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📝Reviews => X10 Hardware => Camera Reviews => Topic started by: tjdavj on October 22, 2006, 12:02:48 AM

Title: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: tjdavj on October 22, 2006, 12:02:48 AM
This is my first post on this forum, so excuse me if I step on any toes..

I just purchased  the X-10 Sentinel package, complete with the weather resistant dome, since I live in the Pacific Northwest and figured it would be cheap insurance during the winter.
Here's some facts that really aren't apparent it the X-10 advertising sheets:

1. The Sentinel camera is not setup the same as the Vanguard camera! The Pan & Tilt characteristics are very different!

     a. Vanguard camera specs: Pan: 180 degrees Tilt: 70 degrees

     b. Sentinel camera specs:   Pan: 280 degrees Tilt: 30 degrees

While the Sentinel has 100 degrees more horizontal movement than the Vanguard, then major design flaw is that the Sentinel's Pan movement is not only limited to 30 degrees, but those 30 degrees are between approx. -20 and -50 degrees in reference to the horizontal plane.

In other words, with the camera mounted 8 ft. above the ground, you are unable to zoom in on anything more that 25 ft. in front of your camera.
[I have a 100 ft. long driveway and cannot even see who is there]

After examining the security housing, I'm fairly certain that I know why they limited the tilt of the camera. Whoever designed the clear dome forgot to consider the the optical requirements of the dome and made the last 3/4" of the dome taper out to the mounting flange. This caused major optical distortion as the camera tilted up towards the horizontal plane, so they had to limit the travel.

The only practical application I can see where you can use the full capabilities of the zoom is mounting the camera 20-30 ft. off the ground.

I will say that with the camera centered and @ full optical zoom [x22], I was able to read the type on a quarter(approx. 15 ft from the cam), and that I was able to access the "myHome" Internet application remotely and control the camera with very little effort. Oh, and most of all the video quality as far better than the standard x-10 cams.

Hope this helps,
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: TakeTheActive on October 22, 2006, 05:41:35 AM
Quote from: tjdavj on October 22, 2006, 12:02:48 AM
1. The Sentinel camera is not setup the same as the Vanguard camera! The Pan & Tilt characteristics are very different!

     a. Vanguard camera specs: Pan: 180 degrees Tilt: 70 degrees

     b. Sentinel camera specs:   Pan: 280 degrees Tilt: 30 degrees

While the Sentinel has 100 degrees more horizontal movement than the Vanguard, then major design flaw is that the Sentinel's Pan movement is not only limited to 30 degrees, but those 30 degrees are between approx. -20 and -50 degrees in reference to the horizontal plane.

In other words, with the camera mounted 8 ft. above the ground, you are unable to zoom in on anything more that 25 ft. in front of your camera.
[I have a 100 ft. long driveway and cannot even see who is there.]

Nice review with an EXCELLENT explanation of the fault. Although I don't have any X10 cameras, the "Old Tinkerer" in me thought of a possible "workaround".

What about inserting a section of a 2x8 cut into a wedge (angle to be determined by trial-and-error; let's say 20 degrees to start) between the camera and your house to change the RANGE to approx. 0 and -30 degrees in reference to the horizon? That might allow you to see to the end of your 100 ft driveway. But, what would you lose closer to the house?

Quote from: tjdavj on October 22, 2006, 12:02:48 AM
This is my first post on this forum, so excuse me if I step on any toes..

Welcome NEWBIE (first time poster)! :)  Please visit:

GUESTS/LURKERS: Why Don't You Register (and Become NEWBIEs)?  (Read 714 times) (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=10503.0)

;)
and introduce yourself.
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: tjdavj on October 22, 2006, 12:34:53 PM
TTA, thanks for the input, but the wedge idea doesn't work in my situation, as I need full horizontal coverage for maximum effect. I actually may have another idea that involves replacing the Sentinel package with the Video conferencing package, and buying a plastic camera dome for weather considerations.

Also, are you aware of anyone that has dis-assembled a Vanguard camera and posted their findings? I'm very interested in how the P/T travel limits are controlled. Externally, the Vanguard and Sentinel cameras are identical, so why do the have different P/T limits?, and can you modify them?

ps: Are you still having issues w/ W2K?


Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: DMC3551 on November 08, 2006, 08:49:40 AM
Sentinel Tilt Modifications

Please be forwarned, this modification is not supported by X10, at least not yet.

The way the tilt limit works on the Sentinel is as follows. As we know the head pivots up and down on the turret mounted to the base. Inside the turret there is a half moon shaped plastic gear that is actuated by a pinion. This pinion is meshed with the plastic gear to perform the tilt function.

On the side of the plastic gear is an aluminum piece of foil. You will also notice a sensor on the board right next to the pinion.  This is the tilt limit mechanism used by X10. Shorten the foil and you extend the degree of tilt. All I did was cut the foil just over a half lengthwise. This has afforded me an extra 40 degrees tilt.

The Fix:


There you go, tilt is fixed. I did not look into the pan function as this was not a concern. My only concern was that I could not tilt past the 30 degree limitation. Also note that you willl still get some distortion because of the plastic dome mention in the previous posts by tjdavj.

I have done this and it works. This is not for the faint at heart as it requires a lot of manual dexterity to avoid breaking wires and postioning the turret for reassemby.

Hope this helps

DMC3551
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: tjdavj on November 08, 2006, 11:56:29 AM
DCM3551, Thanks for the reply.

This is exactly the information  I was looking for. I actually sent my Sentinel back for a refund and ordered the "Voice Calling" system that has the VK77A Vanguard camera, which is working fine with the exception that it has less pan than the Sentinel. Now that I have an idea how they are controlling the movement, I will see if I can modify the VK77A to duplicate the pan of the Sentinel. I will report back with the details.

Thanks again.
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: johnsti on May 03, 2007, 06:39:33 PM
Quote from: tjdavj on November 08, 2006, 11:56:29 AM
DCM3551, Thanks for the reply.

This is exactly the information  I was looking for. I actually sent my Sentinel back for a refund and ordered the "Voice Calling" system that has the VK77A Vanguard camera, which is working fine with the exception that it has less pan than the Sentinel. Now that I have an idea how they are controlling the movement, I will see if I can modify the VK77A to duplicate the pan of the Sentinel. I will report back with the details.

Thanks again.

Were you able to increase the vanguards ability to pan more?
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: tjdavj on May 03, 2007, 06:56:38 PM
Quote
Were you able to increase the vanguards ability to pan more?

Nope, as far as I can tell, it's controlled in the firmware of the camera. I think they originally set it up to use a reflective surface like the tilt function, but at some point, changed it. I really can't remember the specifics, since I did the research so long ago, so take this with a grain of salt. It may be that I missed something, so if you're mechano-electronically inclined, take a stab at it. It's not that hard to dis-assemble, just be careful putting it back together. (I trashed the internal video cables by accident)

anyway, good luck.

tj
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: HA Dave on October 05, 2007, 12:29:42 PM
I just received my Sentinel Camera yesterday and only got to do a little testing with it last night.

Although I have been using security cameras (of various brands, including X10) for over a year, I felt like a newbie. This camera is in a class of it's own! Totally awesome optics, with a quick and pin-point accurate pan, tilt, and ZOOM (and I do mean ZOOM). I don't recall reading about the auto and manual focus anywhere so that was a nice surprise too. The quality of the video is equal to the type of video camera used to take home movies.

Setup is FAST easy and straight forward, the manual was clearly written and easy to understand. It didn't seem technocal at all. I am totally impressed with the Sentinel.

I use several cameras in my setup now, but I could easily replace most of them with this one camera... AND get better results. I could have saved considerable time money and hassle if I would have went top-of-the-line at the beginning. I have often read of people wanting to identify trespassers or read automobile license plates with a security camera. This is the camera for those difficult tasks.
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: RickC on November 29, 2007, 11:19:07 PM
I too bought the sentinal - very sharp picture - I found the exact same limitations as you on the tilt and zoom.  Nice if its 20 feet off the ground, you might see what you were really hoping for.  Added to your distresses mentioned - the pan is very jerky and sticks constantly - VERY irritating.
On top of that - X10's site that you have to go through for remote control is VERY iffy - sometimes never connect, sometimes connect with poor speed.  Other times works fine.
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: tjdavj on December 09, 2007, 03:41:50 PM
RickC,

Quote
the pan is very jerky and sticks constantly - VERY irritating.

