Webcam as security, but too far away....

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Webcam as security, but too far away....

5hinobiAnura

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#121054 22-Jun-2013 20:11

Hello.
I have a webcam set up to act as a security camera. The issue I'm having is that the camera is at the front of my house, while the room in which I use my computer is at the back. I was hoping to run it through a router, as purchasing several usb extenders seems costly and overall inefficient. Anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks much.

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Biddle Corp

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#841700 22-Jun-2013 20:19

To be completely honest your best solution is to buy a product suited to your needs, ie an IP based CCTV camera that has Ethernet capability and can be hooked up via cable or wireless.

5hinobiAnura

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#841702 22-Jun-2013 20:24

Unfortunately I don't have any money to be spending, being that the reason i set up the camera was multiple break-ins... would you have any other solutions?

Talkiet

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#841703 22-Jun-2013 20:27

You're going to be spending money however you solve the situation. If you are hell bent on using your existing USB webcam, you need a PC where it is (or within USB cable range)...

Honestly the cheapest option would be a basic IP camera...

Cheers - N

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5hinobiAnura

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#841716 22-Jun-2013 21:00

Alrighty then. Thanks yall.

coffeebaron

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#841738 22-Jun-2013 21:36

Speed money, run Ethernet cable and USB over CAT5e converters.

Or

Speed money on IP camera.

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afe66

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#841777 22-Jun-2013 22:39

I bought a Foscam up camera (8910) for $140 plus postage which I use as a baby monitor and view using android phone (or vlc or safari etc)

Quality good enough and has built in email ftp upload on alarm.

I'm in UK on holiday and caught my friend turning off lights when motion detection activated and sent images to my Gmail account in my phone. Neighbors contacted friend who has key because they thought too many lights left on.

I'm impressed by the camera and have recommended it to 2 friends who have bought and are satisfied.

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qyiet

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#842259 24-Jun-2013 11:31

These are cheap as hell (~NZD 60) for a wifi webcam. http://www.pbtech.co.nz/index.php?z=p&p=CAMDLK1676080&name=D-Link-DCS-930L-Securicam-Wireless-N-Home-IP-Netwo

I have a couple setup, the picture quality is.. well.. VHSish. Enough for basic stuff, but nothing fancy. Only cable you need is power though.

Warning: reality may differ from above post

Gordy7

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#842325 24-Jun-2013 12:44

Use an old camera phone and install Motion Detector Pro App.

Then you can Wifi/email or whatever.

Cheers

Gordy

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Niel

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#843474 24-Jun-2013 16:48

qyiet: These are cheap as hell (~NZD 60) for a wifi webcam. http://www.pbtech.co.nz/index.php?z=p&p=CAMDLK1676080&name=D-Link-DCS-930L-Securicam-Wireless-N-Home-IP-Netwo

I have a couple setup, the picture quality is.. well.. VHSish. Enough for basic stuff, but nothing fancy. Only cable you need is power though.

The other day I've bought one of those off another GZer for $30, and it is a fairly good camera. On another forum I've found someone had used it outside for a few years with no issues (under the eves).

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bigal_nz

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#843505 24-Jun-2013 17:43

I agree with the others. Get some designed for the job.

If your breakins are during the day then your lucky as it will be easier to get a good pic. Remember if you want to catch the guys - you need a REALLY good picture for the Police to be able to positively identify a unknown person - even then its no guarantee.

If the breakins are at night then you need a good quality black and white picture, and probably some IR lighting.

None of this is cheap, but then neither is another break in????

-Al

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#843542 24-Jun-2013 19:15

I got a wireless IP camera with IR & pan/tilt off ebay for about $60NZD. Comes with an app to view on android phones and will send email alerts if motion is detected.

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Niel

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#845339 25-Jun-2013 22:45

Good performance is no longer expensive: http://www.gowifi.co.nz/ip-cameras.html

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sbiddle

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#845360 26-Jun-2013 05:39

Niel: Good performance is no longer expensive: http://www.gowifi.co.nz/ip-cameras.html

UBNT airVision has terrible cameras and after looking at the Grandstream stuff I'm not impressed. There are plenty of other brands around (such as Dahua) who have products of a similar pricepoint that are vastly superior.

bigal_nz

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#845366 26-Jun-2013 07:00

sbiddle:
Niel: Good performance is no longer expensive: http://www.gowifi.co.nz/ip-cameras.html

UBNT airVision has terrible cameras and after looking at the Grandstream stuff I'm not impressed. There are plenty of other brands around (such as Dahua) who have products of a similar pricepoint that are vastly superior.

qyiet

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#845596 26-Jun-2013 14:11

sbiddle: ...UBNT airVision has terrible cameras and ....

I was under the impression that the cameras were ok, but that the NVR Software (airvision) had serious issues. However I've never seen them in the real world, so would be interested in your impressions if you have.

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