TurboMatt 0 Posted June 26, 2009 First let me provide a little info about myself. I'm a IT Professional and just starting to get into the security camera field. I own my own company that I'm trying to move forward. A few of my clients had existing camera systems in place and asked me about upgrading them. As I didn't know much about them I told them I would look into it. That was a year or so ago and since I enjoyed working with the DVR's and cameras I decided to add it to my list of services. Last week I had a new client ask about a complete new install. I have yet to do a complete ground-up install but imagine it's not going to be much different than a recent upgrade I did. My last client had me install 4 new day/night bullet cameras, GeoVision 650-8 DVR card, run all the cables, etc. I can't imagine a new install will be much more work than that was. This new client would like 6-8 cameras as his main store then ideally 2 wireless cameras at a remote office about 100ft away. The problem I see with the wireless cameras is the signal will need to go through 3 other brick buildings. For all my previous installs I've been dealing with GSS in Virgina. I was told that they are by far 'not the cheapest' guy in town. I was hoping you guys could help me design a system based on my clients needs. His needs/wants. 6-8 wired camers at main store 2 wireless / or independant system as office 14 days of recorded video storage PC based DVR is not needed in his mind but wants remote access Thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Soundy 1 Posted June 26, 2009 First let me provide a little info about myself. I'm a IT Professional and just starting to get into the security camera field. Welcome! I got into CCTV coming out of the IT field as well, so I'm familiar with the transition This new client would like 6-8 cameras as his main store then ideally 2 wireless cameras at a remote office about 100ft away. The problem I see with the wireless cameras is the signal will need to go through 3 other brick buildings. That could be tricky. Is there any other way to do this over a cable run? 100' isn't too far, can the cable be strung across buildings, or buried in conduit? Is there maybe existing conduit between buildings, for phone/network? If there's existing network or phone connections, it's possible there are some spare pairs of wire that could be used with baluns to get the video signal across. For all my previous installs I've been dealing with GSS in Virgina. I was told that they are by far 'not the cheapest' guy in town. Well, I can't speak for GSS, but "the cheapest" is rarely "the best". Having run your own IT company, you know the importance of having good support and service behind you. Sometimes paying a little more is worth it for a supplier who stands behind their sales. Just something to think about Of course, if you can get cheaper *and* better service, that's a plus. I was hoping you guys could help me design a system based on my clients needs. His needs/wants. 6-8 wired camers at main store 2 wireless / or independant system as office 14 days of recorded video storage PC based DVR is not needed in his mind but wants remote access Thanks! Well, I'm a fan of PC-based vs. standalone, but of course, that comes with a higher cost. Is he set on bullet cams, or would box or dome styles be better suited here? 14 days' storage shouldn't be difficult, as long as he's not set on 30fps or other excessive expectations. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TurboMatt 0 Posted June 26, 2009 Welcome! I got into CCTV coming out of the IT field as well, so I'm familiar with the transition That's great! Glad we are on the same page. The main focus of my company is still IT driven at this point. That could be tricky. Is there any other way to do this over a cable run? 100' isn't too far, can the cable be strung across buildings, or buried in conduit? Is there maybe existing conduit between buildings, for phone/network? If there's existing network or phone connections, it's possible there are some spare pairs of wire that could be used with baluns to get the video signal across. It's possibly but not likely. The customers location is in a congested area with historical buildings. There is a row of 3-4 large townhouse style buildings where is main store is. The office building is not connected but I could probably lay a 15-20ft conduit over the building tops. I'll run it by him to see. Thanks for the idea Well, I can't speak for GSS, but "the cheapest" is rarely "the best". Having run your own IT company, you know the importance of having good support and service behind you. Sometimes paying a little more is worth it for a supplier who stands behind their sales. GSS has been absolutely wonderful helping spec things out for all of my projects. I just don't know if they have the best prices as I've only dealt with them. Just for reference my cost is $54 for the day/night cameras and a standalone Linux based DVR is around $999. Sound right? Well, I'm a fan of PC-based vs. standalone, but of course, that comes with a higher cost. Is he set on bullet cams, or would box or dome styles be better suited here? 14 days' storage shouldn't be difficult, as long as he's not set on 30fps or other excessive expectations. I prefer the PC based systems as well. The bullet cameras are pretty much my only option because there is no drop ceiling to mount the dome cameras. In fact, the only place he wants to mount the cameras is on the permiter walls about 12 ft up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Soundy 1 Posted June 26, 2009 That could be tricky. Is there any other way to do this over a cable run? 100' isn't too far, can the cable be strung across buildings, or buried in conduit? Is there maybe existing conduit between buildings, for phone/network? If there's existing network or phone connections, it's possible there are some spare pairs of wire that could be used with baluns to get the video signal across. It's possibly but not likely. The customers location is in a congested area with historical buildings. There is a row of 3-4 large townhouse style buildings where is main store is. The office building is not connected but I could probably lay a 15-20ft conduit over the building tops. I'll run it by him to see. Thanks for the idea Another possibility is, if both sites have broadband internet, you could use IP cameras or IP video servers at the remote building... Well, I can't speak for GSS, but "the cheapest" is rarely "the best". Having run your own IT company, you know the importance of having good support and service behind you. Sometimes paying a little more is worth it for a supplier who stands behind their sales. GSS has been absolutely wonderful helping spec things out for all of my projects. I just don't know if they have the best prices as I've only dealt with them. Just for reference my cost is $54 for the day/night cameras and a standalone Linux based DVR is around $999. Sound right? Really hard to say. Ignoring for a moment the fact that I'm just the in-house geek and don't actually do the purchasing for our outfit, and the fact that I'm in Canada so prices will necessarily be different (probably higher here), there's such a wide range of equipment out there, it's impossible to compare "value" based on so little information. I've seen day/night bullet cams ranging from $20 to $300, and Linux-based DVRs probably anywhere in the $200-$3000 range. Stated specs are less meaningful than actual brand names, as build quality and reliability with these things are usually a bigger difference than pure specs. I prefer the PC based systems as well. The bullet cameras are pretty much my only option because there is no drop ceiling to mount the dome cameras. In fact, the only place he wants to mount the cameras is on the permiter walls about 12 ft up. Not all domes require drop-ceiling. I've used numerous models that can be mounted to a wall - even a solid concrete or brick wall. Some include a back-box for the purpose, others don't require it... really depends on the design. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crirvine 0 Posted June 27, 2009 Matt welcome to the security industry and the forum you said Virgina I went to some security classes with a man from there and remember him stating he worked in a state the required state licenesse if you have not got yours or checked your state laws please do so. You also have the option to use outside cat 5 or cat 6 and run to the poles like the telephone linse just check with your local power or phone company before doing so. Also here is the like to the state law site. http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+9.1-138 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
