How many cameras will you need?
Some monitoring systems can accommodate only one or two, while other systems
offer further expansion. For instance we have systems that can accomodate
up to 16 cameras, and even that can be expanded. View our Complete
Systems section for ideas.
Do you need audio as well as video?
Some camera systems include microphones so you can hear what you're seeing.
Do you want color or black and white?
Color pictures are often clearer, but the equipment can be more expensive.
Color cameras might not work in low-light situations. For low light or
total darkness conditions, black and white are the preferred type. Some
cameras can switch from color to black and white when low light conditions
are detected. Our day/night cameras offer this option. These type of cameras
also have infra red illuminators to better viewing in darkness.
Do you prefer wired or wireless?
The right choice for you depends on where the camera will be located:
Wired cameras make the transmittion clear. The only limitation is running
cables all over the place. This is more daunting if the area to be covered
is large. Wireless cameras offer the alternative of coverage without the
hassle and struggle of wiring. This makes setting up a lot faster. Wireless
cameras have gotten very good and many can now cover very large areas
because of more powerful transmitters. For instance our One Watt Outdoor
2.4GHz transmitter will transmit upto 30 miles line of sight!
If you are going to use just wireless cameras, remember that you can add
no more than 4 wireless cameras to one recorder. This is because there
are only 4 channels to transmitters. This means you can set up up to four
channel frequencies.
Wired cameras are fixed in place and must be put in a spot where the wiring
won't get in the way. They offer greater assurance of a high-quality picture.
Wireless cameras can be moved around easily and can be installed in more
places, but other devices (such as cordless phones, baby monitors and
some computer networks) can interfere with signal transmission. So be
cognisant of this when deciding on a purchase.
Will the camera be outside?
It depends on the application. If your cameras are for monitoring outdoor
locations, then you will require special weatherproof cameras. Make sure
that you read the details to ensure that the temperature limits are met
since some may not be appropriate for extreme temperatures. Those that
might be the target of vandalism need extra-tough casings to resist tampering.
We have vandal proof cameras
What is the light source?
Steady, reliable light — either from the environment or from the
camera itself — is required for clear images. A camera's lux rating
measures its ability to capture images in the dark. The lower the lux
rating, the less light is required for a clean picture. Unobtrusive monitoring
in the dark or near-darkness can be done with infrared light, which is
invisible to the human eye. Some of our night cameras do this superbly.
Read the article opposite for more information on LUX.
Is there a power source nearby?
Some cameras and monitors must be plugged into a wall outlet. Others can
run on battery power. Check the camera you are buying and make sure it
provides the power source that you will need. Many have dual capability,
that is can run on power or battery source. Most of our cameras have dual
capability.
Do you want to use your computer?
Some cameras can be attached to a computer, allowing you to view the images
from anywhere using an Internet connection. The required software is usually
included with the camera. Our inexpensive source for this is the VISEC
surveillance system. Other available systems that allow you to monitor
remotely are our Remote witness systems. These are top grade surveillance
devices for businesses and homes.
Will you record the images?
Some cameras are meant just for viewing — to see what the kids are
doing in the backyard or who is ringing the doorbell. Others are meant
for long-term monitoring and may be attached to VCRs or DVRs recorders.
Special VCRs can use time-lapse recording to fit many hours on a standard
videotape. Some recorders can be set to activate only when motion is detected.
Click here
to view them. These will save you viewing parts that have no activity
in them and therefore allow you to record for much longer periods of time.
Installing a Security Camera System
Most home security cameras require little wiring, but installation differs
according to model. Here are the basic steps:
Determine the area to be monitored and, using the instructions
that come with the system, place the camera at a proper distance to focus
clearly on the desired area. The distance between camera and subject area
will vary from camera to camera.
If the camera is to be mounted on a wall or structure,
hold the mounting bracket to the surface in the correct position and mark
the location of mounting screws.
If necessary, drill pilot holes. Attach camera to wall
and secure tightly.
If using a wired system, connect the camera and monitor
according to the manufacturer's directions. Try to expose as little as
possible of the wiring, to prevent vandalism of the system.
Plug the monitor into a wall outlet, turn it on, and adjust
the picture for best reception.
|
Do you need a VCR to record or will the cameras record?
- You must have a VCR
or DVR
if you want to record.
Do I need a VCR from you or can I use my own VCR? - You can use your
own VCR for recording. However, the VCR will have to be recording all
the time. If you are using the motion detector video system, you will
need to buy a VCR from us
How do I hook up the Plug and Play connection camera?
- This Is done by running the RCA (Aux) line into the VIDEO IN of the
VCR or TV. The TV or VCR must be set on the correct channel to view the
VIDEO IN picture.
How many cameras can I hook up to one TV? -
-Only one 434MHz camera.
-Three 900MHz cameras.
-Four 2.4GHz cameras. You will need a Quad or a Switching Monitor.
Do I need cable on my TV to get channel 59 to work?
- No, you just need the cable setting for your TV or VCR and then turn
it to cable channel 59.
What is a multiplexer?
