kaysadeya

Rory, here are the answers to your questions: Q1: Tamron 3-8mm is f/1.0 Bosch 2.8-10mm is f/1.4 Q2: Sanyo VCB-3384: http://www.sanyo.com/industrial/security/cameras/third_black_white/downloads/VCB-3384_Specs.pdf Panasonic WV-BP334 ftp://ftp.panasonic.com/pub/Panasonic/CCTV/SpecSheets/WV-BP330series.pdf Q3: As I mentioned earlier, I was thinking about using WizKid WZ30L9s with day/night Bosch FlexiDome LTC 1463/20s. I'll consider 850nm illuminators, if necessary. WizKid specs: http://www.wizkidoptotech.com/products/uploads/PDF2/WZ30L_TS_050121.pdf Bosch FlexiDome LTC 1463/20 specs: http://www.boschsecurity.us/pdf/EN/LTC136x%5FDS%5F74913%2Epdf As for the telephoto cameras, I don't think I can illuminate the scenes with IR, so I'll have to rely on ambient lighting from street lamps and neighbor's lights. This might be a problem with one location, but will have to play it by ear. I haven't yet sat down to figure out the field of view and required focal length, but think it will be in the neighborhood of 15-20mm (1/3 format) -- could end up being a little more. The cameras I'm considering to host the telephotos are: Bosch LTC0495/20: http://www.boschsecurity.us/pdf/EN/LTC0495%5FDS%5F81313%2Epdf Panasonic WV-CP474: ftp://ftp.panasonic.com/pub/Panasonic/CCTV/SpecSheets/WV-CP470Series.pdf

I'm doing two things here, so this may appear confusing. First, I already have the following B&W cameras / lenses: Sanyo VCB-3384 / Tamron 13VA308AS-SQ 3-8mm Panasonic WV-BP334 / Bosch LTC3364/50 1/3" 2.8-10mm Note: the Bosch in the above configuration is a lens. I'll be pairing these B&Ws up the WizKid IR Illuminators I mentioned. I'm committed to the cameras, but might consider swapping out the lenses if they can't cut it with the IR. Second, I'm shopping for some really good color day/night domes and 'telephoto hosts' for another location, where color (say of a car) is of interest.

Here are other interesting options for the 2 'telephoto hosts' I need: http://www.spytown.com/tosikhirdayn.html http://www.spytown.com/savcwidydaco.html Comments? I'm not a brand wh*re, but am rather looking for the best features, warranty, and support (which implies a big, well-known company). So far Bosch appears to be the clear winner in this forum, but it's a small group. If anyone else who has experience with these types of cameras has an opinion, please chime in.

Stumbled on this old link and remembered this thread. Didn't review it all, but I don't think there's anyting useful here about a timelaspe-type hack; but still some of it's kind of interesting: http://tivo.samba.org/index.cgi?req=all#1.9

With the WZ12's, I'm using sort of a Frankenstein system consisting of: Sanyo VCB-3384 / Tamron 13VA308AS-SQ 3-8mm Panasonic WV-BP334 / Philips/Bosch Model LTC3364/50 1/3" 2.8-10mm I have a few other lenses I got cheap on Ebay and intend to play around until I find a good configuration. If you have any tips on how to best set these cameras for both day and IR-illuminated night vision, please let me know. Coverage is about 40 feet max, but I can tollerate some drop-off in IR illumination in the last 10 or 15 feet. There's also an option to move the illuminators lower to the ground for more strength with the tradeoff of not getting into some nooks and crannies.

Sure, I'd love to have Extreme cameras and that budget too. I was looking at the WizKid WZ46 domes, but don't see anything resembling a wide dynamic *without* built-in IR. As you've said a number of times, it's better to have a separate IR illuminator, so I'm going with some WizKid WZ12L8s in the backyard (higher profile, slight glow) and WZ30L9s in the front (lower profile, no glow). If you know of alternatives for excellent-quality day/night domes in the $300 or less range, please let me know.

In the event that newer Bosch D/N cameras are officially announced, I trust the information will be posted here.

I've seen a few mentions of these new Bosch D/N cameras. Does anyone have any information? At least what price range and features are we talking about here?

Nothing better than a good debate to get things moving again.. This is what I'm currently looking at to finish off the installation: 2 Panasonic WV-CP474s or Bosch LTC0495s 3 Bosch LTC1463/20s I need two fast AI VF lenses in the neighborhood of 6-20mm for the WV-CP474 or LTC0495s to maximize the night view. I understand what Cooperman and others have said about lens sizing from a focal length perspective, but what about from a f-stop perspective? For example, is a 1.2 1/2" lens faster on a 1/3-format camera than a 1.2 1/3" lens? Also, if anyone would like to PM a quote for these cameras, I'd consider an alternative to spytown.

Excellent resource. Thanks very much, bryan1656.

