CraigVM62

Was wondering if anyone has heard of them, or best yet, any experience with their products. They have been carried by my local Security / CCTV distributor for 3 years now. A search came up with nothing from the forum.

Hey Rory, Thanks for the reply and addressing my question. You nailed it.... Yes, though the ebay sellers state to be in New York, it seems they are based out of Canada. I had to go to I-Views website to see what their new cards look like, and they are identical. At no point do they note any association with I-View, or that they are I-View cards. On a side note... I contacted I-View's US office to see if I could have the DVR cards I have repaired at my cost since they are 2 months out of warranty. "not an option" was their reply. They could not even give me the name of any retailers carrying their products here in the US so I could purchase new cards.... Now I am shopping for a new 32 channel card / cards. Thanks again

Rory, Should you not also mention to yell "INCOMING" to your helper who has their head poked up through a tile some distance away giving you a target ??? haha

I logged on to post a question and decided to read this thread. It deals with exactly what I had questions about. One of my installations had a "smash and grab" event a week ago through a window just barely coverd by the view of one of the cameras. Would take some time before anyone could be free to view the 10 hour time span when the event could have happened "cameras record full time". We didn't want to take a chance of the needed material being recorded over, so I swapped the hard drive with a different one. When I placed the original drive in a USB housing to view at my office, I found that my PC would not recognize any files on the drive. The DVR's Tech Support informed me the DVR records via a "special" FAT file format and it could only be viewed from the DVR. It seems be an issue they don't bring up when they promote the DVR's option for a CD-RW, USB port feature and such. Is this the case with most stand alone DVR's ? We have yet to tie the DVR into their office Network but once done. Is there a chance that recorded material could then be converted to a more universal PC viewable format and saved? I know that may be determined by the software, but wondering if it has been done before.

I need to look into a PTZ Cam install, which I have never done before. I understand I will need to make certain the PTZ camera utilizes a protocol compatible with the DVR to which will control the DVR remotely. Is it generaly a problem to control the PTZ onsite with conventional a joystick controller, aswell as remotely via the DVR's Remote Software? Distance from DVR / Controler will be approximately 400 feet so will be using UTP with Active Baluns for video and understand Cat5e can be used for the control wires to the PTZ. Would I be anywhere near the distance limitations regarding these control wires? Thanks for any input you may have

I will have a power supply very near the camera, so I had planned on running a short length of 16/2 from it to the PTZ. I was just uncertain of what conductors were needed to manipulate the PTZ. What is considered max length from DVR / Controller to a PTZ when using Cat5 "excluding video" Thanks for the info.

Thanks for the responce The DVR would be a 4 channel stand alone type. I am uncertain how a PTZ would be controled onsite via such a DVR and CCTV monitor unless using the software via PC's on the network the DVR is tied into or Remote Software. The priority is remote viewing and control though. Camera would be powered from the same building it will be located on so only video over the UTP. I most likely would run a dedicated Cat5e just for the PTZ camera control signals and a second for video. So only one pair is needed for the PTZ control? Thanks

I have an install where there is a very limited budget to record 12 cameras. In looking over some very budget oriented DVR's I found one that promotes it's USB connection not only allows for hook up of external drives, but ability to upgrade the firmware of the DVR if ever needed. I am wondering if this truely is something that could come into play and provide an advantage ??? I am not certain if we can provide direct links to retail websites. The seller is CCTVFactory if anyone is interested in doing a search to see the 16 channel DVR I am looking into.

Was reading on a motorcycle forum where the subject of CCTV Systems came about. A person stated that in his area "So. Ca" unless you have signs warning that cameras are recording video material, any material that is recorded can not be used as evidence against the criminal. Was wondering if the individual was confused, or if such laws do exist ???

