "workmanship" point of view, a central power box is cleaner and easier to monitor for fault (fused outputs) The idea of a power strip filled or maxed out with wall warts and the wires -often additonal mess (more than likely you will have many other devices ....computer...monitors etc within the same local, however dependent of the length of your runs and cam placement - with 12vdc sometimes it is needed to power closer to the cam (such as a transformer to wall plug near camera) to compensate for any voltage drop. In the event multiple power supplies are needed/used due to wire length issues at several locations its important to make sure that all are working off a common ground. Some PS boxes allow you to adjust output as well aiding in meeting the power requirements of the cam.

try channel 59 ....

Greetings Scorpion, a important mention regarding CCTV history I think you might find some good reads on Mr. Sam Genensky: www.afb.org/afbpress/pub.asp?DocID=aw090403 "mathematician who, as a boy, used a self-designed binocular device to maximize the effectiveness of his poor vision. In the 1960s, Genensky worked for the Rand Corporation on top-secret projects for the navy and air force. While there, he and his colleagues developed the CCTV system that was originally marketed by Apollo Lasers and VisualTek. Eventually, the product lines of both these companies were absorbed by Telesensory and imitated and improved upon by many other companies over the years." I have a blind cousin (blind at birth) who is a software developer - brail Computer programs - and she is a wealth of info/history on how cctv and related tech has been absorbed into blind protocols and health sciences...just thought you may be interested perhaps for your quest on CCTV history. Regards and best of health

Scorpion, here is one from the (NASTT) http://www.sewerhistory.org/articles/maint/cctv_US_History.pdf

Duct cleaning research conducted by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)3 tested house and duct performance before and after cleaning. Research has noted little or no discernible differences in the concentrations of house airborne particles or in duct airflows due to duct cleaning. Unless you suspect air flow problems or water/moisture (mold) issues best to not disturb your system. Aside from good maintance (filter change- inspection-coil etc...) Be wary of cleaning services that make all kinds of claims and needed cleaning (some states have licensing requirements for accessing or servicing HVAC equipment) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) urges you to read this document in it entirety as it provides important information on the subject of duct cleaning: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airduct.html In response to your original question:the use of ROVs or pipe crawlers as noted by CollinR is a technology used often in the trades for inspection - also flexible cams as well more advanced thermo tech (imaging) to reveal leakage, blockage and source points, flaws within duct systems however aside from the visible inspection the actual overall assement - system integrity - returns etc- should be done by a qualified inspector who is certified for such applications. In my own home I installed a whole house Vann-EE air quality system tied into my Geo-thermal system and paid close attention to duct construction and balance- - often in the original placement of systems or retro-fits the leftover construction debri can be trapped due to careless or substandard work practice. Hope this helps. Best of health to your baby. Rgards

Dependent on the quality-grade of the case (regarding aluminum and some high strength poly products) Ive found over the years some of the decent OEM and branded bullet cameras will fare pretty well in sub-zero temps due to the heat retention within the case from the chips (DSP/CCD) The average temp from what I recall is approx 100-120 F. Most failures are due to poorly constructed /machine threads /water/moisture seals. I have several old EX-10s (extreme) along with several older Nuvico bullets in service withstanding some sub-zero Montana winters without a problem. Most of the extreme products I use are rated for such service (insulated inner chambers and waterproof IP67) however some of the cheaper OEM bullets (various brands) Ive benched past years that are of korean origin with decent grade aluminum and clean/tight threads hold up well under adverse temp extremes hot and cold. I have noticed over the years the newer OEMs mostly china are substandard and fail. Aside from what often is specified in the spec and most spec today from many are misleading or false - exception to manufacturers that follow strict quality control and design - If you can find them (some dealers might still have some on the shelf) try the Nuvico NVCC-HWE922IR42N and NVCC-HW3895IR36N. both products Ive used have withstood some very cold service on past installs. They have since been discontinued and replaced with differnt models I havent used them so cant give a opinion. Regards

Hello Tomislav, its always good to think future with smart design, thus allowing for simplified access later to support updated technology or expansion. Dependent on the actual detail/spec of the walls floors and ceiling type at your locations there are many distribution and wire management systems that can be researched for your applications. New construction or retro-fit, careful attention should be detailed regarding wire management - as well codes, building requirements etc. In general maintaining the bending requirements of cabling and cable paths ensure noise reduction integrity and overall performance. Devices will only perform to rated spec with proper install methods. Even the application of "high quality" products are dependent on the actual mechanical building of a system. Ive found that most quality issues arise from poor design. Older facilites often need to be revisited due to systems that are trapped by conventional behind the wall wiring or sloppy add-ons that are very difficult to gain access to correct - trace or have been stepped on by other trades. Your reference to connectors is a prime example of the weakest link....poorly constructed terminations often lead to call backs and failure to observe Power Quality issues ( device power specs often not followed or tested, circuits etc) From the DIY and even some "professional installs there often is a "plug and Play" attitude that can be problematic whereas the time is not taken to measure and scope out all the details that are key to attain a quality result. My comments are not only directed to this specialized field (CCTV-related) but general construction/build in general. Its a good idea to always have your contractor submit you with a design-plan with not only cost/material but actual layout that you can approve or have examined by a qualified source before you accept and proceed. Good Luck Regards

Hello Tomislav, I havent used the software - only read about the product from a past issue of Security magazine http://www.securitymagazine.com/ seems the UTAH SD (Sheriff’s Office) has has success with the product as well a design consult I know involved with the TA back east told me about the program. At this point I deal mostly with consult for wire management/infrastructure - electrical design pertaining to custom entry and building facilities - freelance design oversite related to the construction industry. Perhaps others here on the forum can help you attain better quality with your exsisting hardware. I can tell you that often quality issues can be overcome or improved even with lower quality devices by revisiting the actual layout and build - smart distribution systems and wire management with special attention applied with all communication connectivity interfaces. Regards

Thank you sir, regards.

