CCTV advice

[Streetbudgie]

Hi all,

I've started running the cables for my CCTV by installing a 10 pair external cable (standard copper pairs) to the garage (intention is for at least 3 external cameras around the garage) and I intend to have another 4 or so exetrnal cameras around the house and couple of internal ones.

I need some advice or a point in the direction of a forum where I can get some tips on what sort of cameras and DVR to get.

Any ideas?

[Andy FZS]

The ones I've installed at work have usually been from maplins.
Andy

[goldfazer]

I'd ditch that idea - just get some ip ones (WiFi) and some free webcam s/w for yer pc. Much cheaper and easier.
Plus you can monitor remotely.

[dcurzon]

I use a raspberry pi, when it detects motion, it starts taking pictures - 2 per second I have set it at. It ftp's the pics as it takes them to a remote server, and posts to Facebook that it's sensed movement in my garage, and emails me.

If I'm away my friends/family can check :-)

Always have images/footage off site. No good being recorded if the recorder gets nicked.

[Dead Eye]

That's a pretty decent setup and the way I would probably do it... though it helps having access to high capacity servers...

[dcurzon]

I wrote up some instructions:
http://www.curzonweb.co.uk/rpi-security-cam/

[Dead Eye]

I love the idea behind Raspberry Pi's and a lot of people have done some really cool things with them... but I personally just can't find a use a for one in my life at the moment so its a waste to buy one. However, if I wanted to do a CCTV sort of thing, this would be my go to solution

[esetest]

Try tlc direct .

Hi all,

I've started running the cables for my CCTV by installing a 10 pair external cable (standard copper pairs) to the garage (intention is for at least 3 external cameras around the garage) and I intend to have another 4 or so exetrnal cameras around the house and couple of internal ones.

I need some advice or a point in the direction of a forum where I can get some tips on what sort of cameras and DVR to get.

Any ideas?

[MEM62]

Before installing any CCTV system you need to decide what you want it to achieve.  That may sound obvious you would be amazed at the amount of people that don't give it a thought and then bask is a false sense of security because they are 'protected' by a CCTV system. 

A couple of examples - if you want it as a deterrent then you are just as well off using dummy cameras (or empty camera housings) placed in locations where they are clearly visible - such as fairly high up on the wall.  If you want it for evidence-gathering then the cameras need to be placed at head height in choke locations - that is locations where people have to pass by to access your garage/bike - and need to be covert.  Otherwise they will be compromised by the toe-rag trying to steal your bike. 

If you are installing lots of expensive kit around the place where it will be seen it will not protect your bike and will also be no good for identifying the thieves.  It will, of course, show your bike has been stolen - which will be obvious from the empty space in your garage - but will have little, if anything, to offer in the subsequent efforts to catch those responsible.           

[Nick Hood]

The last time I got involved in a conversation about cctv I got shot down in flames lol. I do install cctv for a living as well as all types of security systems. Im with MEM62 on this though. In my experience the Police are not at all interested in Home CCTV. I have had some really good images of people committing crimes, so good the Police were interested, but the CPS threw it out. In reality they want a shot of a face that covers most of the screen, which isnt practical. On some occasions if you are having trouble with a neighbour or someone you you know, CCTV evidence is helpful, but only to substantiate something you have witnessed yourself. If  its for your bike, good physical protection backed up with an alarm is the best way. The alarm can be connected to a monitoring centre that can give you Police reponse.

[Slaninar]

Agree with Mem and Nick Hood.

Having visible cameras can let the thieves know there is something worth stealing.



In my city, cameras are good for the cops - but it is usually too late for you to retrieve your stollen goods and it is impossible to get money back from the thieves since they don't have much belongings registered in their name (if any).    So a fake camera can be just as useful.


I'd get to know local cops that work on burglary cases and ask them for advice (what to equip and how to behave).


Alarm, or an alarm sticker (without really installing an alarma) - depending on the situation in your neighbourhood are a good thing. Light in the back yard, that goes on when someone walks, like a sensor, is also a good thing in my city - because most burglars come from the back, not the front road entrance. Just some thoughts.