It’s time to install some cameras around the property and I have a couple question. It’s a one story home on an over sized lot, the eaves are high enough that the camera’s blend in pretty well but the front door area is a different story.
How low have some of you installed a camera with respect to concerns over someone coming up and whacking the thing into left field. Obviously I want a view of faces but also want to protect the camera (or be somewhat stealth). Any opinions on best placement or what’s worked well for your situation. The camera is a 3-axis, 2.8mm turret and my first reaction is to place it about 6 inches, center, above the front door (on brick). I’ve attached a picture of a doorway similar to what I have (small bricked in area). Any concerns with having the porch light coming on at night if motion is detected ? Also, there is one street light on the corner of the cul-de-sac (6 houses total).
I’d place it on the side where the door opens (Not the side where the hinges are). Preferably that is where your door bell is as well. Either right next to the door or in the corner at about eye level (+/- 6’) as to avoid people using a hody or putting their chin on their chest to obscure their faces if the camera is above the door. . The reason for the side is people will instinctively look when the door opens and if the door bell is their they will look to see where to push.
I’d suggest to get an enclosed dome camera such as eg the below ones (not advocating getting these exact ones, just for examples)
My theory is if someone is to the point their smashing cameras, there is not too much more that I can do as defensive methods against a intentioned crook on YOUR house (vs the path of least resistance) means I need a fortified position…not a house
Therefore, IMHO visible cameras are more likely deter crooks…as most crooks want the path of least resistance/risk. However, there are stupid criminals too YMMV
@BOFH
I appreciate the help and no worries on knocking the camera out of it’s position, it has a security screw which locks down it’s position (and a ring to cover it). From what I understand, it does a pretty good job of it. I thought about setting the camera at (adult) eye level, just wondered if anyone had damage stories and wished they had set it higher. I imagine like anything, if they don’t want their face to be seen, that’s a pretty easy task (a mask etc…). Since we’re talking automation, I expected to get notification that motion was detected (friend or foe) and based on the image sent to me - do everything possible to protect my home.
@AgileHumor
Wise words. I totally expect that if someone wants to go to bat, they certainly will… Although perhaps I’m worried about nothing (statistically) ? As you indicated, the mere sight of a camera should act as a deterrent (well, hopefully).
[quote=“CudaNet, post:4, topic:182543”]@BOFH
I appreciate the help and no worries on knocking the camera out of it’s position, it has a security screw which locks down it’s position (and a ring to cover it). From what I understand, it does a pretty good job of it. I thought about setting the camera at (adult) eye level, just wondered if anyone had damage stories and wished they had set it higher. I imagine like anything, if they don’t want their face to be seen, that’s a pretty easy task (a mask etc…). Since we’re talking automation, I expected to get notification that motion was detected (friend or foe) and based on the image sent to me - do everything possible to protect my home.
@AgileHumor
Wise words. I totally expect that if someone wants to go to bat, they certainly will… Although perhaps I’m worried about nothing (statistically) ? As you indicated, the mere sight of a camera should act as a deterrent (well, hopefully).[/quote]I’m working on a camera for the door myself. I’ve located a nice box by ELK on Amazon and a wireless camera module that will feed my Blue Iris system. I plan to mount the camera in the box behind a 25mm UV filter along with an Arduino driven sensor to report Temp/Humidity/Barometric Pressure back to Vera. I have a few more bits to gather up but it’s coming together.
I tried other locations but the front entry light pretty well blinds most locations. The location I’ve selected is on the same wall as the entry light and the camera inside the box will be shielded from direct light but the door area will be well lit. The camera supports 1280 x 720 and will be mounted roughly at adult eye level and will cover most of the area in front of the door. It will connect to one of my WiFi access points and feed Blue Iris.
That is great idea … Keep us posted, would love to see some camera pics once you’ve worked through all the details.
[quote=“clippermiami, post:5, topic:182543”][quote=“CudaNet, post:4, topic:182543”]@BOFH
I appreciate the help and no worries on knocking the camera out of it’s position, it has a security screw which locks down it’s position (and a ring to cover it). From what I understand, it does a pretty good job of it. I thought about setting the camera at (adult) eye level, just wondered if anyone had damage stories and wished they had set it higher. I imagine like anything, if they don’t want their face to be seen, that’s a pretty easy task (a mask etc…). Since we’re talking automation, I expected to get notification that motion was detected (friend or foe) and based on the image sent to me - do everything possible to protect my home.
@AgileHumor
Wise words. I totally expect that if someone wants to go to bat, they certainly will… Although perhaps I’m worried about nothing (statistically) ? As you indicated, the mere sight of a camera should act as a deterrent (well, hopefully).[/quote]I’m working on a camera for the door myself. I’ve located a nice box by ELK on Amazon and a wireless camera module that will feed my Blue Iris system. I plan to mount the camera in the box behind a 25mm UV filter along with an Arduino driven sensor to report Temp/Humidity/Barometric Pressure back to Vera. I have a few more bits to gather up but it’s coming together.