Hello Thomas, I Agree to your comment however my response was directed to the original poster as to the existence of such "forensic" type products and I stated to the poster in my respose:"I would consider that the original install- system build- one should strive for the best overall quality before having to rely on forensic editing" Regards

As scorpion advised your modulation attempt will be governed by the type of exsiting inhouse TV setup you have. With cable - If you have digital setboxes or basic cable on each TV. First off you will have to snatch/split the incomming cctv signal and pass through either a modulator (multi channel or single) and at the splitter combine into the house TV system, there are considerations dependent on the freq and channel creation, the use of amp and filter maybe needed as well, each situation is differnt. Its a good idea to factor in losses as well when using or adding splitters. Just throwing signal into the system envolves a balanceing process to gain a quality picture. There are work arounds to the digital situation as scorpion noted, I have found it easier to pull a second dedicated rg to each TV for analog or basic channel view with a separate "analog" side amped and split to footage for each input and then at the TV (set top box) have a security channel lineup available to the clent with either PIP if the TV has it or simple input change on the TV remote. Pulling cable to exisiting work may not be cost effective or feasible in your situation so you would have to go the other route with Affinity Digital Cable Combiner as scorpion noted, however the retail cost is not cheap (for many channels) and added devices into the mix. Best to do any combining as close to the cable entry as possible. You could also go through a Quad with looping to your PC and then to single moduator and control the channels by way of IR repeater system or on board moduator some have pass thru IR setups as well. But either way with latest digital set top boxes you run the risk of interfering with data and will suffer channel loss or very possible HD programing. In newer homes with new construction often there will be exsiting mulitple runs of cat and rg so it is easier, with retro-fits it is more work to pull added runs but in the long run I find it simpler. There are wireless and hardwired devices on the market for viewing your PC content on TV with control as well of your PC video, and programs etc... your input be it wireless or hard connect would be into the aux TV video input or HDTV aux with a sperate rec box some of these devices are capable of differnt configs ...but you would be "outside" of your inhouse TV system. The easiest and least expensive way - your original question is dependent on how many TVs and how many set top boxes versus work to pull additonal runs and size/split/amp or correct the added runs and if you want to have actual TV channels or just added composite video input to your TVs by way of a switch. If you bypass the inhouse TV system and splt the cctv with a multiple DA brick with 4X2 (4 input-2 corrected out) one side to your PC DVR card the other would have to run thru a switching device or quad to the composite/aux input of the TVs and with multiple tvs it would be messy and the loss difficult to correct. A single TV would be feasible with such a design.

Personally I wouldnt walk away from a build with a extension cord laying across a traffic area (tripping hazard) let alone taped to a wall or around a door frame...from previous forum posts past on the subject of codes and safety Im sure I will get flak on this but - (NEC) -Extension cords cannot be used as a substitute for fixed wiring [400.8(1)], and in addition cords can only be used for temporary wiring if approved by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) [590.2(B)]. temporary wiring is only permitted for construction, remodeling, maintenance, repair, or demolition of buildings, structures, equipment, or similar activities or for emergencies and for tests, experiments, and developmental work. When temporary wiring is permitted by the AHJ, the wiring (cords) must be removed immediately upon completion of construction or purpose for which the wiring was installed [590.3]. In past build disscusion on site with a client I noticed the extensive use of extension cords/powerstrip usage in a crowded office building and noted to the owner some info on Power strips: device is not classified as a cord set or extension cord, but is referred to as a "Temporary Power Tap" (TPT). It is permitted to have six "outlets" because its over-¬current protection will protect the #14 AWG cord at its rated value of 15-AMPS. A "TPT" is intended only for indoor use as an extension of the branch circuit. (UL 1363) Unlike extension cords- the word "temporary" is broadly interpreted because of the special need for the extra outlets where a cluster of devices exsits-this assembly may be used , but its length is limited to a maximum of 25-feet.- UL (policy) considers this usage to be within the intent of the cord because such equipment is moved occasionally, and because there is no other practical way to provide for this common need. The main difference between temporary power taps and extension cords lies in the intended use of the products. UL lists extension cords as cord sets under the category of Cord Sets and Power Supply Cords. A cord set can have a current rating less than the branch circuit rating (depending on the ampacity of the cord and the rating of the devices) Temporary power taps extend the branch circuit and note that Securing an extension cord to the structure is not permitted as it would constitute a non temporary use under NEC 400-8. Now with OSHA -OSHA standards are based upon, and to a large extent, extracted from the National Electrical Code. They are, more restrictive in some instances (e.g. 1926.402a). The NEC is more detailed and more specific and is enforced by most cities, counties and states. It is important in corporate/industrial/commercial environments in regard to personal liability actions, therefore the NEC tends to dominate. Coming from a heavy/construction commercial/industrialbackround I cant or would overlook or knowling avoid safety and code.

There are several products and services offered in this market check out VF Pro 3.0 www.salientstills.com/products/index.html Many of these products are out of the reach of most DIY or resi-system builders by design or cost however you must consider that preservation of the original file (footage) is very important in the legal aspects of evidence. Even a program such as Photoshop CS3 allows for non-destructive editing with the implication of smart filters and enhancement for example working with shadow/highlights etc.....for the most part I would consider that the original install- system build- one should strive for the best overall quality before having to rely on forensic editing after the fact although the gap is shrinking for sure between science and fiction in the technology markets with the new products and software being developed. Many of the software programs today (DVR-PC etc) have differnt levels of pic enhancement and control already to a certain degree.