I installed the RG-6 during a remodel, so it's there forever. I also installed some of that orange component-wire conduit for "just in case..." The distance is only about 50 ft; but it's important to get everything right, so I'll probably run some RG59 siamese through the conduit.

I never stop learning new things in the forum. Thanks much! A related question: Is the cable type also a factor when distributing a CCTV signal from the monitor output of a DVR to the monitors?

Can you elaborate on "serious problems"? I'm about to hook up some cameras to RG-6 quad and this is freaking me out!

When I wired my house for video (component HDTV distribution and security), I had just assumed RG-6 quad would be the best choice for any type of video transmission. Why is it that copper shielding is better for transmission of CCTV signals?

MetzLyov, I was checking the LTC 0495 too. I need two high-quality day/nights with approx 20mm lenses to monitor two distant driveway entrances. The Panasonic CP-474 is actually $1 cheaper at spytown. If you don't see any functional difference betwen the Bosch and the Panasonic, which would you chose?

I've looked everywhere and can't find any instructions on how to install snap-and-seal RCA and BNC connectors. All I can find is how to install the F connectors. Can someone point me to the info? Thanks!

Giggles. I get them each time I think about my connectors. I try not to let it happen too much in public, though....

Thanks Rory. I figured the instructions were misleading ... I hate it when that happens.

Finally got around to installing one of the BNC connectors today. A 1/4 x 1/4 cut is fine; you just have to make sure the BNC connector is twisted far enough up the wire. (I measured the inside of the connector first with a toothpick, transferred the measurement to the wire, and marked.) I also tried the 1/4 x 1/4 splice and same measuring technique with the RCA connector and that worked too. So disregard the 1/2" x 3/8" measurement I cited earlier and just make sure the connector is twisted far enough up the wire before crimping.

I have a bunch of 22/4 awg Carol "security" wire (E2004S.18.10) that I was going to use to power my cameras (one 24v and two 12v) and possibly some 24v WizKid IR illuminators. Each device is to get a separate line; the distance between devices and power source is approx 50 ft. I finally got around to reading the portion of the camera instructions that describe wiring requirements. The 24v Panasonic specifies that I must use "UL listed wire (VW-1, style 1007)" wire. According to the instructions, 22 awg is fine, but I don't see any spec on my Carol wire indicating that it is "VW-1, style 1007." So I think "no problem" and drive down to The Depot to get some. After waiting for 30 minutes, I finally got The Wire Guy to talk to me (my wife always has better luck, but she was busy today ) and he indicates that they don't carry that type of wire. He said try Radio Shack. So, I checked Radio Shack and a local electronics store and no one had ever heard of this type of wire. Shot my whole morning searching for this stupid wire. I've already run RG-6 for the video, so I don't want to rerun RG59 Siamese. Does anyone have any idea what this VW-1 wire is and where to get it? Or do you think the instructions are misleading and I'll be fine with the 22/4 security wire? Thanks much!

I've been able to scrape together the following cameras: Sanyo VCB-3384 Panasonic WV-BP334 and the following lenses: Tamron 13VA308AS-SQ 3-8mm Computar HG1814FCS 1/2" 18mm Philips/Bosch Model LTC3364/50 1/3" 2.8-10mm Panasonic WV-LA6A 6mm I'm going to play around with camera / lens combinations, but am looking to find good, compact outdoor housings that will support most or all combinations. I'd like to keep the budget around $50 per housing. I'll also consider homemade solutions, if anyone has any thoughts (other than a ziplock bag). The locations will be outdoors, mild NorCal weather, under a deck, and no direct sunlight.

Right. I forgot to mention the housing should be both small and bomb proof.

Mini mag: 13 3/4" L x 5 3/4" H Am I missing something, or is this a big-assed housing? Come on guys, I'm looking for something low-key... I guess the way to go in this situation is with an outdoor bullet, but would much prefer the versatility and quality of a camera body/lens combination. Can we please close the mini mart and "focus" on the topic?

Does anyone know where to find a *small* outdoor housing for a camera/lens combination of no more than 7" long 3" wide and 3" tall? Most of the housings I find on the web do not specify size or are way too large (14" or more). I'm looking for something very compact and low key. Thanks!

sf1964, I recently bought a Kodicom 516 that's within your budget. It's 16 channels and has some really nice features. You can drop in up to four off-the-shelf disks, there's lot's of recording options and playback is very clear. I'm still trying to get a grasp on all of the features, but so far I can honestly say I'm impressed. The downsides so far: * Had an initial hardware problem (which is being addressed by my dealer). * There doesn't appear to be a way to "deactivate" cameras. I don't have or plan to have 16 cameras, so would prefer the option not to have to scroll through a bunch of "video loss" screens. * A few other nits that I'll be posting later in a full review. However, for the most part, I'm very happy with this unit and the service organization behind it.