I have never heard of that before ..... I am guessing you plug it in so to heat up the PCP Pipe, but from the inside ??? Or, do you insert it into the pipe and then heat up the pipe with the conventional means, with the spring helping the pipe to keep it's shape when bent so it doesn't buckle ??? Sounds Interesting

The point about installing what might become a lighting rod is a good one. Despite all the rain we get here in the Pacific NW. Lightning is surprisingly uncommon. When EMT is used for electrical "high voltage" in commercial applications, it becomes the grounding for the electrical system. The only time a ground conductor "green" is pulled is if there will be a break in the EMT that is not conductive eliminating the EMT as your ground back to the electrical panel. That ground conductor then re-grounds the EMT past that break. So if a hot conductor should touch the EMT, it should instantly trip the breaker for that circuit. Forgive me it all that is old news to you. I would also consider the issue of rust if EMT is used in exterior applications. Even galvanized EMT will rust at cut points, fittings and where scuffed. Other than the cost of running plastic conduit, I can't see any advantages of EMT over it for low voltage applications.

guessing your refering to pipe for use in trenches or exterior of building ? There are really no electrical codes that governs over low voltage other than that installed within the structure / walls or distance to ground in overhead drops. In that regards it would fall mostly under the common sense code for you the installer. I have only used EMT for CCTV in the few interior commercial installations I have performed. In both Commercial and Residential I have always used PVC to protect exposed exterior cabling or trench work. Main advantage I can see with EMT is that if your good with an EMT bender, you save yourself the cost of buying 45 and 90 degree fittings and can do offsets going into boxes etc.

I think you would find that during all but dark overcast days, you would have trouble seeing the image on the screen. Between the image being too dark, or glare from the surface of the screen. If you have ever used a small portible / hand held monitor while outdoors adjusting cameras, you will relate to what I am saying. Would work much better at night, but then all you would be seeing is bright spots "headlights" as an image. Here is a link for a helmet that has a passive rear view system http://www.reevu.com/

I have several very small "box" type cameras that, with lens attached are less than 6" long. I wish to utilize them in as small of an outdoor / weather proof enclosure as I can find. Smallest I have found so far is still much larger than it needs to be. Anyone know of a very small, but decent quality enclosure ???

Many years ago I worked for a company doing Data Communications where pulling 25 to 30 wires at a time was not to uncommon. Boxes could be a pain because a tangle within required opening the box to sort it out. Was easier with spools. We would have our least productive worker or "newbie" stand and watch the spools just incase. For those occasions we had large wire racks on wheels. For small projects I have used everthing from an office desk, chair, soda machine ... anything to prop a small piece of pipe, broom handle ... what ever I could find to run a spool or two on. I learned to be creative. I remember running into rhe rest room and dumping a bunch of liquid soap in my hands. I was pulling wires through conduits that already had wires within, and too lazy to go down 30 flights of staires to work van for real pull lube. I like the reel in a box design they have now which is best of both worlds.

Thanks Cooperman, that is something I will have to consider. We don't get near the heat other parts of the country have. I also found this enclosure from literature at my distributor. It has the option of a sunshade also as shown in the photo below. Pelco EH2500 series and about the same dimension as the Samsung houseing

From the photo, it looks very "rain safe" which is an issue here in the northwest. Found a few sites selling them near the price you mentioned. Guessing the bracket is an additional accessory? Thanks for pointing those out.

Those Pelco Housings look like they would be perfect. Just enough room for the camera / lens and cable turns. Yes, the cameras are Honeywell.

I see one of the problems that is causing the need for more expensive cameras is the low illumination of the area. Why not sub contract an electrician to add exterior lighting. If the longest wall is 30 feet, and your concerned about the area in close proximity to the building, one fixture per wall should make things much easier. Also keeping the area well lit may help keep anything from happening that needs to be recorded. You could work with the electrician to have them placed where they would work best with the position of the cameras.

In multiplex mode, my DVR is tarting to "Glitch" for lack of a better word. Images of each channel will flicker now and then, and for a brief second the image of another channel will appear in it's place. I have reinstalled the software which has cured other minor problems in the past. That isn't helping at all this time. Symptoms are worse when one or two of the channels are trying to record. They are set to record via video motion. System is a 32 channel DVR built with dual I-View 16 ch cards. I am down to a few weeks before it's 1 year warranty expires. The "I-View Dealer" I purchased from seems to have gone belly up and no longer post here. . Has anyone one else dealt directly with I-View before ??? After my dealer fell off the face of the earth, I had tried to contact them a few times with questions via email, but never received any reply. I will start calling I-View come Monday but wondering if the problems sounds like it is not doubt the cards themselves.

