Upgrading to Wireless?

Wireless transmitter/receivers are an easy way to upgrade just about any security camera into a wireless surveillance device! If you have chosen a camera type that meets your specific surveillance needs such as night vision, infra-red vision, fast shutter speed you can convert them to a wireless camera.

Advantage of Going Wireless!

Transmitting your surveillance video signal wirelessly instead of using long cables or wires gives you several very significant advantages:

1. Wireless transmitter/receivers make setting up your security camera system quick & easy because you don't have to, drill holes, staple, or string string unsightly wires
2. With no wires your security camera is easier to conceal (if that's your objective)
3. Wireless transmission lets you place your surveillance cameras in hard to reach places where wires are simply not an option
4. Wireless transmission lets you easily achieve a much greater range than wired security camera systems (unless you string an awful lot of wire)

About Wireless Frequencies

Wireless transmitters operate over standard frequencies. The only FCC approved frequency is the 2.4 GHz range. However, many wireless camera use the 1.2Ghz frequency so they keep away from the 2.4Ghz frequency, reducing the possibility of interference that can interrupt your video signal.

Will a cordless phone interfere with wireless cameras? Yes, cordless phones that operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency will cause interference with 2.4 GHz cameras. However, interference should be minimal and usually only occurs if the phone is physically located between thewireless camera and receiver. Wireless Internet, networks and Wifi can cause interference too

How far will the wireless signal go?

The average range of a wireless transmitter receiver will vary from 200ft. to 700ft. depending on environmental conditions such as thick walls, or electrical activity. This is a much larger range than the average wired system which is about 100-200 ft.

How many wireless cameras can you have in one location?

Most wireless transmitter/receivers support up to 8 channels. This helps reduce interference by allowing you to select a frequency with no other local users (like phones, wifi, wireless network etc.).

You can have up to four wireless cameras in one location. So, technically a wireless camera system with four 2.4 Ghz transmitters might actually be transmitting on the 2.414Ghz, 2.432Ghz, 2.450Ghz, or 2.468Ghz frequencies.

Do I need a wireless transmitter for each camera?

You can view all cameras at once using four receivers or you can use one receiver and switch to each camera. You will only be able to view one camera at a time if you only use one receiver.

If you want to install multiple wireless cameras in one location it's best to order them at the same time so that they can be preset on different channels. But you can usually make adjustments on your own quite easily.

Lens Technology for Security Cameras

Security cameras lens specifications often reference varifocal or fixed lens. Each type of camera lens has advantages and abilities.

Let’s start with a definition of each:

Security Cameras With Varifocal Lens (Zoom Lens)

A security camera with varifocal lens lets the focal length of the lens to varied and is most often refered to as a “zoom” lens. Most security cameras with zoom lenses or varifocal lenses have, and probably should have, an auto iris feature (an electrically controlled iris).

• Lets you monitor larger outdoor areas with one camera. The combination of auto iris and varifocal means you can watch a large area and only zoom in when action is detected.
• Lets you easily adjust and optimize for available light conditions
• Applicable in locations such as outside a main door or gates, outside parking lot, or other places where the lighting conditions continuously change

Security Cameras With Fixed Lens
A security camera with a fixed focal length lens cannot zoom its focus is fixed. A security camera with a fixed focal length lens usually allows more light to pass through the lens at a given focal length than a varifocal, or zoom lens. This can be important in low-light situations.

• Allows fast action-stopping shutter speeds to be used in low-light situations. Fixed focal length lenses are sometimes the only solution for low-light video
• Can only be used in fixed lighting conditions (indoors)
• Fixed focal length lenses are usually sharper than their zoom counterparts
• fixed focal length lenses are usually less expensive than their zoom counterparts
• Often used in shopping centers, schools, libraries, and offices

Motion Detection Systems

What is PIR detection?

PIR is the acronym for Passive Infra-Red. Which is a highly effective, low cost technology for detecting activity in the area you are watching by monitoring changes in infra-red heat patterns.

When an intruder enters a room the PIR will pick up the change in temperature and trigger an alarm or security recording. Passive infrared (PIR) detection system are like a memory bank that remember how much infrared energy typically gets focused on its surface when there is no activity in the area.

Passive infra-red’s are an excellent choice for security systems because of their low power use. Low power use means battery powered alarms and hidden cameras can run longer on a single battery. PIR systems use less power because they are “passive”. A surveillance camera with PIR motion detection is only sensing the infrared energy coming in to their sensors from the area being monitored. Passive systems do not beam out their own own infra-red lighting which uses more power and decreases battery life.

How PIR is used in a motion detector hidden camera.

