Camera Security Systems???

[erkme73]

Okay downloaded Blue Iris... free 15 day demo version. Plugged in a camera to the POE switch I added to the network. Stuff not mounted just trying it out.

Had a little trouble getting the camera to be recognized. Wouldn't 'auto find'. Logged into my router and found the static IP for the camera 'on the map'. Added that and I got the old familiar colored vertical rainbow bars (remember those... when the TV network went off air late at night?). A few seconds later the camera went live!

First thing I noticed is that all the youtube videos I watched on set up of Blue Iris need to be watched again!

Second thing I noticed is that the default settings just for one 5Mp camera was taxing my CPU and RAM. Looked at my MacBook details and learned that my 2.9Ghz Intel Core i7 processed w/16GB memory appears not nearly close enough if I am to run multiple cameras at high res. I'm thinking my MacBook isn't allocating enough RAM and CPU to my parallels desktop. I am running Windows 10 on it. More research I guess.

Third thing I noticed is that I could adjust the frame rate down from 30fps to 10fps and that helped but for some reason I could not lower the camera resolution from 2560x1920.

At least I know I can set up the cameras but I am going to need some computing power. Looks like I am going to need a dedicated PC/NAS to run this with 6+ cameras. Ugh!

This is not for the faint of heart... or should I say computer illiterates. A Lorex box system is soooo much simpler if you aren't a tinkerer.

If you're running Windows as a virtual machine (sorry, don't know how the macs work with Windows), then I suspect you're not able to utilize the full power of the hardware.

As for Blue Iris, again I would recommend going to ipcamtalk - they have a section dedicated to BI setups and configurations to eek out the most performance with the least hardware.

There are global and per-camera settings that you can configure in BI that will reduce the CPU and storage load without compromising clarity and fluidity. For example, one option is the direct-to-disc recording option - where the images from the camera are sent directly to the storage drive without first re-encoding to a different profile. It eliminates overlays and other manipulations, but it spares the CPU from having to redraw every frame from every camera.

There are also options to offload some of the computations from the CPU to the graphics processor (GPU) from certain hardware manufacturers (i.e. Nvidia or Intel graphics cards).

Reducing the frame rate to 10 yields reasonably fluid recordings, while reducing the system load by 60%. Here's a nice comparison of frame rates: CCTV Security Camera Video Recording Frame Rate Comparison - YouTube

High-traffic areas you may want to keep at 15 or 20, and those with little activity or lower interest, keep them at 10. But, by far, the single biggest improvement on CPU load is the reduction of the resolution of the camera.

FWIW, you can pick up higher-end windows PCs (including current generation i7s) as manufacturer refurbs for around $500. I picked up an Acer years ago, and it's running w/o any issues. I don't have anything hooked up to it (no keyboard or monitor) as I use free TeamViewer to log in when needed.

And with Blue Iris recently adding UI3 web interface, you can make many of the per-camera changes from any browser on your network.

 

[dnw64]

I have an 8 camera 1080p Lorex System with a DVR and a 1tb hard drive. I can monitor and play back right on my phone. Don't get anything less than 1080p cameras because the video sucks. These are wired cameras with BNC Cables. This system will also send you e-mail alerts when motion is detected. But that could be a bunny in the back yard. Lorex has their own app called FLIR, doesn't use a web browser and works great.

My son and I both just bought a Lorex system - 4k capable DVR with 8) 2k cameras. I ordered one additional 4k camera. All connected via POE. His came today and he's testing the cameras as we speak. I would guess mine will arrive tomorrow. At least I don't have to wonder what I'll be doing Sat-Mon...

 

[Pixguy]

My son and I both just bought a Lorex system - 4k capable DVR with 8) 2k cameras. I ordered one additional 4k camera. All connected via POE. His came today and he's testing the cameras as we speak. I would guess mine will arrive tomorrow. At least I don't have to wonder what I'll be doing Sat-Mon...

Please keep us updated to the ease or difficulty setting up as well as the quality.

 

[ovrszd]

Please keep us updated to the ease or difficulty setting up as well as the quality.

Yes please.

 

[dragoneggs]

Thanks, erk! Yeah I am running Window 10 virtually and I think that is the problem with resource allocation. Blue Iris doesn't appear to be available for Mac OS. Not my permanent solution anyways as I don't want the software to be on a portable laptop vs. fixed base machine.

My existing NAS that I use for music and photo storage is a bit dated and my local HiFi store advised me that I could upgrade the RAM but suggested a newer dedicated NAS with more CPU power to future proof the set up.

 

[dragoneggs]

Please keep us updated to the ease or difficulty setting up as well as the quality.

When I set up my old Lorex system it was quite easy. The only challenging part aside from fishing cables through walls and ceilings, was to get my cell phone communicating properly. The only other add on was to plug in an old monitor direct to the Lorex DVR so I had a quick visual way to check all camera views.

 

[dragoneggs]

As for Blue Iris, again I would recommend going to ipcamtalk - they have a section dedicated to BI setups and configurations to eek out the most performance with the least hardware.

Yes, been checking out ipcamtalk IP Cam Talk

Not to chase folks away from this wonderful thread that I hijacked, but that site seems to have a lot to offer in security cam set up especially if you get away from the all in one box systems. Thanks again.

 

[TractorGuy]

Yes, been checking out ipcamtalk IP Cam Talk

Not to chase folks away from this wonderful thread that I hijacked, but that site seems to have a lot to offer in security cam set up especially if you get away from the all in one box systems. Thanks again.

Which Reolink cameras did you buy? Have you tried their Mac software? I know the windows version they have for download wouldn't load for me. I tried to download it and install before the cameras arrived. It would install but reported some missing file when I tried to start the program. The disc supplied with the cameras worked okay.

