security problem

bcmf

Dont know if this is the right place to post this but here goes:
In the last few weeks my property has been damaged or stolen from my house. The Garda say that it is a bit unusual that 1 person has been a victim of repeated crime in an usually quiet area (well as quiet as can be) and recommend that I put in a camera.
I want to put in a very small (hidden)in the front of my house.Can I do this and run it to a seperate Hard drive or wire it into my router then onto my pc for storage?
Sorry for the questions but I know sod all about these things.
Any recommended websites/shops?.

pieface_ie

Bit of info on what could be envolved
http://www.homesecurityinformation.com/internet-security-cameras.htm

English company
http://www.sctltd.co.uk/acatalog/index.html?gclid=CNS2mOjvwJgCFQpuGgodt3lLZQ

I dont know much about the internet/wireless cameras,but i know that if you go into a electrical wholesaler you can pick up dummy CCTV cameras,theres a small 9v battery inside which is for a flashing red LED on the camera,i dont know the pricing but im sure they are fairly cheap,they act as a good deterent.

But if you really want to find out whats happening id suppose a real hidden camera is the only way

http://www.sctltd.co.uk/acatalog/spycam.html

I think the electrical junction box hidden camera is the best one there or some of the ones down at the bottom of the page.

You should post a message in the electrical forum,theres CCTV/Security contractors in there who will be able to answer your questions better and tell you what the best setup is.

bcmf

Thanks Pieface.Will copy and paste it into the electrical thread.

Black Swan

If the crimes are committed at night, you might also want to consider installing motion-activated flood lights that will be triggered when they approach your home?
Example:
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productList&Ne=4294967294&category=Security+&+Flood+Lighting&N=4294940336&cm_mmc=search_google-_-Fashion%20Lighting-_-Security%20Lighting-_-security%20lights&semsite=google&sembrand=n&semcatg=Fashion+Lighting&semsubcatg=Security+Lighting&semkeyword=security+lights

PaddyTheNth

If you're looking to do it on the cheap cheap these might be of some interest to you:

http://lifehacker.com/software/security/use-your-webcam-as-a-security-camera-203905.php

http://lifehacker.com/320580/turn-your-webcam-into-a-motion+sensing-security-camera-with-yawcam

PaddyTheNth

http://www.lidl.ie/ie/home.nsf/pages/c.o.20090205.p.ColourSurveillanceCamerawithDigitalVideoReceiver

You'd need an SD reader to view it...

But don't buy it if it's made for Silvercrest, it'll be guaranteed to break inside 2 months.

Diver79

PaddyTheNth wrote: »

If you're looking to do it on the cheap cheap these might be of some interest to you:

http://lifehacker.com/software/security/use-your-webcam-as-a-security-camera-203905.php

http://lifehacker.com/320580/turn-your-webcam-into-a-motion+sensing-security-camera-with-yawcam

I had this setup in the last apt lived in. My gf went spare, and demanded I take it down. I reckon it the best and most affordable option.

bcmf

PaddyTheNth wrote: »

If you're looking to do it on the cheap cheap these might be of some interest to you:

http://lifehacker.com/software/security/use-your-webcam-as-a-security-camera-203905.php

http://lifehacker.com/320580/turn-your-webcam-into-a-motion+sensing-security-camera-with-yawcam

That sounds like it would be worth a go.
I could put it in the spare bedroom window looking out.Just have to run it into an old laptop or figure out how to run it so the 'main' computer could pick it up from my wireless router.
Any thoughts on the above most welcome (preferably in stupid mans language)

cossworxenergy

You need a proper CCTV camera capable of Day/Night operation whick has built in infra red. Hidden cameras dont work to well behind glass as the glass distorts the image. I might suggest intalling a dome camera on your eave runs same colour as the eaves and install a halogen lamp at the same time beside it to disguise it an act as if you are only installing a light.
You can go for the normal dome camera recording to a DVR recorder or else you could use an IP camera.
IP cameras can be connected to an existing PCs hardrive and stores the footage images on this. Also you will be emailed of any motion detection and events logged. You can also access your camera from any internet connection in the world.
Costs more but benefits of sharper digital image quality and accessing your property remotely via internet.

between 500-100 bucks for a good system.

syklops

Diver79 wrote: »

I had this setup in the last apt lived in. My gf went spare, and demanded I take it down. I reckon it the best and most affordable option.

