Security Camera Confusion

NorTracNY · Sep 22, 2015

I have finally decided that I need to get a security / video monitoring system. I have spent a few hours now looking at different systems and I'm still so confused. I only have determined that the price does not appear like it will be an issue. I'm really hoping that the fine folk here can give me some guidance.

I'm looking to get a system primarily for my barn. We have always had a signal problem from within the barn and I'm not looking to run cables to the barn which is about 100ft. from the house. I have power out of the barn.

What I am looking for is a few cameras to have in the barn (will get cold <0ｰF) and maybe 1 outside. I'd like decent quality images and understand that low light night vision would only work for ~20ft which would be ok. I would like a system that could record for about 2-3 days. I see that there are range extenders. Can I hook 2-3 cameras up to a range extender that is on the outside of the barn? Can someone give me recommendations, or point me at some good sites to research what I need. I tried searching the forums and saw recommendations of Lorex system and I remember a website geared toward ranch security systems, but I can't find that.

NorTracNY · Sep 22, 2015

I should add that I don't want/need motion sensing or alarms of any nature. I just want to be able to view at anytime from the home or maybe a smart phone. I also want to be able to go back and review video of an event that may have occurred in the last day or two.

s219 · Sep 22, 2015

I don't know much about these systems but have been shopping around also, and this Lorex seems like a good setup and good price for wired cams.

https://www.lorextechnology.com/HD-...Channel-4-Camera-Home-Security-System/LHD84.p

Not sure about wireless. That would be a nice option to have, but I'd need the signal to travel about 200' and over the edge of a 40' hillside to reach my house.

MossRoad · Sep 22, 2015

What's your budget?

MossRoad · Sep 22, 2015

If you have power in the barn, run internet to the barn from the house and put the entire 4-8 camera system in the barn. It will simplify things greatly. Only one wire to run to the house (or you could go wireless internet to the house. 100' is not that far with directional antennas, but wired is always on with no interruptions). Then have they system send pictures/videos over the internet to a gmail account. Also, you can log into the barn system from a computer in the house to check up on things from the house.

Mendonsy · Sep 23, 2015

I'm inclined to agree with MossRoad.
The hard wired cameras and DVRs will give you better picture quality at lower cost than IP cameras and NVRs. If you put a DVR in your barn you can easily access it with an internet connection. Almost any DVR or NVR will have the ability to access it from the internet.
A wireless bridge will easily go more than 100' or you could run direct burial CAT6 cable to connect directly from your barn to your house. The wireless bridge will be more expensive but less work to install. You may need to install a router to get your internet connections to work correctly. That will depend on your setup and how you connect to your internet provider. Some cable and DSL modems have multi-port switches built in but others do not.

buckeyefarmer · Sep 23, 2015

I have one system with recorder locked in rack in barn. another barn with an ip camera. Both use ip over powerline back to the house. works great. ip cameras are superior to the analog ones.

Jstpssng · Sep 23, 2015

For those of you talking about wireless, how easy is it to jam the signal? I'm assuming that the system is being installed for security reasons, and it's easy to tell when there is WiFi.

Mendonsy · Sep 23, 2015

Jstpssng said:
For those of you talking about wireless, how easy is it to jam the signal? I'm assuming that the system is being installed for security reasons, and it's easy to tell when there is WiFi.

Well .... it depends on the system used. A generic 2.4 ghz wireless like most home wireless systems might be relatively easy, but other systems use higher frequencies, are directional, and are encrypted. Those systems are much more difficult to disturb.

NorTracNY · Sep 23, 2015

I'm more concerned about getting a system that will work. It appears clear that I could get a system that would be <$800. It's more for monitoring and not security reasons, so I'm fine with having the DVR out in the barn. I guess I'm getting old and not up with technology like I used to. I have wireless internet set up in the house. The signal does not go more than a few feet into the barn. That is why I was looking at a range extender. Someone else mentioned a directional antenna to me. I will look into that also. I also need to look into a "IP" camera.

If I set up a router to the DVR in the barn, I likely will still have signal issues in the house. I think I need an antenna on the outside of the barn. If anyone has specific brand recommendations or site recommendations they would be appreciated. I also thought that if I had the DVR in the house, maybe I'd put a wired camera on the house hooked to it.