I really need help to set up a wireless webcam in my apartment

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dvanwie

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Topic # 85120 14-Jun-2011 08:43

Hi there,
I have had my locks changed at my apt and still do not feel safe..I have had multiple things show up at my apt that I haven't had before I left for work. I am a woman and can't break my deposit as I just moved there a few months ago. I do not have the slightest idea so i need something pretty easy to set up. I do have a router..a computer/xp..I need one that will just catch the top of my door into my apt...as I have a cat there..so i need it to be IP based so I can log in and monitor it while at work. Any ideas...I appreciate any help someone can help me? Thank you.

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BDFL - Memuneh
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Reply # 480850 14-Jun-2011 08:48

If you have a wireless router, a quick search for "ip security camera" will show a few options.

The wireless versions are good because you won't need your PC on all the time, and can position these anywhere in the house/apartment.

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floydbloke

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Reply # 480857 14-Jun-2011 08:51

dealextreme.com has quite a range of Wifi webcams to choose from. Most of them cheap Chinese made so firmware and documentation may be lacking somewhat. Reading the associated reviews and users' comments should guide you.

Most of the trouble in the world is caused by people wanting to be important. (T.S. Eliot)

dvanwie

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Reply # 480858 14-Jun-2011 08:53

Hi, thank you for a reply..that is what I need..I do have a wireless router and I don't want the computer on at home all day..but I haven't a clue what I am doing..I will check for the IP security camera. There are so many out there, it gave me a headache not knowing which is which. But I have to get this straightened around or I may loose my mind..thank you.
D

freitasm

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Reply # 480872 14-Jun-2011 09:27

www.dealextreme.com is a good provider of cheap products. You can find some Wireless IP security cameras there. You should then follow the instructions on how to connect it wirelessly to your router.

Position the camera and you should be able to receive emails with images if the camera detects movements, or have a movie stored to a sd card, etc (all depending on each camera's capabilities, obviously).

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dvanwie

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Reply # 480877 14-Jun-2011 09:37

ok..this is what I think I am going to do. I have a Logitech camera at work on my computer. Talked with my boss about hooking it to my laptop at home and watching it at work on my break..fast forwarding it just to see if someone is going in there. It is a long story, but someone is giving my kitten toys while I am not there..had locks changed but they may have master. And another tenant, a girl, has had one of her pillows taken...she thought she was crazy until I mentioned the cat toys...Long story short..I need to see who is going in there..so thanks for all the gadget sites...my boss is going to help me with this...(and hopefully he is not the one going in there) haha...jk...thanks again..

freitasm

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Reply # 480879 14-Jun-2011 09:38

Good luck with whatever is happening...

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dvanwie

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Reply # 480882 14-Jun-2011 09:39

Thank you for your help. ♥

trig42

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Reply # 480886 14-Jun-2011 09:44

That is awful. Are you saying that even though you got your locks changed, someone is entering your apartment while you are not there?

Is it in a large apartment block? Did you have to give your keys to an apartment manager or someone after you changed the locks?

Jaxson

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Reply # 480895 14-Jun-2011 09:53

Is there additional software that can utilize these dealextreme IP cameras as typically the software is lacking with these purchases. I guess it's fine if you are just going to view the web page but if you want to connect it for recording detections etc you'd probably want some form of smarter software than that which is bundled with the hardware?

Also, how do you go about reaching these remotely, given they appear to have a standard local type IP address by default, eg 192.168.x.x etc.

Hopefully these questions will be of use to some other readers?

Mark

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Reply # 480901 14-Jun-2011 10:05

That is VERY creepy!

How about you find yourself a large friend, sneak them in and have them spend a quite day in your apartment sitting in a dark corner reading a book while you are out, and see if they get to meet your visitor :-)

But to be honest the best thing to do would be to tell the police ... they will probably even provide the large friend for you :-)
You don't want to be in a position where you have to defend yourself from anyone, let the police investigate and work out a plan.

Regards

Mark

dvanwie

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Reply # 480902 14-Jun-2011 10:09

Thanks for the concern. Police won't do anything as I have no proof that is why I need a camera to catch whoever it is. The stuffed animals is not a proof to them. I did have the locks changed, but a master key might be used for that one also. it is very creepy. But hey this is Daytona. I will try the logitech for now and see, or hopefully not see who is there...thanks

gzt

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Reply # 480910 14-Jun-2011 10:16

For local webcam recording I recently used demo versions of Eyeline or Debut. I forget which. Quite similar. From memory the limitation of the demo was .avi format only, but in my scenario that gave me nearly a week on a 160GB disk. One of those had motion detection, but for security it might be better to record everything. Note the time when you start the recording, you can correlate the time to the vid progress.

For a simple solution, skype has an auto-answer function you can use to call in and monitor from work. Skype add-ons (paid I think) are available for recording. You could do that from work too.

Also, a have a chat with the cops - they will take this very very seriously and investigate.

For the benefit of everyone, this person needs to be apprehended.

gzt

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Reply # 480913 14-Jun-2011 10:22

btw, remember to set a local password for your laptop user and lock the screen before you leave (ctrl-alt-del then 'lock this computer'. Also, if you have an indicator light next to the camera (some do some don't) stick a bit of blue tack or something over it so the recording mode is a bit less obvious.

dvanwie: Police won't do anything as I have no proof that is why I need a camera to catch whoever it is. The stuffed animals is not a proof to them. I did have the locks changed, but a master key might be used for that one also. it is very creepy. But hey this is Daytona. I will try the logitech for now and see, or hopefully not see who is there...thanks

Ok, you're in the states, I see...

Mark

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Reply # 480922 14-Jun-2011 10:34

The police won't help ? Are you in the US ?

Try the techie solution and have your laptop setup to record your room (make sure you lock the screen when you go out :-) but also try to get a large male friend to stay over.
The other thing to do is to document things up nicely, take nice photos of the kitten toys and note when they make their miraculous appearances. Then leave them in a pile in view of the webcam with a little note on explaining you think the person is really creepy and scary ... your stalker will almost certainly pause to read the note in view of the camera then.

And then when you know who is doing it ... get a bunch of your male friends to have a little chat with him (not sure what to do if it's a "her" though) ... then notify the police with the evidence once your friends are out the way.

I'm sure if you were local we'd be willing and able to help you out in person for the price of a coffee and a cake :-)

Just look after yourself first .. weird people can be REALLY weird!!

gzt

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Reply # 480924 14-Jun-2011 10:35

Also, in control panel -> power options: Set the power state to always on - you do not want your machine going into hibernate or sleep while you are monitoring or recording. [Edit: but you do want the screen to be off after a minute]

Maybe someone else here can be more specific about the options for XP if you need more details.

Also, in the volume control remember to turn the volume to minimum and select 'mute' (otherwise you will get skype answer noises and other computer sounds). It will not affect your recording volume at all.

Something else to remember, you can only use the camera with one software at any one time. So for instance, if you have the debut/eyeline recording software running you wont be able to call in and see it on skype at the same time.

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