A multiplexer
is used to view multiple cameras on a single monitor/TV screen at one
time. They are available in several sizes, compressing 4, 8, or up to
16 camera mages onto one screen. A multiplexer allows for complete real-time
viewing of all the cameras or each camera can be view independently, full
screen. Full screen viewing is accomplished by simply pressing a button
for the respective camera. When used with a time lapse recorder the multiplexer
can play back each camera at full screen
Will a 900Mhz camera and receiver interfere with my
900Mhz cordless phone? - No The 900Mhz Cameras Are Set To A Different
Band Width And Frequency.
Should I buy wired or wireless camera?
Wireless cameras are easy to set up because you don't need to run wires
at all. They can also be moved easily since there is not wired connections
involved. The possible disadvantage is the possibility of picture interference
especially if you have many wireless devices in your house or building.
A wired camera is therefore more stable in that respect.
Another thing is that wired cameras can easily be converted to wireless
by adding a transmitter and receiver to it.
What is the difference between the different wireless
frequencies?
2.4 GHz: 4 Channel transmitter. Approximately 2" x 2" x 1/2".
No tuning required. We generally recommend 2.4 GHz over 434 MHz or 900
MHz, as the overall video quality is better. Range varies from 200' to
30 miles depending on environmental conditions. We have commercial grade
transmittters which dramatically boost transmission ranges. Operates on
12 Volts. All units are FCC approved, and most are also Canada industry
approved.
434 MHz: Lower frequency amateur band. Operates
on one channel which is picked up directly by a television. You do not
need a receiver. With a TV: set to channel 59, cable mode but remove actual
cable from the input, and use a UHF antenna (high gain increases the range)
ears to receive the signal. With a hand held TV: can be received on UHF
band just below channel 14. Range can vary from 300-400 up to 1,000 feet.
THe range can vary depending on frequency interference and other environmental
factors. Antenna is approximately 6 1/2 inches. Operates on 9 Volts.
900 MHz: Amateur band. 4 channels available in
the 900 band. The signal goes to a dedicated receiver that is tuned from
902-930. Our standard transmitter is set at 916.5 MHz, but we also carry
3 other frequencies. Manual or automatic switching receiver. Range can
vary from 200-700 feet or more depending on environmental conditions.
Antenna is approximately 3 1/2 inches. Operates on 9 Volts.
What is CCD? - It is analog technology. The CCD
camera has a little bit higher resolution than CMOS. The camera also functions
better in low light. A CCD camera drains a little bit more power than
the CMOS cameras. It uses 12v instead of 9v. CMOS camera is smaller than
a CCD camera and works longer with the 9v battery.
What is Camera Resolution?
Resolution is a measurement unit of the cameras clarity. Clarity is measured
by the number of horizontal video lines (320 to 600 line). The greater
the lines the sharper and clearer the image will be. Many of our cameras
have 380 or above video line resolution!!
What is LUX and how does it affect picture quality?
One LUX is 1/10 of a foot candle. This is the standardized unit to measure
a camera's sensitivity to light. The lower the number the less light the
camera needs to reproduce a clear image. A camera with a LUX of 1 means
it can see an image during early evening hours or just before dusk. However
a camera with a lux of 0.5 can see images in a very dimly lit alley or
corridor. A camera with .0003 lux can see is almost complete darkness
and cameras with 0.0 lux can see in complete darkness (night vision cameras).
To improve darkeness visibility, cameras with infra red illuminators improve
complete darkeness viewing.
What is Line of Sight?
Line of sight is the distance between the AV transmitter and the receiver
in open space.
Line of Sight can be hindered by obstacles such as walls, partitions etc.
Therefore a transmitter with a 1000' line of sight may be able to transmit
for a smaller distance if there are many obstacles in its way such as
walls. Brick walls and stell embedded walls will shorten the Line of Sight
more than say a wooden wall.
To improve signal reception, you may try placing the transmitter/receiver
in a higher location.
We now have very powerful transmitters up to 30 miles Line of Sight. So
even with many encombrances, these can transmit of long distances. These
are the top of the line transmitters. Click here to view.
What is a Quad? - A Quad splits your monitor into
4 sections allowing you to view up to 4 cameras at once.
Do you have a monitor that has built in Quad? - No, we
do not have a monitor with built in Quad. You have to buy them separately.
Will a Quad allow four cameras to record at the same time?
- Yes you can record all four cameras at the same time. You also can record
using a switching monitor, which will record the camera that is showing
at that moment.
Do the plug and play connections require extra wire to
run the signal back to the VCR or TV? - Yes, you need to buy the length
of cable you need we offer the CA-25, CA-50 and the CA-100.
Do any cameras come with audio? -No. Federal laws
do not allow civilian cameras to include audio recording capabilities.
However you can have audio separately. The ACC-MIC can be used to record
audio on any wired cameras, except hidden cameras.
What is the operating temperature of the cameras?
The operating temperatures of the B/W cameras are -23°C to + 50°C
or -10ºF to +122ºF
The operation temperatures of the color cameras are -23º C to +40ºC
or -10ºF to +104ºF
The storage temperature & humidity is -30ºC to +70ºC or
-22ºF to +158ºF
What is Video Standard?
|