Sounds like you have a defective drive assy.

I use the VK77A cameras which are mechanically identical to the Sentinel camera, and have had 1 of them replaced due to just this problem.

I would consider getting it replaced while it's still under warranty..

tjdavj
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: bd0844 on January 12, 2008, 02:40:38 AM
Quote
What about inserting a section of a 2x8 cut into a wedge (angle to be determined by trial-and-error; let's say 20 degrees to start) between the camera and your house to change the RANGE to approx. 0 and -30 degrees in reference to the horizon?

The only problem with this approach is that the camera does not stay parallel to the ground as it pans, so the picture does not remain level.

 :) The FIX posted by DMC3551 seems to be one that increases the tilt without changing the other characterisitcs of the camera,  :( however it has the disadvantage of voiding the warranty.
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: bd0844 on January 12, 2008, 02:55:09 AM
The Sentinel PTZ camera can operate wireless or wired.  There is a switch on the Sentinel PTZ camera that will turn off the wireless transmission of the video signal from the camera.  When I asked X10 if it was possible to have it both ways at the same time, wired to one location and wireless to another location, I was told "YES".  However, I was given no explanation how it could be done.  Please can any of the forum members help me on this one?
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: HA Dave on January 12, 2008, 07:24:34 AM
Quote from: bd0844 on January 12, 2008, 02:55:09 AM
..............There is a switch on the Sentinel PTZ camera that will turn off the wireless transmission

......... When I asked X10 if it was possible to have it both ways at the same time


Just don't turn OFF the wireless.

If I understand it correctly... the wireless OFF... protects you from wireless interception/interference. Whereas the wired RCA video is always available. Set-up your two receiving areas... one an RCA-in and another using the video receiver.
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: steven r on January 12, 2008, 10:34:36 AM
Quote from: Dave_x10_L on January 12, 2008, 07:24:34 AM
...Set-up your two receiving areas... one an RCA-in and another using the video receiver.
This is exactly what I do. I'm hardwired to the computer via a VA11A for AHP and have wireless connection to both TVs one through a VCR.
I have also observed that while the camera must be ON for all movement functions such as panning and zooming, turning the camera OFF turns off the wireless feed but the wired feed stays live.
I have no idea if the sentential is subject to image burn in if it stays pointed in one direction. In a previous chat Dave made the suggestion that I have it do a sweep a couple times a day. Since I already had a macro for that I simply put a couple timers on the macro as a precaution.
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: bd0844 on January 12, 2008, 01:20:48 PM
Thanks "Dave X10" and "steven r" for your help!
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: zach1234 on March 17, 2008, 10:34:02 PM
I have a sentinel dedicated to a demo for public access. See it at homeautomationchat.zoomshare.com. Make sure to correct the quality.
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: eldurval on April 06, 2008, 11:57:15 PM
Be careful with the X10 cameras, the staff of this company is very friendly when it comes to sell you a cam, but when they have purchased a camera, they have very bad service, and the cameras are less than half of what they announce whether is that the cameras manage to be functional more than three months.

I have two camera they buy them and sold them to two customers, they returned the camera to me that never worked and now I have the camera practically garbage, after this I lost more than 5000 dollars in this company.


be carefull
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: theworkingman00 on September 29, 2009, 05:39:41 AM
The Sentinel really does not hold up the weight of its price tag. But in this market it is a good choose. Many high dollar products abound and Sentinel in the middle of the road with much of the bells and bangggs. Still, bucks...Bucks...BUcks...BUCks...BUCKs...BUCKS$$$$$$%$$%%$$%%$%$OUCH >*< >*< >*< >*< >*<LOL
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: HA Dave on September 29, 2009, 10:14:55 AM
Quote from: theworkingman00 on September 29, 2009, 05:39:41 AM
Still, bucks...Bucks...BUcks...BUCks...BUCKs...BUCKS$$$$$$%$$%%$$%%$%$OUCH

Oh come on. None of this stuff is free. The Sentinel has one of the finest zooms on the market... at a fraction of the cost of most in its class. What would you recommend as a cheaper way to go?
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: SteveF-Sentinel on March 14, 2010, 10:35:34 PM
Hi,
I'm new to this forum and this is my first post.  I have 2 Sentinel cameras and am having the same problem with the tilt as described by others here.  I am interested in trying the solution described below by DMC3551, but have a few questions:


This original post is about 3 1/2 years old, so if anyone has any new suggestions, Id appreciate the help.

