View Full Version : DIY Security: What did you do today?
I thought I would start a fun thread. And since I am a new homeowner and a prepper I am getting a bit paranoid the more I walk around my house and see easy ways to get into a home. The goal of this thread is to post little projects you have done that help harden your home from theft, burglary, etc.
I'll start off.
I did this today on the back door to my garage:
http://youtu.be/To_o7Yq2wgY
And I did the zip tie thing they suggested at the end of this:
http://youtu.be/kSO_HTBHLFI
Post your tips and tricks!
Some things worth Mentioning:
Make sure you don't make stuff so complicated that you, wife, or kids have a hard time getting out in the event of a fire or fleeing from someone who is already inside.
Dang. Now you made me paranoid about the garage door latch thing. Guess I'll have to tie wire mine when I get home.
brianakell
12-16-2013, 21:22
rock, log, tire iron etc + window, almost every house. I always get a kick out of crazy door locks with a 6x4 window right next to it. If Im robbing a house, Im not going to even try the doors. Knew someone who had a birdbath thrown thru a window to break in! Want to be secure, better have bars at minimum, on all windows. How many people store ladders outside? Walla, instant access to the upper story. I guess Im a pessimist, but all I see with any home security is barely slowing intruder options (locks, bars etc), and shorten span of time inside (alarms). Kinda of my feeling on safes too.
I thought I would start a fun thread. And since I am a new homeowner and a prepper I am getting a bit paranoid the more I walk around my house and see easy ways to get into a home. The goal of this thread is to post little projects you have done that help harden your home from theft, burglary, etc.
I'll start off.
I did this today on the back door to my garage:
http://youtu.be/To_o7Yq2wgY
And I did the zip tie thing they suggested at the end of this:
http://youtu.be/kSO_HTBHLFI
Post your tips and tricks!
That's how I got in my house one night I locked the wife and I out
The first vid was just painful to watch but I'm glad he's doing something.
blue locktite on the screws that hold your deadbolt together.
Replace one screw in each hinge with a 3" deck screw
Replace all screws on the strike plates with 3" deck screws
Outward opening security door instead of a screen door.
Cameras for when they get pissed and throw a rock thru your window.
12" of poured concrete on every side.
Great-Kazoo
12-16-2013, 21:43
bushes like roses or junipers under all ground level windows. Sensor / motion lights around the property. photoelectric lights at each entrance way. This way home or not, lights are on. For your garage dooe 1'4" angle iron against / behind the dead bolt lock area, inside;) the garage. Combined with 3" screws that way is one less access area to woryy about.
http://ts4.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4583014826249211&pid=15.1
If someone kicks in your door, what do you have to slow them down, once inside? Kids toys, small table, sofa etc works wonders. DO you have a clear field of fire at an opposing team, with enough cover for you or the misses?
Colorado_Outback
12-16-2013, 22:07
The windows in my shop/garage are 1/4 lamanated glass.
Keep em coming! The more things we put here that are easy to do and can be done in a weekend the better!
Hard Targets! We cannot be Burgular-Proof, but we can make it hard for them!
Dang. Now you made me paranoid about the garage door latch thing. Guess I'll have to tie wire mine when I get home.
Give me your address and I'll swing over, break in, and do it for you. ;)
ETA: Wulf, on a serious note, why only one 3" screw in each hinge? Why not all of them?
Also, I've been thinking about this stuff lately as well. Make sure you don't make stuff so complicated that you, wife, or kids have a hard time getting out in the event of a fire or fleeing from someone who is already inside.
Also, I've been thinking about this stuff lately as well. Make sure you don't make stuff so complicated that you, wife, or kids have a hard time getting out in the event of a fire or fleeing from someone who is already inside.
AND to keep the Mrs happy... Make it so the end result looks nice? Another thing to think about for the DIYer.
Many of the suggestions are great! You are not going to prevent someone from grabbing a landscaping brick and throwing it through a window... but from what I have read in most burglaries the perp goes through a door because it is easier to carry stuff out. PLUS, kicking in a door real quick is easier way to get in and get out. The determined criminal will get in no matter what.
Let us not forget why they are criminals to begin with. They do not possess the know how to hold down a job or are too lazy to exert effort to support themselves. They want an easy target. If they try kicking in your door and fail at the first 5 or so kicks and your door does not move... they will move on to the next house that is easier to get in and get a payday.
Flatline
12-16-2013, 23:33
When people leave flex in barricade bars it actually makes it harder to gain entry than when they are flush with the frame. If their are bars on the windows I refuse to make entry until we rip every single one off. Keep in mind it only takes a few seconds to make entry through reinforcements with a k12 regardless, or we can just cut through the siding. These things deter more than just crimials, they will deter firefighters as well. (PLEASE don't put junipers or any conifer below your window, if your neighbor has a working fire they can light those things up, the heat pops your window, and bam - conflagration).
You want to know what works well for deterring criminals? Lots of lighting around your property and obvious cameras.
Give me your address and I'll swing over, break in, and do it for you. ;)
ETA: Wulf, on a serious note, why only one 3" screw in each hinge? Why not all of them?
Most hinges on exterior doors use a large head screw, put a 3" deck screw up next to them and compare, the large pan heads aren't the same as deck screws. If you replace them all they will push thru the oversized hole and your door will be on the floor.
The correct sized head screws are zinc plated or nickel making them inherently brittle where as a deck screw is malleable. Meaning the correct screw is more likely to shear and the deck screw more likely to bend.
Most people who kick a door kick at the strike side, where you should kick so the need to armor the hinges is small.
Even if you kick at the hinges you will encounter the pin of the deck screw.
Even if you kick at the hinges you will have to kick each hinge open, spreading the kicking force from the top hinge to the bottom spreads the load better than at the strike side where most of the screws are within 8" of each other.
Deck screws are cheaper to buy in bulk and you'll probly need the rest of the box elsewhere, like the strike side or the deck. 1 box could do a house with some left over.
People tend to use whatever bit is in the drill vs the correct bit you should be using with the larger pan head screws and just strip the hell out of the Phillips slots.
but from what I have read in most burglaries the perp goes through a door because it is easier to carry stuff out. PLUS, kicking in a door real quick is easier way to get in and get out. The determined criminal will get in no matter what.
Let us not forget why they are criminals to begin with. They do not possess the know how to hold down a job or are too lazy to exert effort to support themselves. They want an easy target. If they try kicking in your door and fail at the first 5 or so kicks and your door does not move... they will move on to the next house that is easier to get in and get a payday.
I've been broken into more than once. Going thru a door is how you get into a house, so they naturally try it first. Broken windows have broken glass, it makes a noise, mess, and risks cutting the perp. The thud of kicking a door could be lots of things, there's only one sound for breaking glass. Most will try to force the window to slide before they break it.
