I need a lot of advice!

[FATHERFORD 0]

First let me say great forum with lots of information. In my case it seems to be to much as the more I read, the more I get confused.

 

I have setup the cheaper sams/costco units before, so I am familiar with the low end/budget setups.

 

I just recently moved to a new location for more of a country life style. My parents bought the land across the street from me to build. The road in front of our houses is private(we the home owners actually own the road). We also will be building a 40x60 shop behind my barn for personal and small business.

 

There are a few reasons for me wanting a high quality CCTV system:

1. I have caught my neighbor(the one north of my location) TWICE "borrowing" things from my barn. He still owes me money for 25 gallons of gas he borrowed from me 2 months ago. I also discovered he does have an arrest record(one within a year) and does other questionable activities. He refuses to work and thinks drinking beer and playing in a mud pit in his back yard is more important then paying be back for the gas he "borrowed." Btw...this is something he is proud of

 

2. There is NO reason for anyone to be driving down our road unless they live on it. Not only is our road one of the very few left that is dirt/gravel, our road on either end leads to no where. I have been seeing a lot of suspicious traffic that doesn't belong.

 

3. The previous two lead to my main concern.. My parents and I will have building materials on both properties in the coming months as they build their house and as I build my 60x40 building in the back of my property. I would like for their to be some surveillance not only for things potentially being stolen, but to also watch the build process when no one can be there for the day.

 

 

Which leads me to where I need y'alls help to spend my money. In the following picture the right square is my current property, and the left square is the property of my parents land. There is a light pole that can not be seen in the pictures, but gives great view of my house and the front of my parents property.

 

 

I'm looking to purchase a decent high quality picture DVR and at the moment two High Quality cameras with plans to add more in the future. One camera that I can face towards my parents property, and another that will face towards my house. I would like to eventually add at least an additional 6 cameras to the house as time goes by.

 

I don't have an unlimited budget, but I'm willing to spend a little money up front for a good DVR($300-400) and two good cameras(night vision?) If the DVR has PTZ control even better! Where to buy would be a bonus!

 

I'll keep reading waiting for response.

[shockwave199 0]

You'll probably get specific responses about equipment but I must ask- didn't you see this guy before investing in all the property? Is it possible to change locations still? I ask because for all the surveillance in the world, it usually doesn't help the situation with back woods ding dongs like this. They LIVE for trouble. It's the very thing that gets them out of bed. Put up cameras, they'll destroy them. If the cameras catch them and you prosecute, when he serves his 60 days he'll be out and get even. They have a missing link in their brains. They are more than happy to oblige you in a tit-for tat cat & mouse game, endlessly. Reasoning with such a person is futile and winning the battle is as well. He'll have more than enough time when he's sober and in between mud romps to figure a way to get over on you and your security system, your locks, your lights, your sirens, your dogs, the cops, you name it. It's what they live for. My advice, get outa dodge man. Cut your losses and get out. One thing is for sure- HE isn't going anywhere. They NEVER do. And, they have friends as well. Save the money on security- get the hell out. Good luck.

[Digiscan 0]

playing in a mud pit

I have to know, what exactly do you mean by this? Does he drive a truck around in the mud? Fling it like a pig? Sorry I can't opine on the cameras, but your neighbor sounds interesting.

[badgcoupe 0]

playing in a mud pit

I have to know, what exactly do you mean by this? Does he drive a truck around in the mud? Fling it like a pig? Sorry I can't opine on the cameras, but your neighbor sounds interesting.

 

My wife was watching some garbage show on TLC and I saw this on it.

[FATHERFORD 0]

playing in a mud pit

I have to know, what exactly do you mean by this? Does he drive a truck around in the mud? Fling it like a pig? Sorry I can't opine on the cameras, but your neighbor sounds interesting.

 

He has a big mud truck he drives in a pit in his back yard...

 

 

 

So I'm starting to decide on a few things...

 

AVerMedia Hybrid 16 Port NEH1116H

VideoSecu 18 Output 12 V DC CCTV Distributed Power Supply Box

2x1000ft rolls of Siamese cable

 

As far as location:

The Top camera will be mounted 15' high on a light pole.

The bottom two cameras will be mounted on my power pole 15' or so high.

 

I do have flood lights around my house that are motion sensor already.

 

A coworker is using Vonnic cameras and seems to be happy with them. Is there a better suggestion for the price range?

[Digiscan 0]

Good heavens above.

[FATHERFORD 0]

Not sure if anyone is reading this, but I'll keep updating anyway.

 

I got a variety of cameras that I'm going to try out. If they don't work I'm sure I can sell them here at work as it seems there are a lot of people interested in upgrading their CCTV systems.