I tried other locations but the front entry light pretty well blinds most locations. The location I’ve selected is on the same wall as the entry light and the camera inside the box will be shielded from direct light but the door area will be well lit. The camera supports 1280 x 720 and will be mounted roughly at adult eye level and will cover most of the area in front of the door. It will connect to one of my WiFi access points and feed Blue Iris.[/quote]
@clippermiami: Man, I like that setup. Care to share the camera type/model you are using? I may go that route as well (Minus the arduino) as I like the ‘stealthy’ aspect of it…
The camera is an RTSP device but that’s supported in Blue Iris. Fair warning, figuring out how to make the camera work might be a pain but I’ll happy share my experience with you if you go this route
I’ll be happy to post some construction progress pictures if you like
I have some cameras from Night Owl, while not interfaced with Vera I had to mount it up on the eave ceiling. So yes it only looks down. My idea which I haven’t done yet was to put a small glow in the dark or reflective arrow sticker above the lock. What’s the natural thing to do when you see an arrow pointing up? Snap - face captured! Just an idea, although I just haven’t done it yet.
Interesting idea. Got me thinking about putting a panel light on my box along with an Arduino relay sensor. When Blue Iris detects motion from the camera it tells Vera which sends a command to the relay to turn the panel light which in turn causes the person to look at the camera. Blue Iris capture this and sends it to the Cloud It then runs facial recognition and if it fails the trap door opens and drops the caller into the alligator pit Easy Peasy.
OK, I’m gonna have to sick FWC on you now as gators are a protected species. Can’t just expose them to the risk of food poisoning. 8)
Why not incorporate a z-wave controlled sprinkler system? If bad guy, switch on nozzle(s) aimed at the door area and soak their arses.
You won’t go to jail for that as you can always claim that Vera malfunctioned. Someone already implemented this scenario but for a smoking spouse rather than a bad guy I believe.
[quote=“BOFH, post:11, topic:182543”]OK, I’m gonna have to sick FWC on you now as gators are a protected species. Can’t just expose them to the risk of food poisoning. 8)
Why not incorporate a z-wave controlled sprinkler system? If bad guy, switch on nozzle(s) aimed at the door area and soak their arses.
You won’t go to jail for that as you can always claim that Vera malfunctioned. Someone already implemented this scenario but for a smoking spouse rather than a bad guy I believe.[/quote]
But I live in Miami and alligators are not an endangered species here. I can always say it wandered over from the golf course down the road. As long as I don’t shoot it it’s all good And I think you’d have to agree it’s a whole lot more effective than a sprinkler
[…]
The American alligator is classified by the US Fish and Wildlife Service as similarity of appearance to a threatened taxon. This listing provides federal protection for alligators but allows state-approved management and control programs. This listing has been adopted by the State of Florida. Alligators can be legally taken only by individuals with proper licenses and permits.
[…]
Definately more effective but it will most likely land you in jail. I’d suggest a pit of Pythons instead as those are classified invasive.
[…]
The American alligator is classified by the US Fish and Wildlife Service as similarity of appearance to a threatened taxon. This listing provides federal protection for alligators but allows state-approved management and control programs. This listing has been adopted by the State of Florida. Alligators can be legally taken only by individuals with proper licenses and permits.
[…]
Definately more effective but it will most likely land you in jail. I’d suggest a pit of Pythons instead as those are classified invasive. :)[/quote]
The camera is an RTSP device but that’s supported in Blue Iris. Fair warning, figuring out how to make the camera work might be a pain but I’ll happy share my experience with you if you go this route
I’ll be happy to post some construction progress pictures if you like[/quote]
Started to run Cat6 last night, then it dawned on me - damn I hate the Texas heat and crawling around insulation. Decided that I’ll do a single run each day this week until it’s done, that way I have more beverage time. Was also scoping out location for the front door, going to mount it eyeball height just above the doorbell and forward towards the door.
The camera is an RTSP device but that’s supported in Blue Iris. Fair warning, figuring out how to make the camera work might be a pain but I’ll happy share my experience with you if you go this route
I’ll be happy to post some construction progress pictures if you like[/quote][/quote]
It is powered by a mini-USB that charges a battery that ultimately connects to the camera/wifi module. I haven’t decide whether to remove the batter and just go direct to the camera module – the battery has the advantage of some carry-over and voltage control that I don’t have to provide separately.
