Wireless Security Camera System

[bucky]

I have a small RV storage facility. I’ve owned this for 25 yrs and just recently I’ve had issues with someone breaking into trailers on 2 occasions. Luckily they have not caused damage or stolen anything of real value and I think it is a kid or a tweaker. They are accessing the trailers through the small storage doors that go under the bed and exiting through the main door.
I want a decent system and hope to find one for $2K or less. The lot size is 160’ W x 400’ D. My wifi is 350’ from the furthest point but I can run a cable to my shop where I have power available 250’ from the furthest point. I’m open to systems that uses cell signals to notify me although this will add a monthly cost. I’m thinking that I can cover it with just 4 cameras. I need it to be able to call or email me when something is detected. I live 1 mile away and can get there hours before the Sherif arrives. If they even decide to come out this is Ca and we have to protect the poor criminals. Very frustrating situation.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[toximus]

If you plan on placing them outside and you have animals around (deer, dog, etc) I recommend using something that as object recognition to detect humans only. It'll save on you on a lot of annoying false positives.

 

[LJGreg]

I would post on ipcamtalk.com. There are a ton of security professionals that post there. Some can even recommend camera type and placement based on floor plans.

If you can hardwire instead of wifi you will definitely get better answers.

For an idea on what is possible, I just put in a PC based system running BlueIris and DeepStack. When the camera detects any motion, it sends it to DeepStack which uses AI and machine learning to detect a person, car, dog or other object.

 

[bucky]

Deer are not an issue just cats and people. I was hoping to find a system that would let me view in real time to determine what is going on in the yard. Thanks for the tip on ipcamtalk.com. My knowledge on the subject is limited and I do not know enough to ask the right questions yet.

 

[red02tj]

I have a mix of Eufy wired https://us.eufylife.com/pages/security-black-friday. 2 wired

And Arlo wired and wireless 3 wired and 4 wireless https://www.arlo.com/en-us/cameras

I got a cyber deal a few years ago on the Arlo but when I wanted more I got the Eufy. Dollar for Dollar I’d go with Eufy since you can also install a SD card for local storage. Both systems will do near real time notifications to your phone and have the ability to adjust the sensitivity.

Now is the time to buy from Amazon with all the deals and free returns until Jan 31. Happy to answer any questions

 

[astjp2]

I have a mix of Eufy wired https://us.eufylife.com/pages/security-black-friday. 2 wired

And Arlo wired and wireless 3 wired and 4 wireless https://www.arlo.com/en-us/cameras

I got a cyber deal a few years ago on the Arlo but when I wanted more I got the Eufy. Dollar for Dollar I’d go with Eufy since you can also install a SD card for local storage. Both systems will do near real time notifications to your phone and have the ability to adjust the sensitivity.

Now is the time to buy from Amazon with all the deals and free returns until Jan 31. Happy to answer any questions

Well global solutions can hook you up to a system, hard wired is much harder to hack and can work better than Wi-Fi. Digital video motion detectors are more advanced now than when I worked systems. You can also link the cameras to photos and access control, you only need some cat5 cable and a 110 vac or 24vac to run the cameras, and cross cover the cameras so you can see if someone is tampering with one. Cameras are cheap, good lenses are not. You get out of it what you put into a system. If you don’t have the skills to hook it all up and get it programmed, do all of the digging and mounting, the you only need someone to make the final connection and programming.

 

[CreepinDeth]

anyone here has tried those newer solar-powered wireless cams? I'm thinking of setting one up near my detached garage, and I'm curious how well the battery holds up over time, especially in low-sunlight areas. Also wondering if WiFi range extenders have made a noticeable difference for folks with spotty connections.

I have a wired, and wireless home security system.
I employ 2 because with corrupt Govt LE officials you need to cover your ass.
(They steal the DVR to hide their malfeasance - happened to a friend, and FBI got involved)

Eufy has plenty of good quality solar options.
I've been using them for a few years now with enough experience to now recommend what's reliable.

I have one of these on my chimney overlooking my side driveway, and ZERO issues through all 4 seasons
https://www.amazon.com/eufy-Securit...-Compatible/dp/B0CCYP6KFM/?tag=wranglerorg-20

I have 2 of these on my mail box. One faces each direction on the street. Few more in my yard
https://www.amazon.com/eufy-Securit...-Compatible/dp/B0BZ55JZ4S/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Now I do recommend BIGGER then this, simply because the solar panel isn't large enough to charge it
with minimal sun exposure, or winter snowfall. (Unlike the Gimbal camera one above)

The APP however is a real pain in the ass if you don't use it routinely. It will log you out.
My wife checks it daily , I do not......so she's never kicked out. I am always kicked out.

Keep in mind, anything wireless is only as good as the signal your router provides, so you need a top notch router as you get further away

 

[Zorba]

I'm thinking of a camera system after a neighbor caught someone casing our house. However, it MUST be able to work with a computer, not a phucking PHOOOOOONNE. Push comes to shove, I can always install Bluestacks, but would rather have native PC and/or web browser support.

 

[gbirk]

If you are wanting to spin up something yourself, look at a Synology NAS for video storage using their surveillance system built into the NAS, then pair with whatever camera system you prefer, or their camera. It is a pretty good system that is all self hosted. It may run to the top of your budget though.
They have a dedicated NAS for the system, but almost any of the Synology NAS devices will work.
https://www.synology.com/en-eu/products/DVA1622
https://www.synology.com/en-eu/products/cameras

Also, a bit of a step up is UniFi Security: https://store.ui.com/us/en/category/all-cameras-nvrs
Still self hosted, but a lot of options with very good cameras and storage systems.

I would look at using PoE cameras as you have to power them anyway, and a Cat5 run will provide data and power and be more reliable than WiFi.

