Total Noob Need to set up a new security ASAP help

[Investar666 0]

Here is my issue.....I need to set up a 2-3 camera system for the outside of my home ASAP. Of course I want the best bang for the buck and am aware of the Costco $599 deals and Monoprice. I have a good electrician and ready to install ASAP. Can anyone recommend where I should start looking for a system to meet my needs as listed below. I value all the expertise in this forum and will take immediate action on any council.

 

1) Live in a very dark area. All homes have 2+ acres and can barely see other homes, street or anything else at night.

 

2) We already have over 75" of snow and in the winter, we see regular temperatures of 0-15 for an extended period of time. Concerns of ice, snow, heavy wind. Need very good night vision.

 

3) Very computer savvy....should I build a DVR...is it cheaper....or just buy a ready made one? Who is a good, reliable, reasonably priced source who can sell to forum members?

 

4) I dont know if this helps but I will be installing in front and back of home RAB Stealth 360 security lights. Will that affect anything? What bulbs should be in there to not adversely affect camera performance? What type of cameras should be used....only need them for outside.

 

Thanks so much for any direction. I really have no idea where to begin. Budget is flexible but I hope for a superb DVR and 2-3 cameras (minus install cost) I can be in the $1k range or below. Please help. Thanks.

[Soundy 1]

Well, I'll start with the usual recommendation for CNB's Monalisa line of cameras - VBM or VCM-24VF model is a good place to start. Good resolution, good image with little light. Order the models with built-in heaters to avoid any problems with the cold.

 

If you're adding motion-activated visible lighting, all the better (this is my preference over built-in IR). Bulb type shouldn't matter; standard halogen is probably the best option. CFL bulbs will take too long to start up when it's cold.

 

Building a DVR isn't difficult - even a spare older PC (P4 or better) will do, at least to start with. GeoVision is a popular DIY system; others here use AverMedia, HIKvision, and CNB cards and software, among others.

 

Think about running Cat5e or Cat6 to the cameras, with video baluns to connect them, instead of standard coax - this gives you the ability to easily switch to IP cameras in the future.

[Investar666 0]

That is a good place to start. Thanks. I build gaming computers for a hobby so will look to build the DVR. I will contact GeoVision today and see what fits my needs. I have spare computer parts everywhere. Do you have a specific seller who people on the forum had success with? I see that CNB is sold on Ebay and Amazon so I am prepared to buy today. Thanks so much for your help. You have saved me countless hours. Also the RAB Stealth 360 is mounted in the top left corner of the front of my house and the top right in the rear. This area is approx. 24-28 ft off the ground. Any thoughts on mounting the cameras.....opposite side of lights.....below the lights.....my understanding is that 25 ft off the ground may me too much. Thanks again.....

 

Best,

 

Dan

[tomcctv 190]

That is a good place to start. Thanks. I build gaming computers for a hobby so will look to build the DVR. I will contact GeoVision today and see what fits my needs. I have spare computer parts everywhere. Do you have a specific seller who people on the forum had success with? I see that CNB is sold on Ebay and Amazon so I am prepared to buy today. Thanks so much for your help. You have saved me countless hours. Also the RAB Stealth 360 is mounted in the top left corner of the front of my house and the top right in the rear. This area is approx. 24-28 ft off the ground. Any thoughts on mounting the cameras.....opposite side of lights.....below the lights.....my understanding is that 25 ft off the ground may me too much. Thanks again.....

 

Best,

 

Dan

 

 

Hi Dan contacting geo to buy a cars is not a problem . its getting support and downloads you will have problems with. i would look at the avermedia nv card range .... does alot more than geo.

 

if you are installing your own lights then the CNB VCM24VD is not a bad camera.

[Soundy 1]

Buying from eBay or Amazon may be tricky if you get an unauthorized reseller, because they are unlikely to support the equipment if it has problems later... and most manufacturers won't support products bought from unauthorized sellers. And of course, there's always the danger with eBay in particular, that you don't get exactly what you think you're going to get (this is especially true of Geovision cards, as there are numerous counterfeit/gray-market clone cards for sale).

 

Re: mounting cameras, you generally want to mount them NEAR the lights, but not so that the light shines directly on the dome. "Best" height depends on what you want to catch - the higher you go, the wider the view you can get... but the less detail you'll have as the cameras get farther away.