Sir Flannel

Maybe the cops didn't have tasers?

A wide brimmed hat (I have an old "boonie cover") and LOTS of liquids. Usually go through about a gallon of water a day at least when workin outside.

Had a service call at our local port because a couple of cameras were out. Seems the pole got a near direct hit by lightening. It blew a 480 -> 120 transformer apart, and also did this...

This balun was connected to the camera at the top of the pole:

And this fuse was inside the camera housing. The fuse wasn't just melted, it was torn apart. you might be able to make out the little pieces of copper inside the glass.

Thought y'all would like to see those. Maybe you have pictures to post yourselves. Larger pictures of the balun and fuse if you want.

Has anyone used or seen the FM Systems CM-1? It's supposed to make getting the perfect picture on a camera install almost effortless.

This is a link for it Any information would be appreciated

No, it doesn't. The RS232 & 485 connections are to accept command from a computer to control the DVR, not an output to control other cameras.

Well, this might push the "quality" envelope, but Everfocus has DVR's with removable hard drives (EDSR series), and they have a utility that runs on a windows pc that seems to be able to access the drive. You'd just need a bay on your pc to put it in.. Never tried it, but it seems to be what you're looking for.

Hi,

The closest thing I can think of is the Honeywell (nee Ademco) Vista View 100. It's a 4 camera switcher that programs as a relay module. You can program the control panel to view a particular camera on the main monitor output for different circumstances, and it will sequence normally. You might hook up to the doorbell to flash the front stopp camera when the doorbell is rung. However, you'd need a seperate monitor, because the keypads don't have a video input.

Another idea is to get a video intercom, and there are some that have a video output for recording as well. Just a couple of thoughts. Hope that helps

Michael

Well, I've used Microtek Electronics before, but the line of sight thing was critical, so I guess that's out. I can't recall using any wireless that didn't need almost perfect line of sight to work reliably. Any chance of locating the transmitter and receiver outside?

Funny you should mention GE

The site has a Digiplex IV in it, and three GE DVR's. I'm happy with the setup so far, but the Chief seems to think there was a DVR/Matrix all in one, and I can't really see a viable alternative. Thanks for the reply, I couldn't find anything else I'd want to jump ship over, myself.

Anyone ever seen a combonation DVR and Matrix switcher?Something capable of >64 cameras, maybe with expandable hard drive storage? I've got a matrix at this sight, and three DVR's so far, and the future holds at least 25 more cameras, and that rack is gettin crowded! Any ideas or info would be appreciated.

Michael

We've got a Remotewatch Mellinium from ASL sitting in the office. I tried finding their websight (used to be www.aslwrp.com) but it's not there. Are they still around? Are their cards usable with any other software? The software they had as I recall seemed kinda crappy, and the setup was weak (Celeron processor with 32 MB memory, and Win98SE). I'd like to get it, beef it up, and make it more usable. Any ideas? Thanks

Michael

Network aware just means thats that DVR can be configured to play nicely on a network. Things like being able to change ports, ip addresses, support for DHCP, ect...just the little things that make it easy to intergrate a system onto a network.

Ok, cool, thanks! That males sense.

While I'm here...

A remote viewer for a PDA or pocketPC .

Michael

Unless they've changed the Panasonic remote viewing software, that alone is enough to reject it.

I've used Kalatel and DM, and man I'm torn! I like DM remote viewer, onboard controls, and setup menu a lot better than Kalatel's. But Kalatel does have multi-site support, and they are still a very fine product. I like Kalatel's POS input better, and they have had consistenly larger storage options. So, what can I say but... PUNT

As far as Panasonic and those two... EITHER one is better than Panasonic

Michael

Mind if I jump in?

Expandable beyond 16 inputs. Perhaps with networkable remote stations

Multiple PTZ protocols at the same time, by input

All OS information stored in on board memory chips, so all drives could be replaced without losing OS, settings, etc

Email capability, with different events sending to different addresses (service techs don't need the alarm emails, head of security doesn't need to be alerted by email when cam goes down)

Remote adminstration

I'll second the built in UPS, and add the ability to stop the drives before the UPS completely dies (to protect HDD's)

Motion Tracking with PTZ camera

The primary AND secondary outputs having the SAME abilities, programmable

Alarm Input triggers, and relay outputs to seperate monitoring device (security system, etc) to inform of problems or events

remote keyboard, able to control multiple DVR's via linking

Ok, that's just a few of what I had. Question: can we suggest manufacturers as a way of giving examples of features we like with their particular product? Might help us with visualizing certain concepts. eg, I'm not sure exactly what "network aware" means

I'm wondering if any knows any expandable DVR's? Non PC based preferably, expandable to the 64 or higher range. With network, SCSI, and maybe multiple monitor (even expandable there as well). I guess I'm looking for a Matrix system with hard drives. Any ideas? Thanks

Michael