Necessary equipment

Before you make video surveillance for a country cottage yourself, you need to figure out what kind of equipment you need for this. Any such system includes several video cameras, a video recorder designed to record frames, a monitor for viewing the image, and a power source. Careful attention should be paid to the selection of cameras so that they can fully fulfill their duties and suit certain conditions.

For example, indoors, you can install small models that are equipped with a built-in microphone. They can be hidden in the room without any problems, thereby organizing covert video surveillance. But on the street you need to install models that are protected from environmental influences. Such devices can boast not only resistance to external factors, but also a wide viewing angle. Optionally, you can select options equipped with a rotary mechanism integrated with a motion detector. When movement is detected on the territory, the camera will automatically rotate.

The following devices can be used to create an archive and record.

• Video recorder, which is a specialized equipment for receiving and recording images. If there are too many cameras, then you can install several recorders and connect them to a common network.
• Video capture card. It connects to the computer. This option is more reliable, since it is considered universal and can be used not only for observation, but also for performing other tasks. The main advantage of the video capture card is that the broadcast is directly displayed on the computer monitor, so you will not need to connect additional devices or lay another cable.

Installation and connection features

In order for the installed system to work reliably and properly, you need to pay close attention to the competent installation of the video surveillance system. It consists of the following points.

• We carefully study the location plan, after which we install cameras at predetermined points. Indoor cameras should be positioned so that they are not immediately conspicuous upon entering.
• Installing and configuring the DVR with further connection of the monitor. If a video capture card is used, then you need to connect it directly to the motherboard.
• A coaxial cable can be used to connect cameras to the DVR. Its installation should be carried out in such a way that intruders cannot immediately detect or see it. Here the advantage is on the side of the wireless options that work over the network. Pay close attention to the quality of the cable, since the quality of the transmitted image depends on it.
• The power supply must be such as to pull all the loads from the cameras. Any kind of cable is suitable for connection.

After all the installation work has been done, you will need to configure the video recorder or video capture card. The latter option is easier to configure, since you only have to install special software. As for setting up video cameras, it will be performed directly in the program.

The height of the camera in the yard should be selected in such a way that the lens can capture as much of the area as possible, but at the same time the objects in the frame are not too far away. Very often, devices are mounted on lampposts or low trees. The latter option is also preferable because it is extremely difficult to notice such cameras, so they can be called hidden.

How to organize correctly?

Organizing video surveillance in a country house on your own is a rather difficult task, however, quite doable. Of course, you will have to spend a lot of time, but you can try to ensure the safety of your property. First of all, you need to decide on the number of observation zones. In other words, decide which part of the local area should be covered by video surveillance. One or more IP cameras can be used depending on the size of the zone.

If you need to monitor not only the house, but also the surrounding area, then it is best to install cameras at the corners of buildings. Among the mandatory places that must be monitored are the entrance to the house, the garage, and other places from where you can enter the dwelling. The second step will be choosing a location for mounting the camera. In the process of arrangement, you can limit yourself to the installation of only one camera on the territory, if it can cover all areas from where intruders can get into the house.

New Universal Security Camera Mount

The number of cameras that will be installed depends on your needs. If it is necessary to closely monitor the site, then cameras can only be installed in the corners of the dwelling. The IP diagram should be designed in such a way that you can see everything. In addition, preliminary design of the circuit allows you to prevent the appearance of blind spots and makes it possible to reduce the number of cameras.

If you just need to control the perimeter, then cameras with a minimum viewing angle are the ideal solution. They are quite cheap, but at the same time they will allow you to see everything that happens in front of the house. When installing, be sure to take into account the location of pillars, trees and other objects that may interfere with the view.

Helpful hints

If you need to monitor the entrance, then the front cameras with high resolution are the best option. For example, the front door can be equipped with a peephole camera. In the process of placing CCTV cameras on the territory, you must be extremely careful and think over everything competently. In this case, it will be possible to minimize the impact of negative factors. Such equipment must be reliably protected from bad environmental influences.

Cameras should be mounted in places where they will not be noticed by potential intruders. It is also worth considering vandal protection. Today on the market you can find special cameras that are equipped with anti-vandal housings. For a home video surveillance system in a country house, you definitely need the ability to shoot at night. Models with infrared lighting are unlikely to be able to cope with this task.