Right now there is a battery operated Arduino sensor in there for reporting Outside Temp/Humidity/Pressure back to Vera. That will stay (probably get changed for a line powered unit) when the camera module is mounted. I don’t have any plans for anything else in the box (maybe the python pit control but I still like the alligator idea ) The front door bell is on the other side of the alcove which is a negative but I could move it to the box and put it on Z-Wave.
The other change i’m thinking about is the antenna. The current one is just a length of wire, i’m thinking about replacing that with an SMA 2400 MHz 2dBi unit. Probably kept inside the box.
Before I found this modular camera I looked for a unitized one that would fit in the box but I came up empty … the box was kind of the controlling factor, I liked the size and shape. A unitary camera would be less work but I didn’t find anything.
I’m still awaiting a 25mm UV filter I found on eBay to protect the lens opening, that’s the last bit before I start mounting everything in the box.
I’d think you’d want to retain battery power in the event of a power loss. Was curious if you were going to hard wire switchable power. Love the gator idea, would love it even more if I could get a live feed or better yet, a YouTube channel showing the highlights.
[quote=“clippermiami, post:17, topic:182543”][quote=“CudaNet, post:15, topic:182543”]Looks like it can be juiced via a mini-usb… Did you happen to hide a z-wave switch behind/inside that box ?
The camera is an RTSP device but that’s supported in Blue Iris. Fair warning, figuring out how to make the camera work might be a pain but I’ll happy share my experience with you if you go this route
I’ll be happy to post some construction progress pictures if you like[/quote][/quote]
It is powered by a mini-USB that charges a battery that ultimately connects to the camera/wifi module. I haven’t decide whether to remove the batter and just go direct to the camera module – the battery has the advantage of some carry-over and voltage control that I don’t have to provide separately.
Right now there is a battery operated Arduino sensor in there for reporting Outside Temp/Humidity/Pressure back to Vera. That will stay (probably get changed for a line powered unit) when the camera module is mounted. I don’t have any plans for anything else in the box (maybe the python pit control but I still like the alligator idea ) The front door bell is on the other side of the alcove which is a negative but I could move it to the box and put it on Z-Wave.
The other change i’m thinking about is the antenna. The current one is just a length of wire, i’m thinking about replacing that with an SMA 2400 MHz 2dBi unit. Probably kept inside the box.
Before I found this modular camera I looked for a unitized one that would fit in the box but I came up empty … the box was kind of the controlling factor, I liked the size and shape. A unitary camera would be less work but I didn’t find anything.
I’m still awaiting a 25mm UV filter I found on eBay to protect the lens opening, that’s the last bit before I start mounting everything in the box.[/quote]
[quote=“CudaNet, post:18, topic:182543”]I’d think you’d want to retain battery power in the event of a power loss. Was curious if you were going to hard wire switchable power. Love the gator idea, would love it even more if I could get a live feed or better yet, a YouTube channel showing the highlights.
[quote=“clippermiami, post:17, topic:182543”][quote=“CudaNet, post:15, topic:182543”]Looks like it can be juiced via a mini-usb… Did you happen to hide a z-wave switch behind/inside that box ?
The camera is an RTSP device but that’s supported in Blue Iris. Fair warning, figuring out how to make the camera work might be a pain but I’ll happy share my experience with you if you go this route
I’ll be happy to post some construction progress pictures if you like[/quote][/quote]
It is powered by a mini-USB that charges a battery that ultimately connects to the camera/wifi module. I haven’t decide whether to remove the batter and just go direct to the camera module – the battery has the advantage of some carry-over and voltage control that I don’t have to provide separately.
Right now there is a battery operated Arduino sensor in there for reporting Outside Temp/Humidity/Pressure back to Vera. That will stay (probably get changed for a line powered unit) when the camera module is mounted. I don’t have any plans for anything else in the box (maybe the python pit control but I still like the alligator idea ) The front door bell is on the other side of the alcove which is a negative but I could move it to the box and put it on Z-Wave.
The other change i’m thinking about is the antenna. The current one is just a length of wire, i’m thinking about replacing that with an SMA 2400 MHz 2dBi unit. Probably kept inside the box.
Before I found this modular camera I looked for a unitized one that would fit in the box but I came up empty … the box was kind of the controlling factor, I liked the size and shape. A unitary camera would be less work but I didn’t find anything.
I’m still awaiting a 25mm UV filter I found on eBay to protect the lens opening, that’s the last bit before I start mounting everything in the box.[/quote][/quote]
I will probably keep the battery.
Well wouldn’t you know it, FedEx claims they left my POE switch at the front door at 9:20 this morning. Only problem with that story is I left at 9:40 for the office and nope - no package outside my door. I didn’t even realize it was being delivered today until I got to work. To make matters worse, they carry this tone that somehow I must have been mistaken and missed it. I verified the correct address on the box and I have my claim number. Makes you wonder if the company I bought it from shipped that switch in the original packaging.
YMMV