Wireless Surveillance System
1Can anyone provide guidance on a simple, wireless system I can set up at home . I would like something that is simple, just stick the camera where u want it with no wires. Use of a Web app would be awesome for remote viewing as well with some type of data storage in case I need to go back as few days to review . Am I assessing got something that doesn’t exist?
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They exist… but it wont just be you watching (lol).
Many are praising Arlo / pro, I’ve played around with it and it is very easy… but I’m sure everyone will be freaking out when the giant gaping security hole is exposed eventually*.
*I have no knowledge of a security issue I just presume that there is one because netgear
Is your internet un-metered at the location? if so check into dropcam / nestcam as well… also canary.
I too have been looking at surveillance systems and the price of the system is totally relational to the quality of the camera and ease of setup. If all 3 cross in a standard Venn diagram you can’t afford it. From what I have read, avoid 720P cameras if you want to see any detail worth sharing with the police etc. 480p is only for looks and less detail
@tightwad Wait- 720p is enough detail or is 1080p needed?
@Pantheist 1080p needed for fine detail. obviously lesser amounts work but the feed I have seen from lower qualities leave much to be desired.
@tightwad Good to know, thanks. I’m probably not getting one just yet, but I plan to sometime in the next year so it’s good to keep these things in mind. I would have thought even 480p would be fine before now.
@Pantheist This is just my opinion based on feedback from a number of sources. My neighbor has 720P cameras and the best we could determine was “yep, those were my Seadoos” and that the truck was white and probably a Ford. Everything else was ghostly/blurry
@tinamarie1974, when you say “wireless” are you wanting a camera that’s battery powered?
There are several wifi camera options that don’t require a network cable, and are capable of remote viewing. Most require a power plug though. There are precious few which are battery powered.
A couple that come to mind are the Logitec Circle and the Ring Stick Up Cam. There’s also the OCO Cam, but I don’t have much knowledge and no experience with that one.
Note that these are not inexpensive. You can get a wifi camera with 2-way audio and remote viewing capability for under $30. Once you add the battery operated requirement, the price jumps to $150ish. That’s for each camera.
Thank you everyone for your feedback. Now to review and try to find a deal
Maybe Meh should sell them…@snapster @ruouttaurmind @tightwad @thisismyusername
@tinamarie1974 who is that @thisismyusername fellow?
@thismyusername woops, sorry!! :p
@tinamarie1974 hehe just teasin’
My across the street neighbors have a security system, and with my permission they tilted one camera to see across the narrow street onto my small front yard and porch. Small measure of security for me. The other day I got a text because he regularly checks the cameras while he’s at work and saw I’d left my trunk open for hours. He texted to ask if I was okay. I’d forgotten to go back for the watermelon in the trunk when unloading groceries, lol.
@moondrake Nice neighbors!
@moondrake can I have your neighbors? They sound awesome
@tinamarie1974 @moondrake Just so long as they don’t text you “hey neighbor, you forgot to close your bathrobe.”
@medz who told u what is under my robe :0 lol
My neighbors don’t really appreciate the lengths I go to to surveil the properties. Damn ingrates. Come on, I mean, what’s a zoom lens or two between friends?
@therealjrn as long as its not pointed in their bedroom, they should be happy your on the look out!
@thismyusername, @tightwad, @ruouttaurmind I found a deal on a wireless Blink system. Should get it next week. Hopefully it works well. Let me know if you are interested in knowing and I’d be happy to share
@tinamarie1974 Let me know how it goes…I have analysis paralysis currently
@tinamarie1974 The Blink security system, or Blink cameras? I didn’t think they were shipping the security system, so it must be some cameras?
@ruouttaurmind here is the Web site. It explains everything. https://blinkforhome.com
@tightwad will do!
@tightwad @ ruouttaurmind @thismyusername I just received the system and downloaded the app on my phone. It walked me through the set up. It took about 10 minutes, and only because I was particular about the camera angle. The initial pictures and live feed looked good. You can also arm/disarm from the app. I’ll let you knoe in a few weeks if I’m still pleased, bit so far so good.