Thanks
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: STI2NR on March 28, 2010, 02:30:44 PM
Does the sentinel retain its settings if you say have 1 sentinel camera and 3 standard x10 wireless cameras? 

If I change between the cameras is the sentinel going to reset its settings??

Does it come with a switching power supply like the standard x10 cameras so you can include it in your "4 camera" setup?? 

;-)
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: nybuck on March 28, 2010, 02:51:46 PM
I have read here that the switched power only stops the wireless video transmitter, not the camera (or the RCA video output) so it should not change the settings.

I have not tried it myself, though...
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: Brian H on March 28, 2010, 03:27:01 PM
The Instant on wireless cameras keep the video detector and electronics active and switch the RF on and off.
The older ones took a few seconds for the video detector to charge up and the picture faded up as it turned on. For a time when both versions where being made. The Instant On ones cost more than the originals.
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: STI2NR on March 28, 2010, 06:57:38 PM
I KNOW what the standard x10 cams will do but I want to know from an OWNER of a sentinel camera if the camera retains its settings once a motion detector switches over to another camera and then back to the sentinel. 

Thanks!!!!!!!!!

;-)
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: Brian H on March 28, 2010, 08:10:19 PM
I am glad you know the standard cameras.
I hope someone with the Sentinel will have the added data you need.

Have you had a chance to look at the Sentinel information in the wiki?
http://kbase.x10.com/wiki/Sentinel
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: HA Dave on March 28, 2010, 09:31:00 PM
Quote from: STI2NR on March 28, 2010, 06:57:38 PM
I want to know from an OWNER of a sentinel camera if the camera retains its settings once a motion detector switches over to another camera and then back to the sentinel. 

Yes it does. The camera doesn't really turn off. Off for the Sentinel means the RF video is turned off... Only. The hardwired video always displays.
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: STI2NR on March 30, 2010, 11:25:32 PM
Thanks Dave, you are always so helpful on these boards.

A couple more questions, if the motion sensors switch to another camera other than the SENTINEL and the SENTINEL is doing it's automated PTZ, will it continue to do it's programmed PTZ?? 

Let's say I set the SENTINEL up to pan back and forth all day automatically, will it continue to do this if switched to another camera??

Also, is there any software that allows for you to set up the SENTINEL so it will track and follow a moving object as best it can on the screen??

I know ABELCAM software does this but I do not think it is able to control a sentinel camera, just an IP camera.

Thanks again for your time!!!
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: HA Dave on March 31, 2010, 12:30:50 AM
Quote from: STI2NR on March 30, 2010, 11:25:32 PM
A couple more questions, if the motion sensors switch to another camera other than the SENTINEL and the SENTINEL is doing it's automated PTZ, will it continue to do it's programmed PTZ?? 
Let's say I set the SENTINEL up to pan back and forth all day automatically, will it continue to do this if switched to another camera??
I don't know. I no longer have a Sentinel to test... and I can't remember.

Quote from: STI2NR on March 30, 2010, 11:25:32 PM
Also, is there any software that allows for you to set up the SENTINEL so it will track and follow a moving object as best it can on the screen??

There is a guy that wrote a face tracking software:  http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=19504.msg109054#msg109054
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: STI2NR on April 09, 2010, 08:28:37 PM


Anyone know of a source to get just the sentinel weatherproof housings??

Thanks for the help once again!!
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: HA Dave on April 09, 2010, 09:03:15 PM
Quote from: STI2NR on April 09, 2010, 08:28:37 PM
Anyone know of a source to get just the sentinel weatherproof housings??

I have heard eBay. But I just made search... and didn't find anything. I guess you could try modifying a large (dummy) dome (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250526510390).
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: STI2NR on April 10, 2010, 01:56:18 PM
Yeah I saw those Dave.  I am trying to find the manufacturer of the cameras and the housings in mainland china. 

