ilk

Plan to zone the site and run fibre to each location where remote switches (maybe space for UPS) can be securly installed. Then run CAT6 locally from there. This will provide a degree of future proofing and allow the fibre back bone to be used for other services (BMS, Access Control, Fire alarm, Wifi etc) Always use cable with LSOH sheath or whatever is required by the local building regulations. Ilkie

I am almost certain that you will not find a VMS solution for the existing kit. Running codecs on the PTZ domes is one solution or simply replace all of the DVRs with units from a single manufacturer removing the matrices is another approach. The most appropriate solution will depend on the operating requirements locally and in the Control Room. If you pm me with some details I can take look for you. Ilkie

Two possibilities I can suggest. Consider an automatic audio challenge system with a pre recorded message using public address speakers or a PTZ camera with in built dual IR lamps and white light lamp. For example see http://www.360visiontechnology.com/getattachment/Products/Predator-and-Domes/Predator---IR-Thermal/Pred-WL-090611v4.pdf Either can be triggered by the DVR motion detection function perhaps using one of the fixed cameras for target aquisition. Ilkie

Hi Hardwired, In these environments the spectrum is way past crowded. In in many African, Middle Eastern and Asian urban environments it is almost impossible to use legally configured 5GHz links now, an issue which will only get worse with time. Interestingly, we are also seeing the start of the same problem in the centre of London in both the 5.4GHz and 5.8GHz bands. If any integrator or operator purchases radio kit for reliable use in in our cities with an expectation of life span of 5 years plus, they are going to be very disappointed. For this project, the Ubiquiti 24GHz link sounds interesting. Ilkie

In my experience in Nigeria, frequency regulation is non-existent and enforcement action unheard of. In urban areas the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands are totally saturated with operators using illegal power outputs to blast through the interference. Even if you find a free channel today there is no guarantee that it will work tomorrow. If you happy to take this risk the Ubiquiti kit is OK. Otherwise talk to the PTT about using a licenced band (23 GHz or 26GHz) depending on distance. Ilkie

Deflection in the highest wind speeds that could be exprienced in your area, given height of the pole, weight, windage(size of load presented to the wind) and ground conditions. Also consider security against attack or theft of equipment. Examples of designs that are used internationally include Altron (www.altron.co.uk) and WEC (www.wec.uk.net) Ilkie

For Nigeria use point-to-point (PTP) radio links on non standard frequencies. (ie not 900MHz, 2.4GHz or 5GHz) Ilkie

Hi I have seen the Panomera camera in action and it is very impressive. It works well if you have a single location to install the camera that allows for unobstructed views of large areas, and therefore has may be a consideration as part of the overall design. Lighting will need to be considered though. Regards Ilkie

Actually I'm agree with your recommendation,and now I'm thinking about a combination of Axis,Avigilon and Mobotix cameras, but I don't know what's the best software,switches and media convertor for this kind of design! what's your offers? The factors that will influence the choice of software will be identified following the documentation of the end user's requirement (including their wish list and expansion plans). I would suggest that with network switches you stick with one manufacturer only for the project (ie Cisco, HP, Extreme etc) selected by the requirements of your network designand depth of the manufacturer's product range. Hope this helps. Ilkie

Hi Aboo, The answer may well be a mix of cameras from different manufacturers. I would suggest that the first task is to establish the operational requirement for the system, which will include:- Understand the end user’s expectations Consider (as Tom says) any regulations/guidelines and legislation that need to be complied with Look at the environment (lighting, power, weather, possible cable routes etc) Consider the type and scale of risk to the site (confirming any planned response) Determine the skills and experience of the staff going to use/maintain the system. Once these factors are documented and signed off by the client, then you can start to consider what equipment may meet the requirements set out. The danger by adopting the approach of first confirming which manufacturer you are going to design around, will almost certainly mean that in some locations in the site you will be specifying solution that may well be unsuitable. Hope this helps Ilkie

But the sync pulse should always be 0.3v If the the sync pulse is too low or too high (or the incorrect shape) DVRs may not recognise the signal as video. Try using a known source like a pattern generator instead of the camera and this will tell you if you have an issue with your transmission system. Ilkie

