Security camera on a boat

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Security camera on a boat

nziancollins

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#290149 23-Oct-2021 17:21

Hi - I have a friend who's moored boat has just been robbed and she wants to put a monitored security camera (even just saving video to a cloud service will probably suffice).

I guess (??) she needs a 12 volt 4G mobile router - and a camera of some sort. But dont know about saving the video (my concern is that video is typically a lot of data).

We're surprised we cant find a standard solution out there... may it isnt too common.

Can anyone recommend a solution?

Thanks, Ian

wratterus

1687 posts

Uber Geek

#2800106 23-Oct-2021 17:28

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/CCTRLK1047/Reolink-GO-PT-Wire-Free-4G-LTE-PanTilt-Security-Ca

Something like that is probably what you're looking for?

SomeoneSomewhere

1802 posts

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#2800109 23-Oct-2021 17:36

Usually they only record when motion triggered, to limit data usage.

shk292

2853 posts

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#2800110 23-Oct-2021 17:37

You could use an old phone and the Alfred camera app. This can be set up so that it sends video when motion activated

not as nice a solution as a dedicated camera but much cheaper

coffeebaron

6231 posts

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#2800118 23-Oct-2021 17:56

If you can keep the stream feed below 1Mbps, then an uncapped 4G data connection from 2talk at $25+GST / mth could be useful.

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Ge0rge

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#2800120 23-Oct-2021 17:56

I take it you have reception? Look into a trail camera - there are plenty that have the ability to send video / images when activated via a sim card.

nziancollins

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2800137 23-Oct-2021 18:51

Thanks - a few things to look at (hadnt heard of trail cameras before... want one for myself!)

MarkM536

309 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2800160 23-Oct-2021 20:21

What systems is already in the boat? Is it a large 'launch' with many mod-cons or a small boat?

Launches with newer GPS and other computer systems usually have their own LAN within. A standard IP camera with ONVIF or RTSP stream support will communicate to them (idea for engine room cameras).

There may already be a system in the boat that could record to an SD card.

Getting back to stand alone systems (long shot if you have the above):

A 4G camera with an SD card is enough. I would personally go for a full on IP camera system designed for launches/trains/buses but these are expensive.

I suggest a battery monitor cut off to be wired with any camera. You do not want the camera to drain all the power out of the battery (heavily advised when a boat is moored for months).

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kingdragonfly

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#2800162 23-Oct-2021 20:27

Is it going to be mounted in the boat, or on the pier?

Many cameras using batteries and motion detection to save the batteries life.

Given the amount of movement around a boat, birds, waves, you much more likely to kill the battery, or fill on on-board storage quicker.

You may consider using an infra-red beam detector, and a SMS modem. You could also attach a water level detector easily enough to the same SMS modem.

That way when someone interrupts the beam, you get a text message. Should be completely false alarm proof.

Google

4g sms 12v site:nz

MarkM536

309 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2800177 23-Oct-2021 21:08

kingdragonfly: Is it going to be mounted in the boat, or on the pier?

Many cameras using batteries and motion detection to save the batteries life.

Given the amount of movement around a boat, birds, waves, you much more likely to kill the battery, or fill on on-board storage quicker.

You may consider using an infra-red beam detector.

Very good point.

Battery cameras use PIR motion sensors, they detect changes in heat (sort of like a 2 pixel thermal camera https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZqNGl5vbjk).

PIR are very low power, so when they detect motion it triggers the camera to start up.

Detection with 'Artificial intelligence' for human only recording takes a lot of power. Some battery cameras have this, but only after they trigger from the PIR. Again, it drains the battery unnecessarily.

Ideally I would install a 'curtain' PIR at leg height in the boat, so it only triggers with something inside. However I am yet to find a cheap battery camera that allows for an external PIR to wake up! [Break out the soldering iron and hack a camera I say!]

I do like your thinking @kingdragonfly, but an IR beam detector is an IR light constantly shining to a receiver. PIR sensors don't emit anything and that's why they are very low power.

If the camera was 12v working off a boat battery an IR beam would be fine. Stick a small solar panel on the battery and it will work forever.

Yoban

447 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2800249 24-Oct-2021 11:07

As we are dealing with 12v has the thought of an alarm system (DSC/Bosch/etc.) come in to play with some strobe lights and sirens triggered by regular PIRs?

Could possibly use the likes of pressure mats or reed switches on hatches.

kingdragonfly

11190 posts

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#2800295 24-Oct-2021 14:17

Come to think about it, just a simple "normally open" reed switch plus an in-series disarming switch on a liquor cabinet hooked to the boat horn should do it.

Wellingtondave

156 posts

Master Geek

#2800417 24-Oct-2021 18:21

Used this company years ago, wasn't a cheap DIY solution but worked for the application. They're more focused on business / govt not consumer. I think it was something like $1200 for the solar camera with some monthly fee.

https://www.idefigo.com/products

There are plenty of companies doing it, google solar cctv / remote CCTV. What's the budget?

https://crosbies.co.nz/solar-powered-cameras/