I refuse to pay 399 a piece for these.

Where there is a will, there is a way!!

I need 2 of them with a single remote.

Know any leads let me know! 

;-)
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: HA Dave on April 10, 2010, 06:30:48 PM
Quote from: STI2NR on April 10, 2010, 01:56:18 PM
....... I refuse to pay 399 a piece for these.

That is a chunk of change.. for sure. However the Sentinel is a fine camera. Finding a reputable source that will beat X10's deal on two cameras (and I assume you have called X10) might be hard to do. I would have a hard time trusting someone who would be openly willing to cheat a business partner. 
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: julez12 on December 19, 2010, 11:05:30 PM
ok - I know the original post is years old, just curious.......is there a new and improved sentinel camera that has a larger range for the tilt?
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: HA Dave on December 20, 2010, 09:09:21 AM
Quote from: julez12 on December 19, 2010, 11:05:30 PM
ok - I know the original post is years old, just curious

Old threads never die... we are a democratic forum... anyone can dig up anything and get it restarted. I also read your other post http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=22122.msg125745#msg125745 and noticed you have nice shopping list of requirements.

Quote from: julez12 on December 19, 2010, 11:05:30 PM
.......is there a new and improved sentinel camera that has a larger range for the tilt?

I haven't heard [read] of any changes. But unless your trying to work around a very restricted space... the tilt limit shouldn't be a problem. Of course... if you want to look straight down a less-than-tall building a quality fixed camera may be more useful.
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: julez12 on December 20, 2010, 07:16:13 PM
Hi Dave -

No I am not planning on working around a restricted place... just wanted to be able to get the best view!  =)  As for my xmas list.. yup, I have been a good girl this year ....so SANTA owes me! haha  sooooooooooooo... any recommendations??
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: HA Dave on December 20, 2010, 10:38:08 PM
Quote from: julez12 on December 20, 2010, 07:16:13 PM
Hi Dave -

No I am not planning on working around a restricted place... just wanted to be able to get the best view! 

Camera views... like any other view cones outward. So like the little camera I have mounted to the side on my house [to see the frontdoor] has to be aimed toward the driveway. Because of the coning effect if I didn't half of my video image would be house siding.

Glad to hear your in tight with Santa... that can't hurt. I often recommend that people new to security cameras buy a cheap X10 "one camera deal". It's a great way to learn whats needed to avoid the comman mistakes. What you described in your wishlist (another thread) was pretty extentive.
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: julez12 on December 21, 2010, 02:43:05 AM
can you just educate me on the "common mistakes?"  this is the reason i came to the forum... for some good advice!  =)
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: Brian H on December 21, 2010, 06:01:17 AM
Here is the information sheet on them from the wiki. It may answer some of your questions.
http://kbase.x10.com/wiki/Sentinel

I am sure anyone else using the Sentinel will also give you their findings.
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: HA Dave on December 21, 2010, 07:24:10 PM
Quote from: julez12 on December 21, 2010, 02:43:05 AM
can you just educate me on the "common mistakes?" 

Well... let me start by saying whereas I did own a Sentinel... I found it a too [extremely] powerful of a tool... for my small city lot.

Comman mistakes are: People think that somehow... getting video of someone committing a crime changes something.... it doesn't. Proving that an X or an old boyfriend is vandalizing your home... doesn't undo anything. Catching people red-handed doesn't reform them. Courts don't alter peoples thought processes.... courts punish people. Cameras are a great technology... but it doesn't change people or alter an otherwise complex, inefficient and time consuming court process. 

If you already have an ongoing conflict... adding a video camera to the conflict could (read as more likely will) make it more violent. If you have a conflict with a neighbor... I've never heard of a camera ever making the situation better. If your trying to catch someone.... and your NOT a policeperson... maybe you should re-think your mission.