Edit to add:
Unifi does make some very cool PoE wireless bridges though, that allow you to run the camera with a PoE Cat5, but bridge the signal over WiFi back to the central hub. This allows you a wider selection of PoE cameras since the camera does not have to be wireless. https://store.ui.com/us/en/products/udb

 

[Zorba]

If you are wanting to spin up something yourself, look at a Synology NAS for video storage using their surveillance system built into the NAS, then pair with whatever camera system you prefer, or their camera. It is a pretty good system that is all self hosted. It may run to the top of your budget though.
They have a dedicated NAS for the system, but almost any of the Synology NAS devices will work.
https://www.synology.com/en-eu/products/DVA1622
https://www.synology.com/en-eu/products/cameras

Also, a bit of a step up is UniFi Security: https://store.ui.com/us/en/category/all-cameras-nvrs
Still self hosted, but a lot of options with very good cameras and storage systems.

I would look at using PoE cameras as you have to power them anyway, and a Cat5 run will provide data and power and be more reliable than WiFi.

This is an excellent idea since I already own a Synology NAS. Cool beans, I'll look into it.

 

[gbirk]

This is an excellent idea since I already own a Synology NAS. Cool beans, I'll look into it.

I used it for my office security for years, and it worked well. I really like that it is self-hosted. No monthly cost and I secure it in my network so I don't have to give big brother any more info about my life.

 

[Zorba]

I used it for my office security for years, and it worked well. I really like that it is self-hosted. No monthly cost and I secure it in my network so I don't have to give big brother any more info about my life.

Uh, yea. I don't do subscriptions, and I don't put my information on the external Internet. That's for fools and smartphone people - but I repeat myself...

 

[gbirk]

Uh, yea. I don't do subscriptions, and I don't put my information on the external Internet. That's for fools and smartphone people - but I repeat myself...

It is only paranoia if they are not coming to get you. Pro tip......they are, but you may be surprised about who "they" are.

 

[Zorba]

It is only paranoia if they are not coming to get you. Pro tip......they are, but you may be surprised about who "they" are.

As a lifelong "computer guy", I have a pretty good idea. Plus, I had a VERY interesting chat with a cyber security guy once upon a time. Your best bet is to stay off the Internet entirely - but if you can't do that, take certain precautions and stay the hell off facefuck and similar sites and don't even get me started on smartphones.

I had nightmares after talking with the guy...

 

[gbirk]

As a lifelong "computer guy", I have a pretty good idea. Plus, I had a VERY interesting chat with a cyber security guy once upon a time. Your best bet is to stay off the Internet entirely - but if you can't do that, take certain precautions and stay the hell off facefuck and similar sites and don't even get me started on smartphones.

I had nightmares after talking with the guy...

Yep, IT for about 30 years here.
I have friends and family ask me if their phone is listening to them because they see stuff in FB, Amazon and google ads they were discussing or thinking about, and my response always shocks them. It doesn't not have to. The FANG companies (and others you have never heard of) know so much about you from data gathering on-line, that they know what you are thinking before you think it. Your phone does not have to listen to you...........That should terrify people, but it doesn't.

 

[bucky]

They don’t need the net to surveil you. My rental house in front of my shop got raided for alleged drug sales 2 days ago. Deputies had staked out the house for at least 2 days I never noticed. One gave me the run down on the yard work I’d done for 2 days. He was very accurate. Warrant had Google Earth pictures. Satellite and street view. We have license plate readers at every entry point to our city and on patrol cars. CC cameras plastered around town. Your helpful neighbor will provide their camera footage. Your dumb phone still pings your locations. Credit cards report all activity. Have a passport or picture ID? They have you on facial recognition software. All you can do is watch back.
Bottom line is not to do illegal stuff.

 

[KennethS]

Keep in mind, anything wireless is only as good as the signal your router provides, so you need a top notch router as you get further away

Here in the Phoenix area a group of South American theft group were using wi-fi jammers on people's home security systems.


https://www.12news.com/article/news...ation/75-50094fbd-11be-493b-8ac6-cf212917ea7c

Chief Walther previously said since October, there have been 39 of these burglaries in Scottsdale with about $600,000 worth of valuables stolen. Throughout the Valley there have been about 140 with $4 million worth of valuables taken, he said.
In one case reported by the Phoenix Police Department, some suspects used Wi-Fi and cell phone jammers to prevent victims from calling 911 or use their home security system.

 

[Apparition]

If you are wanting to spin up something yourself, look at a Synology NAS for video storage using their surveillance system built into the NAS, then pair with whatever camera system you prefer, or their camera. It is a pretty good system that is all self hosted. It may run to the top of your budget though.
They have a dedicated NAS for the system, but almost any of the Synology NAS devices will work.
https://www.synology.com/en-eu/products/DVA1622
https://www.synology.com/en-eu/products/cameras

Also, a bit of a step up is UniFi Security: https://store.ui.com/us/en/category/all-cameras-nvrs
Still self hosted, but a lot of options with very good cameras and storage systems.

I would look at using PoE cameras as you have to power them anyway, and a Cat5 run will provide data and power and be more reliable than WiFi.

Edit to add:
Unifi does make some very cool PoE wireless bridges though, that allow you to run the camera with a PoE Cat5, but bridge the signal over WiFi back to the central hub. This allows you a wider selection of PoE cameras since the camera does not have to be wireless. https://store.ui.com/us/en/products/udb

All mine are PoE and they work well. Not sure I could trust WiFi.

 

[gbirk]

If you can get a cable to it, do. Wi-Fi is a last resort always.

 

[tr21triton]

here's the best security system you can get ! the only problem is you have to feed it. Mine brought back a shoe one time .