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 May 25, 2011, 11:43:23 PM
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Hi guys anyone have any word on the new x10 cameras? I was wondering if this new receiver they are raving about is really that much better. I was actually going to sell all my x10 stuff camera wise and buy something more sophisticated and with better reception but if the receiver is really that much better I might just try to upgrade the better receiver. I've been complaining about the poor reception due to the directional nature of the antenna system for years so hopefully this will resolve the problem. Looking forward to anyone how has first hand experience with the new cameras and receivers.
Tom j.
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http://forums.x10.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=1t3tmi0c6skkg2qqc3ih24obr1&topic=23613.0
You will not be able to just get a different receiver.
The camera and receiver use a different frequency. Old camera with new pro receiver are not compatible.
http://www.x10.com/promotions/xx30a_ed_xcam_pro_premiere.html#own
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I can see where users are a little confused. This statement is on the Xcam Pro page.
"X10 COMPATIBLE! XCam PRO cameras work with your other X10 surveillance products. All you need is the Video Receiver PRO (included)! "
This to me gives you the idea that all your old cams will work with the new receiver.
They need to also put on there that you will probably need a Y splitter if your going to use it with your old receiver and cams.
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http://forums.x10.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=1t3tmi0c6skkg2qqc3ih24obr1&topic=23613.0
You will not be able to just get a different receiver.
The camera and receiver use a different frequency. Old camera with new pro receiver are not compatible.
http://www.x10.com/promotions/xx30a_ed_xcam_pro_premiere.html#own
Say thanks Brian! well guess I'll be moving on seems like if they had been smart enough to just upgrade the receiver they could have made a bundle but that's x10 for ya!
Tom j.
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I can see where users are a little confused. This statement is on the Xcam Pro page.
"X10 COMPATIBLE! XCam PRO cameras work with your other X10 surveillance products. All you need is the Video Receiver PRO (included)! "
This to me gives you the idea that all your old cams will work with the new receiver.
They need to also put on there that you will probably need a Y splitter if your going to use it with your old receiver and cams.
Thanks Hawk1 I definitely agree, thanks for the feedback! :)%
Tom j.
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A new receive for the same quality camera. Probably would not do too much. As you would still have the 2.4GHz sharing with other devices and the cameras properties.
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Your welcome Tom J. Just trying to give back a little. In other words, if you want to use the feature of the new Xcam Pro "will not interfere with your wireless network" you would have to get rid of all your old Xcams and just use the new ones.
So in all actuality you can't have that feature and be compatible with the old Xcams. This is kind of a contradictory statement. In my opinion anyway.
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The web page says you can still use your original cameras and receiver with the new cameras and receivers. When they get the software updated to do both.
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Your welcome Tom J. Just trying to give back a little. In other words, if you want to use the feature of the new Xcam Pro "will not interfere with your wireless network" you would have to get rid of all your old Xcams and just use the new ones.
So in all actuality you can't have that feature and be compatible with the old Xcams. This is kind of a contradictory statement. In my opinion anyway.
Well that's a welcome feature, what frequency does it run at anyway, I do like the fact it won't interfere with my 2.4 stuff though. Thanks!
Tom j.
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I believe I read it runs close to 900 mhz. But don't quote me on it.
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In the other XCam Pro thread referenced in my earlier post. Deemar chatted with an X10 representative and was told all the specifications. Including 921MHz for the transmit and receive frequency.
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In the other XCam Pro thread referenced in my earlier post. Deemar chatted with an X10 representative and was told all the specifications. Including 921MHz for the transmit and receive frequency.
Thanks for the heads up well is their anyone able to evaluate the reception of the new cameras they still look kind of dorky this is the 21 century after all, and the design still looks like it's stuck in the 80s. rofl :)%
Tom j.
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...........they still look kind of dorky this is the 21 century after all, and the design look like it's stuck in the 80s.
I'd like to see X10 make a dome... (a small compact fixed dome) that the X10 Cameras could be mounted in. The domes really help to make the cameras more vandal/tamper proof and well as making it difficult to tell which direction the camera is pointing.
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Sound??
The XX3xA camera has a microphone, but the VR47A receiver only has video output? B:(
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Maybe a cautious choice.
In some instances. If you record the sound it is illegal.
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Sound??