 

I'll have at my house today/tomorrow...

 

1x AVerMedia Hybrid 16 Port NEH1116H

1x Seagate Barracuda 7200 3 TB 7200RPM SATA 6 Gb/s NCQ 64MB Cache 3.5-Inch Internal Bare Drive ST3000DM001

2x CNB VCM-24VF 600TVL 2.8-10.5mm Vandal Proof Outdoor Day/Night Dome Security Camera with ICR Technology

2x VideoSecu 700TVL Day Night Outdoor Security Camera Vandal Proof 1/3" SONY Effio CCD Wide View Angle Lens 28 Infrared LEDs for CCTV DVR Home Surveillan

1x CNB WCL-20S Fixed High 600 TVL Weather Proof IR 90Ft Cam (6.0mm)

1x VideoSecu 18 Output 12 V DC CCTV Distributed Power Supply Box for Security Camera with lock PWD18 1NK

1x VideoSecu 10 Piece CCTV Security Camera DC Male Power Plug Pigtail Cables PC01T C58

6x VideoSecu 100 Feet Video Power BNC RCA Cable for CCTV Security Cameras 1JE

2x VideoSecu 150 Feet Video Power Security Camera Cable for CCTV Surveillance DVR System Installation CBV150 C13

2x 200ft Foot All-In-One Siamese BNC Video and Power CCTV Cable for Security Camera Surveillance Video System

 

I am currently not putting cameras on my poles as originally planned. I'm going to place them around my house for now and monitor the immediate area. I'm hoping mounting the WCL-20S on the corner of my house facing my lightpole will have enough light with the IR to get some decent video.

[yakky 0]

Not sure if anyone is reading this, but I'll keep updating anyway.

 

I got a variety of cameras that I'm going to try out. If they don't work I'm sure I can sell them here at work as it seems there are a lot of people interested in upgrading their CCTV systems.

 

I'll have at my house today/tomorrow...

 

1x AVerMedia Hybrid 16 Port NEH1116H

1x Seagate Barracuda 7200 3 TB 7200RPM SATA 6 Gb/s NCQ 64MB Cache 3.5-Inch Internal Bare Drive ST3000DM001

2x CNB VCM-24VF 600TVL 2.8-10.5mm Vandal Proof Outdoor Day/Night Dome Security Camera with ICR Technology

2x VideoSecu 700TVL Day Night Outdoor Security Camera Vandal Proof 1/3" SONY Effio CCD Wide View Angle Lens 28 Infrared LEDs for CCTV DVR Home Surveillan

1x CNB WCL-20S Fixed High 600 TVL Weather Proof IR 90Ft Cam (6.0mm)

1x VideoSecu 18 Output 12 V DC CCTV Distributed Power Supply Box for Security Camera with lock PWD18 1NK

1x VideoSecu 10 Piece CCTV Security Camera DC Male Power Plug Pigtail Cables PC01T C58

6x VideoSecu 100 Feet Video Power BNC RCA Cable for CCTV Security Cameras 1JE

2x VideoSecu 150 Feet Video Power Security Camera Cable for CCTV Surveillance DVR System Installation CBV150 C13

2x 200ft Foot All-In-One Siamese BNC Video and Power CCTV Cable for Security Camera Surveillance Video System

 

I am currently not putting cameras on my poles as originally planned. I'm going to place them around my house for now and monitor the immediate area. I'm hoping mounting the WCL-20S on the corner of my house facing my lightpole will have enough light with the IR to get some decent video.

 

 

Good stuff, I'm interested in seeing how the VideoSecus comare to the CNBs, as well as the antics of this guy as well.

[Horizon 0]

Fatherford, is this going to be a covert install? Just wondering, 'cause this guy doesn't look like the type to be scared off by video cameras.

As you say, monitor around the house, see who's entering the property, and what they're getting up to. Covertly, so the cameras don't get interfered with, or stolen.

[ssnapier 0]

I think a FutureSentry setup would be quite slick in this scenario. It would push the price point up a little bit, but the deterrent factor is a big plus. As for you "colorful" neighbor, maybe just install one of these and call it a day (KIDDING!!):

 

[Horizon 0]

Nice! Maybe tying the camera (motion detection) or using a PIR sensor to trigger the lawn sprinkers would be less "messy".

As a bonus, it'll keep the neighbourhood cats and dogs out of your garden. You can also use that as an excuse when he complains about getting soaked

Just kidding as well... maybe?

[BingoRingo 0]

 

 

 

 

I know it's not funny, but sorry man, I can't stop laughing!

