barkercommunications

Does anyone have experience with IPC test monitors. I currently have a IPC-8600M 7" test monitor. So far I have not been very happy with it. It has a lot of different functions you can use it for and for analog cameras it works fine. I like the overall idea of the test monitor and what it is supposed to do, however I have found it hard to find information on how to use it and getting Onvif cameras to work. All Onvif cameras should work on this monitor. I have not been able to get any ICRealtime cameras "no surprise", very few AXIS cameras, hit and miss with digital watchdog and I have had some good look with Hikvision. Earlier this week I tested some Hikvision cameras on the system. I was able to get pictures and get into the menu's of the cameras. When I went to install the cameras a day later I was not able to get any picture to pull up on the screen. I was able to get into the menus and program the cameras and replace the IP addresses with new without and issues. Anyone with good experience with these?

Came across the same problem with one of my customers. If your ICRealtime NVR/DVR has the ability for P2P try that and see if it works. Cellular companies 4G networks have blocks of IP addresses that make it hard to network remotely. I cannot remember the details on this but I know if the P2P function does not work there are some additional equipment you may have to buy. Not sure if someone else can explain better than I can.

I have done a similar project for a customer. We did use Ubiquity Nano stations and they have worked great. We hooked the NVR to a Cellular Air Card Router for remote viewing. We used IC Realtime Cameras and NVR with Netgear Switches. We have several Nano stations setup for multisite back to a single station. Make sure you use cameras that are rated IP66 or better for dust even if you are inside. We also used all outdoor rated Cat6 cable.

We are looking at a new direction with manufacturers. I have experience with IC Realtime, Digital Watchdog, AXIS, Milestone and a few other companies. We have used IC Realtime a dozen times and I have been happy with their cameras but found a lot of glitches and issues with their NVR's. I like how they have a large quantity of cameras to choose from and a Tribrid DVR/NVR. However I think their products are over priced for what you get. In the past year we have done a lot with Digital Watchdog. I like their NVR's and blackjack servers with spectrum software. However I have had a lot of issues with the dome cameras and IR bleeding causing spots on the domes. Very poor night vision. I like AXIS cameras however our customers are usually small businesses and need smaller pricing. Not a fan of the M series cameras and how they go out of focus with the fixed lens. I have a meeting with a Hikvision rep and I have read plenty on the 40% China Government ownership. Not concerned so much on that as I am on the quality of the NVR's and cameras. I want to make sure I am giving my customers a good product at a good price. Has anyone combined Digital Watchdog NVR's with Hikvision? Anyone have experience with both companies? Thoughts on Hikvision other than the whole China thing.