kaysadeya

No I mean the actual filter. Check this: http://www.cctvproducts.com/exccufunilmi.html I don't specifically recall what part of the UF500 you said had a limited lifespan, but it was something other than the bulb. I'm just trying to get a handle on how long I can expect to keep the unit in service (assuming the need to replace the bulb every so often).

Rory, I recall you saying in some other thread (can't find it) that the UF500 filter has a limited lifespan. Do you recall what that is? Also, have you personally seen one of these units wheeze out? If so, do they go quickly or is it a slow, long, lingering, fade-to-dark type of death? Also, it appears you can buy replacement filters for the UF100 unit. Does that mean you can keep them in service indefinately?

If I hadn't seen Four Weddings and a Funeral about five times, I probably wouldn't have understood that last bit.

The chef sounds like my kinda guy. I've often stayed awake at night worrying that some frozen meat would rise up to seek its revenge. In that spirit, I recall an earlier thread about someone trying to install a camera in some polar region. Hopefully others here can help direct you to the right thread.

Oh, it's cheap (you know me). But I can seal it up. I just didn't know that was the goal. Rory, once again, thanks very much for sharing the details of your craft.

There are vents on the underside. Shouldn't I allow for airflow to prevent condensation?

There doesn't appear to be a switch-over level in the Sammy.

Yes, inside. If there's something that lasts longer than a few weeks, that's what I'm looking for.

See? These are the types of details we need to know *before* investing in these cameras.

As for the filter switching mechanism, you'd think they'd include some sort of logic that says "once you switch from color to B&W, or vice versa, disable the switching mechanism for 10 minutes."

Rory, thanks for the manual (no I didn't have it).

As part of an one-going Mad Science Experiment, I bought a used Kalatel/Digiplex KTD-125A PTZ Receiver on Ebay with the hope of getting it to work with my Kodicom KSR 516. As I had feared, my initial tests indicate that this DVR doesn't appear to support the RS-422 protocol used by this receiver. There are multiple variables involved, so I need to address these questions: Does the RS-422 decoder work? There are manual switches for checking the various PTZ operations and all of these test fine on my rusty Pelco PT unit and zoom lens. However, there is still a question on the operation of the decoder portion of the receiver. Does anyone know how to test this? Do I have the DVR configured correctly? The porocedures for setting up and using the PTZ operations are not very clear in the manual, so I'm not sure I've done everything correctly. But the biggest question is: Does the DVR support the correct protocol to communicate with this recevier. The DVR appears to support the following PTZ units: These are listed in the manual: KODICOM KRE-301 RX UNIMO KRX-3200 RX UNIMO KRX-2101 RX NIKO NK-97 SD SAMSUNG SPD-1600 SD SAMSUNG SCC-641 PANASONIC WV-CS854 DONG-YANG DRX-501A SUNG-JIN CCR-20G RX PELCO PELCO-D SD PELCO C1489M-D SD HONEYWELL GC-755 PHILIPS LTC SD TOA (CBC) C-CC554 SD I also found these in the setup menu on the DVR (I don't know the brand names): ITA_MPC1 Vision 360_v1 Fastrax SD SCC-931T DSC-230 Sensormatic SD HD-0670 Commax RX DY-255RXB DY-SPS360DSD CRX-1401 RX CRD-J6416 Yaan SD Does anyone know if the PTZ protocol used by any of these units are the same or similar to that used by the Kalatel/Digiplex KTD-125A? If not, is there are way to locate the code for the receiver and is there a way to input it into the DVR?

Thanks for the link. However, they don't list any prices. What do these converters typically cost?

I'm not clear on your question. Does your DVR accept IR input from a remote?

Sounds like a very good start, for your first camera. One other feature to consider for an outdoor camera is an auto-iris lens. With an AI lens, you'll get better images as the light shifts throughout the day.

Here are some day and night shots of a driveway entrance from the Samsung 721 with a 16mm 1/2" lens. The distance is about 100' and the IR illumination is from an Extreme UF500 (one Big Bad Boy). (Unfortunately, the day image shown here doesn't accurately capture the color, which is much more vivid.)

What IR unit did you use on '3 Pool'?

I think everyone'll be impressed by my extreme UF500 / Samsung 721 shots. If I can capture them to post here (hint, hint..),

*Squint*

So what's the decal say on the rear window? With the lighting, I can't tell.. But, seriously.. I'm loving my UF500 more and more!

My first impression on the Vitek is: underwhelmed. I expected much more punch. The strength is a bit better than the WizKid WZ12L units, which are about $50 less, but that's about it. I have to play around more with locations, so nothing conclusive yet.

Yes, that's the stuff..

Just waiting for dark But it's also raining

These are halogen units -- similar in design to the UF100/500s.

Yes, I was considering a couple UF100 units, but when you add the cost of the power supply and replacement bulbs, they aren't as cost-effective as the Vitek, which you can just plug into the wall and uses standard bulbs. Caveat: I haven't yet actually seen the results of the Viteks, so can't report on the results.