Usually they've scouted the house enough to know no one is home, if they can't force the door they pulled the screens until they forced a window or just used a rock. They know they have time here and scouting a new place takes time and energy.
encorehunter
12-19-2013, 20:49
I purchased some solar motion sensor flood lights from Harbor Freight for under $20 each. They make it handy by not having to run electricity to that spot. I have 5 motion sensor lights around my house and some cameras, both seen and unseen. Since I put up the lights, I have not had any problems in almost 15 years.
The rooster I have is a great alarm. Any time a motion sensor light goes one, he cackles. The rest of the chickens stay quiet. The dog will sleep through earthquakes, so I don't know that she will do any good. If she is awake, she sounds really big.
It is easy to drill an extra hole or two in hinges to run in extra deck screws. Use a larger drill bit to counter sink them in the metal. For the strike plate side, I screwed some metal strapping up and down the jam 12" either side of the locks. Make sure you pre-drill the holes or you will split the wood. Check the style of locks/doorknobs. This is not the time to go cheap. Spend some money and get the better quality. They will last longer and save money in the long run.
gnihcraes
12-19-2013, 21:06
Heck with any deck screws. I recently used Spax screws on a project or two. I'll use these on everything now. More expensive, but worth it for the security or items that need to stay put!
http://www.spax.us/
Heck with any deck screws. I recently used Spax screws on a project or two. I'll use these on everything now. More expensive, but worth it for the security or items that need to stay put!
http://www.spax.us/
Those look mean!
I just got an "Adjust-A-Grate". Made in Colorado, and can pick em up at lowes or Home Depot. I got the optional security Kit along with it. 1 down 4 more to go on securing my basement window wells.
38343
rustycrusty
12-23-2013, 13:29
To go a step further than the motion lights-
Wire some accent lighting (cheaply run LED) to the base of all shrubs and trees in the yard.
No dark spots around house and adds a classy look for the neighbors to follow.
^ So like Christmas lights but just on the ground?
rustycrusty
12-23-2013, 20:58
I'm talking about small upward pointing spotlights. Like 30-40w. They illuminate the leaves and give a nice look, but also cut a lot of dark places
Ahh, uplighting. I figured you meant something that actually looked nice. :p
rustycrusty
12-23-2013, 21:40
Although, the Christmas lights scattered on the front yard would send a message to burglars.
I am going to waste a can of Barbasol this weekend on this project.
38503
http://moderncombatandsurvival.com/?p=7685 (http://moderncombatandsurvival.com/?p=7685)
HoneyBadger
12-27-2013, 23:11
I installed deadbolts at head level on all my exterior doors. It's a bit harder to kick that high. I'll be re-enforcing the doors with the metal strip that goes in the door jam (the name is escaping me right now) to further strengthen them against kick attacks.
edit: the Door Devil is the product I am talking about.
Some good tips, just got it from my PAR officer Representative.
http://homes.yahoo.com/news/protect-home-from-burglars-005405786.html
Holger Danske
01-17-2014, 22:09
i put a new motion light on the porch. Ive got two Great Pyrs and a wife that always carries her 1911 with one in the tube condition one. that is all.
i put a new motion light on the porch. Ive got two Great Pyrs and a wife that always carries her 1911 with one in the tube condition one. that is all.
Im jealous :-D
I decided to carry in my house. mostly because what would be the reaction time of someone kicking in the front door and me getting to my firearm?
Holger Danske
01-17-2014, 23:46
I carry in the house too. I didnt want to tell the bad guys to wait while I get my gun. I did pick up a cool motion flood light set to be installed. The light with the motion detector can wirelessly turn on the other set of floods. Im going to put them on the corners of the house in the backyard. Also, been looking for a wireless security camera that I can mount in the barn and run over my wifi. Id be interested to know if anyone has done a barn camera system before.
I submitted my renewal for my CCW Thursday...
Holger Danske
03-14-2014, 21:55
I just got a Foscam 8910w from Amazom for 70 bucks to put in the basement. Setup was super easy including setting the time ranges for sound and motion detection and the email snapshot feature. Video is decent quality and the night vision is excellent. They have some fixed mount outdoor cameras. My next project is to get one to mount down at the barn. Also, I may need to pick up a neew router that supports port forwarding so I cna use the ddns feature. Im pretty excited as this is my first attempt at video security.
I am researching DVR systems. Hoping to get a 8 chanel with 4 cameras to start and expand as I go.
Wanna put the dvr in basement, and utilize a chase to the attic to wire the cameras I hope to mount under the eves for outdoor.
I am researching DVR systems. Hoping to get a 8 chanel with 4 cameras to start and expand as I go.
Friend of mine just ordered one. 8ch dvr with 4 720p cameras (you supply your own HDD, up to 4tb). Chinese thing for like $350.
We thought he was in the clear from most boogie men out in the country until the other night when the dog flipped out and he opened the curtains to find some asshole in a ski mask standing a few feet from the front door.
Friend of mine just ordered one. 8ch dvr with 4 720p cameras (you supply your own HDD, up to 4tb). Chinese thing for like $350.
We thought he was in the clear from most boogie men out in the country until the other night when the dog flipped out and he opened the curtains to find some asshole in a ski mask standing a few feet from the front door.
That asshole would be swiss cheese. Many folks carry at home... I carry the Exsanguinators.
I am researching DVR systems. Hoping to get a 8 chanel with 4 cameras to start and expand as I go.
Wanna put the dvr in basement, and utilize a chase to the attic to wire the cameras I hope to mount under the eves for outdoor.
I'm interested in your conclusions. I am looking for both a home and commercial DVR/camera system. We just had some guys come back with an initial quote for a 12 camera system for the commercial site, and it was almost $5k. Ouch.
That asshole would be swiss cheese. Many folks carry at home... I carry the Exsanguinators.
He took a shot. A bit high, but a good thing considering the local laws. I would've done the same. I will not blame the man in his situation. It was not a nice situation for him, before, during, or after the fact. It is never a good thing to have to deal with potentially taking someone's life, but in a situation; like that, I would hope I would have the same reflexes.
Overall, I hope the asshole learned a few lessons
1. Never return
2. Don't ever try that shit again,anywhere, you may die in your ventures.
It will be installed next weekend. Network backup from the DVR to a hidden machine and to my home network for extra safe keeping.
I'll be sure to post how it goes.
This is the Chinese thing your friend is putting in or yours? Which system was it?
I was looking at the Lorex packages earlier tonight. Friend of mine did blue iris - might work ok for home for me, but I'd rather have something a bit easier to maintain for the store.
This is the Chinese thing your friend is putting in or yours? Which system was it?
