X10 Community Forum
📸Cameras & Camera Software => Legacy non Wi-Fi X10 Cameras => Camera General Discussion => Wireless Cameras(non IP) => Topic started by: tom j on November 15, 2007, 09:48:06 PM
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Why doesn't x10 make a decent omnidirectional antenna like the setup below. That's why so many people have to go through the acrobatics of trying to adjust the directional antenna on the receiver they make. If you have cameras in the front and the back of your house it's a real balancing act to try to get reception from both and that hogwash about laying it flat is well....... hogwash!!!!!!!!!!!! take a look at the system below and you tell me if this wouldn't be a better way to go.
Tom j
http://www.homesecuritystore.com/ezStore123/DTProductZoom.asp?productID=1648#a1
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I have often wondered the very same thing.
Especially if you mount the X10 cam to a "ninja" pan-tilt base!
What were they thinking (or maybe smoking) when they came up with this? ???
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I have often wondered the very same thing....
Yeah me too. My flood cams are in opposite directions from my computer. There's really no ideal solution with a single receiver.
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I have often wondered the very same thing.
Especially if you mount the X10 cam to a "ninja" pan-tilt base!
What were they thinking (or maybe smoking) when they came up with this? ???
Yep, Yep!!!! I forgot to mention the ninja especially with the ninja mount, must have to do with money. X10 is known for trying to say a few pennies here and there. They can probably get away with a cheaper receiver or something whatever it is I bet you it has to do with cost!!!
Tom j
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I had purchased a tiny little wireless camera (http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=MINI-WIRELESS-CAM&cpc=SCH) (powered by a 9 volt battery) that I duct taped to a remote controlled (toy) Humvee. It has a little nub of a wire antenna, and a omnidirectional receiver. I have set in my easychair and driven the device around in both my front and backyard.... MUCH better flexability than with a "patch" antenna.
The receiver also works with my X10 cameras.
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...The receiver also works with my X10 cameras.
Hmm.. Are you saying you discovered an omni directional receiver that works with all the X10 cameras?
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...The receiver also works with my X10 cameras.
Hmm.. Are you saying you discovered an omni directional receiver that works with all the X10 cameras?
Yes.... but I dont use the sound... not legal here to listen.
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...The receiver also works with my X10 cameras.
Hmm.. Are you saying you discovered an omni directional receiver that works with all the X10 cameras?
Yes.... but I dont use the sound... not legal here to listen.
Dave REALLY?????????? where WHERE!!!!!! we want to know, I didn't know that's what you were saying! we all want to know fill us in PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tom j
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Dave REALLY?????????? where WHERE!!!!!! we want to know, I didn't know that's what you were saying! we all want to know fill us in PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tom j
Wait.... what I said was I bought a camera (an OFF-brand) that can also pick up an X10 video (I don't use sound with my cameras). In my original post I included a link (below) to the camera/receiver. I know I can receive VIDEO on channel D.
I had purchased a tiny little wireless camera (http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=MINI-WIRELESS-CAM&cpc=SCH) (powered by a 9 volt battery) that I duct taped to a remote controlled (toy) Humvee. It has a little nub of a wire antenna, and a omnidirectional receiver. I have set in my easychair and driven the device around in both my front and backyard.... MUCH better flexability than with a "patch" antenna.
The receiver also works with my X10 cameras.
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Dave,
I liked the looks of that camera/receiver combo. Also the 'ability' of the receiver able to work with
X-10 Cam's, so I ordered one. :)
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Took this off another post here on the wireless Cameras board seems like a lot of folks agree with me,
Tom j
Partial Quote:
Regarding the quality of x10 products in general, I found that everything can be made to work as advertised except for the wireless video transmission, which is really not good enough for use with multiple cameras in a typical home even if it is cheap. The reason is that while you may be able to get 1 or 2 positioned just right, getting the receiver antenna positioned just right to be able to clearly receive a wireless video signal from 8 different camera locations is unlikely.
