Security Cameras

For those who have installed security camera systems, or that have knowledge of them...

How is the install typically wired/powered?

If I get "wireless" camera and install them both inside and outside of my home, I will need to run power to each camera. Is this something that can be done with a power supply powering all of the cameras, or is this typically wired in by an electrician?

I don't want to have an electrician wire this house because I plan to move and will take the system with me.

I am imagining a system with a single power supply and cables for each individual camera that I can run through my attic. Is this feasible and/or normal?

Thanks!

Yes, one power supply can power many cameras(the power supply will have multiple terminals). It is low voltage and can be run across cheap cat 5 cabling.

I just ditched my wired system to try the wireless blink cams. The batteries last about two years. And I believe you can run power to recharge the batteries. Free cloud recording for 5 or 6 cams. I like them so far.

^ What he said, I have Blink cameras and love them

How good are night time photos on the Blink setup?

GodStang said:

How good are night time photos on the Blink setup?

Click to expand...

I’m interested as well. Coworker has the basic Arlo system and she loves it. Only compliant is the system doesn’t start recording right away, so you miss the first 2 seconds or so. I believe the Arlo Pro reduces that to be almost instant when it detects movement. Time to read up on Blink.

Dbl post

Since it needs a wire anyway (power) I've wired everything to a central point and used all POE IP cameras and a Netgear GS110 POE switch.

Been experimenting with GW Security products; not expensive at all, but the software they come with is a joke. Now likely to go with Blue Iris software.

Still in the plan and build stage.

With wired cameras, you have two types: Analog, which is typically connected via a BNC connector for signal and a barrel connector (think of an AC Adapter type connection) that normally carries 12v. You can get these two cables molded together pre-made in all kinds of lengths. The power supply will be back at the DVR side of your cable, and can either be a simple AC Adapter or in larger installs they'll be a box containing a block and a power supply. The second type of wired cameras will be IP Cameras. These generally are PoE (Power over Ethernet) and use a simple Cat5/6 cable and an RJ45 connector just like any other networked device. The power will be carried through the Cat5/6 cable using either the switch or a pass through PoE injector.

Wireless cameras can either be battery powered or will need a power source (usually 110/120v, stepping down to 5 or 12v with an AC Adapter of course) nearby. I have no experience with wireless cameras and no desire to try any of them. I don't want my security cameras to rely on WiFi and a battery, and if I have to run wire for power anyway - I might as well just run some Cat6 and call it a day.

I have the Arlo cameras at work, still fully charged and it's been 6 months. I just purchased the Arlo pro for my house, clear picture day and night. My biggest complaint is that they are super sensitive. I had to adjust them a lot so they wouldn't pickup cars driving by which would set them off even at 100' away.

We had a break in just 2 days ago. The detective was impressed at the video quality, it appears to be better than my buddy’s ring. Only thing i wish is you could hardwire it...my router has been giving me fits, so ordered a new nighthawk x4s today. $10/month will store 10 days of recorded footage, app is simple to use.

Check these out...you can hear the window being knocked out on the second vid.

https://video.nest.com/clip/cb06863864334e11a17860cf3dad0cfb.mp4

https://video.nest.com/clip/56182cd1e88749598189676dc475c95c.mp4

This is good to see. On all accounts. I have been thinking about getting a camera for my Apt. It is only a loft style, but is still pretty large. I would only need 1 camera to overlook my living room which is about 25x25.

Just feel that sometimes something has been moved, and you can only blame the cat for so much lol.

It is nice to see some actual pictures and personal accounts on some of these

I tried a wireless system but the range was too short and it could not be picked up by the DVR. It was about 40 feet so I thought that would work, but didn't. I am looking for a wired system now.