No offense, but you never considered the possibility that she is cheating on you, and inviting her toyboy back to the apartment?

Maybe you might want to invest in a hidden camera?

Again, no offense meant, just an observation.

shangralia

cossworxenergy wrote: »

You need a proper CCTV camera capable of Day/Night operation whick has built in infra red. Hidden cameras dont work to well behind glass as the glass distorts the image. I might suggest intalling a dome camera on your eave runs same colour as the eaves and install a halogen lamp at the same time beside it to disguise it an act as if you are only installing a light.
You can go for the normal dome camera recording to a DVR recorder or else you could use an IP camera.
IP cameras can be connected to an existing PCs hardrive and stores the footage images on this. Also you will be emailed of any motion detection and events logged. You can also access your camera from any internet connection in the world.
Costs more but benefits of sharper digital image quality and accessing your property remotely via internet.

between 500-100 bucks for a good system.

check this one out http://www.ipcamera.ie/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=62_1_45_15_16&products_id=288

FusionNet

Hi there,

Sorry for your hassle.. I agree with a poster a few steps back. I install CCTV IP and Traditional systems and just want to warn you and everyone else out there that solving this problem has a few pitfalls.

1) Cheap and nasty CCTV will serve you no good in a criminal instance and is only really going to help you look at your lawn.

2) a small hidden camera wont do jack, in darkness ideally you need the following. A good quality da/night or preferably a B/W night camera. You need a light sorce as again IR is pretty rubbish and you need to record at the highest possible setting D1 is the industry satndard for analogue.

3) You need to realise that CCTV is not always the answer. CCTV is very easily deactivated, tampered with and other things are easily done which I will not mention in an open forum as it will give guys tips..! Decide what you want from your CCTV first before messing about with it.

4) Area of attack. How big is the area, what are the site conditions (trees, cars, street lights) which way is the site facing, will it be blinded by sun etc etc.

5) I would advise people that the CCTV items you can buy online and in shops are usually chinese and you get what you pay for. A basic domestic DVR will set you back around 500 plus the Vat, and a good camera expect to pay between 200-400. Dont be suckered in by buzz words lik IR or NightVision, its a load of SHT..!!

CCTV installers have a name for being expensive. This is changing thankfully. I would advise you to talk to a professional before making any expensive purchases or climbing up ladders yourself. I know its a shock to people but we actually go on very expensive training courses to learn all this stuff!!!

If anyone has any questions you can PM me direct or repost and I will try and help you.

Cheers,

bcmf

Hi Fusion,
Thank for your reply.
The area I need to cover is basically the width of my garden but more importanly my driveway and the road area in front.My drieway is a slope AWAY from the house with many areas from the house with a clear view.
The area is pretty well lit at night ie street lamps in both next door's house.
Basically I wanna see/record who is at my house during the night.I dont wanna a big camera for deterrant purpose's but I wanna see/catch them.ie hidden.
I would if possible like to run this to my wireless router and then to save on Hard drive or a seperate hard drive on my pc.
Ta

FusionNet

Hi BCMF,

I see where your coming from alright. But all that said I would still advise a proper camera. You need a large lens if possible, my 1/4 inch and high TVL. Remember spiders love IR so they will nest on it. I would avoid the hidden camera option. Recording on your PC is doable but wont be as reliable. Im afraid if this is the route you need to go down I cant advise on it as I dont use freeware CCTV capture software. You could look at going IP and putting it straight into the router, might be a cheaper option. If you could spend around the 400 ish mark you might pick up an Axis IP camera that will come with software. Worth a look.