The electronics of a PIR motion detection camera sit in a passive state and are connected to the input of a burglar alarm or motion detector hidden camera. If an intruder enters, he gives off infrared energy (heat) which cannot be seen by the human eye, but can be picked up by electronic sensors. The PIR sensor picks up the radiation change emitted by a burglar, compares the old state of infrared energy to the new state, calculates the change and then triggers the alarm or video recording.

Placement of PIR Motion Detection Cameras & Alarms

Alwasys install your PIR camera or alarm in an unobstructed position with a clear view of the entire security area you want monitored. Good choices include a ceiling or a large open wall. This is why manufacturers offer smoke detector hidden cameras or cameras built into emergency lights.

Placement of passive detection systems is very important. A PIR should not be placed near an HVAC vent that could blow hot or cold air onto the unit. While air does not emit much infrared energy, the air coming from a vent could change the temperature enough to confuse the electronic system.

Range of Motion Detection

Passive infrared (PIR) detection systems use a number of lenses or mirrors to give them an average range of about 25-30 feet. More expensive PIR’s feature single segment mirrors and can cover more than 100 feet. Some high end units detect changes up to 400 feet.

You can protect a particular area like the floor space surrounding a safe by purchasing a PIR with a very narrow coverage. Conversely, PIRs can also be designed for a broader angle of coverage.

Avoiding Motion Detection False Alarms

Typically a PIR sensor is placed on a circuit board that has the equipment to interpret signals from the sensor and then covered with a protective housing. This housing keeps out dust and insects which could obstruct the sensor. The plastic housing is also useful because the infrared energy of insects could generate false alarms.

If you are using an alarm with auto dialing false alarms cost local police money. Plus, if your neighbors get used to false alarms they may begin to ignore the alarm signals and become unlikely to act in the event of a real burglary alarm.

When infrared energy from a potential intruder reaches the passive infrared (PIR) detection device sensor array window, the infrared energy passes through the plastic housing covering the circuit board.

Is PIR Motion Detection Expensive?

You can get PIR motion detection equipment fairly inexpensively but you should consider is the lower cost units have all the features you require. Basic devices start at approximately $15 whereas a long-range detector sells for over $1,200.

What is a Hidden Camera

A hidden camera is a small board camera carefully built into an everyday item like clocks, radios, toys and almost anything you can think of... Board cameras feature a super small lens. Often referred to as a pinhole lens. The small size of the pinhole lens allows it to be easily hidden inside everyday items.

Board cameras with high quality CCD lenses give higher resolution sensitivity to light, making them an excellent choice for recording video outdoors or in low-light conditions.

Wired or Wireless?

A "wired" hidden camera simply means the board camera is directly connected by wire to the viewing or monitoring device such as an embedded DVR , VCR, or computer monitor.

Wired hidden cameras are a great low-cost solution… BUT only if you have a way to hide the wires! Hidden cameras in items that have wires of their own like hidden camera computer speakers are a good example of a wired installation that won’t be detected. In this case because wires are a natural part of the item.

A "wireless" hidden cameras means the board camera is attached to a small wireless transmitter which transmits a video signal to a receiver like a radio. The receiver is then connected to the DVR or VCR where the security video feed can be monitored and or recorded.

Wireless hidden cameras cost more but offer incredible flexibility in where they can be placed.

Can I get audio in my hidden camera?

No you cannot. According to United States federal laws, audio should not be used in a surreptitious manner. One example of surreptitious interception is audio in a hidden camera. This includes pinhole board cameras and all covert or hidden cameras; i.e., a clock radio. Audio in a hidden camera or board camera is only available to law enforcement agencies, with the exception of body worn spy cameras. Title 18, Section 2512.

Selecting the best surveillance equipment

There was a time when, surveillance equipment was only to the government and private investigators.

Now hundreds of thousands of people are using hidden spy cameras to check on their housekeepers and babysitters. The average person can now use inexpensive security cameras to keep an eye on their homes or businesses to catch theft, abuse and infidelity.

No other method offers more definitive proof that surveillance video.

Before you get started with your own surveillance project, there are 3 important quality features you should look for…

1. Wireless spy cameras: select only high powered 2.4 GHz transmitters rather that lower powered versions. High powered options can send video signals up to three times further than other transmitters.
2. Battery Packs: You need a power supply for security cameras. Power is often handled by a simple battery pack. But most battery packs can only supply power for up to 5 hours. After that you have to throw away or recycle that pack and get a new one. Take a look at these 12 volt battery packs that last up to a whopping 8 hours…and are fully rechargeable! So why not throw in a 12 volt battery recharger you can simply plug into your wall.
   
3. CCD Lens Technology: Which stands for CCD Charged Coupled Device. There are cheaper lenses on the market, but none of them produce the high quality images that CCD lenses do. CCD lenses are high resolution and highly sensitive to light, allowing them to record video in outdoor and low-light conditions.