I was looking at the Lorex packages earlier tonight. Friend of mine did blue iris - might work ok for home for me, but I'd rather have something a bit easier to maintain for the store.
His. I get an EXCELLENT deal on a monitored system, but due to his location, he has to go independent.
Demcad puts Norm Abram to shame. [facepalm][LOL]
These are handy.
http://www.p-wholesale.com/upimg/21/854a2/door-hinge-jh-i022-911.jpg
From the secret storage thread. Electro magnets. This one is 1200lb test.
http://cache1.smarthome.com/images/74083.jpg
I would use phillips head lag screws over deck screw.
A dog is still one of the handiest security systems.
That asshole would be swiss cheese. Many folks carry at home... I carry the Exsanguinators.
My next thought was that digging a hole in the middle of the night had to suck...
Plant thorny bushes in front of and around windows or any other possible entry points to your home.
sent from a soup can and some string..
Great-Kazoo
03-15-2014, 13:55
Plant thorny bushes in front of and around windows or any other possible entry points to your home.
sent from a soup can and some string..
I've said that in other threads. HOWEVER some "firefighter" took exception regarding accessibility/ egress during a fire. Saying to not have anythign blocking the window area.
I understand it from his POV. Myself, the more it deters someone from climbing in, the better.
Plant thorny bushes in front of and around windows or any other possible entry points to your home.
sent from a soup can and some string..
There's a firefighter here who recommends AGAINST doing that. Neighbors house burns, bushes catch, heat pops your window, your house burns.
I'm getting rid of a thorny bush soon. Anyone want it?
DSB OUTDOORS
03-15-2014, 17:18
I'm getting into a horny bush soon. Anyone want it?
Fixed. And nope. Actually thorny shrubs and trees make a great security barrier. With the right plants that is. Helps keep the neighbor kids out of your yard to. [Muaha]
I replaced all of the garage door remotes in my car with key fob remotes.
How many of you keep your registration/insurance in your car? Your address is pinted on them. Having a garage door opener in your car is a ready way of getting into your house of which the bad guy knows right where it is and also knows now you are not home.
I also changed the "Home" address in my GPS to some place nearby but not my house.
HoneyBadger
04-17-2014, 14:33
Good thinking. Seeing as you are required to keep your registration/insurance in your vehicle and it should be within reach in case you get pulled over, is there a good way to combat this?
I carry my insurance in my wallet.
Snowman78
04-17-2014, 19:48
Good thinking. Seeing as you are required to keep your registration/insurance in your vehicle and it should be within reach in case you get pulled over, is there a good way to combat this?
PO Box for your adress.
PO Box for your adress.
I was going to do this as well, since I want to eventually get my HAM license on a PO box anyway for security reasons.
Info on keyfob garage door openers please.
hghclsswhitetrsh
04-18-2014, 08:42
Info on keyfob garage door openers please.
This. Yes please.
Okay I have a Liftmaster Garage door opener with the "Learn" button. Apparently Liftmaster/Chamberlain/Genie are all the same company, just different divisions.
This is the ones I bought.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004OVU66O/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I know there is a "universal" one by Chamberlain... I think the "clicker" line? correct me if I am wrong, that is more universal than the one I linked to above.
43779<-------Here is a pic of the ones I picked up for my system.
EDIT: Here is the universal one. http://www.amazon.com/Chamberlain-KLIK1U-Clicker-Transmitter-Universal/dp/B0013Q0S4S/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1397833195&sr=1-1&keywords=clicker
Thank you! This is on the list. Having only one clicker sucks.
Thank you! This is on the list. Having only one clicker sucks..
Yeah, and what is one more key fob on the keychain right?
[microwave]
No fobs on my key chain, so I've got room.
Key fob garage door opener+car smart key+assorted keys...sheesh. No room for pocket pool.
Great-Kazoo
04-18-2014, 21:38
There's a firefighter here who recommends AGAINST doing that. Neighbors house burns, bushes catch, heat pops your window, your house burns.
Yes there is and i disagree with him. Is it a fire hazard, of course, so is anything with a low flash point.
Realistically your neighbor's house goes up in flames, a bush isn't going to matter when temps hit 1100*. Look at apt fires and how then jump to other apt's via the roof or upper level. If you're worried about a bush and potential for fire hazard, do not store gas cans or propane on your property. If the neighbors house catches fire, who knows what could happen. Might as well keep your car down the street instead of the attached garage;)
Besides, what the hell is insurance coverage for ?
Fixed. And nope. Actually thorny shrubs and trees make a great security barrier. With the right plants that is. Helps keep the neighbor kids out of your yard to. [Muaha]
Any bush is a crime deterrent, be it neighborhood kids or neighbor Hoods.
I just got this in the mail yesterday from Amazon: Leviton VPT24-1PZ Vizia 24-Hour Programmable Indoor Timer with Astronomical Clock
44191
I wanted to get one because I have 4 "porch light" zones (garage, front porch, back porch, and back door to garage), and even though I have all LED bulbs in them I don't want them on all day.
Reading about them, I am able to set 3 events 7 days a week, for them to turn on and off. The switches also have a "random" mode within the "pro-Mode" that will do a +- 20 minute on-off on the times you set to give an illusion of not being set on a timer.
There were a few bad reviews on them so I decided to try one out to see if it works for a while before buying 3 more for my other porch lights. If it doesn't work at least I only wasted 35 bucks.
It was pretty easy to install, It does take up a fair amount of room in the outlet box. You can wire it up for single pole or 3-way. Instructions were a little overwhelming at first, but I was able to program one standard event out of the 3 in a couple minutes. We will run it for a few onths and see how it does.
Grant H.
04-30-2014, 11:53
Swapped an old wood door in my garage for a steel door.
Used overkill tying it into the rest of the framing. The metal of the door will give way before the frame comes loose from the house.
Just ordered LED flood lights for a few corners of my house. Pair them with a motion sensor relay, and you have an inexpensive motion flood light that doesn't burn a lot of electricity...
Built a pack and play for my first unborn with the wife's input (have to start reading the directions).
Holger Danske
05-03-2014, 18:57
I put a wireless (wifi) camera in the barn.It is a fixed mount Foscam color with IR LEDS. I had to order a better antenna since the little pencil sized antenna that came with it could not get a signal 200 feet from the house. We will use this to check on the goat when they get ready to kid. The setup works great and Im thinking of getting a couple more for the house. Here is what I ordered
camera http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003YUEF0E/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
camera mount http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008N6X9W4/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
high gain antenna http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G2G61E0/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The camera can run POE, but I have it set up with the included power cord in wifi mode. Out of the box you plug the camera into the router and program all the setting including wireless. Next you can unplug it from the router and mount it where you want wirelessly. Camera access is via browser or an app. Also, if you want to access tbe camera while away from home then you need to open a port on your modem and configure the camera with the port. I set the camera with a fixed IP address which is used at home when we are behind the modem. I setvthe wife up with the free android foscam viewer and made two camera entries on for home and one for away from home. The away from home entry uses the IP from my provider plus the port I assigned the camera.
i spent about a half day fiddling with this to get it working, but really like it.