Go back to the site and look for CCTV cameras in the immeadiate area. Try to identify who they belong to (retail is easiest), also look for street mounted local authoirty cameras. Make a list and remember that a camera does not always have to look directly at a crime scene to provide evidence. Put this in writing and hand it in to the investigating officer (find out who this is). If you feel you are still getting the brush off, ask to speak to a senior officer. Do not delay as CCTV video is likely to be begin to be overwritten after typically 14 days, although you should get up to 30 days on some systems. When its gone its gone. Quote PACE (Police & Crimminal Evidence Act) at them as the Police are required to seize best evidence under this legislation. Hope this helps Ilkie

Very true, as with most equipement today, the specification sheet is almost not worth the time spent reading it. The CCTV camera is just one small component in the entire system. Questions such as what is the best camera are like asking what is the best vehicle. Does the questioner require face recognition at 1 mile, a general view of a yard to see how busy the parking spaces are or to see if someone is in the main entrance? Each would require a different camera system. With CCTV the experts know that there are a vast amount of other issues that need to be considered. Risk profile, legislation, position of cameras, the environment, operational requirement, how do you get evidence fromthe system (and can the agencies who receive it decode/display it?), privacy, ease of operation by the end user, total cost of ownership, what media do you use for recording (why use SAS disks instead of SATA?). The results from some of the considerations listed above will then allow the designer to look at the technical issues. Do not jump to the latest thing promoted by marketing departments. We still see analogue system that provide far more effective video than some IP camera systems. In the end you always get what you pay for. Domestic CCTV will at best offer general overviews and are less likely to offer face recognition or licience plate detail (if this is the purpose of the system) than a professionally designed, installed and maintained system. As a specialist in the field I would estimate that around 50% of my surveys will result in me reccomending that CCTV should not be installed as implementation of such a security system is unlikely to meet expectations and/or the budget could be spent on more effective target hardening techniques. Just my thoughts Ilkie

I would suspect you are getting cross talk on the CAT5 cable. Try getting hold of some good quality cable (no joins) and run it on the ground between first the furthest camera and connect using the existing baluns. I would guess that this clear up the camera signals. Your option is to then either run a new cable to utilise two CAT5s or to try to minimise the cross talk interfernce by remaking all joints & connectors maintaining the twist to industry specs. A following move would be to upgrade the baluns to a higher quality active units perhaps with opto isolation. Ilkie

There is a number of issues with low cost CAT5E comming onto the market as some can be copper coated aluminium and not pure copper. Sometimes it is quoted as CAT5E CA and is worth avoiding! Ilkie

I think I would be considering external gel filled telephone cable for this application, It will be probably be lower cost. Active baluns would be OK, but to be safe I would use professional video over twisted pair transmission system (try Addlestone Electronics) Ilkie

I am not sure if standard PVC sheathed CAT5E cable is rated for underground use. (water ingress issues) Look for a PE sheathed cable. Ilkie

The first issue is to determine the maximium likely bandwidth requirement for each camera. Best thing to do is to set the camera up on the bench to replicate the settings you are going to use in the field and measure the resulting bandwith from one camera. Add a decent margin for radio network overhead and this gives you the building block to start your infrastructure design. Once you have this information you can then start to look at wireless kit product options. Don't forget to add another margin for system expansion. Ilkie

I do not think there is a reset function. Is your alarm device connected to the interface offering a momentary closure? Ilkie

Try the DM TransVu (AD Group). Includes a built-in accelerometer and all the usual GPS tracking/Google maps/remote connectivity facilities plus allows connections to the vehicle's CANbus data network so you can also record the vehicle telemetry alongside the video/audio and location. www.transvu.co.uk Ilkie

The fibre link can still be faulty and still transmit video OK. The way to measure RS485 is with an oscilloscope which will show the data pulses when you move the joystick. Check the ouput of the card first and if this is OK (ie you see the data pulses) connect to the output of the fibre card (camera end) and if all OK you should see the same. If you do not have an oscilloscope remove the camera and connect it direct to the matrix, this will confirm that the matrix is delivering the correct data signal. Hope this helps Ilkie

Don't forget to check out the warranty if you are using domestic TVs for CCTV. In some instances (eg:- in the UK) domestic TVs that are used for commercial use reduces the warranty to 3 months. Ilkie

I think the word is out that the Sanyo CCTV range is about to be discontinued. Ilkie

Bosch do a 940nm version at 10 and 20 degrees width that are specified at 100yds and beyond. I assume Raytec will do the same. Watch for camera sensor sensitivity though as many only offer 30% (or less) efficiency at 940nm. Regards Ilkie