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Archive for the ‘Security Camera’ Category

When installing a home security system we need to plan the layout of where the various components of the systems will be installed. By not planning correctly, you reduce the effectiveness of the components. Also by planning correctly, in the case of a wired alarm system, you have an idea on how much cabling you need to purchase.

There are two types of home security system: wired and wireless. Choosing the type of security system may also have a bearing on how you plan and decide where your sensors are located. You may need to compromise on the positioning of certain sensors if this is an issue. However with a wireless home alarm system you have more freedom of installing the sensors practically anywhere, as long as they are in reach wirelessly. Wireless sensor devices run on batteries so do not need a power supply. Clearly, a wireless alarm system is much more straightforward to self install.

Once you have your layout drawn up and decide where to position the security sensors you need to decide on how to mount them and the case of a wired system, the best method of running the cables back to the control panel. Keep cable runs well away from power cabling and the plumbing system and make sure you drill holes big enough to pass multi-core cable through.

When choosing an alarm control panel, it is best to go for one that allows for future expansion, so you can add additional security sensor devices and extra zones. You will want to position your control panel reasonably close to your main exit/entrance point so you can easily arm/disarm the system. Alarm systems have a siren/bell box and you will need to choose the most suitable place for this to be installed.

Indoor cameras are built simpler than outdoor security cameras because the lighting conditions indoor tend to be more consistent, and physical demands are much easier to handle. Outdoor security cameras require protection from the external environment as well as auto iris lenses that regulate the amount of light is let through the lenses.

Whether for indoor or outdoor use, network cameras can be broken into smaller groups. They are categorized as fixed, fixed dome, PTZ, and PTZ dome.Fixed network security cameras have a fixed field of view that is a result of its mounting position. Most models are designed to allow the lens to be changed as needed.

Fixed dome cameras are similar to fixed cameras except that it comes pre-installed in small dome housings. Its housing offers a more discreet option than the fixed camera. The limitation of a fixed dome camera is realized once the owner wants to change the lens. The PTZ camera or PTZ dome cameras are the cool ones in movies that can pan, tilt, and zoom in and out. No additional wiring needed, unlike analog security cameras.

PTZ dome network cameras are cool in that they can cover a very wide area with all the flexibility in pan, tilt, zoom and flipping motions. The mechanical PTZ cameras physically move while non-mechanical uses a wide-angle lens to capture a freakishly wide field of vision at a very high resolution.

When light hits an object, it emits a thermal frequency which is how true thermal-infrared works. Thermal-infrared is great for complete darkness while Image Enhancement picks up more reflective higher frequency than thermal-infrared. In short, light photons are converted to electrodes, amplified, and converted back to photons to display a visible image on your camera screen or monitor.

The details that your night vision camera picks up can be enhanced with what is known as infrared illumination or infrared LEDs. It’s the technique of flooding an area with reflective infrared light. Very similar to shinning a light so you can see better, it shines infrared light so the camera can ‘see’ better. The only compromise when you choose to use a night vision security camera is color. It will show up as shades of green. For commercial use, the range of outdoor night vision cameras will serve well. When picking out a night vision security camera, you will notice two main specs to focus on. The Lux rating, also known as the minimum illumination rating, is the minimum amount of light needed for the camera to pick up something. The closer the camera’s Lux rating is to zero, the less light the camera needs to ‘see’. There are color day/night cameras that switch to black and white or phosphorus green when lighting conditions hits the minimum illumination requirement.

There is also this notion of generations of night vision cameras. The technology advanced through Gen 1, 2, 3, and 4. Don’t go buying a cheap Gen 1 camera. Power options are similar to any other outdoor security camera: adapters for wall socket, battery pack options, and other creative power source adaptations you electrocuted yourself to invent.