Couple of quick pictures of the fence I finally got up. I like it because you can't just waltz into the backyard now without opening the gate. Wife and kid like it because now they can get a dog. Not enough of a project to warrant its own thread. However, a la Sharpienads, I did repurpose some wood out of my attic for the archway thing on top. I had to have my neighbor plane it for me. I'd take closer pictures of the top arch, but one piece broke off while installing, and I used a router without a guard around the edge. So it looks like I used a router without a guard...
Neighbor's fence was already there. I just built it to look pretty much the same as his.
One side of house. That bush is gone now.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-V6ZmCU6Npic/U4FGS7aSkKI/AAAAAAAAJtU/XoUkap2z90c/w999-h562-no/20140524_192336_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qHrzbOieFPg/U4FGU0MBVaI/AAAAAAAAJ5A/Do9H7056v9c/w999-h562-no/20140524_192316_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-brc0Ocg4OcM/U4PHH83R5fI/AAAAAAAAJvM/Ywlzpyc8Y88/w999-h562-no/20140526_165831_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg
Other side of the house. Plan to fence in the rest of the backyard along that old chain link fence at some point. That grape vine scaffolding is gone now as well.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-oA_2vZrLrCI/U4Ovq528u3I/AAAAAAAAJ48/IQ6G2ns0ciw/w999-h562-no/20140526_151732.jpg
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jpR-QzFUkKM/U4PHMGBby_I/AAAAAAAAJvc/9ZNnkJSIEe0/w999-h562-no/20140526_165847_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YQt6Pr91_eY/U4Pq1Lz0o0I/AAAAAAAAJwg/EiOQt679A6Y/w999-h562-no/20140526_203054_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg
Gate on first side. Have an idea for a more discrete way to open the gate from the outside, just need to find the time to do it. Also thinking about switching to a self-centering latch already.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GK-vraAW8lE/U4qQtqI_hJI/AAAAAAAAJz8/-kP3_tOwTlk/w999-h562-no/20140531_203212.jpg
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3yyBbEt_h90/U4u1PHIsuuI/AAAAAAAAJ2Q/ERwWYXWZGUE/w316-h562-no/20140601_182020_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IfB63wbR_l4/U4vdD_Ae1FI/AAAAAAAAJ2s/CESlZfOCdt0/w999-h562-no/20140601_210934_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eYwPyU-KuOs/U4u5tv91aGI/AAAAAAAAJ2A/wo893-mVwC0/w999-h562-no/20140601_182604_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OA_FIZU_Hjk/U4u2fvgE3ZI/AAAAAAAAJ1g/bYNYszcAlzQ/w999-h562-no/20140601_182509_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg
Because the fence sticks out past the house, the light shines onto the back side of the gate, leaving me able to see the silhouette of anyone coming down the side of the house.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-w4eWMeZqkyI/U4P99ck4zKI/AAAAAAAAJw8/pAjhrvUNyXc/w999-h562-no/20140526_215215_LLS.jpg
Nice Project Irving!
Because Comcast is stupid (on the order of "we have to rewire your cable to add some wireless devices to your already existing Xfinity Home system.") I am taking home surveillance into my own hands.
I ordered a Night Owl DVR system:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GRA2S84/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Will be here tomorrow. Thank you Amazon Prime!
More posts to come!
Snowman78
06-26-2014, 20:40
^ Very nice, I may have to get that myself. Let us know how it works!
Colorado_Outback
06-28-2014, 15:34
Nice Project Irving!
Because Comcast is stupid (on the order of "we have to rewire your cable to add some wireless devices to your already existing Xfinity Home system.") I am taking home surveillance into my own hands.
I ordered a Night Owl DVR system:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GRA2S84/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Will be here tomorrow. Thank you Amazon Prime!
More posts to come!
X2
I have been interested in getting a similar setup, looking forward to your findings. Thats a decent price point as well.
X2
I have been interested in getting a similar setup, looking forward to your findings. Thats a decent price point as well.
I'll post how easy the setup is. I have to run the wiring through the chase from basement to attic. Half of my house has vaulted ceilings, so that will be interesting to see how I am going to fish the wires to where I want cameras.
Colorado_Outback
06-30-2014, 11:19
I'll post how easy the setup is. I have to run the wiring through the chase from basement to attic. Half of my house has vaulted ceilings, so that will be interesting to see how I am going to fish the wires to where I want cameras.
Mine will be interesting as well, going to do 2 cameras on the house and the other 2 on my detached garage. I saw Amazon has 100ft cable extensions so that should work for me.
Nice Project Irving!
Because Comcast is stupid (on the order of "we have to rewire your cable to add some wireless devices to your already existing Xfinity Home system.") I am taking home surveillance into my own hands.
I ordered a Night Owl DVR system:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GRA2S84/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Will be here tomorrow. Thank you Amazon Prime!
More posts to come!
I have that system. It works pretty well. I can get a pretty clear picture from my smartphone and any computer in the house.
NightOwl has really good customer service. I forgot the master password and I had to send the DVR back because there was no way to do a hard reset. I sent mine out and they returned a new one to me all within a week's time.
Mine will be interesting as well, going to do 2 cameras on the house and the other 2 on my detached garage. I saw Amazon has 100ft cable extensions so that should work for me.
I just got this in:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FHT8AQ/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It will be the first camera I hook up (for the basement), as I am wanting another one for the first floor and I didn't want to get two if they end up being junk. It is about 6 inchestall which is bigger than I expected.
I have been looking at DVR systems for a while, and looking at online videos, This system seems to be easier to navigate as far as menus and things or at least the menu's look like the make sense in my brain anyways. Also swapping HD's to a bigger one seems very straight forward as well.
I'm using IP cameras, but I'm still playing with software to allow me to watch them all simultaneously.
I have that system. It works pretty well. I can get a pretty clear picture from my smartphone and any computer in the house.
NightOwl has really good customer service. I forgot the master password and I had to send the DVR back because there was no way to do a hard reset. I sent mine out and they returned a new one to me all within a week's time.
Thank you that is putting my mind at ease a bit more. It seems like all these systems have mixed reviews, and Night owl seemed to have the least mixed reviews for the type of scalability I needed.
Wasn't able to get in my attic for any length of time to install any cameras, it was like 7 inches from the sun up there, and I chickened out just past finding the spot where I have to drill into to get to the chase to fish the wires.
