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Old phone into camera

  • 19-01-2017 01:51PM
    #1
    matrim
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,516 ✭✭✭


    We are getting a dog soon so would like to setup a camera to monitor it for the first while when we are out of the house.

    Instead of buying a camera I'm thinking of using my old Nexus as one. There are a couple of apps available (presence, many things). Has anyone any experience with them and which are reliable?


    Note: I have a VPN connection to home so if it only connects to the local LAN that is OK and in some ways preferred


Comments

  • #2
    air
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,694 ✭✭✭air


    IP Webcam is the best app by far, even the free version is excellent.


  • #3
    Spocker
    Moderators Posts: 6,951 ✭✭✭Spocker


    air wrote: »
    IP Webcam is the best app by far, even the free version is excellent.

    +1 for IP Webcam, an excellent app


  • #4
    s8n
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,749 ✭✭✭s8n


    air wrote: »
    IP Webcam is the best app by far, even the free version is excellent.

    Is that IOS compatible ?


  • #5
    air
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,694 ✭✭✭air


    s8n wrote: »
    Is that IOS compatible ?

    No idea but if you use IOS a quick search on the app store should answer your question.


  • #6
    d31b0y
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,028 ✭✭✭d31b0y


    Interesting idea. I wanted to get a couple of cameras around the house. Never thought of this. I have a heap of old phones lying around in work.

    Any idea what sort of power usage these would have if plugged in and turned on 24 / 7, as apposed to a standalone camera? My worry would be power consumption out-pricing cost of standalone camera in the long run.


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  • #7
    air
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,694 ✭✭✭air


    I'd be shocked if any alternative IP camera came anywhere near repurposed phones for energy efficiency.
    Think of how long they last on a tiny battery and in this role the screen is off all the time. Furthermore you could disable GPS, GSM, Bluetooth etc.
    Just use a decent quality AC adapter / USB charger.


  • #8
    bk
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 23,707 Mod ✭✭✭✭bk


    air wrote: »
    I'd be shocked if any alternative IP camera came anywhere near repurposed phones for energy efficiency.
    Think of how long they last on a tiny battery and in this role the screen is off all the time. Furthermore you could disable GPS, GSM, Bluetooth etc.
    Just use a decent quality AC adapter / USB charger.

    If using a phone, also remember to stick it in airplane mode and switch off GPS and Bluetooth, they are serious energy users.


  • #9
    matrim
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,516 ✭✭✭matrim


    Tried out IP Webcam and it seems like exactly what I wanted. Thanks for the suggestion


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