BigBen

I was told I needed cameras with sensitivity at 810nm. What exactly does this mean? Anyone know good cameras with high zoom that match this?

I was not talking about POE particularly, just rigging your own POE not using injectors. The UPS protects the computer and camera in the event of a bad AC spike, surge, etc. Because if the computer gets destroyed its likely whatever is connected will be affected also. Additionally, the in-line fuse on the 12v line can protect either device depending on which one fails. A power supply does just that -regulates and filters AC with a rectifier and produces DC power. If you know what you're doing (and hopefully make it look nice) theres no problem at all tapping your power supply for voltage. Again, "if you know what you're doing"

Standard networking will tell you the advantages of fiber. Some types of fiber are good for dozens of miles WITH immunity to interference. Copper attenuates at long distances and attenuation for digital logic is BAD. 100M or 328ft is your limit for copper with some exceptions to extending/boosting devices

I've heard of people doing this to power routers placed near rooftops. The advantage is using a pair in the Cat cable to power the router. Yes, a short or spike in the remote 12v will return to the PC. Vice versa as well. You would need to protect the computer (and now camera) with a UPS preferably and protect the camera from destroying the computer's power supply (and potentially anything on the same 12v bus) from the DC side in the event of a remote failure. Do the math for the fuse needed. Protect the camera from moisture (and not with "not a snack" silica packets!) and don't skimp on the cable installation. All if of course you're wanting to do this.

Thanks for the info guys. I'd like to hear more on this subject if possible . A "relatively" cost effective solution to something like this is interesting. I studied the Vumii brochure, specifically the continuous laser with 24000 hour MTBF. The FOV appears to be "narrow" and also performs poorly in foggy conditions unless the IR is moved remotely. How would you integrate the ALS - 20 IR laser to a good PTZ camera. What kind of camera? -The Axis 233d ? Can that be mounted in an enclosure with blower/heater? Assuming this was all solar powered (with the radio Xmiter) what size of tower are you talking about here? How long would something like this be expected to last? Anyone have a rough estimate on how much the hardware would add up to? I have friends that have problems with poaching and theft on ranches as well. Knowing there is a potential defense to the situation helps a lot. Thanks in advance guys. My first post: I've been reading quite a bit on this forum and just wanted to say It's been fun reading. Lots of sharp people in here