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I had purchased a tiny little wireless camera (http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=MINI-WIRELESS-CAM&cpc=SCH) (powered by a 9 volt battery) that I duct taped to a remote controlled (toy) Humvee. It has a little nub of a wire antenna, and a omnidirectional receiver. I have set in my easychair and driven the device around in both my front and backyard.... MUCH better flexability than with a "patch" antenna.
The receiver also works with my X10 cameras.
Humm sorry Dave didn't see that link whoops :o think I might pick one up also, thanks!
Tom j
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I had purchased a tiny little wireless camera (http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=MINI-WIRELESS-CAM&cpc=SCH) (powered by a 9 volt battery) that I duct taped to a remote controlled (toy) Humvee. It has a little nub of a wire antenna, and a omnidirectional receiver. I have set in my easychair and driven the device around in both my front and backyard.... MUCH better flexability than with a "patch" antenna.
The receiver also works with my X10 cameras.
Dave you obviously have dealt with these folks before whats your opinion on this set of four seems like there's a remote of some sort, wondering what the picture quality is like, might just dump my x10 stuff note the receiver is Omnidirectional!! :P Thanks!
Tom j
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Tom,
You would know the price would DROP day after I made my order. :(
But it looks good.
I like the omni idea also. :)
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Dave you obviously have dealt with these folks before.........
I've bought a few things from Geeks.com (http://Geeks.com). I have always been happy with my purchases.
...........whats your opinion on this set of four seems like there's a remote of some sort, wondering what the picture quality is like, might just dump my x10 stuff note the receiver is Omnidirectional!! :P Thanks!
Tom j
I use both wired and wireless cameras, color and B&W, IR and regular, X10 and non-X10.......... my favorite are the X10 cams. X10 cameras are tough, little easy to hide, work horses. And best yet for intergrading into a Home Automation system.
I have an IR camera mounted where it can be easily spotted by a potential intruder! It is larger than the X10 cams, it is painted silver and glows RED when on. I think it works well as a deterrent, and its great for manually (by manually... I mean saying: "Computer... nightvision camera ON") peeking outside (from my easychair) when it's dark outside.
However... I also have several lights and floodlights on motion sensors. The lights also serve as a deterrent, and make IR unnecessary. As an added deterrent.... I also have an outside voice announcement I created using the X10 motion sensor and BVC (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm). I show the lights and announcement on the video from my Web Site (http://davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm).
I am a big believer in deterring intruders.... I started a thread on the subject (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=13351.0).
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Why doesn't x10 make a decent omnidirectional antenna like the setup below.
Omnidirectional antennas have their own set of problems. For a transmitter, it requires substantially more power, to transmit the same distance. For a receiver, it makes it more susceptible to noise and reflections.
Now, for your application, you might be willing to live with these problems in order to gain solutions to other problems, but I am not sure that all users would too.
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Why doesn't x10 make a decent omnidirectional antenna like the setup below.
Omnidirectional antennas have their own set of problems. For a transmitter, it requires substantially more power, to transmit the same distance. For a receiver, it makes it more susceptible to noise and reflections.
Now, for your application, you might be willing to live with these problems in order to gain solutions to other problems, but I am not sure that all users would too.
I have a friend that JUST bought the setup below and has experienced NONE of the problems you sighted. To me it's pure lunacy to sell a setup for multiple cameras and supply a directional antenna. I've never been able to get decent reception from all of my 4 x10 cameras. A friend of mine has a 3 camera setup and has excellent reception with the three camera system he has, witch of course uses a omnidirectional antenna. To get all 4 x10 cams working you would have to basically be a contortionist!!!
Tom j
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Tom,
Its the antenna & mounting on the X-10 Cams when they are on pan/tilt.
Directional antennas do have their place, but should NOT change position just because
you panned the camera.
;)
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Tom,
Its the antenna & mounting on the X-10 Cams when they are on pan/tilt.
Directional antennas do have their place, but should NOT change position just because
you panned the camera.
;)
I don't even have a ninja mount :P
Tom j
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Tom,
All I can say is Wow!, just WOW! :(
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Tom,
I just received the wireless cam & receiver from the geeks.com,
I have to say its range is 200+ ft. (and that is going from back room of house to INSIDE
my SUV parked across the front yard.
its just single channel, but the receiver has a tuner on it to ajust the reception.
