dan732

One word, Junk

If you are going to buy Chinese cameras, buy Hikvision or Duhua, at least they manufacture quality units (by China standards anyways)

Non name Chinese stuff is just a problem down the road, and they usually don't last too long either

It is cheap for a reason

Thanks for the lesson, MindTwist: I'm well aware that the first rule of buying over the internet, and particularly from sites such as ebay, is caveat emptor. However, with all due respect to my supplier, my camera arrived in a sealed box complete with HIKVISION roundel, factory installed English firmware, and a CD with English documentation, applications, utilities, etc. (but sadly not a firmware image, too). Therefore I have nothing to indicate that it is anything other than a legitimately imported HIKVISION camera for use in English-speaking countries. I have also no guarantee that I would have not encoutered the same problems if I had got the camera from a local specialist HIKVISION dealer at over twice the price.

 

If the product had worked in all respects as described in the manufacturer's specifications there would not be an issue. The fact is it didn't, and it is only subsequently as I browsed for issues with HIKVISION cameras that I came across a litany of problems relating to recording and event notification, and the subsequent horrendous procedures needed on occasion to get the functionality to work. Maybe I ought to have been more thorough in my research, but I have used cameras imported from the Far East before, and they did not have the same problems recording, indeed any reasonably competent person could set them up without any particular specialist knowledge. Maybe I should have returned the camera as soon as the problems arose - but I didn't, I tried to get the problems fixed using the advice posted here and on other forums and so now I don't feel I can legitimately ask my supplier to take it back. So, I'm going to make one more attempt to get the camera working as it should. If that fails, it's going back on ebay.

Your local supplier would have sold you a genuine English Hikvision camera, not a hacked one from China. Big difference.

How to tell if you have a Chinese region camera?

In the serial number if you see CCCH in the middle of the serial number, it is a Chinese region camera

If you see CCWR, this is a United States/Europe Camera

If you see CCRR, you are running older firmware, like 5.1.0 or older and this code will change when you upgrade the camera

Fiber is the best option.

 

I second that

 

no grounding issues

 

Even though I had a building inspector wanting the fiber connection and box (plastic) grounded, I said its plastic how do I ground it? He said just run a ground conductor to it because it is a new code.

 

 

Why are these people allowed to continue breeding ?

As for the OP , whichever way you go don't use RG6 it IS NOT better for noise immunity than RG59 when used at CCTV baseband frequencies. It is designed for RF frequencies.

I wasn't even the installer, I was the point of contact for the permit, the work was done by the telephone company. It was a public school building and I was an employee at the time. I just handed it over to the school electrician and he laughed his butt off.

I would just buy the Hikvision NVR and use their IVMS-4200 software on your computer (or the android/iphone equiv.)

Keep it simple

I have the DS-9016 NVR, I do have the option for VCA in the NVR for each channel, just like Motion, Alarm, POS, etc but when I tried to get to work, it would not work. I was using the 5.1.6 firmware and was trying to get traverse/line crossing to work. Set it up on the camera, set trigger channel, nothing. I also have the latest firmware running on the DS-9016 and the DS-9016 is their "higher end" unit as well.

Other then stat, I am pleased with the system, I did not buy the cameras for that function, but it would be nice to get it working someday on a couple cameras. This system was a giant upgrade from the junky Gadspot cameras and Zmodo (bigger junk) DVR that I was using.

Fiber is the best option.

I second that

no grounding issues

Even though I had a building inspector wanting the fiber connection and box (plastic) grounded, I said its plastic how do I ground it? He said just run a ground conductor to it because it is a new code.

In 5.1.2 firmware notes, Hik said Chinese cams would no longer work with IVMS-4200.

 

Which begs the question. What do Chinese customers use for a GUI on their PC's. Is there a Chinese version of IVMS-4200

The Chinese version of VMS

Are you using cameras with mic inputs or are you running mics back to nvr for a different application?

 

If you're running them back through spare pairs on the cat6 then on the cat6, you can use the blue,blue/white and brown, brown/white

 

This is as long as you are not using gigabit LAN.

POE would use those pairs as well

 

Only passive Poe would. So don't use a passive injector.

