ComputerX

Hi, Although I have been a member for over a year, I can not post a message with a link. The error message says "If you have somehow gotten this message even though you meet both of the criteria, please let us know ASAP," but I can't PM the admins either. Sad Dan Dan

As an aside, multimeters can be had for as low as $10, depending on where you live and what sort of stores/supply houses are in the area. Even at regular retail stores, you shouldn't have to pay over $20. There's no excuse not to just own one of your own http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100013868&N=10000003+90401+502726 I know. I just have too much kit already, I don't add anything unless I have to. I loaned mine to someone who used the ohm meter on a hot (120V) circuit. If I ever need one I will buy one, but for now it is easier to borrow. You have an opinion on the best cheap ($150ish) camera? Dan

Greetings all, A church for whom I work as a sysadmin/netadmin recently had two cameras fail[1]. They are in "how can we cut costs so we don't have to lay off as many people" mode, so hiring a true professional is not an option. The system was originally installed by a locksmith who is no longer available. Nonetheless, they want to replace the failed cameras. Since I am responsible for anything more technical than a candle, replacing them has fallen to me. The cameras are this model (installation manual.) I suspect they failed from overheating. They were very warm to the touch when I took them down. The DVR is a NetPromax 16 channel DVR that is several years old. The power supply claims to be 24V DC. The camera claims to be 12V DC. As soon as I can borrow a meter I will get the actual voltage. Can someone recommend a camera, preferably a dome, that is a good deal? We are looking for decent picture for not a lot of money. Considering the DVR, very high resolution is not necessary. There is plenty of room at the DVR and power supply location. Installing a couple more power supplies would not be a problem. I would prefer to buy from someone who is active here. I have learned a lot by reading old threads. Thanks in advance, Dan [1] It appalls me that people steal from a church, but it happens with some regularity.

The cameras are where they have always been. They were installed by a locksmith, not a CCTV guy. I would not bet on them having been installed correctly. It was a rush job in response to a significant break-in. The choice of cameras is overwhelming to me; that is part of the problem. I want good quality, but not too expensive. (But who doesn't?) I am confused by some of the advice. For instance, I am told to stay away from cameras that have IR emitters near the lens (too much glare,) but the VND49IR is recommended. I don't think extra illumination will be necessary. Generally the people who have been stealing do it while the office lights are on. I think there was only one guy who lifted a laptop without turning on the lights. Any suggestion for a Vari-Focal Auto-Iris, 1/3" (or so) CCD, Color Dome Camera that will take 12V DC? Or is that not what I should get? We were hoping to stay around $150, give or take as much as is necessary. Under $100 would be great. Over $200 is doable, but with layoffs around the corner we are squeezing every penny until it squeals. The lens on the previous cameras is marked "3-6mm 1/4"" Dan

No love? I forgot to mention. These cameras are in an office area. They have caught the people who help themselves to purses and laptops. Thanks in advance, Dan

14.9 V DC at the more easily accessible camera. I am open to a camera that comes with its own power supply. It would be easy to mount new ones alongside the old one. TIA, Dan

It is labeled 24V DC. I found it hard to believe too. Multimeters are not part of my normal kit. I as soon as I can borrow one I will report the actual voltage. Dan

I posted. Whining got me over the 5 post limit. Dan

Now I "cannot make another post so soon after your last; please try again in a short while." I sure do hate spammers. Dan

That was post number 5, I wonder if I can post me message now...

Hi all, I'm a computer guy. I know nothing about CCTV and am trying to make intelligent decisions in ordering a system. What are the differences between a Nuvico DV3 and a DV4? From reading the DV3 and DV4 specs it looks like the differences are "Real-time Live Display & Recording per Channel" and 4 vs. 16 channel audio. Don't all DVRs do "Real-time Live Display & Recording per Channel"? Does that mean that the only differences are that you can have audio monitoring on 16 channels with the DV4 and the DV4 has a jog shuttle? The DV4 also has "480 pps" for the 16 channel model. What is "PPS" in the CCTV world? Acronym finder lists 108 potential meanings TIA, Dan

According to the specification at (I tried to post the link but I'm too new) the NVDV3-16000N is 480 pps. Thanks for the info on pps. It let me find a thread on the subject Dan

(rory suggested I post this here. Please PM me.) Hi all, I am a decent computer consultant in Silicon Valley. I have a client in Menlo Park that is considering a CCTV system. They currently have a NetPromax 16 channel DVR and 6 unimpressive cameras, all inside. The original installer is unavailable. They are not sure what they want but I foresee 5-6 external cameras and 5-6 more internal cameras. They are talking more. The installations will be in 1-5 buildings. They estimate a 80% probability of going through with the project. They have a unlimited budget but can have some administrative stumblings. The current concern is employee harassment. They have had notes left on the windshield of a employee's car. They are also having a reoccurrence of theft from employees. Last time this happened a cleaning person was caught going through an employee's purse. From the timing they suspect that it is the cleaning service again. I would appreciate any advice about how to find, interview, and hire a CCTV installer. Specific recommendations would be appreciated. Feel free to PM me. I will keep you opinions completely private. Dan

Hi all, My deepest apologies if this is inappropriate. I would have liked to PM a few people for recommendations but with fewer than 10 posts I can not PM. If I knew enough to make ten intelligent posts I wouldn't need to solicit blind introductions I am a decent computer consultant in Silicon Valley. I have a client in Menlo Park that is considering a CCTV system. They currently have a NetPromax 16 channel DVR and 6 unimpressive cameras, all inside. The original installer is unavailable. They are not sure what they want but I foresee 5-6 external cameras and 5-6 more internal cameras. They are talking more. The installations will be in 1-5 buildings. They estimate a 80% probability of going through with the project. They have a unlimited budget but can have some administrative stumblings. The current concern is employee harassment. They have had notes left on the windshield of a employee's car. They are also having a reoccurrence of theft from employees. Last time this happened a cleaning person was caught going through an employee's purse. From the timing they suspect that it is the cleaning service again. I would appreciate any advice about how to find, interview, and hire a CCTV installer. Specific recommendations would be appreciated. Feel free to PM me. I will keep you opinions completely private. Again, my apologies if this is an inappropriate request. I recognize that rory keeps this forum very non-commercial. I appreciate that, but I'm desperate Dan