Old Smartphone = New Security Cam
12I stumbled onto a pretty neat solution for a DIY security camera and thought I'd pass it along. Or get made fun of because it's so obvious.
Back in February, I purchased the 2-for-1 Insteon Security Cameras. I quickly found Tinycam Monitor as a way to use it on my various Android devices.
We have a running paranoia at my house, that when we go away on trips, we forget to shut the garage door. It may have even happened once, but it weighs on us every time we travel, unless we specifically remember to check before we leave. We also have an occasional dog sitter come take care of the pup while we're away and we can never be sure if she closes the garage either.
I was considering what to do about that, then remembered I had an old Moto Atrix lying around doing nothing. A quick google search revealed that that an app called IP Webcam can turn a phone into a security cam, complete with motion detection, audio and lots of other stuff. I was doubly pleased to learn that tinycam supports this as a camera type!
Anyway, here's the result as shown in Tinycam Monitor. The top one is the Insteon, the bottom, the IP Webcam software running on the Atrix. 
No more guessing if we're about to be robbed. If you're wondering why on earth I just didn't use the second Insteon that came in the 2-pack -- I flipped it on eBay for $46. :)
Again, if this isn't too obvious a solution, I'm happy to answer any questions about it. I just thought it was a great way to reuse old tech effectively.
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Neat, I am curious if the cameras will work long term. Some of those phones get stupid hot cause their processors are not adequately cooled and if that camera is running a lot I would be curious to see how long they last.
@darkzrobe The cool thing about this is that it will run in the background and with the screen off. Reducing the broadcast resolution helps the CPU a lot, and besides, I'm not concerned about reading a license plate 50 ft. away.
It's been running for 18+ hours in an uninsulated garage in the middle of the summer. I'd say so far, so good.
@ACraigL would have been a better use then sitting in my closet to be stolen... Which they were :(
that's pretty decent photo quality. I've got an actual setup running (Night owl) because I have a need for it to record. (teenagers suck) but stuck a motorola that's connected to the Hubble app by the front door (which isn't a clear as this) doesn't record, but has two way audio, so I can make people think I'm there when I'm not.
Never really thought much about it but this is a great idea for an old phone. I traded my last one in as I got almost $200 for it, but I have an older iPhone that could be put to good use. This app looks interesting for iPhone users: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/presence-free-smart-home-motion/id618598211?mt=8
Now you just need to work garage mate into the setup so you can close the door if you did actually leave it open
@spitfire6006006 I actually just did something similar.... I got the Chamberlain MyQ remote. Installed in 15 minutes, totally wireless. Really happy with this product and it's capability. Now I can open/close remotely and even get reminded if it stays open for more than 10 minutes (and other rules, as I invent them).
http://www.amazon.com/Chamberlain-MYQ-G0201-MyQ-Garage-Controls-Smartphone/dp/B00EAD65UW
Paid for it with points, too, so it was like free or something.
Or just use a refurb foscam in the garage like I do. $45 for piece of mind and countless trips saved driving back home to check. I used my old phone in a similar way at a hotel once. Making sure they respected the do not disturb sign cuz I don't want people in my room when I'm not there.
@medz Well that's a change. You watching them instead of them watching you! (Erin Andrews is envious.)