Use a Poe switch

Not exactly

Depending what "mode" the poe is set up

Mode A no

Mode B yes

Both are defined by 802.11af

The power source device would determine which pairs (or mode) is used

I would say that if pins 4578 are not connected that the switch would use mode A, unless the device calls for more wattage.

I will also say that an install where you are breaking up pairs in an Ethernet cable is a very sloppy install and will create more problems down the road

Are you using cameras with mic inputs or are you running mics back to nvr for a different application?

 

If you're running them back through spare pairs on the cat6 then on the cat6, you can use the blue,blue/white and brown, brown/white

 

This is as long as you are not using gigabit LAN.

POE would use those pairs as well

You also want to review physically security of your property as well

Gates/fences/locks/ and don't forget signage

Personally I am not crazy about "off brand cameras" like Lorex because they buy whatever is available at that moment (they are not manufacturers, they rebrand), so quality and firmware can very by the lot.

I learned the lesson of saving a buck, it always ends up costing you 5 down the road....

Your switches are "consumer" grade, I believe that is your bottleneck (as well as the router). I would invest into Cisco Catalysts 3850's (or 3750x/3750e/3750g older generations that you can buy form refurb companies) and interconnect them using the stack cables. It isn't cheap, but infrastructure is the reason why growing networks like these fall apart.

With the 200ft run, I would run a solid cable with no splices or combiners, you are just asking for trouble with that setup. Also make sure you call before you dig

I would use Hikvision Turret cameras (assuming this is just a normal building) and just place them in the eaves (or even on the wall) they are not as obvious as bullets, which are easy to distinguish as cameras.

On this cable are you placing one camera? Or many? If you are doing many but don't have power in the building, you are going to need to run many "home runs" back to where ever the NVR or POE switch is located. You would be better off bulk cat5e (or cat6) and run the circuits that way.

As for scaring people away with flashing lights or sirens, that might annoy neighbors and you *might* end up with a citation. Plus motion detection on cameras is very sensitive, bugs/spiders/tree branches/ animals could trip it as well

up for helping !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why do you need to upgrade the firmware?

In this case, it appears to be an "unknown" manufacturer, my best advice, buy a new one from a name brand that you can trust

I am not familiar with the QSee product line, some of these manufactures call their items "poe" but are just a fancy analog type system with power through an cat5 cable. I see this with low end consumer stuff

However if it is a real POE system with real IP Ethernet Cameras then yes the runs can go up to 300ft, however, I would recommend using a high quality solid copper cable (not CCA, aka Copper clad aluminum) CCA is junk anyways and should avoid in a POE install. - Are you sure you need a 200ft run? That is a long run in a residence.

As for the Alarm, those inputs are for triggering the system to record from outside sensors like motion or break away sensors, not intended to be used as an alarm system. You should use a professional alarm system for that purpose.

Sounds like junk, I would buy a new camera, and from a different manufacturer (of course)

I would look at the Cisco SG300-10P a 10 port switch (8 POE - 2 non POE Ports) all gigabit as well

Newegg has it for about $283

Very nice cameras BTW.

I would go with a pair of the Cisco SG300-10P

These are good bang for the buck switches with Gigibit uplink ports.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=SG300-10P&N=-1&isNodeId=1

They have external power supplies and are dead silent.

 

Based on your camera selection your not on a shoe string budget.

 

Although down the road I would look at getting a real VMS. If your going to have less than 24 cameras Avigilon Core would be a good affordable choice.

I second the SG300-10P

Great switch and very quiet. I use these in my client's networks, never had a bad one and so far, no dead ones either.

I also have a Lenova lap top, with has an HDMI port built into it.

If I were to use this lap top instead of a conventional monitor, hooking it up from the DVR to the lap top via HDMI, would it be able to replace a monitor as the OP asked?

I am thinking that the lap top would act ONLY as the monitor, and that anything to do with set up of the DVR etc. would be done directly on the DVR itself (not attempting to use the lap top as a computer to attempt to program / adjust the DVR).

The main reason that I ask about this is because many of the newer lap tops (even the lower-end ones) are now coming with a HDMI port built in / stock.

 

Thanks!

Dave

Nope the HDMI port is an output on the laptop and an output on the DVR

Two outs, but no ins, that aint gonna do it

Can I ask you, do you record it to your own hardware? Haven't you thought about the cloud recording?