I didn't venture too far in the attic it is going to be a tight squeese to find places to drill for the eaves. And to top it all off there is like 10 inches of blown in fiberglass insulation so it is going to be an itchy time.
I ordered a Night Owl DVR system:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GRA2S84/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Can you read the back panel of the DVR and report the power usage for this system please? It will either be near where you plug in the power, or on the power cable itself. It should say something like Input: 120v/ac : 12v/??A
Can you read the back panel of the DVR and report the power usage for this system please? It will either be near where you plug in the power, or on the power cable itself. It should say something like Input: 120v/ac : 12v/??A
It is run off a DC converter. The stats are:
Input: 100-240V ~ 1.5A Max 50-60 Hz
Output: 12V 2A Negative pole is the outside of the plug.
Thank you, that is just what I needed. Looks like it uses as much power as a USB charger.
HoneyBadger
07-21-2014, 06:30
Thank you, that is just what I needed. Looks like it uses as much power as a USB charger.
Looking to run it off a battery?
Looking to run it off a battery?
I have it and my internet on a backup battery. The draw will determine how long they run. Usually the time on the side of the box is wrong.
I'm gearing up to build a solar generator, and looking for things to run with it. I am basically just practicing figuring out what it would take to run various things, so I can pin down what I actually want to take on at first.
I have it and my internet on a backup battery. The draw will determine how long they run. Usually the time on the side of the box is wrong.
I run the UPS system here at the shop off of a bank of 3 20 Ah motorcycle batteries, wired in parallel and hooked up to an old 400 watt hour UPS unit that the original(small) battery had croaked in. It will run 1 desktop computer, a cable modem, wireless router, and my security system for at least 8 hours(the longest I have tested it).
I run the UPS system here at the shop off of a bank of 3 20 Ah motorcycle batteries, wired in parallel and hooked up to an old 400 watt hour UPS unit that the original(small) battery had croaked in. It will run 1 desktop computer, a cable modem, wireless router, and my security system for at least 8 hours(the longest I have tested it).
That is awesome. You got pics?
I am hoping to create a battery system for a HAM radio setup. Preferably a bank of sealed batteries (in a trailer) charged by tow vehicle and/or solar panel or two. That is on my "to do" list.
I am thinking about adding some Security film to a few of my windows/doors.
Anyone here do this themselves? Product recommendations?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96x2tO9Xuxw
Mountain Man
10-17-2014, 23:28
I was looking at the 3m. Its best if you do it when you buy the windows.SO if you get new windows have them put it on. You can do it while they are already on but tis not as easy and not as good. This is from a friend that used to install them.
I plan on doing this to all the ground level windows in the spring.
jerrymrc
10-18-2014, 06:50
That is awesome. You got pics?
I am hoping to create a battery system for a HAM radio setup. Preferably a bank of sealed batteries (in a trailer) charged by tow vehicle and/or solar panel or two. That is on my "to do" list.
Must have missed this. This is my setup for the pellet stove. If you use a UPS disable the sonolert/alarm. http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/jerrymrc/backup.jpg (http://s884.photobucket.com/user/jerrymrc/media/backup.jpg.html)
Because Comcast is stupid (on the order of "we have to rewire your cable to add some wireless devices to your already existing Xfinity Home system.") I am taking home surveillance into my own hands.
I ordered a Night Owl DVR system:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GRA2S84/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Will be here tomorrow. Thank you Amazon Prime!
More posts to come!
I just got three of the 8 cameras up. The hardest part was running the camera wires. I have all the camera wires running to the chase in the attic, and down into the basement where the DVR is hidden. Having Glow rods are a must! Definitely worth the extra cash.
I plugged the cameras and DVR in the way they were illustrated, went to a pawn shop and got a 10 dollar 24" Dell monitor, and I was literally watching my cameras in 25 seconds. It is also set up by default to record when there is motion detected, and it pre records so you can playback a portion before the motion was tripped.
Super easy. Only wish was I wish I had a wider viewing angle on these.
900 TVL Cameras in front under the eaves.
51171
900 TVL Dome camera that records Audio at front porch.
51173
Bullet cameras going around the side and back yard. This one is in an area that is between the houses. So I can catch people stealing the AC unit.
51175
In addition to the (nightowl) cameras above, I found a source for some "used/new/whatever" xfinity cameras.
The bunny chewed through the power cord on one of the cameras, so I found some broken cameras for sale for parts. It worked out really well for $20 instead of replacing it for $120. I found out that this guy had used and "new" ones for like $40 so I gave it a shot. After some Troubleshooting and some help from this forum, I have now added two cameras to my system for $60 total, and did not have to pay for a tech to come out and install it.
Next, will be getting some used glass break sensors and motion sensors for me to add to the system. And I am drumming up the courage to run three camera wires to the back of the house, the attic back there is a bit cramped. I have 3 bullet cameras I would like to get in the back to look at the back yard. And add one more Dome camera by the back door, but that one is going to be a PITA with the vaulted ceiling on that whole side of the house and very little room to crawl up there.
So, After fighting with the Xfinity nightmare of a network setup. I finally have my DVR accessible on the internet. I can install the viewer program and view all of my cameras on the night owl system from a computer, and the system has an app I can see all the cameras on my smartphone.
At this point I have Xfinity cameras all over the inside of the home... of which 3 I have bought/installed myself. 4 Cameras installed by myself and running that cover the outside with a plan and the cameras to have 4 more cameras on this current DVR. Just have to run/fish cables.
If I get rid of xfinity, I will add another DVR.
It was not fun. I tried plugging in the DVR into one of the open ports on the "security wireless router" that xfinity uses. Even though the DVR passes the "network test" because it still has internet access it does not work for serving the DVR software on the smart phone or a computer out there on the internet. This is where I was stuck. Until I actually plugged the DVR into the router (the comcast modem is actually the wireless router closest to the internet) instead of all of the other combinations of routers on my home network, it did not work. Just have to forward 3 ports on the xfinity router (closest to the internet), and update the DDNS.
The web interface to the DVR is surprisingly better than the interface actually at the DVR itself.
Night Owl also sells a battery backup add-on, which looks like it works nice. Backup Power is high on the priority list on this one.
Heck with any deck screws. I recently used Spax screws on a project or two. I'll use these on everything now. More expensive, but worth it for the security or items that need to stay put!
http://www.spax.us/
I've been using these for a couple years now. No reason to go back. And not really that much more. My only gripe is the size I bought last was not available in a bulk box. Had to ring up 100 screws , all with little bar codes.
Anyone have a hardening solution for entry doors with sidelights? I can't put deck screws in the one side of the door because it would go into the sidelight.
