CCTV Security Cameras

BertieUK

Not being a Computer whizkid and also an OAP I would like some ideas into getting the best focus on cctv cameras that I am installing outside of my property.


The system that I have are as follows.


3 x HD-IP 1080 varifocal External IP Bullet camera - XC1080BAP
1 x HD-IP Professional 9/16 camera Network Video Recorder - XRN 1609


My problem at the moment is obtaining a way of obtaining a good clear focus on the cameras because on the underside of the camera is a flap which is on a hinge that drops down revealing the lens adjustment screws (2) so that you are able to adjust the lens to a variable 2.8 to 12mm by means of the two screws.


The only way I can see how to adjust the settings is before you fix the cameras to their brackets outside is to obtain the settings by viewing the monitor in the house.


Has anyone fitted this type of variable lens camera before? the viewing angle can be set between 23 and 92Degrees.


Regards


Bertie

kwikbreaks

I haven't but it sounds like you are talking about a zoom adjustment rather than a focus. I'd start with them at the shortest focal length / widest field of view. If you find that doesn't suit your needs then I guess it will be a case of up and down the ladder. You'll probably need to anyway to get the direction just how you want it. Try to avoid having the sky in view - doubly so if there is any chance the sun will be in it (ie east or west).

Having looked the camera up it seems you are serious about your CCTV.

BertieUK

kwikbreaks Thanks' for your comments and I take your interesting points. The adjusting screw levers are not easy to control if you have large hands, you firstly set the viewing angle then it is tricky getting the clearest focus. Trial and error I suppose.


Yes it seems like there is no shorter way than going up and down the ladder.


I did have the idea of my wife sitting in front of the monitor and me phoning her from my 'mobile but that seemed a bit odd but would be effective.


We have a lot of wildlife in our garden and both my wife and I enjoy watching the 'birdlife.


We also overlook a Conservation area which leaves the area rather exposed so the cameras also act as a deterrent, hopefully.

regards

paddyrg

Can you take the monitor up a ladder with you and plug it straight into the back of the camera for setting it up perfectly? Then once each camera is right, plug it back into the main/recording unit.

I'm guessing the cable attaches to the camera by a bayonet fitting (BNC) - if so, it's signal compatible with the yellow aux plug (common to see red, white and yellow together, or yellow alone) on the back of many TV's, if you've got one of those that's handier.

kwikbreaks

So there is a focus too then - I suppose I should have guessed as you mentioned two controls.

For direction and field of view it does need to be up on the mounting point but you should be able to do the focus at ground level so long as it is looking at broadly the same sort of distance as from on high.

If you have WiFi and a smartphone then most DVRs can be networked and set to broadcast and viewed from a smartphone app. If you don't want it on the public web you can just access it from the internal IP address. That would be easier for making any adustments when up the ladder.

At the price of that stuff the seller should be prepared to give you a bit of user support too.

BertieUK

paddyrg Thanks' for your reply. The connection on the camera is by way of an Ethernet plug although there are a variety of other plugs on the main lead to choose from.


I love your suggestion of taking the monitor up the ladder with me my wife would have an heart attack watching.


kwikbreaks. Again many thank for your input. The company that I purchased the equipment from are excellent and would go out of their way to help but I am an independent 'old codger' that likes to think that I can manage on my own, just a pipe dream really.


I note all of your suggestions and will work on them.


regards

itGuyUK80

Just as an idea, look for off site backup (FTP) as CCTV is pointless if they nick your DVR recorder...

BertieUK

itGuyUK80 wrote: »

Just as an idea, look for off site backup (FTP) as CCTV is pointless if they nick your DVR recorder...

itGuyUK80... Thanks' for your interesting input.


You have made a very valid point indeed, and I will certainly look to see what I would need, thanks.


regards


I notice that you refer to a system with a DVR recorder, this system has a NVR recorder which according to a site I looked at gave the difference as:


With a Network Video Recorder, of course the video input comes from the network—the video has already been encoded at the cameras. What is encoding you may ask? It is simply converting digital video files from one format to another. The video is then streamed to the NVR for storage and it can be viewed remotely due to it being on a network.


With a DVR, it does the encoding at the DVR itself, not at the individual cameras. Since it digitally compresses the analog feed, it must be located near the feed.

itGuyUK80

BertieUK wrote: »

I notice that you refer to a system with a DVR recorder, this system has a NVR recorder which according to a site I looked at gave the difference as:

Sorry, it may be NVR has CCTV systems are not my speciality.. I was thinking from DR (Disaster Recovery) point of view if the data is stolen and not off-loaded to another location like the cloud...

BertieUK

itGuyUK80 wrote: »

Sorry, it may be NVR has CCTV systems are not my speciality.. I was thinking from DR (Disaster Recovery) point of view if the data is stolen and not off-loaded to another location like the cloud...

Please do not apologise for making what I consider a very valid point that I appreciate. I am a Newbie at CCTV and NVR as well as your good self and it is for me being an OAP harder to follow as you get older.


No doubt we will learn more if the more knowledgeable add their findings to these points.


regards