keith

Is there an easy way to use a regular PC LCD monitor as a CCTV monitor? The output would be from a BNC output on a mux and I wasn't sure if there was an adapter to go from BNC to SVGA?...

Thanks guys, That Cantek convertor looks like exactly what I need.

immclendon, can you give the info to your site or where I can check out the adapter you sell? Thanks, Keith

Here are some shots of the beach camera with the cheap IR that I was talking about. The resolution is 342 by 236 so it's pixilated blown up but it's also not bad with direct live analog feed. Camera is a Pelco Espirit type. It's not as bright as your UF 500 but all we need to see is if someone is coming off of the beach. In this area, normal landscape lighting is illegal right next to the beach because of sea turtles hatching in the area. The light throws them off and they end up in swimming pools

I have a question that might seem stupid but here goes...We have a couple of these http://www.scdlink.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=1577 on a beach site and they go out about once a year. Our maintenance guy opened it up and discovered all it is is a regular bulb you can buy at Home Depot and the lens filter is what makes it "IR". So instead of buying replacements at $100,he said we should buy a replacement bulb at Home Depot next time. My question is: Is this how most IR Illuminators are made and does anybody else only replace the bulb inside saving money? I am specifically wondering about the more expensive longer range illuminators.

Rory, Thanks for the knowledge Yeah I did see those before on here...those are good night shots. I'm liking the UF500s more and more

Rory, We have looked at the UF500s for another site but haven't finalized the project yet so I haven't had one in my hands to see how it was made. The performance is definately impressive on those. I didn't actually see the bulb and opened unit myself on the one I am talking about ( I am taking the electrician's word for it), but he claims it was a regular Home Depot bulb that can be bought for around $3. Is it possible that this is true? That the bulb is a regular bulb and it is the lens that filters out the visible spectrum? Is this is so, we can continue using these and simply replace a $3 bulb when it goes out. They do the job on this location because the distance is less than 100'. They are right on the beach, however, and (as you know being in the Bahamas) they take a beating from the elements. I was hoping this would be the case with some of the longer-range, more expensive IR Illuminators. You say the replacement bulbs for the UF500s are only approx. $100? They are not "regular" bulbs you could find at Home Depot? Even still, that is not bad for replacing every 2 years.

Speco camera built into outdoor motion sensor light... http://www.spytown.com/provcvcolout.html It looks interesting for a home application where you could replace the current motion lights with one of these.

Can anyone recommend a decent UTP unit that will take 4 BNC inputs and convert them to a single CAT 5? I am assuming that I can just buy two of the same thing which will re-convert before going into my DVR. The run is only 300' and I am powering the cameras locally at the camera end. From what I have read, a passive converter should be sufficient? Preferably I would like a link where I can buy them direct without having to get quotes first. Thanks

Thanks guys. Scott, you have a PM

Yeah, I can't complain too much..they are cheap. I guess you can't order it online and get it shipped to you huh?

Thanks, looks like I need to get a new router.

Do the older Linksys routers support dynDNS automatic updating? I have a Linksys BEFSR41 and even with the latest firmware I don't see where you set it up at (DDNS section)? dyndns only lists the Linksys WRT54G model as being certified with their software.

I am helping with a camera system setup and need advice on the best way to feed video back and also be able to control the PTZ cameras. I have included a basic layout of my initial design. Basically you see we want to feed 8 cameras (via fiber) to a single point out in the field and then bring feed the signals from those 8 cameras back to the CP via a single pair of fiber. This is done to save money by not having to feed the individual fiber runs all the way back to the CP from each camera. We do not want to run copper out to these cameras because of all the lightning around here (FL) My questions are: 1. Can a single pair of fiber handle 8 video sources with no loss of signal and can we then control the PTZ functions of these individual cameras over that single pair of fiber from the CP to the point out in the field where the 8 cameras are fed back into? 2. What equipment is recommended to make this happen? We have Pelco currently and would like to stay with them as they have been great so far. I am guessing we would need some sort of matrix switcher (w/ fiber modules) at the point in the field which would then feed back the 8 signals to the DVR and joystick controller back at the CP (via single-pair fiber). This single pair-fiber would need to be able to both feed the video and also enable two-way PTZ control signals between the CP and the field matrix switcher. Is this possible?

Rory, You should have a PM. Thanks, Keith

I appreciate the responses. The actual distances aren't that great. From the CP to Cam 5/6 is probably no more than 2000'. We are using fiber to minimize any possible lightning damage to the whole system. Money for this project is less of an issue than doing a quality job. I met with the guy pulling the fiber today actually and he will end up pulling all the way back to the CP from each camera so I guess my question has been answered. Great site by the way. I am going to stick around to learn more.

Yeah, actually the Pelco rep said it will be cheaper to run the fiber all the way back to the CP instead of buying trying to run them back over one fiber.