In addition, you need to pay attention to the following important details.

• When installing the DVR outdoors, remember that power supplies are not designed for outdoor use. That is why it is necessary to ensure their reliable protection using special sealed containers.
• Protect the camera from bad weather and direct sunlight. The device should be positioned so that the illumination is as uniform as possible.
• Before final installation, you need to make sure that the camcorder works stably and shows the entire required area. Only then can the device be screwed on tightly.
• Day-night cameras are considered ideal options for monitoring the local area, which automatically change the mode depending on the level of illumination of the site.
• The camera lens should be wiped from time to time to remove dust and dirt, which can cause a blurry picture.
• When laying the cable, take into account fire safety standards.
• Integration opportunities. If you want to turn a conventional video surveillance system into a security one, you can independently integrate motion detectors and warning devices into it. When motion is detected, they will send SMS to mobile phone or tampering app.

If a video capture card is used, it is best to install software from the manufacturer itself on the PC. Third-party programs very often crash due to incompatibility or other errors. If you have the Internet and wireless networks, you can broadcast to your smartphone. To do this, you need to install special software on your PC or simply connect directly to the camcorder. Most manufacturers release applications for smartphones, where you can create a personal account and monitor all your cameras.

For indoor installations, you can use miniature cameras that are equipped with a microphone, so that sound is also available. Some advanced models also boast a swivel mechanism, which allows you to remotely point the lens in the desired direction. Thus, the process of creating a video surveillance system in a country house includes many nuances. The main thing is to correctly determine the optimal places for mounting the camera and correctly choose the devices themselves.

How to install a video surveillance system in a private house, see the video below.

Step 2

Basic steps to set up equipment

Before starting installation, please read the recommendations for using the recorder and cameras.

Indoor recorder and cameras are installed and operated indoors.

Do not install the recorder near heat sources (heaters) and expose to direct sunlight.

Never expose the recorder and indoor cameras to moisture.

Do not install the recorder in places subject to excessive dust.

Do not block the air flow through slots and openings in the recorder body.

Do not shock or modify the recorder, cameras or connecting cords.

If you want to know exactly how to do video surveillance with your own hands, check out the step-by-step instructions written in the guide. Its electronic version is presented below, and in the box with each kit you will find its paper copy.

Step 4

Power up the recorder and cameras by connecting them to the power adapter.

The set includes several power supplies (two or more). One is used for the recorder, the rest must be put on a splitter (splitter) and used to power the cameras.

Step 6

Connect the recorder to the Internet using a network cable (LAN) if you want to organize remote video surveillance.

The UControl company offers its customers video surveillance kits with support for remote access, such as UControl Start. UСontrol Economy. UControl Profi or UControl Business. Installation of video surveillance via the Internet is done by hand. It only takes a little free time and strict adherence to the instructions.

The instructions describe in detail seven sequential steps that must be followed for successful operation and subsequent configuration.

Layout of cameras and other equipment

When creating a security system at a summer cottage, it is important for Honor not only the number of cameras and the required equipment, but also such an important factor as the parameters of video recording devices and their location. Surveillance cameras, depending on the model, have a certain viewing angle and range. According to these indicators, the controlled area is determined. Surveillance equipment must be placed in such a way as to minimize the number of places outside the lens. You also need to mount the equipment in such a way that the moving object is always in the observer’s field of view. It is equally important to exclude the possibility of camera exposure from strong light sources: the sun, a searchlight, vehicle headlights. This requires not only the place of equipment installation for Honor, but also the height and angle of inclination of the case. The most common scheme for installing cameras is at the corners of the site and the house, taking into account that the perimeter is fully controlled.

Arrangement of video cameras and other equipment in the country and the site

Image output setting

After all the components of the video surveillance system are connected to each other and to the mains, it is possible and necessary to proceed to adjusting the equipment. The quality of the audio-video signal reception and image output on the computer screen, phone or tablet depends on the correct setting. In addition, there are several ways to transfer images: wired, GSM signal and Wi-Fi. The standard setting includes setting the date and time on each element of the system, formatting disks, debugging cameras and video recordings, and opening remote access. To configure the system, there are special programs that facilitate the task.