The XX3xA camera has a microphone, but the VR47A receiver only has video output? B:(
Maybe there is a "show subtitles" option. ;D
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It makes sense not to use the audio... if you think about it.
If you came to my home... it would only be reasonable to expect to be seen by me, the neighbors, people who walk or drive by. It would be an UN-reasonable expectation to expect NOT be seen. Yet... if you don't see me, or anyone else while walking to my door. It would be reasonable for you to expect to be able to say something to a companion... in private.
That is the way (as I understand it) the laws were intended to be used in Ohio. It makes sense to me. I don't use audio, and even if the laws were changed to allow audio... I don't think I would. I have had the neighbors over to see the camera views and demo for themselves. Cameras can add a lot of security and peace of mind... without infringing on privacy.
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I guess it all depends on what your using them for. If you use them for bird watching or animal watching I would like the capability to use audio. The big thing is that if your going to use the microphone as one of its selling features, then you should be able to use the dang thing. IMHO
You know if X10 put this kind of info out BEFORE everyone bought one they wouldn't have all the returns or rants that they have. Now there selling a product that you can't use completely. X10 just got on Facebook and responded to my post saying yes the ones going out right now don't have audio, but there contacting the factory to get the audio ones.
Why sell the dang things then! Wait just a little bit and sell it with the receiver that its supposed to have. Now all the users that bought this little gem are probably going to be upset and want to return the items, because now they have to buy another receiver later to get something that they already paid for.
Don't get me wrong, I love X10 products, and I have them working, but come on X10!
Just my 2 cents.
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I took the plunge and ordered the new XCam Pro wireless camera system. I received an email offering a special pre-order price which included an extra camera bringing the total to 4 cameras and a complete set for viewing on the computer and smartphone. The price was offered at 249.99 with free shipping. I also "Like" them on FB and saved an additional 15%. I called their Tech Support and spoke to Tyler who was very helpful with answering all my questions and never felt like I was a bother. The cameras do run on 900 mhz, they currently will not work with the 2.4 ghz cameras but I too saw something about upcoming software that might allow that. Tyler was not aware of that. The cameras are on their way from either China or Japan and should arrive in a few weeks. I will certainly post here once I have given them a good try.
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I took the plunge and ordered the new XCam Pro wireless camera system. I received an email offering a special pre-order price which included an extra camera bringing the total to 4 cameras and a complete set for viewing on the computer and smartphone. The price was offered at 249.99 with free shipping. I also "Like" them on FB and saved an additional 15%. I called their Tech Support and spoke to Tyler who was very helpful with answering all my questions and never felt like I was a bother. The cameras do run on 900 mhz, they currently will not work with the 2.4 ghz cameras but I too saw something about upcoming software that might allow that. Tyler was not aware of that. The cameras are on their way from either China or Japan and should arrive in a few weeks. I will certainly post here once I have given them a good try.
Hi Grisworld and thanks will you post here after you evaluate them, sounds like you got a great deal! and I hope they work out for you. :)%
Tom j.
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I think they are going with the Pro style across the board.
I now see a Sentinel Pro on the sales pages.
http://www.x10.com/promotions/vk84a_ed_world_premiere_0602.html?EM
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Manual for the VR47A Pro receiver is now online.
ftp://ftp.x10.com/pub/manuals/vr47a-no-audio-rx-om.pdf
My latest Adobe Reader is having problems with opening web linked pdf's. You may have to download the file to look at it.
Manual shows a single receive channel of 921MHz and a warning to keep other devices near 921MHz away from the receiver.
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FCC Database now has all the information. Including schematics, parts list, internal and external photos of the XC30A pro camera.
http://transition.fcc.gov/oet/ea/fccid/
Grantee: B4S
Product Code:-XC30A. Do not leave the - out of the search.
Data in the details tab of the search.
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Anyone have one of these yet that can give a review and with the software or vaporware will the new cameras supposedly work with the older ones?? Thanks!
Tom j.
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The web site is still saying Preorder your now. I don't think they are shipping yet. Though I believe someone here has one on order.
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The cameras do run on 900 mhz, they currently will not work with the 2.4 ghz cameras but I too saw something about upcoming software that might allow that.
