Security Cameras

[KevTransAm]

I read a previous thread on these things..Just wonder what do you do to make it accessable from the internet and does that cost a monthly fee at all?

[ajay]

you'll need some form of a communication device and medium.

communication device: computer on both ends
medium : modem(slow), cable(faster), DSL(faster faster).

Some cameras have built in modem, so you simply dial into them.

DVR are quite popular these days. digital recording in a computer then connect to PC via medium listed above.

VCR - cheaper - records activity daily but can't view remotely.


ajay

[SmartCard]

I have a vcr system. I can view remotely with a modem. I use a ViewCom digiquest. Call them at 760-643-3949 or dgquest.com.

Tell them you saw there company's name and Phone Number on Coinwash.com
I am switching to an all gigital system very soon.

[mrcranky]

installed a 4 camera system in my mat from 123cctv.com.

i bought a system for $800, an HP computer for $500 and an extra 120GB hard drive for $90. i did a lot of research....and for the price and quality of product, this system was BY FAR the best option i found. it is also readily and easily compatible with remote viewing and adjustment.

overall, the system has been excellent. i basically record around the clock at the highest resolution setting, at which i can recognize faces from over 50 feet away. the system saves in a loop fashion, recordings are saved for about 12-13 days, at which point it starts deleting the oldest files and replacing them with the new ones (i have it set so that every minute of recording has a new file...so, for every day and every camera, i have 360 files - makes for easier searching). i never even touch the computer except to check on it every few days to make sure there isnt a computer glitch or some other problem. when a woman complained that she put money in a machine and it didnt run, i was suspicious. but, i simply foudn the file for the date and time she claimed to be there, checked the file, and lo and behold, she did put in money, and i gave her the money back. that is really the only time i have needed to use them.

since the mat is unattended, the cameras, which are tiny yet noticable and the sign that states 24 hours survelliance is a must. i would recommend this system to anyone.

OH, and, like i said above, if i installed a modem or broadband, i can easily hook it up for remote viewing. i messed with it at home before i installed, and it was neat, but dont have a need at the mat right now...the cost is not justified.

good luck.

[KevTransAm]

Cool so for about 1400 you got a great system..How big is your mat and how many cameras do you have..The place I am considering is about 650 Sq Feet...Small by Laundry Mat Standards...


My concern is that people will be afriad to use a 24hr mat...Are you busy at 3AM?

[mrcranky]

i forgot to mention above...the only extra cost for remote viewing would involve a broadband connection for about $40 a month.

anyways, the mat is 1800 sq fet...about 1200 is actually covered by the four cameras..t.he rest of the sq. footage is behind dryers, the boiler room, furnace room (where i keep the computer locked up since it is the most secure room in the mat) and bathroom.

the camera system i purchased is the 4 camera color bullet cam system found here:
http://www.123cctv.com/cctv/remotesystems4.html
Tell them you saw their link on Coinwash.com
it was very easy to install and get going...the thing that took the longest was running wires above the hanging ceiling...


i forgot that it acts as a security system in a way my calling pagers or phone numbers if motion is detected...anyways, it is a very cool system and the software is very easy to use...

let me know if you have any questions..

[KevTransAm]

Will do thanks alot.. Only question I have right now is with the pager system you got.....Anytime a customer comes in it pages you??

[mrcranky]

i actually dont have it set up to do the pager system....never bothered connecting the computer to a phone line, but, it isnt difficult.

but no, you can set up the cameras to act as motion detectors at certain times. so, if they detect motion after closing time, you can set it to call or page you...thus acting as a security system. pretty nifty. then, if you have remote viewing, you can take a gander as to what is going on and proceed from there...

[ajay]

be cautious of types of camera lens you use. I bought mine from CCtV as well, but I'm not satisfied with them as I can't recognize people of certain ethnic background (Hopefully this is correct terminology to pass through the list filters). When I called to explain my situation, it was already beyond 30 days, so I will now be buying addtional camera for certain locations.

depending on how your store is structured, your camera will capture the area that you could see with your one-eye-shut.

ajay

[pete f]

I have bought 3 systems from cctv, different cams, and as it turned out, different remote system, as they upgraded every so often. The last one has more bells and whistles, but is much harder to simply dial up modem to modem, at least using Win XP. This is Digicam 100 I think. The previous digi or multi cam worked really well, easy to use, and remote was a breeze. As it turns out, I rarely use the remote function now, so it is not that big of an issue. The quaility of the cams has been good, I have had a few times now where something has happened and used the cams picture to make a case. I also had a problem with a couple cams, CCTV warrantied no troubles at all. I am not that happy with the new "bulky" system they sell now, as far as remote, but likely will buy it anyway when I put a system in my new store I am working on.

As for customers at 3 AM. not many. You normally will get broken into or somethign bad happen between 2 am and 4 am, normally Monday (sunday nite) mornings. The real reason many go 24hrs is so they don't have to pay, or rely, on someone to open up in the morning and lock the doors at nite. Mag or time locks work well also.

[KevTransAm]

Was thinking about time locks but a concernw itht hat is someone propping the door open and then the time lock is pretty much useless.



I would have to find myself an old retired person..I hope they arent too hard to find...Do you guys just put a sign up in the window?