 

[thekkfan]

Please keep us updated to the ease or difficulty setting up as well as the quality.

I have set these systems up, both coax and IP based. The Lorex 2 and 4k systems have excellent video quality and both mobile and desktop/laptop Flir clients work great. We have 16 camera system installed at church and works quite well. Maxed out with (2) 6T hdd's give a little over 2 weeks recording 24/7 at 2k resolution. Again, though that's for 16 cameras. We use Lorex's DDNS to get around the provider changing IPs on us.

If you have no networking knowledge, I wouldn't say they are the easiest to set up however.

 

[dragoneggs]

Which Reolink cameras did you buy? Have you tried their Mac software? I know the windows version they have for download wouldn't load for me. I tried to download it and install before the cameras arrived. It would install but reported some missing file when I tried to start the program. The disc supplied with the cameras worked okay.

Reolink 5MP bullet style, RLC-410-5Mp 6qty... discount for 6 or more at Newegg.com. About $60ea

Reolink 5MP 4x Optical Zoom, Bullet RLC-511 2qty wanted a couple that I could zoom. About $99ea

 

[newbury]

Two things about the Reolink cameras:
1. Look for discounts on their web site - they popped up a $30 discount that I did not see come up on Slickdeals
2. I don't have to worry about poor telephone support and long waits on the phone because THERE AIN'T ANY TELEPHONE SUPPORT!

Reminds me of a small tech firm, Minotaur, I dealt with decades ago - they built EXCELLENT computer systems, 386's. NO telephone support, everyone (5 or 6 people) was deaf.

/edit - Reolink has provided decent telephone support
email:

Dear Newbury, Thank you very much for your email requesting information about our product! Our engineers tested and it's 10 dBm or so. Thanks! Best regards, Reolink Support Team -Cassie

Newbury Nov 30, 05:15 CST What is the minimum dBm for the Argus 2?

 

[TractorGuy]

One of the most frustrating aspects of motion detection security cameras has been spiders. If anyone comes up with a long term repellant I want to know about it. Just sprayed mine with bug stop a few days ago. Rain came the day after and spiders are back.

Before anyone suggests peppermint oil, forget it. That doesn't last 10 minutes if it works at all.

 

[newbury]

If it's warm enough - Geckos

 

[TractorGuy]

If it's warm enough - Geckos

Hmmm, I guess I could just tether the little guys to each camera. EUREKA!

Just researched spider control again and found a product with good reviews. Looked at the main ingredient and found it was Bifen. I have plenty of Bifen I/T concentrate on hand so I'm going to mix some of that up and try it.

 

[thekkfan]

We use Talstar. Can get it here or Southern States. Mix in a one gallon sprayer and treat inside vents, baseboards, door sills, window sills as well as outside entry points for all insect pests.

Also used inside and outside barn areas before and after hay season.

This goes a long way- think it is 1 or 2 oz per gallon of water. And like posted above, it is a Bifen product.


https://www.amazon.com/Talstar-Pro-Termiticide-Insecticide-Bottles/dp/B007BFZH46/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1543586559&sr=8-10&keywords=talstar

 

[TractorGuy]

Two things about the Reolink cameras:
1. Look for discounts on their web site - they popped up a $30 discount that I did not see come up on Slickdeals
2. I don't have to worry about poor telephone support and long waits on the phone because THERE AIN'T ANY TELEPHONE SUPPORT!

Reminds me of a small tech firm, Minotaur, I dealt with decades ago - they built EXCELLENT computer systems, 386's. NO telephone support, everyone (5 or 6 people) was deaf.

/edit - Reolink has provided decent telephone support
email:

I had a heck of a time getting my cameras to work and actually DID talk to one of their tech guys in chat. I reluctantly let him have remote control of my system and he got things going. After watching the steps he took I could have easily done it myself if he knew how to explain it but english wasn't his forte. Even after having the cameras working there was a couple of weeks or more of a learning curve to satisfy my craving for saved high def videos. Their user manual, software, and APP are not terribly intuitive but once you figure them out it works okay. I would like a refined version of the software but I don't see them ever providing it. On the other hand they are constantly updating the android app and it seems they change the way it works on every update so you have to re-learn the dang thing.

 

[Industrial Toys]

A friend who is in the lawn and garden equipment business brought this to my attention.

Alpine Lawn & Garden - Break In - October 2, 2�17 - YouTube

There is another video of them outside messing about, throwing stuff into a stolen U-Haul truck.

It is excellent video and yet TOTALLY USELESS!

Crime occured, stuff gone, gate and doors wrecked, perps never caught!

Had there been a few hundred watts of sirens going inside and outside, this would not have happened.

But hey, there is some entertainment value in it. So maybe they got the value out of their "security" system.

 

[ovrszd]

A friend who is in the lawn and garden equipment business brought this to my attention.

Alpine Lawn & Garden - Break In - October 2, 2�17 - YouTube

There is another video of them outside messing about, throwing stuff into a stolen U-Haul truck.

It is excellent video and yet TOTALLY USELESS!

Crime, occured, stuff gone, perps never caught!

Had there been a few hundred watts of sirens going inside and outside, this would not have happened.

But hey, there is some entertainment value in it. So maybe they got the value out of their "security" system.

That's a very good point. I'm thinkin bright lights and loud noises.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Alpine Lawn & Garden - Break In - October 2, 217 - YouTube

The outside footage, also very hi quality. Again though, USELESS!

Judging by the way they handle the brand new equipment, they must be scrapers! AKA landscapers!

 

[ovrszd]

They're just in a hurry. Not scrapping that equipment. They knew exactly what items to take. Already had a buyer list.

Kinda like the movie "Bad Santa".