 

Did you read the title of this thread? He wants to run 32 cameras @ 30FPS. Please tell me what ISP can handle that much bandwidth consently being uploaded to the cloud.

Everybody thinks the cloud is a magical place, somewhere up in the sky, but in reality it is just a bunch of servers in a remote location.

Hey if you work for nothing I have a few jobs you can do for me....

 

Seriously I learned a LONG time ago everytime you try to save a client money, it ends up costing you money. Not worth the effort.

I agree with that sentiment, there is no payoff in saving them money while it costs you a lot of time and grief, time is money as well. Plus if they spend 7K and end up with a mediocre system, they will look at you as a bozo. If they spend 10K and get everything they wanted, even though it cost them more up front, they will look at you as a hero.

I come from a slightly different industry, but the concept is the same. If a client wanted the best, most reliable, most features, I would sell them the Cadillac system, if they wanted something that will do and be reliable, I would sell them a Honda system. If they wanted cheap and bottom of the barrel, I don't sell Yugos go find someone else who will

any benefit of using 6 over 5..or is that not a concern?

As a network guy, I use Cat6 in new installs

As for performance, no difference

Cat6 and Cat5 (or Cat5e), have the same 100m max distance, can support up to Gigabit Ethernet (Cat6 can do 10Gb Ethernet in theory, but is not widely adopted outside the data center anyways)

If what they want costs 10K then it costs 10K, if they can come up with 7, they certainly can dig around the couch cushions for an additional 3K. You have to eat too.

I would have quoted them using high end components at like 25K and then quoted using middle range gear for a much lower number. It usually puts people in perspective of what things really cost. I do network/server installs and I do this all the time. Because if I install low range junk, guess who gets blamed for that? I do....

Sounds like some bozo installed a "ebay special" and now they are ready for a "real" system

I would have quoted a system where the manufacturer actually makes the equipment, not a lorax where they take whatever they can get a good deal on at the moment and stamp their name on it.

Good luck

Thanks for the response, Mgb.

 

The standard day and night cameras tend to look like big, obvious things. I don't know how I could put one of those up and it not be noticed.

 

Thank you for those brand names, I'll certainly check those out.

 

If anyone can think of any specific devices that might suit I'd really love to hear from you!

 

Believe it or not, they probably won't even see them

 

I have signs on my property, large metal reflective signs that state the property has CCTV cameras and trespassers will be prosecuted, people still don't see them.

 

And if they do see them and turn around and leave the property, that is a good thing

 

Because going to court is giant pain in the butt, the system is to help the criminal and victimize the victim even more, not worth it if you can avoid it.

Thanks for the reply, Dan.

 

I don't intend to take the matter to court. Just needing to confirm who they are.

 

My main drive here is to identify the hardware that could meet my needs; if anyone else has some more advice I'd definitely appreciate it.

Your best actions is deterrent, setting up an outside IP Camera (or two) with a sign that states this property is under CCTV surveillance, will deter a majority of the wanabe thugs out there. I would look at a couple Hikvision bullets or domes (if you want go under eaves) and get great shots both day and night. If you have a decent computer, that you don't mind leaving on 24/7 (disable sleep/power saver) and the ability to install or connect a 2TB or larger hard drive as a dedicated video drive, you can use PCNVR to record the footage.

If they are stupid enough to keep vandalizing your property, then you should have the proof you need to take appropriate legal actions.

Well. I've had the camera for about 3 days. Got to play around with it a bit. Problem: the camera doesn't seem to trigger from motion through glass..

 

I have the camera setted up by strapping it to the passenger headrest. I have the motion sensitivity on high. Leaving the camera on for 8 hours, away at work, the only footage I get is: be adjusting the camera and turning it on in the beginning and driving in my car. It has never triggered or anything outside the car (glass).

PIR won't work through glass

Why not strap it to a nearby tree or building?

Unless you live in a apartment complex or HOA

I would look at enterprise level switches, like the higher end Dells or the low end Cisco Catalysts (high end Cisco Catalysts are more then a new car)

Also you need to count those watts as well, just because you can get a 24 or 48 port POE switch does not mean all ports are going to have all the wattage necessary, so check up on that as well

Does your NVR have dual nics? You could buy two switches and have each on its own network.