Mat

Lots of PAL Block cams on ebay here in the US. And on the sony cop-usa one I have now, I can change the camera setting to PAL on a NTSB sony cam (FCB-EX480 if memory serves). It of course changes the aspect a bit on screen. But just really wondering if this menu choice is in the camera (VISCA), or the control interface? Thanks for any info..

Yea I've since learned that from other post here. And I'm pretty sure the "PAL NTSB" choice is in the firmware as well... Which leads me even faster into building my own setup. I mean you can cobble together parts for a simple ptz setup, but I'm thinking in terms of a open C++ firmware. And applying some of my home brew CNC skills to the task. Load the vircsa commands for whichever sony cam, and have at it. Anyone post on this site along the DIY route?

Pretty sure you're right...

or you could just use a 24vdc power supply instead for a 2000' 24awg run. Not sure what you video is gonna look like though...

Are you sure you don't mean the zoom? Because that camera is shown with an auto iris lens. The iris controls the size of the aperture, which is what controls the amount of light getting to the CCD.... And if you want to control the zoom, you'll also need to control the focus. They make them but it's cheaper to buy a block camera that already has it built in. But google " Motorized Vari-focal CCTV Zoom Lens CS mount " if you want to see some. If it is the iris you want to control with a auto iris lens (as pictured at your link), then that appears to be just a little 4 wire stepper motor. So google " stepper motor "....

Because it's through a IR filter. While they're only suppose to filter out certain frequency's of light, like sunglasses, you get what you pay for most times...

Seems like you should be able to use a tiny wireless spy cam off of ebay etc.., and mount a couple of brass contacts in the door jam (hinge side) to keep the battery charged. Add some 940 nm LED's for invisible IR light and you're all set. A lot of work but really depends on how invisible you want to be... But personally I like for people to know they're on camera. Almost considered painting them some sort of day glow color...

Lasers.... yo2amurNGEw wuI4K3muFYg A small one could blind the cam. A larger one could damage/kill it. Keeping in mind that the time to set them up is after dark, as those IR LED's generally only have a range of a few feet. Where as the laser will be effective at tens of feet. Or you could just pick up a few sub $10 IR LED spot lights off of ebay. Course that will only work at night... An errant shot from the many paint ball games he likes to play (all of a sudden) in his back yard... Also if that fence is on the property line, then it is also owned by your friend. Attach a long 2x4 to it with a 2' x 2' picture of your butt crack nailed to the top of it (blocking the cam).... The ideas are fun and endless. But the real lesson here is that you can disown family, but neighbors are for life. So get a long or you've already lost....

The price is high (too high), but they're out there... http://www.acquris.se/security/product.php?id=454&lang=en http://www.acquris.se/security/index.php?lang=en&kat_2=91 http://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Convert-Analog-CCTV-to-Digital-IP_443606343.html