ActiveHome Pro 3.315, which released Thursday morning (6/9/2011), added support for dual capture devices, with the intent of allowing you to use the new cameras without replacing all of your old ones.
you will still need a separate receiver for each camera system. They are locked in the hardware to their respective frequencies. You can now connect both receivers to your PC through their own VA12 and ActiveHome can handle switching between the adapters and allow you to use both systems.
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What about 2 va11's?
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Those work too. Sorry i should have used the more generic term "video capture device" instead of VA12 :)
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no problem. thanks :)
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Say what about that Vanguard software does it really work with windows 7 I've heard mixed reviews. And I was thinking this 900 MHz thing might really be a great idea no more interference with my phones and router. But I'm still concerned about the software that and I'm waiting for a report from someone that actually bought one. Thanks!!
Tom j.
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Okay, here is an update to my pre-order purchase. I changed my order to include the four robotic bases to allow Pan and Tilt features. They are offering them for $50 for the four to go with my cameras. I also used the 20% discount from this weekend so the price even got better. They are telling me the cameras should be in around the 3rd or 4th week of June. I will let you all know how they work once I finally get them.
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Thanks for the added information.
We will all like to read of personal users experiences.
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Okay, here is an update to my pre-order purchase. I changed my order to include the four robotic bases to allow Pan and Tilt features. They are offering them for $50 for the four to go with my cameras. I also used the 20% discount from this weekend so the price even got better. They are telling me the cameras should be in around the 3rd or 4th week of June. I will let you all know how they work once I finally get them.
Great can't wait! :)%
Tom j.
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Say what about the floods think they will be updating the floods with the built in cameras?
Tom j.
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I'm on the fence about these things. Does each camera need to be connected to an electrical outlet ala X10 for control, or are they autonomous, battery-supported devices that are polled by the receiver? The images they show of homne exteriors would suggest the latter; however, they're very specific to show battery operated things with the batteries, but really show you nothing with respect to powering the cameras. Help?
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Anyone ready to report on these yet ???
Tom j.
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I'm on the fence about these things. Does each camera need to be connected to an electrical outlet ala X10 for control, or are they autonomous, battery-supported devices that are polled by the receiver?
The cameras operate off line voltage from a "wall wart" transformer which can be turned ON and OFF by X10 control codes fed over the powerline. In multiple wireless camera systems, only one camera can be ON at a time. Powerline signals are used to insure this.
X10 does offer a camera battery pack, however it can run a camera for only about four hours.
Battery operated "things"?
Perhaps those are the motion sensors which can be used to turn on appropriate cameras and start VCRs or computer video logging.
http://www.x10.com/homepage.htm
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Say guys whats the night vision like on the new Xcam Pros? I'm assuming it's the same to the older XCams, with 20% off and free shipping I might have to try one of the newer cameras. Say think I can get anything for my older ones on eBay. Got some new in the box just never really happy with the reception though. Just which they had also updated the styling these still look kind of dorky. Thanks
Tom j.
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Say guys whats the night vision like on the new Xcam Pros? I'm assuming it's the same to the older XCams, with 20% off and free shipping I might have to try one of the newer cameras. Say think I can get anything for my older ones on eBay. Got some new in the box just never really happy with the reception though. Thanks
Tom j.
I can't speak for the new cameras, but I was never happy with the "low light" capabilities of the older NightWatch cameras. I found I needed way too much light to get any sort of image (X10's definition of "low light" and my definition were very different).
I did find, however, that the microphones on those cameras were pretty good. The daytime (plenty of light) pictures were pretty good, too, (as long as the antennas were aimed exactly right).
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I purchased the vanguard sentinals and should have them tomorrow. I will let ya know how the range does with the 900mhz as my range with current 2.4mhz ones suck.
Thanks
Randy
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I purchased the vanguard sentinals and should have them tomorrow. I will let ya know how the range does with the 900mhz as my range with current 2.4mhz ones suck.
Thanks
Randy
Great rnorton88t I've been waiting on a report I was just never satisfied with the reception on the 2.4MHz ones looking forward to your observations. Hay and thanks Noam maybe they have improved them. ???
Tom j.
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I just got my vanguard sentinal with new 900mhz. I will only say I get about 10% better but thats at 20 feet then down hill from that point. Looks like I will be sending them back. I already have the 2.4mhz Vanguards and I can not see any real improvment over 10% at best and after 20 feet then it just does not work so trying to get it to my outside garage makes it usless. I was really hoping for a miracle from X10 but should have known better.
