On 12/1/2011 7:44 PM, Justin Time wrote:
wrote in message
...
On 12/1/2011 4:27 PM, Justin Time wrote:
Though, not a true home repair issue, it is a home issue nonetheless.
Does anyone have any experience with X10 security system and devices? I
want
to install some wireless cams with motion activation and Internet viewing
and eventually build up the system to lighting control and other
appliance
controls. Therefore, I'm searching for a reliable and lower cost
retailer/supplier of X10 devices and basically, any general info I should
know about.
All advice and suggestions appreciated.
Thank you
First of all, I DON'T use X10 for anything. In fact, I have a box of X10
cameras, etc. around here somewhere that I purchased and was very
disappointed with thus if I find them they will find their way to e-bay.
On the other hand, I do have several wireless cams that I can view on the
Internet. They are always on and always viewable but when they see motion
they send me and e-mail and/or upload the image via FTP to one of my
domains. These are simply $60 cameras that are available at Tiger Direct,
NewEgg, e-bay, and many other places.
In short, although you might need X10 for lighting and appliance control
you certainly don't need it for simple motion activated wireless cams.
Don
OK, I don't mind avoiding the X10 cams. Care to provide input about your
cams? Brand, picture quality, special features like pan, tilt, etc., night
vision and overall how well you like them.
Thank you
Just point your browser to
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16881523007
and read the specs. on that one. I am not recommending that particular
camera but just using it as an example.
There are about a zillion brands out there and all are almost identical.
The hardware is normally quite good but the instructions are almost
always lacking and the software is sometimes a bit flaky. I have found
that some of the software will only work with IE and not with Firefox,
Chrome, etc.
We have both the motion detecting ones and the non-motion detecting ones
at our home. We are gone a lot and we use the motion detecting ones for
security purposes. If someone walks in front of one of them I get an
e-mail with the image (have it sent to your smart phone if you like).
Depending upon the camera the image can also be recorded on your hard
drive and/or uploaded via ftp to a domain that you own. I personally
prefer to have it uploaded because if the intruder would happen to
decide to take one of your computer systems you would have lost the image.
The cameras that are not motion detecting we simply use to view our
home, yard, outbuildings, etc. when we are gone. Again, these cameras
are just for viewing and NOT recording an image.
We are also involved in a expensive lodge that is rented out for
weddings, reunions, etc. and we have seven more expensive motion
detecting cameras in and about it. We can view them on the Internet at
any time and when they detect any motion a video is recorded to a well
hidden DVR. These particular cameras at the lodge are not wireless and
were installed when the lodge was built.
Just remember if someone cuts you phone line outside you lose your DSL
and your cameras unless you are recording to a in-house wired DVR.
Just Google "wireless security cameras" and you will no doubt find an
abundance of information.
Hope this helps,
Don