The image from surveillance cameras can be displayed on a computer, tablet or phone

Assembling the amplifier antenna

When everything is ready, you can proceed to the direct manufacture of the signal amplifier. When assembling, take your time, follow basic safety rules.

Laying electrical and data cables

There are two ways to route CCTV cables:

• open. Cable routes are laid along the perimeter of the site (fencing or supports). In this case, it is necessary to ensure the protection of cables using special corrugated hoses, pipes or boxes;
• hidden. Cable communications are installed underground or in walls. Also, as in the first case, you need to provide the cables with additional protection and using the same means.

The lines of the video surveillance system should be arranged at a distance of at least 400 mm from the power cables. This will protect the broadcast from cameras from electromagnetic interference. The laying of communications must be started from the most distant point. The length of the cable is calculated with a small margin.

IR illumination and motion sensors

In order for all objects in the picture to be identifiable at any time of the day or night, it is recommended to equip the video surveillance system with additional lighting devices. In particular, if it is not possible to install surveillance cameras with the “night vision” function, then it is possible, and desirable, to mount IR illumination.

It will also help to make the video surveillance system more efficient using motion sensors. If properly configured, they will allow you to turn on lighting and video cameras when objects larger than a large dog enter the range of the device. This way you can save hard disk space and energy.

Motion sensors make video surveillance more efficient

How to organize video surveillance for a summer residence with your own hands: the nuances of installation and settings

Almost every summer resident was faced with the problem of thefts in garden plots, as well as other small or large dirty tricks from neighbors. There is little hope for the security, which consists mainly of retirees, and without proof, it is quite difficult to make claims to anyone. The solution will be to install several surveillance cameras, their appearance alone will make the attackers think. In today’s review of the Homius edition, you will learn how to independently choose equipment and competently organize video surveillance for a summer residence with your own hands.

Data cables, wiring and power supplies

If you have chosen a wired video surveillance system, then you cannot do without buying and laying wires for power and data transmission. On the one hand, this is the least expensive part of the project, however, there are certain nuances that must be taken into account, especially when installing video cameras on the street. When organizing video surveillance, different types of cable are used, the choice of which determines the quality of the system and data transmission. The most commonly used coaxial cable, especially for connecting analog equipment. It has a central copper core surrounded by a dielectric and a protective shield. The cable has good noise immunity. To connect IP cameras, the so-called “twisted pair” is used, which consists of eight thin wires intertwined in pairs and covered with a common protective sheath made of copper. This design reduces the negative effects of electromagnetic interference. The USB cable is used to connect IP cameras with the appropriate connector. Suitable for equipment remote at a distance of no more than 5 m. A combined cable is also used, which, in fact, is coaxial, but combined with two or four conductors. Used to connect microphones or power supply to surveillance cameras.

As a rule, household video surveillance systems are powered from a local power supply with a voltage of 220 V, therefore, it is necessary to install a converter that reduces it to the required 12 V. This point is very important, since electronics usually fail due to sudden voltage surges. The same applies to uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), which not only allow equipment to operate autonomously, but also prevent the shutdown of video surveillance in the event of a power failure.

How to make video surveillance with your own hands

Video surveillance is not a novelty, but a part of everyday life. It is used by both police officers and housewives. At home, cloud video surveillance, that is, one that does not require separate computers, servers and other equipment, except for cameras, helps to monitor the work of cleaners and nannies, to keep track of whether the child left for school on time or for his beloved pet. We will tell you in more detail how to create your own video surveillance system at home in 15 minutes.

Instructions on how to install video surveillance in your own home should start with the camera box. On the one hand, a camera is the video sensor without which a video surveillance system is still unthinkable. On the other hand, it is best to use an IP camera. This is a modern digital device using the IP protocol, the peculiarity of which is the transmission of a video stream in digital format over an Ethernet network.

To connect such a camera, you do not need additional cables, adapters, or video tapes. Since IP cameras use a digital signal transmission method, this guarantees the quality of the image, but remember that in accordance with the standards of local computer networks, the limitation in the use of IP cameras is 90 meters. This is true for huge apartments or suburban areas, nevertheless, it is necessary to remember this at the stage of preparation.

