Need a Home Security System!

[KEVINS]

Things happened Sat. night that tells me I need a Home Security System but I don't know what's good/bad.

Here's what I want to do:
Wired system NO wireless.
1 PIR activated camera and lights in the garage.
1 maybe 2 PIR activated cameras in the house.
Cameras connected to a recorder of some sort ??? DVR???
Maybe an alarm in the garage.
PIR activated flood lights around the house but no cameras on these. I will probably get these from Home Depot or Lowels.

Just something simple and to the point.

If anyone knows what's good/bad please let me know.

tia
KS

 

[RobsIron]

Looks like you want more of a survellience system then a burglar/security system.

You can buy your own camera system 'kit' at Sam's, BJ's or Costco. It includes a DVR and 4 cameras. Should be able to install it yourself. It'll probably be made in China, but you'll get a couple years out of it.

Call a local alarm company if you need a burglar/fire system.

 

[gsgns4me]

Have you considered putting up a "game tracking" camera outside? Might be a quick remedy until you research what you really want/need.

Game Tracking Camera with optional solar power

 

[austinibew145]

Looks like you want more of a survellience system then a burglar/security system.

You can buy your own camera system 'kit' at Sam's, BJ's or Costco. It includes a DVR and 4 cameras. Should be able to install it yourself. It'll probably be made in China, but you'll get a couple years out of it.

Call a local alarm company if you need a burglar/fire system.

I installed one from sam's at the local zoo works good.

 

[KEVINS]

Thnx guys!
I am hesitant about buying a "cheap" kit b/c I want to make sure the cameras have a good picture to them. I can't imagine Sams having a quality system but maybe they do, I dunno..
What's the use of having cameras if you can't see the people. I'm still gathering info so if anyone has ideas/experience please let me know!

Kevin

 

[austinibew145]

some things you want to conceder is sound, night vision, weather proof, color or black and white, and how long you want to record. I set up a few different systems at my house. I started with a cam I got for free.and an old VCR. I only had 6hr window with a VCR on extended rec. then the local Mc Donald's did an upgrade and I asked the owner for the old set up. so I used black and white cam, monitor, and 24hr VCR. check ebay for some stuff, I have seen some good stuff there.

 

[no-nos]

X10.com - Security Cameras, X10 Home Security, Wireless Camera, Home Automation, Electronics and More! i got mine there pretty good prices, just make sure you get one that has night vision, i have both and without NV you can't see squat,
that and some motion sensor lights should do nicely.

 

[salvageV6]

These folks will probably sell to you via credit card, they did to me.

Plus they will sell you the right equipment, I suggest getting a catalog first then coming up with a concrete design that includes how many cameras needed, whether you need pan and tilt, full night vision or what kind of lighting you have, width, height, and depth for each cameras field of view so they can pick the right lenses, resolution needed for recording etc.

Easy to figure out by taking your time and doing a walkaround and planning it out.

And they sell all kinds of good equipment too. :smile:

Color by day and B/W at night in very low light cameras work well, get the best camera designed for the worst outdoor situation you will encounter that you can afford.

ATV Research Inc. - About Us

 

[RobsIron]

The cameras you need are LED color. Color by day..BW at night. The LED's are lit around the lense and give a good picture at night.

480+ lines of resolution will give a very clear view.

ONLY go with a DVR. 250 gig+ is plenty of memory. Especially if the cameras are motion activated.

Since I own a alarm company I never 'recommend' the Sam's stuff, but it is usually sufficient for home security. The stuff we use is high end commercial grade and is overkill for home use...unless you want to spend the big bucks.

Check around..there may be some local companies that can fix you up for a decent price.

Get some bids and part #'s and I'll tell you if you're getting worked or not.

