astrid_10 0 Posted December 30, 2011 Hey guys, Im a bit of a noob when it comes to cctv, and im trying to help my mom by setting up two cameras in the shed opposite her house to replace and old camera (approx 10 years b&w) that is rapidly failing (but was connected to a monitor in the house via a heavy duty co-axial cable which is laid underground). She is on a tight budget, so after looking round i decided on two wireless swann guardian adw-400 cctv cams which can be seen here: 8zv6KPTMjlo Anyway, although the house and the shed are within the stated range, it turned out that the signal strength was too poor (my best guess would be the two concrete exterior walls the signal would have to pass through). I have been looking into 2.4 ghz yagi 14dbi panel antennas on ebay that use a sma connection that is compatible with the cameras from what i can see but i was wondering if it would be better to connect the two cameras using a sma splitter to the existing heavy duty coaxial cable using an adaptor? There is also the matter of the reciever box... can i connect this to the coaxial cable using another adaptor or is there a simpler solution? I would really appreicate any help you guys can offer as I really just want to get it sorted so she can feel secure. What is the best thing to do? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tomcctv 189 Posted December 30, 2011 i would if you can return the swann system ..... 3hrs recording is pointless and going 32gb card and buying the swann you are in the range of a good wired budget two camera and dvr. and get approx 25-30 days. you can run two cameras down the one coax you already have in place (best having dvr in your home) for monitoring or networking Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
astrid_10 0 Posted December 30, 2011 Hi tomcctv, Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately the time for returning them has passed, and there is a slight bit of damage to the shoddy plastic camera stand so i doubt they would accept them as returns. With that in mind, do you have any other suggestions?? Is it possible to use the swann cams via the coaxial cable? Thanks again for your help - its much appreciated Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tomcctv 189 Posted December 30, 2011 hi. no just looked at manual ...... you must have bought 2 units to have 2 cameras ???? thats over $500. marked or not i would take them back as not suitable. there is no way of connecting the cameras other than wireless and to there system. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
astrid_10 0 Posted December 30, 2011 I bought the camera with the reciever (adw-400) and one additional camera (adw-400/x). It supports 4 cameras altogether. It was just over £200stg altogether from kikatek who operate a strict 14day return policy for goods that aren't faulty. What do you think about using a 2.4ghz 14dbi panel antenna, similar to this one: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000Q69L1C/ref=asc_df_B000Q69L1C5897891?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&tag=googlecouk06-21&linkCode=asn&creative=22206&creativeASIN=B000Q69L1C The aerial on the cameras are removable, and as far as I can tell they use a male sma connection. Would it be possible to connect both cameras to the one panel antenna using a sma splitter? Sorry about all the questions, and thank you again for taking the time to answer them Worst comes to worst I can ebay the cameras and buy a DVR as you stated. Do you have any advice on the best brand to look for on a £200 (approx $310 dollars) budget that includes a dvr with a hdd and two cameras with motion detect and infared? I have no need of network access etc. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tomcctv 189 Posted December 30, 2011 hi. well your best option is to put everything in the shed cameras and recorder ..... then you have no problem with signal. then from the recorder i would use a 1 channel amp and connect to your existing coax back to your TV. i would not spend anymore money on wireless equipment. i have sent you a link for a £29 cctv amp. you will need this as your little recorder will not send video from your shed to home via coax as the recorder has no booster. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ljarrald 0 Posted December 31, 2011 you can run two cameras down the one coax you already have in place (best having dvr in your home) for monitoring or networking how? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tomcctv 189 Posted December 31, 2011 you can run two cameras down the one coax you already have in place (best having dvr in your home) for monitoring or networking how? convert analog signal to digital before it enters the coax and turn back after the coax. you can run two or more cameras plus power and data down 1 coax cable Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
astrid_10 0 Posted December 31, 2011 Hi again tom thanks so much for all your help. Based on your advice, I put the wireless cams on ebay. I will get a dvr and 2 wired cams that run via the coaxial. What would be your recommendation? Would i still require a coaxial amplifier? Sorry about all the questions I am hoping not to make the same mistake over and get the wrong type of cameras again! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