So, step one. Make sure to hold the IP camera in your hands, unseal the box and prepare the device for use. If the box is labeled with abbreviations such as AHD, TVI, SDI or CVI, this is an analog camera that will require a little more installation costs.

Step three. Now is the time to use your home computer. It is assumed that he is already connected to the Internet at home. Now you need to check if the camera is working on the local network. It’s simple with this.

Open your browser on your computer to enter the router settings interface through it. Try typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in the address bar of your browser. most often it is at these addresses that you can “enter the router”. If you haven’t changed your password, then use the admin / admin combination as your login and password. If you have any difficulties when connecting, look at a special sticker on the router case. all data is also indicated here.

After you have gone to the router settings section, find your video camera in the list of connected devices and copy its local IP address from the corresponding line. It might look like this: 192.168.1.2-255. Now paste this address into an adjacent browser tab. If the camera page opens, it is successfully connected to the router.

Step four. Now you need to connect the cloud video surveillance service. This is even easier than the previous step. Again, using a browser, you need to go to cloud.macroscop.com. Macroscop Cloud is a comprehensive plug-and-play offer, that is, a ready-made service to which you just need to connect the cameras the user needs. An important difference from already known services is the cost of the service, storage of the video archive, notification when events occur, unlimited bitrate and the ability to connect a camera of any manufacturer from A to Z.

There are three ways to connect a camera to a cloud video surveillance service: fast connection of an RTSP / ONVIF camera with a public IP, through the Macroscop Cloud Proxy application and through a VPN connection. Each of the methods has its pros and cons, you need to choose the one that suits you best. Let’s analyze in more detail.

Via Macroscop Cloud Proxy application. For this method, you need a constantly working computer with a running application.

Fast connection of RTSP / ONVIF camera with public IP. RTSP and ONVIF are popular formats for connecting cameras, usually this information is indicated right on the box with the device. While this method is the easiest, you will need a public (white) IP address for it, which can be purchased for an additional fee from your ISP. Its approximate per month.

You can read more about each method there, in the settings of the cloud video surveillance service. As a rule, for home use, the first method is most often chosen. The computer is working, and its owner can monitor his house or plot from anywhere in the world. from the smartphone screen using a mobile application.

Organizing a video surveillance system at home is easier than it might seem. And if you have an extra IP camera, do not rush to upload it to the classifieds site. In just five steps, discover the world of cloud video surveillance and maintain eye contact with your home wherever you are.

DIY CCTV camera bracket

In the picture, the gray box to the right of the helmet is just the monitor unit. Since the monitors closed the front air vents, we had to add a fan and power management circuitry. Unfortunately, field tests showed the failure of the idea with screens and a mirror. during the day, two glasses (helmet and camera unit) glare strongly, and a bulky external unit makes the helmet not too graceful.

The first version of the control device was assembled by surface mounting on a breadboard. The wire hedgehog was assembled quickly, but had almost zero maintainability.

In the photo, the cameras are still pitifully sagged, but design elements are visible. Since there are many external elements. a battery pack, a recorder, a camera drive, a voltage converter. I had to think about design. The camera unit, extended from the helmet, resembled the Predator’s laser cannon from the movie of the same name. I also wanted to make a visor so that the sun does not shine in the eyes, and under the “hair” you can hide a lot of things:

For a whole year (sorry, season) I rode with this recorder. By the end, the following cons were clear:
1. Batteries lasted 1.5. 2 hours;
2. The fan did not really give anything, but took up a lot of space;
3. We need flexible logic for controlling peripherals;
4. Maintainability is still important;
5. Fabric with epoxy is not the best material for external elements.

Winter was ahead and new technologies came with it:
1. LUT for the manufacture of printed circuit boards;
2. SMD as an element base;
3. Arduino with your own hands (rejection of the finished board and using only a microcontroller);
4. Molding of polymer liquid plastic (it turns out, now there is such a thing!).

