DIY - Step by Step

[luxury1 0]

Does anyone have a step by step instruction guide to installing an outdoor camera system with pictures, etc. I am BRAND new to this as you can see from my few posts but you have to start somewhere. I just don't know much of anything at this point.

 

Thanks!

[VST_Man 1]

with pics? no, but;

- set-up, adjust, and clean the camera before mounting.

- mount in a location that allows for easy cleaning or adjustments. do not ground the camera at the install location.

- test voltage before connecting.

- connect voltage and test with small portable monitor, if you have one. adjust video angle/view.

- connect video cables at camera.

- connect to DVR

- if all goes well, weatherproof outdoor connects.

- have a cold beer!

 

This may not be the answer but it might help.

[luxury1 0]

This is definitely a good start but let me ask a few more questions:

- set-up, adjust, and clean the camera before mounting. (What kind of set-up is usually required for dome cameras?)

 

- mount in a location that allows for easy cleaning or adjustments. do not ground the camera at the install location. (What is grounding a camera? Also, how do you mount a camera in a brick wall? And how do you run wires to a camera from the DVR in new construction - do you stable them to the wood beams? How do you get them from inside the house to the outside-do you drill a hole in the wall?)

 

- test voltage before connecting. (How do you do this? Also, do these systems plug into the wall with a standard outlet?)

 

- connect voltage and test with small portable monitor, if you have one. adjust video angle/view.

 

- connect video cables at camera. (Does this plug in like speaker wire to a speaker?)

 

- connect to DVR (Same question about connection)

 

- if all goes well, weatherproof outdoor connects. (What does this mean)

 

- have a cold beer! (Does it matter what kind? Kidding of course on this one)

 

Sorry that these are so basic but I am really green.

[VST_Man 1]

- set-up any dip switch settings the camera may have.

- some think that grounding a camera to a earth ground is required. this will only cause problems. evrything is grounded back the the power suply/APC.

- test with a cheap voltage tester to ensure that voltage is correct. 2 types of power supplies. standard 115vac transformer that converts to either 12vdc or 24vac, depending on camera requirements. AND, a 4/8/16 channel power supply, best for the overall install/system as you can connect all to one source and use a battery back-up to protect/sustain.

- many differnt types of power connectors out there; 2.1mm canon, terminal strip, ect. Video connector standard is BNC. Cheaper camera's have RCA and you'll need an adaptor to go back to BNC. Some premade cables are RCA, with power, and audio in one but these are cheap.

- dvr connections are BNC

- seal the connections in a weather proof box or use a gummy tape.

- I prefer FREE beer.....

[luxury1 0]

Thanks again! I think I was editing while you were typing so how do you mount a camera in a brick wall (do screws drill into brick)? And how do you run wires to a camera from the DVR in new construction - do you stable them to the wood beams? How do you get them from inside the house to the outside-do you drill a hole in the brick wall?

[VST_Man 1]

use a cement anchor kit to screw to the brick wall (mason drill bit, plastic screw inserts, screws)

 

goto Home Depot and get some plastic AC wire hangers (plastic wedge with 4 plastic fingers and a nail for securing) for use in the attic. You nail them to every other truss to hang the CCTV wire. Maintain 1ft from other wires and if you have to cross maintain 6". In the walls, between studs, you most likely have to use a cable staple...check with your local codes to ensure it is done right. Drill a hole in the plate, run the cable down, and after you have secures it use fire stopper calk to fill that hole, top and bottom.

 

New construction? That is great becasue you can install camera cable where every you need it and think you might need it. ie. I'd run a RG siamese and audio to the rooms you want both video and audio to keep an eye on the kids/babysitters. run RG siames to all or any area's you think you may need video outdoors..cable is cheap when it's new construction. take time to get some CAT6 in the walls.......speed kills.

 

 

also run a seperate phone line and CAT6 line to the telephone "box" outside so that you can connect your DSL straight u p without filters........since speeds are going up the filters have to go away and strain lines installed.

outdoors......I normally go into the attic and come down from the eves. eves are nice to run in because there are no other wires there.

 

and then I'd run the alarm wires, speaker wires, and any High D wires to support all that stuff.............you may need to invest in a good multi wired cable......one for all?

 

good luck. where are you located?

[luxury1 0]

Wow! Thanks! I am in the Pittsburgh area (just outside)