I think it is version 2.9a I just recently downloaded it from the I-View Website

Yes, that was what brought about my questions in the other thread about UPS / Conditioners .... The odd thing is that on this same 20 amp circuit, there are 2 alarm systems and an additional PC for the gate access. None of them have had any problems. Rory, Let me know the next time you have a large Camera / DVR Install I would be happy to come down and be your free laborer in exchange to look over you shoulder and ask tons of dumb questions. I am also past due for a tan and some fishing time.

I found out what the problem was which ended up being a rather simple "and cheap" fix. To give a little history, in the last few weeks when the system would reboot, upon boot up a message would appear. It would state that the slave drive "second hard drive" did not pass a test and suggested it be backed up and replaced. This message would appear before Windows would even load. The message would give the option to hit F1 to continue which the office workers would do. As mentioned, this DVR has (2) 200GB Hard drives. Now here is where I have to speculate what the problem was so let me know if it makes sense.... I have one channel that is looped through a CCTV monitor prior to getting to the DVR. Now when looking at the "live view" images on the DVR's PC Monitor, wether it be full screen or "multiplexed" view, the images are of lesser quality and delayed slightly. I am guessing these images are actually being viewed after then have been recorded on the hard drive. The first hard drive which is partitioned showed to be completely full, and the second hard drive "the one causing the occasional error messages on boot up" was showing to be around 70% full. I am guessing the DVR was now having to utilize the sectors "if that is the right word" of that drive which was faulty. It would make sense that some of the heads of the hard drive might "jump track" and be grabbing tracks from other cameras for a split second. This would explain why images on one or several channels would flicker, showing an image of completely different channels / cameras. I formated the partition of the first hard drive which records the video files and pulled the second "problem"drive out. With the DVR now only utilizing the good drive, all problems fixed. You can't imagine how happy I am knowing I just need to purchase a new hard drive and not a couple of 16 channel DVR Cards or tw0 16 channel Stand Alone DVRs. Spyman, I don't know if I will ever do another project with this many cameras, but I would most definately take your advise. This system, which has only been plugged in for 9 months has already required a new Mother Board and 2 new power supplies. I have thought of buying a 16 channel DVR just to take over the 16 most important cameras when this DVR is down getting fixed. Hopefully that won't happen again for awhile. Thanks for the replies and suggestions everyone.

Yes, there is no problem with the video feed from the cameras as they were checked. I can't see how a a camera could possibly grab the video image from another camera, other than through the DVR Card or it's software. When I have reloaded the I-View software, I have done so by going into windows control panel, and using the "Add or Remove Programs or Windows Components" option and remove the I-View Software. I then have reinstalled the software. The funny thing is that after having done so, it still has the camera settings, camera labels, ISP settings and such from before. I can only assume that since it is keeping that info, not all of the program is being removed. If the problem is software related, maybe that is also staying on the PC when I remove and reinstall the software. The system has 2 x 200 gig hard drives. One is partitioned as Drive C where Windows XP is installed, it's other partition is Drive E and the second 200 gig drive is Drive F. I am thinking of going in and formating each of the 3 drives and then reinstalling Windows XP, then reinstalling the DVR Software. If that doesn't work, I guess I am at the mercy of I-view Corp to honor warranty, or shopping for some DVR Cards.... oh joy !!!

Having just replaced the third power supply on a 32 channel I-View DVR, I am thinking it would be good to utilize a UPS with line conditioning. I have minimal experience with UPS units. I understand how they will have a PC close down windows and shutdown while it is providing back up power. Are there units that will inform the PC to power back up when power is restored? Would this be done in the PC's Bios setting? I used to think I had good general PC knowledge until introduced to this DVR. Thanks