The approach to controlling the mechanics was radically changed. instead of constantly powering the servos and holding the cameras in place by creating torque, for the power suspension I used the chassis folding mechanism for aircraft models. The peculiarity is that in the extreme positions no effort is required. such a drive itself blocks unwanted movements, and the energy consumption is zero.
It also turned out that using the ULN2003 chip to control the peripherals is not the best approach. The voltage loss across the Darlington transistor is too high and when powered from 5V ULN2003 the screen controller did not start. I had to master field-effect transistors. The easiest to control is n-channel, like ULN2003, which disconnects the ground from the controlled device. But here’s an ambush. the cameras and the screen have one more link on the “ground”. in the signal cable. I had to switch to p-channel field workers. Thanks to technology, now there are field-effect transistors controlled by a logic level and switching several amperes. For control from a microcontroller, 2 resistors are enough (well, it would be nice to put a reverse diode, because you never know what). The FET has a very low resistance (milliohms) to minimize power consumption. In addition, the servos now only turn on when the cameras need to be repositioned. Likewise, the accelerometer is not powered constantly, but only once a second and only for one measurement, correcting the position of the cameras, and then turns off again. In addition, the use of the microcontroller sleep mode and interrupt control allows the power relay to be removed to power the microcontroller. Now everything is controlled without mechanical elements.

The only element I decided to place in the helmet is the central control board. All wires to it are laid along the inner shell:

And the finishing touch. the Predator had teeth. Made them out of lightweight plastic. Here’s what happened in the end:

Addition.
Here’s how horizon folding and stabilization works:

Next, you have to solve the problems:
1. Displaying a picture to the pilot (good, to the driver) of the motorcycle;
2. Display of text information (voltage and so on);
3. (Quite a dream). image processing from cameras to search for dangerous movements and notifying the driver about them, as well as displaying navigation information.

Where to begin

First, you need to decide on the functions that your security system should perform. Then determine the place where you will place the sensors. To do this, it is important to correctly calculate the distance to the object, the possibility of night shooting, the image quality that your cameras will transmit, and whether additional lighting is needed or not. In addition, at this stage, you definitely need to decide how many cameras you want to install, where and how the server will be installed to accumulate information, and many other issues. Naturally, you need to decide how you will lay the cable.

Remember that installing video surveillance in an apartment is both simple and difficult. Easy because the area is small. Difficult, because repairs will have to be made to seal up ceilings and walls after laying the cable.

Camera types

When planning to install a video surveillance system at home, take care of choosing the right camera. So, for example, camrs, which are intended as a security system, are divided into several types:

Modular. These are inexpensive options that are great for both home and office use. over, their low cost does not in any way negatively affect their quality. In addition, such cameras can be easily combined with existing motion sensors, if installed in your apartment. For example, in the case when you are already using the alarm.

Dome cameras. They can be as simple as complex, with a rotary recorder. Usually such cameras are made in the form of a dome and are attached mainly to the ceiling.

Box cameras. Such options differ in that they give the clearest picture possible. Often these are the experts who recommend installing in apartments.

Cameras for industrial facilities. These are quite powerful devices that require a certain qualification of the installer and are used only under certain conditions (for example, where the temperature remains high or low (in a refrigerator warehouse).

DIY video surveillance system installation

CCTV. it is a whole complex of security systems, which is organized on the basis of video and television equipment. It is used to ensure safety at various household and industrial facilities. in warehouses, offices, industrial premises, garages and parking lots. The main plus of the fact that you can do the installation of video surveillance yourself is the lower cost. according to experts, you can do everything three times cheaper than hiring specialists.

Installation of a video surveillance system

Start installing the video surveillance system by taking it out of the package. Typically, it includes:
– recorder;
– power supply unit with the necessary splitter;
– cameras and fasteners with which you will install them;
– cable for transmitting video, audio signal, as well as for powering the entire system as a whole;
– cord for connection with a telephoto or computer;
– network cable.

To be able to view video from cameras of a video surveillance system, you will need to have a device. TV or computer. with VGA-VGA cable.

Fix the cameras in the places provided for them with special screws or by cold welding. Before choosing a mounting method, be sure to carefully study the surface on which you are installing the cameras. For example, cold welding cannot be used on polyethylene, polypropylene, Teflon, etc. Also, this mounting method is not provided for the dome camera installation. in this case, only screws are used without options.