Those are the comman things. What is it your intending to use cameras for?
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: julez12 on December 22, 2010, 03:44:09 AM
Hola Dave -

Thanks for your honest opinion!  At this time, the ONLY reason that we will be adding some cameras to our house is for the simple reason of security.  It's for that "what if" scenario that could happen!  So as of right now, we love our neighbors, love our city, etc!  It just brings a piece of mind to our family having some extra security and I like the fun stuff that these cameras do!  =) 

As for your opinion on nothing changing if you have video of someone committing a crime.... I guess that is where we differ.  I am not sure what state you live in, but having video of a crime taking place is pretty much a slam dunk in the state that I am!  If an X did vandalize my home, the video would get me a WIN in court against him and he would pay!  =)  But again... I don't have any concerns about an X coming around!  You are right on catching people and not reforming them, but it will make them be help accountable for their actions!  Once again... you are right, courts don't alter peoples thought processes, and you are right... they do punish them for the crime that they have committed!  I guess in my eyes that is what court is for and why we need them?  I don't really think people should get away with crimes just for the heck of it?!?!?  As for court being an inefficient and time consuming process, this is something I know first hand about and unfortunately my job requires me to go to court many times a week and let me just tell you.... if I had a video of the crime that took place, I probably wouldn't have to waste a day in court!  =) 

Once again, I will stress that there is no conflict and I wouldn't be adding fuel any fires!  =)  I am a police person and although I am not trying to catch anyone (wellll... maybe that little tagger who keeps tagging the mailboxes), then I guess I don't need to rethink my mission!  =) 

Soooooooooooooo nowwwww... back to my wishlist - is it good stuff?!?!!??!?   =))
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: HA Dave on December 22, 2010, 09:21:58 AM
Quote from: julez12 on December 22, 2010, 03:44:09 AM
Soooooooooooooo nowwwww... back to my wishlist - is it good stuff?!?!!??!?   =))

Your wishlist: http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=22122.msg125745#msg125745  has (I think) contradictions in it. You may want to read more about security systems and try a single camera as part of a learning process. I will post more.... at that thread.
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: HA Dave on December 22, 2010, 09:47:23 AM
Quote from: julez12 on December 22, 2010, 03:44:09 AM
At this time, the ONLY reason that we will be adding some cameras to our house is for the simple reason of security. 
As for your opinion on nothing changing if you have video of someone committing a crime.... I guess that is where we differ.  I am not sure what state you live in, but having video of a crime taking place is pretty much a slam dunk in the state that I am! 

I live in Ohio. In Ohio if we collect a video of someone cutting our childs throat... the courts here in Ohio won't be able to UNcut the throat. In Ohio killed people remain killed (even with really really good video). In Ohio we mourn our losses wether or not the courts imprison someone.

Don't know what state YOU live in.... but glad to hear you've figured out better ways than us here in MY state.
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: julez12 on December 22, 2010, 08:36:40 PM
Dave - I'm in OHIO too!!  =)  Guess we are neighbors!!!!!   rofl
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: HA Dave on December 22, 2010, 10:34:00 PM
Quote from: julez12 on December 22, 2010, 08:36:40 PM
Dave - I'm in OHIO too!! 

Well then you should also keep in mind that we can't record audio [in Ohio as well as some other states]. As I understand it (I am not a lawyer) law prohibits us from recording audio (older laws). But video is OK... as long as its in a place where people would normally expect to be seen.
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: deddlemon on January 21, 2011, 12:01:34 PM
Has everyone had better luck with the Sentinel than the VanGuard VK77a in regard to the el cheapo plastic gears busting and the camera interfering with your other cameras after a couple of years. The VanGuard worked great for me for about 2 years. I bought another and it lasted about 2 years as well. The gears went first and then I just could not get them to work in my wireless environment. Like I said, I bought a second after two years and set it up like the first and it worked fine for about another 2 years and did the same thing (Gears went then the picture a few months later). Just wondering if anyone has had the Sentinel long enough to say its a better system and does not break. Thanks in advance for any input you can share.
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: Frank3d on January 31, 2011, 07:44:18 PM
That's why I myself always pay the extra for the 5yr warranty. It has payed off immensely in the past for me and I have both Vanguards and Sentinels.
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: petgroom on February 04, 2012, 12:34:54 PM
how did you re align the cam/gear teeth?
Title: Re: Sentinel Cam review
Post by: petgroom on June 26, 2012, 05:57:13 PM
how do you get the gear and pinion aligned correctly?