I was thinking about getting a full length reinforcing kit like these:
http://www.lowes.com/Hardware/Door-Hardware/Door-Jamb-Security-Repair-Kits/ (http://www.lowes.com/Hardware/Door-Hardware/Door-Jamb-Security-Repair-Kits/_/N-1z0yk6h/pl#!)
Or even something like this for the bottom, but I don't want to drill into the hardwood floor entry.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Unbranded-Nightlock-Brushed-Nickel-Home-Door-Security-Lock-14002/204123710?N=5yc1vZc6mo
Anyone have any cool and useful ideas?
Great-Kazoo
12-18-2014, 16:36
Anyone have a hardening solution for entry doors with sidelights? I can't put deck screws in the one side of the door because it would go into the sidelight.
I was thinking about getting a full length reinforcing kit like these:
http://www.lowes.com/Hardware/Door-Hardware/Door-Jamb-Security-Repair-Kits/ (http://www.lowes.com/Hardware/Door-Hardware/Door-Jamb-Security-Repair-Kits/_/N-1z0yk6h/pl#!)
Or even something like this for the bottom, but I don't want to drill into the hardwood floor entry.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Unbranded-Nightlock-Brushed-Nickel-Home-Door-Security-Lock-14002/204123710?N=5yc1vZc6mo
Anyone have any cool and useful ideas?
For those prices i'd grab some flat / strap iron and drill my own holes. I did it for some doors using 1/2" angle. You do have screen / storm doors installed, yes?
For those prices i'd grab some flat / strap iron and drill my own holes. I did it for some doors using 1/2" angle. You do have screen / storm doors installed, yes?
That sounds like an idea, will give my chop saw something to do other than collect dust.
On the front door there is a screen door, but the screen/glass depending on the season is pretty much the whole door.
The back door is another project. I can't get a storm door on that because the door knob side of the door opening has bricks that jut out in the path of the door as it would swing. I have to get in there and cut the bricks back a little. Then I can put something up.
gnihcraes
12-27-2014, 12:43
setting up and testing Smart Things Hub - motion sensors, door sensors and temp. Pretty cool system so far, works pretty well.
http://www.smartthings.com/
Lex_Luthor
02-19-2015, 16:06
I decided to replace my motion sensor lights and go for LED, but my dilemma was that if I switched to a cheap fixture running LED, I'd have to remember to turn it on every evening and turn it off every morning - or just let it run all day and all night.
So I opted to hack my new fixture and use the motion sensor from the old fixture. It's a bit ugly, but I'm probably going to paint the sensor black sometime. Here's what I did. (I was a little late to the game on taking pictures, but I'll share what I have.)
-I made notes about which wires were connected where in the old motion sensor light, before taking it apart. (It's super easy wiring.)
-Took the sensor apart & cleaned it.
- Extended a couple wires
-Drilled out a small hole in the sensor casing, as well as through the new fixture. Attached the two with a screw, nut, & a couple washers.
-Soldered connections, put on heat shrink, installed rubber grommets to run wiring through.
That's pretty much it! Now I have to connect it to the garage and see if it works!
It works! And the motion sensor works well too.http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/02/19/7982382fefb92c64df3b6f2c7c170a99.jpg
I just got one of these. It seems to work okay. Pretty easy to set up.
http://www.amazon.com/Ring-Wi-Fi-Enabled-Video-Doorbell/dp/B00N2ZDXW2/ref=sr_1_1?s=lamps-light&ie=UTF8&qid=1430158395&sr=1-1&keywords=ring+doorbell
57650
We spend lots of time in the basement where we can't always hear the doorbell. This wires into the existing doorbell wiring, and uses your wifi. Rings the normal bell, and your smart phone.
It also has a motion sensing ability and lets you know if someone is between 5 and 30 feet away from your front door (sensitivity is configurable), and allows you to see and talk to them.
That bell looks interesting. Will have to take a look at it.
I put in a few more cameras over the weekend, and bought an upgraded DVR/PC for the newer system. Still working out the kinks with the motion detection, making sure that it has enough frames buffered, as it tends to cut in and out slightly. The IR lights on the camera are annoying and attracting spiders, so I probably will have to address that at some point as well.
Nice Project Irving!
Because Comcast is stupid (on the order of "we have to rewire your cable to add some wireless devices to your already existing Xfinity Home system.") I am taking home surveillance into my own hands.
I ordered a Night Owl DVR system:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GRA2S84/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Will be here tomorrow. Thank you Amazon Prime!
More posts to come!
After a bunch of shopping these out, I thought I had a system nailed down until I saw this post. I get mine on Wednesday. I think I may need a little more cable though...
Lex_Luthor
06-11-2015, 21:52
I made a spare key hide a couple weeks ago. Chose a good sized rock, washed it, & let it dry. I dug a hole, put a regular brick inside & filled around it, including the two outer holes. I hot glued the lid to an old pill bottle to the bottom of the rock. Then I inserted the key, closed the pill container and set the rock & pill bottle onto the brick, with the bottle going inside the middle hole of the brick. Then filled with dirt around the rock. Done.
Got so many ridiculous quotes for alarms I installed my own self monitored system. Less than $200 and it blows up my phone if its activated. Which ive done on accident twice already.
That is a pretty cool Idea Lex.
Got so many ridiculous quotes for alarms I installed my own self monitored system. Less than $200 and it blows up my phone if its activated. Which ive done on accident twice already.
I have been wanting to use my pre-wired house and put in my own module and monitor it all myself. Is this what you did?
Can you add some specifics on what you have done?
Update on my Night Owl Camera System. I have just bought the last two cameras to fill up the 8 channels in my DVR. I have it set up so I can see the cameras on my phone from anywhere. These last two cameras I am going to get in this weekend. They are the ones that are going the furthest back from the attic access hatch, so I will be doing a fair amount of crawling. I figured the weather will be cool and so will be the attic.
May get another 8 channel DVR for cameras inside, or get a 16 channel to put more cameras outside. I would like to be able to see the street out front and out back with lots of pedestrian traffic going on.
http://www.dx.com/p/gsm-2-7-lcd-wireless-smart-home-security-alarm-system-set-white-black-eu-plug-385015#.VXvYHKNMHFo
I picked up a wireless gsm kit from dx.com once you get past the engrish its pretty straightforward. I live in an apartment so the wireless was necessary though id rather have wired. FOB to arm and disarm so I hid the unit in my place. 2 motions 2 door sensors is all I need to cover all the entry points. Ill likely be adding anonther motion to have redundancy on the front door. It came with enough sensors to do my place 3x
Got a prepaid sim card from alarmsim.com thay was kind of a hassle. Shit customer service. But its got no monthly fee and is an unlocked Verizon card. Since I have Verizon its real easy to check signal strength
http://www.dx.com/p/gsm-2-7-lcd-wireless-smart-home-security-alarm-system-set-white-black-eu-plug-385015#.VXvYHKNMHFo
I picked up a wireless gsm kit from dx.com once you get past the engrish its pretty straightforward. I live in an apartment so the wireless was necessary though id rather have wired. FOB to arm and disarm so I hid the unit in my place. 2 motions 2 door sensors is all I need to cover all the entry points. Ill likely be adding anonther motion to have redundancy on the front door. It came with enough sensors to do my place 3x
Got a prepaid sim card from alarmsim.com thay was kind of a hassle. Shit customer service. But its got no monthly fee and is an unlocked Verizon card. Since I have Verizon its real easy to check signal strength
That is pretty darn cool. Looks easy to set up too.
