Home security camera systems DIY

[Bob Pl]

I got a really good recommendation a couple of years ago re: home ALARM system. Simon XT, it's been very trouble free, actually 100% trouble free. Just today I had to replace one sensor 2032 battery.

Need to put some cameras up. Some guy walked into the garage & started to go thru the wife's (unlocked) car & I scared him off. I was working all around the house power washing so had reason for everything to be open.

Also my truck was entered several months ago (night) & stuff taken from inside. It was parked on the curb & locked & cops said that the crooks have universal remotes that'll open most cars.

As with most home/diy camera cctv systems you have to wade thru a lot of junk to find something decent. 3 cameras, night vision, wireless, with a monitor that can feed a hard drive recorder. The distance house to curb (parked vehicle) is 60-80 ft. The Lorex & Qsee are not getting good reviews for either quality or cust svc. Costco has a 2 cam Unidine that may work (you can add 2 more) anything else to suggest?

The marathon bombing is showing just how valuable video can be.

No guesses plz just if you own one or in in the business & can speak from experience. Not looking to spend thousands, like casino security, just basics. THANKS.

[John Fendel]

I had a Qsee 4 channel video recorder system with one camera for about a year. The unit worked well until the hard disc died. I had put in a name brand drive and the manufacturer replaced the drive. I still have the recorder. The camera still works in daylight but the infared leds stopped working after about 6 months. The power supply that came with the camera for the leds still works so it is a problem with the camera.
While I was waiting for the drive to come back, I purchased a Nuvico 4 channel recorder and camera. It is still working great after 9 months. Infrared leds on the camera are still working fine. Picture is clearer and sharper and the camera provides a wider view. This unit is a little more expensive then the Qsee package, but is more a commercial grade product. It also has internet connection capability for remote monitoring. I'll need some help when it is time to set up that option.

[Bob Pl]

Thank you John, good info.

[Ed Holley]

Thank you John, good info.

Bob: Our business is set up in two separate suites. One is our showroom. The other is our production area. Often times, I'm the only one watching both areas. Recently, we easily installed a BLACK & WHITE two-camera system WITH monitor for $56.00 purchased at Harbor Freight. It absolutely works great for our needs and, although we are not using it for recording, it IS capable of being hooked up to a DVR. Harbor Freight also sells the DVR if needed.

The quality of the cameras, resolution and audio are really quite good. And the price cannot be beat. It even comes with 60+ feet of cables.

[Bob Pl]

Thanks Ed.