[Kawboy12R 0]

I think I'd skip straight to IP cams with lots of bright motion activated lights so that we, er I mean law enforcement gets the best possible pictures.

 

Seriously though, if you have kids or don't SERIOUSLY love dealing with hard cases, I'd bail before you're seriously emotionally and financially invested in the place. Ask yourself why he hates Child Protective Services. If your kids are older, will you ever want your grandkids to come visit and go outside to play unsupervised?

[FATHERFORD 0]

Just a quick update, I'll try and write more when I can.

 

The neighbor absolutely HATES cameras.. To the point he won't hardly come outside anymore. I told him everything in and around my house is video/audio monitored with alarms and alerts of movements. The neighbors say there has been more peace in quite since I put these up, then there has been in years.

[FATHERFORD 0]

Fatherford, is this going to be a covert install? Just wondering, 'cause this guy doesn't look like the type to be scared off by video cameras.

As you say, monitor around the house, see who's entering the property, and what they're getting up to. Covertly, so the cameras don't get interfered with, or stolen.

 

No I made them plain as day, even as much as putting signs up for doing so. 16 cameras with most having a red glow at night turns out to be a huge deterrent.

[Kawboy12R 0]

Awesome! Turned out much better (so far) than I was expecting. I wonder if he has started lining his windows and hats with tinfoil yet?

 

Back on to cameras though. Do you have any comparison pics or video? Preferably at night with someone walking up to the camera?

[FATHERFORD 0]

Awesome! Turned out much better (so far) than I was expecting. I wonder if he has started lining his windows and hats with tinfoil yet?

 

Back on to cameras though. Do you have any comparison pics or video? Preferably at night with someone walking up to the camera?

 

 

I can try and get some vid/pictures. I do have one of the night owl where he saluted me/camera after he lost the "light" war. I had many more lights up, these are just some sample pictures.

 

First I need to say that it did get worse before the setup got here. The AVER DVR was delayed, and before it got to my house he decided to destroy my light pole by running it over with his truck(destroying the fender of his truck in the process). Cops called etc. etc. So I immediately went out to Fry's and bought a NightOwl 8 camera system. Threw it up real quick until my good setup came in.

 

To the Cameras:

 

I just figured out some of my problems and the power supply I'm using just can't push the amperage needed. When all the cameras are hooked up(8x of the night owl, the CNB's, and the VideoSecu most would just flicker off. I was having major problems with the CNB VCM-24VF. So much I returned one thinking there was something wrong. They would click on and off several times, and sometimes make the other cameras flicker.

 

The power supply only has 10 amps total, and max of .5 amps per channel. I tried hooking the CNB up to an individual .5amp power adapter that came with the VideoSecu cameras and it would still flicker. I hooked up a 1.5amp power adapter that came with the night owl setup I bought and It works flawlessly. All the other cameras would work now, but at night when the IR came on they would not be as bright, and there were lines going through the cameras. When I took the other CNB bullet camera and the VideoSecu and placed them on their own power adapter all the problems went away.

 

I now ordered a new power supply box that is 29amps total, and max of 2 amps per channel. I'm hoping this will resolve all my problems. I have to think there is enough of a drop in power using 65'/100'/150' cables that the ViewSonic Power supply box couldn't keep up.

 

Camera opinions:

 

Night-Owls: Cheapos that get the job done. They are great for places where you just want to watch movement, but not identify anything. The microphone sucks on them.

CNB VCM-24VF: I am so far not that impressed. Great build quality, but as far as picture quality goes I don't think it's that much better then the VideoSecus at half the price. I have one on my front porch where I have a dimmed/motion sensor porch light, and where my cars are parked where I have a security light that comes on at night. I'm sure I could work on the adjustments so more.

CNB WCL-20S: I have this one mounted about 10' in the air on the side of my house, looking down the entrance to my driveway. Looks pretty good during the day, and at night looks great with my "New" light pole. I can't identify faces with it, but I can clearly see what is going on. I've read some people claim they are rubbish, but from between the VCM-24VF and WCL-20S I prefer the WCL.

VideoSecu 700TVL: The first one I installed I thought it was rubbish. I had it looking out over my back yard and the back acre. Look great during the day, but not worth a damn at night. The next one Installed to look at my back porch(35'x15') and it was absolutely brilliant. During the day and best looking camera at night compared to all the others. A little grainy, but I could clearly see what is going on, and even see my dogs face. I placed the first camera wrong and that was the only problem.

 

I ordered two more VideoSecu's as I'm impressed with them that much. I also ordered one more CNB WCL to hang in another location.