I was paying Comcast $360/month for cable, internet and home security. Slowly replacing all that with other stuff... Home security is the last to be replaced. All of their sensors keep dropping off the system, and I constantly have to re-pair them.
2gig will let you home monitor via cell call as well, and can link to alarm.com if you want to (with or without monitoring).
I had some good luck with ebay sales and suretydiy.com which is a monitoring company that supports DIY installs.
gnihcraes
06-15-2015, 19:24
two sets.
http://s1.img-b.com/build.com/imagebase/resized/x800/schlageimages/schlage-fb50acc619-2.jpg
Lex_Luthor
06-15-2015, 19:37
I'm about ready to get a set for us too. I'm sick of the crap knob & lock that we have.
Schlage is a really nice company, if I get new locks it will be medeco or assa.
gnihcraes
06-16-2015, 19:47
Schlage is a really nice company, if I get new locks it will be medeco or assa.
Yup, I've used them for years, they last well. Kwikset is just junk in my opinion. There are other brands and more expensive, but I'm not sure it's worth it for my place.
I need new doors. Anyone know a good company to deal with for doors?
Yup, I've used them for years, they last well. Kwikset is just junk in my opinion. There are other brands and more expensive, but I'm not sure it's worth it for my place.
I need new doors. Anyone know a good company to deal with for doors?
For me, Schlage locks are the absolute easiest to bump. I can be in your home in a few seconds and you would never know anyone was there. Get bump proof locks, or have a locksmith put at least 1 split pin in the tumbler.
Schlage kwickset. Ford chevy. They all suck in their own way.
Security, just like computers. There is always a way in. What you do about that is the key. Add layers, make the criminal have to work at it, when he gets through one layer he runs into another obstacle. When he is finally through the layers hopefully you have a way of identifying the scumbag. Hopefully while the scumbag is working at your layers of security you or the authorities have been notified so they have a head start.
I hate to say this but, I would rather they steal my neighbors stuff than mine. Make your house less attractive than your neighbor. There are plenty of folks around me that have no clue at all. and do not even try to secure their residences let alone follow best practices. (Lights on so your home looks occupied, newspapers piling up in the yard, grass looks like they are on vacation, etc)
gnihcraes
06-18-2015, 21:32
For me, Schlage locks are the absolute easiest to bump. I can be in your home in a few seconds and you would never know anyone was there. Get bump proof locks, or have a locksmith put at least 1 split pin in the tumbler.
I kinda figure anyone can get into anything anyways. Thanks for the info on the pin. And I know my homes weak points. I still need to work on that. maybe this weekend sometime.
The kids have lost about 10 keys over the years, and the old set was about to crap out again leaving us locked out. (deadbolt shears a pin or whatever) doh.
gnihcraes
06-18-2015, 21:33
Schlage kwickset. Ford chevy. They all suck in their own way.
Yep. Agree.
Aardvark
06-23-2015, 17:24
Someone tried jimmying my front door last week. I installed door frame re-enforcement plates on front and back, deadbolt on back (was just barred before), peep-hole. Planning on installing lights and cameras this weekend, probably window alarms also.
Lex_Luthor
06-23-2015, 18:27
Dang Aardvark, keep your eyes & ears open. Maybe try to change up your schedule for the next couple days to be at home a little more.
Someone tried jimmying my front door last week. I installed door frame re-enforcement plates on front and back, deadbolt on back (was just barred before), peep-hole. Planning on installing lights and cameras this weekend, probably window alarms also.
Sorry to hear! Anything you gleaned off of the evidence left? What do you think kept them from succeeding in entry?
Aardvark
06-24-2015, 18:45
RBeau, pretty sure it was an amateur punk: some damage to the door frame, light damage to the door. Found cigarette ashes in my driveway which make me think it's one punk up the street who's been in trouble ever since I've lived here, but could be two others I've noticed walking around wearing hoodies and small backpacks. From the design of the door frame/door, it looks like a slim bar was used, not a serious piece of metal. I also had a check in envelope under the mat for lawnservice, and 'he' ripped the envelope but left the check; thinking a juvie delinquent was the culprit since he didn't take the check. What stopped him/them? No idea, but it was day time and there are a lot of homestayers around here, so maybe one of them spooked the mooc.
RBeau, pretty sure it was an amateur punk: some damage to the door frame, light damage to the door. Found cigarette ashes in my driveway which make me think it's one punk up the street who's been in trouble ever since I've lived here, but could be two others I've noticed walking around wearing hoodies and small backpacks. From the design of the door frame/door, it looks like a slim bar was used, not a serious piece of metal. I also had a check in envelope under the mat for lawnservice, and 'he' ripped the envelope but left the check; thinking a juvie delinquent was the culprit since he didn't take the check. What stopped him/them? No idea, but it was day time and there are a lot of homestayers around here, so maybe one of them spooked the mooc.
That is good that it was probably an amateur.
I can see my cameras from my phone/internet. They record to a hidden DVR on site. However my doorbell, is motion activated, I can talk to the person who rings or is at the door from my phone anywhere I have internet. The video is recorded and stored offsite for $30 / year / device. The doorbell is expensive but worth every penny so far. My wife has really spooked several solicitors from her desk at work by talking to them after they ring the doorbell.
Might be worth it to look into some extra technology to add to the layers of security.
My goal this year is to find a system that I can hook up to my already wired sensors and get a self-monitored system up an running.
Fentonite
06-24-2015, 22:17
That is good that it was probably an amateur.
I can see my cameras from my phone/internet. They record to a hidden DVR on site. However my doorbell, is motion activated, I can talk to the person who rings or is at the door from my phone anywhere I have internet. The video is recorded and stored offsite for $30 / year / device. The doorbell is expensive but worth every penny so far. My wife has really spooked several solicitors from her desk at work by talking to them after they ring the doorbell.
Might be worth it to look into some extra technology to add to the layers of security.
My goal this year is to find a system that I can hook up to my already wired sensors and get a self-monitored system up an running.