When installing cameras, be sure to ensure that they cover the room so that it is impossible to approach them through areas that do not fall into the camera lens. It is advisable to install cameras with the control of others.

7 Must Have CCTV Pendant Mount Accessories

If using the cold welding method, apply glue to the inside of the camera nozzle. be sure to remove all protective films before doing this. Then hold the camera to a specific place for it and press down firmly for a couple of minutes with your hand. 10 minutes after attach the bracket, you can attach the lens directly.

Next, use wires to connect the camera to the recorder. For this, special wires and adapters are used. Then the entire system needs to be connected to the power supply. In some cases, two blocks are provided. for microphone and cameras separately. Sometimes you have to hide the wires in the wall.

What is needed for a budget option for securing a small home?

You need to understand all the elements of a video surveillance system, strategically have all the corners and blind spots of the house strategically for the surveillance system to work flawlessly! And in general, to understand how and what is connected and configured with each other! But believe me, it only seems so confusing at first glance! Now we will figure out how to assemble a cool video surveillance kit with our own hands and for not a lot of money. And I’ll show you this using the example of the proven Hikvision brand.!

Choosing a CCTV camera

One of the most important elements of the system are. CCTV Cameras. You need to tamp the camera based on the tasks, and not the price or budget.

For the street, cylindrical cameras are usually used. Usually they have a waterproof metal or plastic body, a convenient swivel bracket to position the camera in the desired direction. Night illumination with a range of 20 to 80 meters.

For indoor installation, dome cameras in a plastic case are often used without protection from water and moisture, since it simply does not exist inside the room. This allows you to reduce the cost of the camera. Night illumination for such cameras is usually 10-20 meters.

There are also universal dome cameras in a metal waterproof case. They can be installed both indoors and outdoors.

Be sure to pay attention to such important parameters as the resolution of the camera and the focal length of the lens.

The camera resolution affects the quality of the transmitted image. The higher the resolution of the camera, the better and more detailed the image you will see on the monitor. At the moment, cameras with a resolution of 1 to 8 megapixels are being mass-produced. The most popular and sold cameras with a resolution of 2 megapixels, as they have reasonably good detail for an affordable price.

The focal length of the lens directly affects the camera’s angle of view and how much you will see on the monitor of the area covered. If you want to see close and wide, then choose cameras with a smaller focal length, 2.8-3.6mm, which give a viewing angle of 90-110 degrees. These are the most popular and demanded cameras. Well, if you need to see far and narrowly, then cameras with a focal length of 6 mm or more will go.

Choosing a DVR.

Cameras were picked up, now they need to be connected and recorded somewhere. Responsible for this. video recorder. They come in 4,8,16 and 24 cameras with a bay for one to 4 hard drives. You need to choose a video recorder based on the number of cameras and their resolution. For example, if we chose cameras with a resolution of 4MP, then the DVR must also support recording with a resolution of 4MP. Be sure to check this in the specifications of the device.

You can record everything that happens on a special hard disk designed specifically for video surveillance systems. For example, Westert Digital Purple series or Seagate Surveillance. They come in from 1 to 10 TB. The larger the hard disk, the more recording days it will fit on it. For a more accurate calculation, there are special calculators. For example, a 2TB disk is enough for 14 days of continuous recording from 4 FullHD cameras.

CCTV cable.

To connect a TurboHD camera to a DVR, you can use ready-made patch cords at a distance of up to 18 meters. than 18 meters, it is better to use a combo coaxial cable with power supply needed long and connectors for video signal and power supply. You can also use a twisted pair cable complete with transceivers at both ends.

Power supply for CCTV cameras.

To power the CCTV cameras, you can use conventional 12-volt power supplies or an uninterruptible power supply with a battery. A UPS (uninterruptible power supply) is preferable, it allows the video surveillance system to work for a while when the power is turned off. Most often, power supplies are from 1 to 10 amperes. Power is selected based on the number of cameras. The more cameras, the more powerful the power supply is needed. For example, to power 4 cameras, a 3 ampere power supply is enough.