 

Aver DVR:

I have only had limited experience with CCTV DVR's, but this is by far the best I have ever dealt with. It is a very professional feeling setup, and the remote interface is absolutely gorgeous. On my android phone I'm using IP Cam Viewer and it works flawlessly. The 3tb hard drive slid right in and formatted. I can record nearly a months worth of video at D1 before it starts repeating on itself.

 

 

Also coming in:

I have a Clarion VA700 Video Distribution Amplifier coming in to split the spot monitor feed so I can see the cameras all over the house. It uses the power source off the CCTV power supply box. I'm hoping this will work as I hope.

 

Needs:

I'm looking for a pigtail that I can plug into the back of the DVR for the audio. Where can I find such a beast?

[shockwave199 0]

Glad everything is working out so far. As per the power box- you may find all cameras work best on individual power adapters. Maybe the new power box will be fine. But individual adapters puts an end to any ground loop issues that may arise from powering different cameras of differing quality from one box. It may not be be as neat and it may be a pain when you have lots of cameras, but there are ways of making it all compact and fine. I prefer individual adapters for cameras. If you still have problems with the new box, consider it.

[Kawboy12R 0]

I can't help on a pigtail. Looks like a bare-wire audio hookup to me, like the pinch-to-connect hookups for home theater speakers. I'd buy the cables I wanted with RCA connectors on one end and cut whatever's on the DVR end off and insert the wires into the pinch connectors on the DVR. That'd be a bit Mickey Mouse with 4 grounds going into one pinch connector though. An Aver dealer might have something fancier with 5 bare wires and 4 female connectors to use for audio.

 

What cameras were used in the pics you posted? Looks like nice quality with good colour in the second two but then you've got lots of light. Much better recorded video quality than my cheapo DVR does. I've been wavering on getting an Aver or not, with some positive reviews and others not quite so impressive on here.

[FATHERFORD 0]

I can't help on a pigtail. Looks like a bare-wire audio hookup to me, like the pinch-to-connect hookups for home theater speakers. I'd buy the cables I wanted with RCA connectors on one end and cut whatever's on the DVR end off and insert the wires into the pinch connectors on the DVR. That'd be a bit Mickey Mouse with 4 grounds going into one pinch connector though. An Aver dealer might have something fancier with 5 bare wires and 4 female connectors to use for audio.

 

What cameras were used in the pics you posted? Looks like nice quality with good colour in the second two but then you've got lots of light. Much better recorded video quality than my cheapo DVR does. I've been wavering on getting an Aver or not, with some positive reviews and others not quite so impressive on here.

 

 

Oh sorry, the light pictures were taken with a real camera. Not a CCTV setup.

[Kawboy12R 0]

Haha, I thought they looked pretty good. That explains it.

[Kawboy12R 0]

Also, I was wondering if the Videosecu cameras you liked better than the 24VF CNB were the $99 VD3HBE (or VD3HWE) domes? They're the only 700tvl cameras on that site that were even close to half of a CNB. I got my VCM-24VFs for $135 apiece.

 

I wasn't initially terribly impressed with low-light quality but the following pic isn't TOO bad of a gentleman caller I had checking out my lawnmower at 5am the other day. It was left outside almost touching the garage door which has the dome mounted right above the top left corner when looking at the garage. If the camera had red lights he might've looked up but he was always looking down.

[shockwave199 0]

That shot needs help. I'd work on that.

[Kawboy12R 0]

I agree. It's better than my first opinion of the camera, but then part of the problem is the cheapo Lorex dvr that doesn't preserve the live quality of the camera. The graininess of the original live image is preserved in the captured image though. Just about every other cam I've had in that location would've had an almost completely washed out face. The best was my KT&C B&W ExView bullet, but it isn't waterproof unless it's in a large housing that I don't want to mount there. It beats a "stock" cheapo Lorex, cheapo Aposonic, and a "higher end" 700tvl Aposonic that very closely resembles the larger 700tvl bullets from Empire.

[FATHERFORD 0]

Also, I was wondering if the Videosecu cameras you liked better than the 24VF CNB were the $99 VD3HBE (or VD3HWE) domes? They're the only 700tvl cameras on that site that were even close to half of a CNB. I got my VCM-24VFs for $135 apiece.

 

I wasn't initially terribly impressed with low-light quality but the following pic isn't TOO bad of a gentleman caller I had checking out my lawnmower at 5am the other day. It was left outside almost touching the garage door which has the dome mounted right above the top left corner when looking at the garage. If the camera had red lights he might've looked up but he was always looking down.

 

 

The ones I got were $80. I think I paid $165 for my VCM's... I've seen them cheaper but I hate buying from websites that look questionable.

 

Like I said, I might have to play with more of my focus still. I just finally got them working right using the 1.5amp power adapters.