 

[DEMO MAN]

do a google search for cctv located in cincinatti, oh. they have very good pricing and will sell you a complete kit according to your needs including custom length cableing. i have four night vision sony high end cameras and i'm very happy with the products and tech support. hth, tim

 

[Phoneguy]

I have installed nearly 1000 DVRs in Wal Mart(300-350 cameras at each store), Sams, Target, Lowes and alot of other places. Wal Mart uses DVRs made by March Networks out of Canada, very nice pieces of equipment but very pricey. I would advise against the systems sold by Wal Mart and Sams. Find a local security supply company and call them to get a catalog, most of them will sell to individuals. I have dealt with this company below and they have a branch in Nebraska. Good luck

SES - Security Equipment Supply


Bryan

 

[austinibew145]

I did finally end up with a DVR. there nice because there is no tapes, and you can view your house via the INTERNET

 

[KEVINS]

The cameras you need are LED color. Color by day..BW at night. The LED's are lit around the lense and give a good picture at night.

480+ lines of resolution will give a very clear view.

ONLY go with a DVR. 250 gig+ is plenty of memory. Especially if the cameras are motion activated.

Since I own a alarm company I never 'recommend' the Sam's stuff, but it is usually sufficient for home security. The stuff we use is high end commercial grade and is overkill for home use...unless you want to spend the big bucks.

Check around..there may be some local companies that can fix you up for a decent price.

Get some bids and part #'s and I'll tell you if you're getting worked or not.

Great info about the cameras! I see cameras on the net but I have no idea what is a good camera. I think the cameras are what is important otherwise what's the use in having them. Any recommendations on a DVR and any other equipment?
I have the resources to install it all my self so I just need the products but don't know what "parts" I need to look at..

I'lll look at all the other info everyone else has posted when I get home tonight it looks like there is several great links to browse through!!

ks

 

[Bent6]

Pro Security Warehouse CCTV Cameras and Equipment

Based out of Orlando, FL. I have used them in the past and they are top notch. They have everything from high end to entry level in cameras and DVRs.

 

[GNRick]

http://www.cnet.com/videos/why-new-diy-security-tech-could-replace-your-home-alarm-system/

I saw a commercial today for simplisafe.......http://simplisafe.com/

 

[groumoutis]

That is the same security system I have Rick. I believe Simpli Safe is the best security system for the money. You only pay for the sensors that you need. The dispatch coverage doesn't cost an arm and a leg either plus there isn't any contracts either.

With that said they do not do cameras. I originally wanted cameras but decided against it. I wanted to know if someone was trying to get into the garage instantly instead of waiting until they took what they wanted and trying to catch them later on.

 

[rmar]

Something to consider is if you also install a qualifying alarm system your home owners insurance will usually drop 15 to 20 %. Est. That almost pays for the service.

 

[GNRick]

That is the same security system I have Rick. I believe Simpli Safe is the best security system for the money. You only pay for the sensors that you need. The dispatch coverage doesn't cost an arm and a leg either plus there isn't any contracts either.

With that said they do not do cameras. I originally wanted cameras but decided against it. I wanted to know if someone was trying to get into the garage instantly instead of waiting until they took what they wanted and trying to catch them later on.

Hey Derrick,
I ordered a refurbished unit today along with a few extra sensors. I was thinking about the lack of cameras too. There are plenty of camera systems on the market though. Maybe someone here will help us pick a camera. I was wondering if they make one that triggers the dvr (or whatever recording device is usually used) only when it senses motion. So if you are out of town for a few days or a few months it wouldn't fill up the disc. I know folks here will say the cameras are usually really poor quality but at least it would tell you how many people broke in.

 

[groumoutis]

SimpliSafe has an app that connects to the system that informs you when a sensor has went off and it notifies the police. You can have a sensor in your bedroom or den that doesn't sound the alarm but will notify you if you have a house sitter that starts snooping around.

I know the OP said he doesn't want wireless but there is a huge advantage to being wireless. No lines to cut! I don't even have phone lines running to my house so they can cut whatever line they want. The system will still work. It makes a cellular call. If one of the batteries in a sensor dies it will inform us. The batteries last for years.

 

[GNRick]

I'm looking forward to getting it. I requested a Verizon sim card but all they have is Tmobile right now. I can swap it out when they get verizon. Thanks for all the info. I'll get a discount on home owner's insurance too.