@tinamarie1974 Can you ping @therealjrn too, when you do please?
@therealjrn yes sir! Will do
@therealjrn, @tightwad, @ruouttaurmind, @thismyusername I have been remiss in providing the feedback I promised - sorry but, well, meh!
So it has been a few months, and to date I have only found a few “issues” that could be addressed to improve the system - and they are minor issues, but I will get to that in a minute. First the positive aspects.
The system is great. It was easy to install - one screw for a wall mount. It was easy to set up - literally took maybe 10 minutes to configure all four cameras and set them up on my wi-fi. Everything is controlled and monitored from a free app on my cell phone.
There is no monthly fee for utilization of the system and the videos are stored in the cloud free of charge. There are some data limitations but I have not come close to hitting mine. I am still at under 5%.
The image quality is good. The videos are recorded based upon motion and/or sound and you can set the sensitivity. So for instance, I have the sensitivity maxed out inside - it allows me to keep an eye on my furry baby and keep an eye on the house in general. On the front porch I have cranked the sensitivity down about 1/2 way - otherwise every car that drives past my house causes the system to record about 30 seconds of nothing.
So now the issues. When reviewing and deleting videos you are forced to open each video clip and review it before you can delete. This seems crazy to me, as often I walk in the house and trip the camera. I KNOW it is a video of me, but I must open each and every clip to get rid of them.
Second, Under a simple install you cannot operate the cameras independently. They are either all on or all off. Often times I would find it beneficial to turn on the outdoor cameras while I am home, but leave the indoor cameras deactivated (not recording myself in my jammies!).
The fix is simple, you must purchase a separate sync module for each zone you would like to set up. Each sync module costs $50.00. You can access each module from a drop down menu on the app. The fee is a one time charge so it is not a huge deal.
Overall I give the system two big thumbs up! Questions? Let me know!
@tinamarie1974 Thanks for the tag. I was curious how it was working out for you.
Do you have the original Blink cameras, the XT, or a combination of both?
I’m particularly curious about Blink’s “2 years on 2 AA batteries” claim. I’ll be interested to hear your experience regarding battery life.
I appreciate the info! Glad it’s working out for you.
@tinamarie1974 I remember hearing about these battery powered cameras. I’ll be interested to hear how long the batteries really last. My only usage would be to mount it on the mailbox to get a picture of license plates that pull into the drive way, but I could likely find a cheaper trail cam for that.
@tinamarie1974 Where did you find your deal? Everything on their site looks a la carte. Can the system be set so that a trigger to one camera triggers the others? I need to have one that records street traffic, but only if someone has been in my yard, for instance. Two different thefts from my driveway…
Hi @ruouttaurmind I actually have several of the indoor cameras. My front porch has a nice roof, so it is protected from the elements. I do need to get an XT or two for other areas, but havent gotten around to it just yet.
As far as battery life is concerned, so far so good. All it says is “ok” and that status has not changed.
Ive had other systems in the past and battery life was very dependant upon the level of motion that it is having to record. Assuming it is the same here.
My bigger concern was having the indoor camera outside during the hot/humid STL summer. It was great. The battery didn’t overheat, the unit didn’t get too hot. No issues whatsoever.
@medz so far no issues with the battery. I am very curious as well. It would work mounted on your mail box, but depending on where it is located (street vs porch) you could get ALOT of hits for passing cars/engine noise.
@tightwad I purchased two packages off QVC. I am not normally a tv shopper, but as I was flipping channels it peaked my interest. I think it was two cameras, a sync module, wallmounts and signage for $150.00.
As far as rhe triggers, I dont think so. It is motion/sound activated, so if the camera picks up either it starts recording.
@tightwad, The Blink system is supported by some ifttt applets, though I’m unaware what the capabilities are. Your question may be in the realm of possibility with ifttt.
@tinamarie1974, thanks again for sharing your experience. I recently set up a wifi based 8 camera NVR system for Mom at the farm. The Blink system is reliant on cloud services, so it wouldn’t have worked there (no reliable internet available) but the totally wireless cameras sure would have been a great feature.