limesec 0 Posted October 30, 2009 Hi all, new to the site and am a DIY'er. I am needing some help designing a basic video/image capture and alert system for a remote location. The goal is to alert myself to traffic on a remote property when I am away. The property is basically only accessible via a single narrow 1/4 mile gravel drive. My thoughts are to install a Sony IPela IP camera and have a Cartell driveway sensor connected to the input alarm. Using the output on the camera I would like to trigger a light if it is dark as well as have the camera snap pictures and do some sort of upload via internet connection. The two questions; How to use the alarm output to turn on a 110v light? Is there a good way to disable the driveway sensor when I am on the property? Maybe use a keyfob? Hopefully, my ideas are clear enough to spawn some advice. Thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cglaeser 0 Posted October 30, 2009 How to use the alarm output to turn on a 110v light? Use a relay. Altronix is one popular source. As for using a camera as an alarm, don't do it. Use a photo beam or motion sensor, but don't use a camera. It's fine for the alarm to trigger the camera to take photos, but don't use the camera to trigger the alarm. Also, if you use motion sensors, it's quite easy to arm and disarm using a fob or other mechanism. Best, Christopher Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
limesec 0 Posted October 30, 2009 Thanks for the reply, i will have to check out Altronix. If you read my post you will see that I would like to use a Cartell magnetic sensor to trip the input on the camera. Are you saying not to do this or not to use the cameras motion detection to trigger the alarm? I am thinking the latter. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cglaeser 0 Posted October 30, 2009 or not to use the cameras motion detection to trigger the alarm? Don't use camera motion. I missed the Cartell magnetic sensor. Why is the camera triggering the light? Why not the magnetic sensor? Best, Christopher Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thewireguys 3 Posted October 30, 2009 or not to use the cameras motion detection to trigger the alarm? Don't use camera motion. I missed the Cartell magnetic sensor. Why is the camera triggering the light? Why not the magnetic sensor? Best, Christopher Yea.... Every Cartell I ever installed had a 110volt relay in the control box and a low voltage relay for automation. Real easy to hook up to a camera and control a light. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blake 0 Posted October 30, 2009 Or you can just use a all in motion motion light fixture. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thewireguys 3 Posted October 30, 2009 If you what zero faults alarms use the drive way detector to trigger the light and the camera Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
limesec 0 Posted October 31, 2009 "Don't use camera motion. I missed the Cartell magnetic sensor. Why is the camera triggering the light? Why not the magnetic sensor?" To address the above, I did not understand that the sensor comes with a control unit that has a 110v relay. So that is why I thought I needed to have the camera trigger the light. The light is to let the intruder know something is happening and it also improves the quality of the picture. Yes, this is obvious I know.. I agree on the motion from the camera not being used and only using the driveway sensor to trigger the alarm. As stated above, I did not know that the Cartell comes with a panel and relay. Can't seem to find any manuals online for them. Must only be reserved for dealer access? This makes it had to plan it out without help from others that have experience. So, the wiring would be something like this?: -Driveway sensor connects to the Cartell control panel input. -Light connects to 110v relay on control panel -Low voltage automation relay on Cartell control panel to camera alarm in order to trip recording/automation If the above is somewhat close, how hard would it be to use a keyfob controlled relay wired in to disable the driveway sensor when on the property? Maybe even have an LED light showing when the system is armed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cglaeser 0 Posted October 31, 2009 To address the above, I did not understand that the sensor comes with a control unit that has a 110v relay. So that is why I thought I needed to have the camera trigger the light. Based on comments of others, the sensor includes a 110v relay, but even if it did not include a 110v relay, I would not use the camera to turn on the light. Instead, I would use the output of the sensor to control a 110v relay. Relays are very cheap (just a few dollars) and it keeps the design very simple and avoids unnecessary complexity. Best, Christopher Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
limesec 0 Posted October 31, 2009 To address the above, I did not understand that the sensor comes with a control unit that has a 110v relay. So that is why I thought I needed to have the camera trigger the light. Based on comments of others, the sensor includes a 110v relay, but even if it did not include a 110v relay, I would not use the camera to turn on the light. Instead, I would use the output of the sensor to control a 110v relay. Relays are very cheap (just a few dollars) and it keeps the design very simple and avoids unnecessary complexity. Best, Christopher I was first under the impression that the sensor probe would connect to the i/o port sensor on the camera which I though should trigger the recording and then I would use one of the 2 alarm outs on the camera to trigger the lighting. It is really hard to comprehend without the camera manual or Cartell sensor manual. Sometimes I have to see it on paper or in person before i SEE it in my brain if that makes sense. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cglaeser 0 Posted October 31, 2009 I was first under the impression that the sensor probe would connect to the i/o port sensor on the camera which I though should trigger the recording and then I would use one of the 2 alarm outs on the camera to trigger the lighting. Yes, I can understand why you considered this design. However, the system will be easier to debug if you leave the camera out of the lighting equation. The sensor should trigger the camera and the sensor should trigger the lighting. If the light does not work for some reason, you have one less component in the mix the debug. It is really hard to comprehend without the camera manual or Cartell sensor manual. Sometimes I have to see it on paper or in person before i SEE it in my brain if that makes sense. Fortunately, your system is relatively simple and others here on this forum will be able to assist you. Best, Christopher Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cglaeser 0 Posted October 31, 2009 Oh, and by the way, you don't have to do this on your own. You may save time and money if you solicit assistance from a local installer. Best, Christopher Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
limesec 0 Posted October 31, 2009 Oh, and by the way, you don't have to do this on your own. You may save time and money if you solicit assistance from a local installer. Best, Christopher I just had to laugh. No offense. Have you ever heard the term BFE ? Bum Fu$k Egpyt (Once again no offense to Egyptians). Town is 186 people. Yes I could probably find an electrician but the nearest real professional would be a couple hours away. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bpzle 0 Posted November 1, 2009 Do you have electrical experience? When controlling high voltage devices, there is plenty of opportunity for dangerous mistakes. If you don't have any experience, I would highly recommend finding someone who does. Electricians are fairly easy to come by, even in small towns... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
limesec 0 Posted November 2, 2009 Some electrical experience nothing major. Certainly enough to handle this project. Thanks to all for ideas. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
koolmer 0 Posted November 2, 2009 "If the above is somewhat close, how hard would it be to use a keyfob controlled relay wired in to disable the driveway sensor when on the property? Maybe even have an LED light showing when the system is armed. I've done the same setup with a Northern Computers (Honeywell) N-1000 panel. I don't know any panel that has the feature to arm and disarm with a keyfob. What I did was a custom made solution and it only works while a compuer is connected to the actual panel. I have no experience with the equipment you are using, though. koolmer Share this post Link to post Share on other sites