The video is very good color, IMHO. For $35, its well worth it.
Also, if you need audio, I can pick up a conversation 3 rooms away from the camera
very clearly.
:)
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Tom,
I just received the wireless cam & receiver from the geeks.com,
its just single channel, but the receiver has a tuner on it to ajust the reception.
The camera has 4 channels (just like the X10 cams) the tiny switchable pins are on the back of the camera.
P.S. Don't tell Birdzeye about being able to view the cams from your car (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=14024.msg77900#msg77900).
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Dave,
You are correct, I missed the T-I-N-Y little switches!!!
Still very impressed with the combo!
:)
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Dave,
As to my comment on:
"I have to say its range is 200+ ft. (and that is going from back room of house to INSIDE
my SUV parked across the front yard......."
I put the camera in my SUV, with it connected to a 9V battery just to check the range.
Receiver was connected to TV in back bedroom, it was over 200 Ft. :)
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Tom,
I just received the wireless cam & receiver from the geeks.com,
I have to say its range is 200+ ft. (and that is going from back room of house to INSIDE
my SUV parked across the front yard.
its just single channel, but the receiver has a tuner on it to ajust the reception.
The video is very good color, IMHO. For $35, its well worth it.
Also, if you need audio, I can pick up a conversation 3 rooms away from the camera
very clearly.
:)
Hi Thanks!!! just got saw your message thanks for the feedback will get back I have some questions. Happy Holidays!
Tom j
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P.S. Don't tell Birdzeye about being able to view the cams from your car (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=14024.msg77900#msg77900).
I heard that! :D
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P.S. Don't tell Birdzeye about being able to view the cams from your car (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=14024.msg77900#msg77900).
I heard that! :D
Yes... I must admit birdzeye... it is possiable to listen-in on a camera user when the cameras are mounted inside. However... I would also think it is very unlikely.
But maybe you could make lemonaid (sorta speak) and use the cameras microphones to setup a BVC (http://davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm) whole-house microphone system (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=12202.msg67395#msg67395).
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Dave,
As to my comment on:
"I have to say its range is 200+ ft. (and that is going from back room of house to INSIDE
my SUV parked across the front yard......."
I put the camera in my SUV, with it connected to a 9V battery just to check the range.
Receiver was connected to TV in back bedroom, it was over 200 Ft. :)
Wow 200 ft. Unbelievable!! why can't x10 make a decent receiver like this, looks like I'm going to have to purchase one of these just to make use of my three camera setup.
Tom j
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...The receiver also works with my X10 cameras.
Hmm.. Are you saying you discovered an omni directional receiver that works with all the X10 cameras?
Yes.... but I dont use the sound... not legal here to listen.
My question - before I buy this little camera/receiver combo or refuse the receipt of my X10 system is this:
I want to ONLY record to my PC. Will this receiver work in place of my X10 receiver for this purpose and allow me to use 4 (X10) or more cameras, connected to my PC?
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...My question... ...Will this receiver work in place of my X10 receiver for this purpose and allow me to use 4 (X10) or more cameras, connected to my PC?
It will work as well or better than the X10 receiver. I prefer it for my uses. Unlike the X10 receiver that has switches to select the channel, this receiver has a knob to tune in the camera.
Using more than 4 cameras may create a few challenges with both it or the X10 receiver, however.
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so are you guys saying that this receiver will work WITH the x10 system? or are you REPLACING the x10 system?
I ahve a 4 camera system, and I am having alot of reception problems
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so are you guys saying that this receiver will work WITH the x10 system? or are you REPLACING the x10 system?
I ahve a 4 camera system, and I am having alot of reception problems
There are many different cameras out there. Many (not all) use the 2.4 GHz (freq.) will share a channel or two... but even then.. not often both video and audio. A little searching will provide you with the frequency's used by the cameras. Here is a post that share X10's (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=8005.msg51423#msg51423).
But even with research... it's a bit of a crap-shoot.