Tech said to check the other 2 camras so I will but will not hold my breath.
Anyone else get the new cameras yet? any word?
Thanks
Randy
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Keep us up to date on the other two.
Slim possibility the one you tried is defective.
If all three are bad. Then either the cameras are no improvement or the receiver is bad making all of them look poor.
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Just did number two camera. Same thing. Actually think the quality of picture is not as good as my other 3 vanguards on the 2.4mhz. I also turned off all other cameras and transmiter just in case that was messing with the 900mhz.
Even close as 15 feet the picture quality has a grainy look to it and my others 2.4 are crystal clear but as usual they don't do ya much good if you can't get more than 25 feet without the picture looking like crap.
Thanks
Randy
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Any chance you have another device using 921MHz or close to it?
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Actually think the quality of picture is not as good as my other 3 vanguards on the 2.4mhz. I also turned off all other cameras and transmiter just in case that was messing with the 900mhz.
Even close as 15 feet the picture quality has a grainy look to it and my others 2.4 are crystal clear but as usual they don't do ya much good if you can't get more than 25 feet without the picture looking like crap.
I don't think you are going to get Vanguard picture quality from a X10 "X Cam". Do you have any of the small X10 cameras to compare to?
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I thought they also have a new Sentinel Pro also in the 900MHz band.
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I have 3 vanguard 2.4mhz. I just got 3 vangaurd sentinals outdoor cameras that do the 900mhz and I only get about 10 more feet then the old 2.4 and thats only about 20 feet at best. Anyone else have better luck? No 900mgh devices in the house at all.
Thanks
Randy B:(
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I have 3 vanguard 2.4mhz. I just got 3 vangaurd sentinals outdoor cameras that do the 900mhz and I only get about 10 more feet then the old 2.4 and thats only about 20 feet at best. Anyone else have better luck? No 900mgh devices in the house at all.
Thanks
Randy B:(
Wow. And everyone really had high hopes for 900MHz to solve a lot of problems. Although 900MHz should relieve the critical aiming problem.
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ya did not seem to really make a difference when I aimed the Antennas much if at all with the 900. Not sure why they used them other than they already had the cases I guess.
Thanks
Randy
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ya did not seem to really make a difference when I aimed the Antennas much if at all with the 900. Not sure why they used them other than they already had the cases I guess.
Thanks
Randy
Wow they probably just decided to save money by not changing the design of the case, you're probably right. And all that hype but no goods! That's sad. :-[
Tom j.
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ya did not seem to really make a difference when I aimed the Antennas much if at all with the 900. Not sure why they used them other than they already had the cases I guess.
IMHO using flat panel antennas at 900MHz doesn't make sense. I'm surprised they did not change to a stick for omni direction....oh well, we are talking X10, I guess I should not be surprised.
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Well who knows what is inside the patch antenna.
Maybe a stick in the middle. :'
The FCC photos don't have inside the patch antenna shots.
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I have 3 vanguard 2.4mhz. I just got 3 vangaurd sentinals outdoor cameras that do the 900mhz and I only get about 10 more feet then the old 2.4 and thats only about 20 feet at best. Anyone else have better luck? No 900mgh devices in the house at all.
Thanks
Randy B:(
Wow. And everyone really had high hopes for 900MHz to solve a lot of problems. Although 900MHz should relieve the critical aiming problem.
What a let down!! B:(
Tom j.
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I see on the X10 web site a Pro series receiver that has the sound output. For adding to your Pro Camera setup.
http://www.x10.com/promotions/vr45a_ed_avrec_0711.html?EM
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So no one has gotten their XCam Pro camera sets? I was hoping by now someone would have gotten their cams and tried 'em out.... X10.com must be overloaded right now?
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You may want to look at rnorton888's comments in this thread. On the Vanguard Sentinel Pro that is also uses 921MHz.
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Ok, so the range ain't much better. How about the quality of the video?
Bummer...
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I would have to say video is pretty much the same. No real difference.
Thanks
Randy
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Randy-
Do you know the DC connector size for the cameras? I am trying to use a POE injector/splitter to power the cameras, but need to now the connector pin sizes. Let me know if you do. Thanks.
oz
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It should be a 1/8-inch stereo (headphone) connector.