Security System Design!!!

[Bmonaweck02 0]

I am looking to setup a security system.

 

First off, what is the best "cable/wire" is best for cctv cameras? RG59 or Cat5? I am looking to go long distance with my cables, up to 200'. What is going to be the best quality? As well as possibly 1 or 2 cameras as far away from the DVR as 500' or 600'. Now that is a possibility but probably not going to go that far away from the DVR. What is the best "cable/wire" for the best qaulity? If RG59 is not the best way to go, please instruct on how to use other cable/wire because I've only used RG59.

 

Also, I am debating between a dahua DVR or a PELCO DVR5116-1000 off of ebay. Which is better, I am looking at a 16 channel system with 8 cameras right away.

 

What, would be the best camera for under $100 dollars a piece. I have very good lighting if that helps..

 

Thanks to all who respond with suggestions in advance.

 

Thanks

[Soundy 1]

I am looking to setup a security system.

Well then, you've come to the right place

 

First off, what is the best "cable/wire" is best for cctv cameras? RG59 or Cat5?

As with cameras, DVRs, and everything else, there is no "best"... only what is "best suited" to a specific need. Criteria can be distance required, the space the cables have to run through (ie. small conduit), the number of runs needed, and of course, total cost.

 

I am looking to go long distance with my cables, up to 200'. What is going to be the best quality? As well as possibly 1 or 2 cameras as far away from the DVR as 500' or 600'. Now that is a possibility but probably not going to go that far away from the DVR. What is the best "cable/wire" for the best qaulity? If RG59 is not the best way to go, please instruct on how to use other cable/wire because I've only used RG59.

RG59 is fine for 200', but not so much at 500+. UTP (not necessarily Cat5e) with *good* passive baluns will be fine for signal at that distance, although power could become an issue depending on the cameras.

 

If I was running that far, though, I'd be more likely to look at powering those cameras locally and running multiple video feeds over a lesser number of Cat5. For example, if you have four cameras in a remote building, you could power them there, then run all four video feeds over a single Cat5 (or Cat3, or Cat6) back to the DVR's location.

 

For 200', you should be fine running power and video on a single Cat5, especially if the cameras are non-IR, non-PTZ (both things that draw a lot of current), and/or can be powered by 24V rather than 12V (voltage drop over distance is less).

[ljarrald 0]

example, if you have four cameras in a remote building, you could power them there, then run all four video feeds over a single Cat5 (or Cat3, or Cat6) back to the DVR's location.

 

yup! in our shed i have 4 cameras (3 on the outside, 1 on the inside) all powered from a psu inside the shed. the psu also powers a microphone and vibration sensors inside the camera housings (to activate an alarm should the camera be attacked by a brick again) and the video signals run back via cat5.

alarm signals are on standard alarm wire.

[Bmonaweck02 0]

What is going to give the best quality?

[Soundy 1]

What is going to give the best quality?

That depends. At 200' there may be a measurable difference, but not likely a noticeable one. At 500+ you'd probably start to see some serious degradation in the image with coax, but there should be little or none with the UTP.

 

Note that this assumes you're using decent-quality baluns; some no-name junk may not fare as well.... or it may be just fine, but that's the risk you take with no-name junk

[Bmonaweck02 0]

Ok, I will use the RG59 then,

 

As far as cameras what do you suggest? I am looking at a true day/night camera, what is the best brand and if you have a particular camera you like could you suggest it? I am looking at under $100 a piece

[SEANHAWG 1]

Note that this assumes you're using decent-quality baluns; some no-name junk may not fare as well.... or it may be just fine, but that's the risk you take with no-name junk

 

This brings up a question I have. I havent dealt a whole lot with CAT5 as we deal mainly with Siamese but just for kicks, I bought the cheapest baluns I could find on ebay and I cant tell any difference from the GEM high quality baluns that I have. Since this is such a small piece which basically converts a ground and video signal from 2 wires over to a BNC connection, does it really matter if they are high quality or not? Granted I dont want the things falling apart on me but as long as they dont do that, whats the real difference in high quality baluns compared to low cost ghetto baluns? I mean sure, one might use higher quality metal than the other but does the quality of metal really mater on such a small piece such as that. I would ASSume that the quality of metal should be payed more attention in the cable being used. What are your thoughts?