Can you post some details about the doorbell / video storage system? Sounds like something I need...
Can you post some details about the doorbell / video storage system? Sounds like something I need...
Doorbell:
https://ring.com/
It is not perfect. BUT, it works as advertised, and I have had it running for a few months now without a problem. (unpacked it, connected it to my computer to update firmware, removed my old doorbell, and mounted this over it using existing doorbell transformer.
DVR System:
http://nightowlsp.com/
I have had this running for over a year. I have an 8 channel wired DVR system. I am going to get another 16 channel one to add more cameras for inside and more for a layer of coverage further out (walkways and streets, etc).
Note: With the DVR system you have to learn/know how to forward ports on your home router so you can see your cameras from outside your home network. Night Owl provides a DDNS service so you do not have to know what your home public IP address is.
HoneyBadger
07-08-2015, 12:41
Hey rbeau, Can you post up a screenshot from your nightowl cameras? I'm interested in the quality.
I want to put up some cameras that will actually be useful in identifying a person or vehicle, and not just show me a "white SUV". It looks like Nightowl offers a 720P option for a bit more $$$: http://nightowlsp.com/products/complete-security-systems/hd-security-systems/8-channel/ahd7-841.html Should I spend the extra money or is the lower resolution good enough?
Fentonite
07-08-2015, 13:40
Doorbell:
https://ring.com/
It is not perfect. BUT, it works as advertised, and I have had it running for a few months now without a problem. (unpacked it, connected it to my computer to update firmware, removed my old doorbell, and mounted this over it using existing doorbell transformer.
DVR System:
http://nightowlsp.com/
I have had this running for over a year. I have an 8 channel wired DVR system. I am going to get another 16 channel one to add more cameras for inside and more for a layer of coverage further out (walkways and streets, etc).
Note: With the DVR system you have to learn/know how to forward ports on your home router so you can see your cameras from outside your home network. Night Owl provides a DDNS service so you do not have to know what your home public IP address is.
Thanks for taking the time to post this info. (I just saw a commercial for the doorbell, and it reminded me that I forgot about this thread).
Hey rbeau, Can you post up a screenshot from your nightowl cameras? I'm interested in the quality.
I want to put up some cameras that will actually be useful in identifying a person or vehicle, and not just show me a "white SUV". It looks like Nightowl offers a 720P option for a bit more $$$: http://nightowlsp.com/products/complete-security-systems/hd-security-systems/8-channel/ahd7-841.html Should I spend the extra money or is the lower resolution good enough?
Sure! I was just re-arranging my port-forwards, so it may not be until tomorrow. I'll be sure to PM you when I post em.
My doorbell still works well. Only drawback is if you wanted to add another system you have to pay an additional $30/year for cloud recording.
HoneyBadger
07-20-2015, 13:21
Anybody ever heard of these or have any experience with them? What are some things to consider before buying?
Netgear "Arlo" security camera system:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/netgear-arlo-smart-home-indoor-outdoor-wireless-high-definition-security-cameras-4-pack-white-black/1668003.p?id=1219507983609&skuId=1668003
I'd be curious how long the cameras take to eat rechargeables.
HoneyBadger
07-20-2015, 18:24
I'd be curious how long the cameras take to eat rechargeables.
Not sure about rechargables, but one of my neighbors has had his up for a month without changing the batteries. He seems to like them, but I wanted to see if anyone here had any firsthand experience. I don't know my neighbor that well and I think it might be a bit weird if I knock on his door at night and ask to see how good his cameras are at night... [Dunno]
gnihcraes
07-20-2015, 20:46
My opinion is; depends on what you're trying to see and how accessible the cameras are going to be? I wouldn't want them low enough to be taken or messed with, but yet getting on a ladder every 30 days to change the batteries would be a pain. IR LED's will use up some battery, depending on how bright they will be and if they can be configured to run low/med/high or during a specific time frame. Auto-switching at dusk might not be the best option for what you're trying to view.
Also do they require lithium batteries? That can be costly. $$ Alkaline batteries don't work well during severe cold either.
HoneyBadger
07-20-2015, 23:03
My opinion is; depends on what you're trying to see and how accessible the cameras are going to be? I wouldn't want them low enough to be taken or messed with, but yet getting on a ladder every 30 days to change the batteries would be a pain. IR LED's will use up some battery, depending on how bright they will be and if they can be configured to run low/med/high or during a specific time frame. Auto-switching at dusk might not be the best option for what you're trying to view.
Also do they require lithium batteries? That can be costly. $$ Alkaline batteries don't work well during severe cold either.
No cold weather where I am.. :) Any camera could be hit with a bat or golf club, and these aren't any different in that regard.
Great-Kazoo
07-20-2015, 23:32
No cold weather where I am.. :) Any camera could be hit with a bat or golf club, and these aren't any different in that regard.
BS. it hits 70 and folks are wearing sweaters and turning the heat on. Been there when it's happened. OH NO it's going to drop down to the 70's tonight, better close the windows and turn the heat on [panic]
Not sure about rechargables, but one of my neighbors has had his up for a month without changing the batteries. He seems to like them, but I wanted to see if anyone here had any firsthand experience. I don't know my neighbor that well and I think it might be a bit weird if I knock on his door at night and ask to see how good his cameras are at night... [Dunno]
Just wait til he's gone and ask his wife.
gnihcraes
07-21-2015, 21:16
No cold weather where I am.. :) Any camera could be hit with a bat or golf club, and these aren't any different in that regard.
Can't hit my cameras with a club. Only one is accessible enough to do that. :)
HoneyBadger
07-21-2015, 21:20
Just wait til he's gone and ask his wife.
Solid plan. [Awesom]
The site "the family handyman" has some good ideas. I didn't know about half of these items.
It's not an article; it's a slide show with narrative at the bottom. Ordinarily I hate those, but this show has very good information:
http://www.familyhandyman.com/home-security/inexpensive-ways-to-theft-proof-your-home?trkid=ZFB0726SLIDE#1
HoneyBadger
08-16-2015, 17:02
Just purchased this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WZIVLIA?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages00 based on some recommendations and reading in this and a few other threads.
I'll post again once I get it up and running (might be a few weeks).
ETA: I also bought one of these, which should keep it running for about an hour and 20 minutes if the power gets interrupted: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000Z80ICM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
HoneyBadger
09-06-2015, 09:40
Got it all up and running. Only using 6 cameras right now, but I might add a 7th later. Quality is pretty good, however even at 720p, it's not what someone typically thinks of when they hear "HD video". Night vision is good. Software suite is impressive - motion recording and programming options are just about limitless. I'll post some screengrabs later.
http://i.imgur.com/Bi5bBnPm.png
http://i.imgur.com/ezZ8FsCl.png
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