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📸Cameras & Camera Software => Camera General Discussion => Topic started by: TNP on March 07, 2007, 01:51:58 AM

Title: Wired or wireless, which is better?
Post by: TNP on March 07, 2007, 01:51:58 AM
I'm trying to decide between the wired and wireless cameras. I live out in the country with hardly any light in my yard, so I need good night reception. I also need a camera that can get good reception up to a half an acre during daylight. Would I be better off with a wired system? Can't afford high priced, so I'm looking for the best among the lower priced cameras.
Title: Re: Wired or wireless, which is better?
Post by: JimC on March 07, 2007, 06:37:59 AM
The wired cameras provide a more stable picture especially when using the Ninja. It is also less affected by other electronics like cordless phones and microwaves. In my opinion none of the X10 cameras are worth a darn in low light conditions. As far as viewing a half acre, I guess that depends on what you want to see. At 150 - 200 feet away you will be able to see movement but you will not be able to identify who it is.

To be able to view much of anything at night in low light you really should concider a camera with IR.

Well thats my 2 cents worth. I am sure others will chime in with their opinions.

Jim
Title: Re: Wired or wireless, which is better?
Post by: Tuicemen on March 07, 2007, 06:01:42 PM
As JimC  Pointed out wired cams provide a better pictureand less problems with interference. for a low light camcheck out Walmart (US only) they carry a color nightvision wired cam with built in infra-red lighting for around $50 U.S. ;) :D ;D Many on the forum are using these, myself included! In Any case mount your cam to a Ninja and you'll be able to increase the coverage  and need fewer cams! ;)
Title: Re: Wired or wireless, which is better?
Post by: TNP on March 08, 2007, 10:37:17 PM
Thanks for the info! I remember seeing that camera at Walmart a few months ago, so I went to get one today, but our walmart has raised the price for the Astak 612W to over $100, so I ended up not getting it. I checked Walmart's site, but it's not available there. I wonder if it's something they're discontinuing. Astak's page for "where to buy" just takes me to a "page not found" error.

Does anyone know what the angle of the lens is on the Astak? I've been looking at cameras all day and there is such a variation of what they consider "wide angle".  I'd like to get one that shows a large area, but Astak's specs don't give the angle.

Sam's Club has a Wisecomm outdoor color camera with a 92 degree lens for $48.54. Anyone have any experience with that one?
Title: Re: Wired or wireless, which is better?
Post by: JimC on March 09, 2007, 07:03:41 AM
TNP,
Check out this link it should take you to the Astak site. I did not see the viewing angle for the 612 listed but I checked out several of their wireless cameras and the viewing angle was listed as 62 degrees.

Jim

http://www.astak.com/CM812C2.htm
Title: Re: Wired or wireless, which is better?
Post by: Tuicemen on March 09, 2007, 03:14:29 PM
Here is a link to the Astak cam  (http://store.bluecherry.net/Astak_CM_612W_night_vision_wired_infrared_audio_p/cm-612w.htm) you can get online for $59
The viewing area is slightly greater then the regular X10 cams but not the wide eyes!
I find the color a little washed out in bright daylight and non existent at night but the picture Quality is excellent! If you need a large viewing area I suggest getting a Ninja pan and tilt base and install which ever cam you get to that! ;) You'll be amazed at the coverage!
Title: Re: Wired or wireless, which is better?
Post by: TNP on March 09, 2007, 10:33:46 PM
Thanks, Jim and Tuicemen. I went to an out of town Walmart today and they said they had 2 of the Astaks in stock, but they couldn't find them. They're going to look for them and call me if they find them. If not, I'll order from that site. I also ordered the Wisecomm. Even with the Ninja, the way my property is, I'm going to need 3-4 cameras. At 92 degrees, I'm hoping the Wisecomm will get most of the front without a Ninja, and an Astak on the side, and one on the back with a Ninja. I'm going to try out one Wisecomm and one Astak to start with. Now I gotta figure out how to run cable to the inside of my house (a doublewide mobile home) without having to run them thru the crawlspace. I'm a big wuss when it comes to hanging out with creepy crawly bugs in dark spaces.  ;D
Title: Re: Wired or wireless, which is better?
Post by: HA Dave on March 10, 2007, 01:46:10 PM
Quote from: TNP on March 09, 2007, 10:33:46 PM

 Now I gotta figure out how to run cable to the inside of my house (a doublewide mobile home) without having to run them thru the crawlspace. I'm a big wuss when it comes to hanging out with creepy crawly bugs in dark spaces.  ;D

Nothing like a well done wiring job! [There are at least a couple old wire twisters here at the forum.] A steel fish tape (click here) (http://www.bizrate.com/electricalsupplies/oid407681411.html) and an extendable pole (both available at your local building supply) plus a nice length of good nylon cord, and you won't need to enter the crawl space.

Title: Re: Wired or wireless, which is better?
Post by: TNP on March 16, 2007, 11:00:56 AM
Thank you Dave! That will save me a bundle on hiring someone to crawl under there!  :)

Now I have what is probably a stupid mounting question. I got both the Wisecomm and the Astak cameras. They're both supposed to be wall/ceiling mountable. But when I mount it on the ceiling the image is upside down. I know there must be a way to fix this, but how? Do I need to take the camera apart and change something inside the lens? I unscrewed one lens cover and it didn't seem like the inside was made to be messed with.
Title: Re: Wired or wireless, which is better?
Post by: KDR on March 16, 2007, 01:23:18 PM
On the Astak if you look at the backend of the cam where the bracket is mounted... you will see 2 tiny unused holes. You can unscrew the mounting plate and refasten it in those holes which will flip the cam making the image correct. Not sure about the Wisecomm cam.

(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)----KDR
Title: Re: Wired or wireless, which is better?
Post by: TNP on March 16, 2007, 06:17:06 PM
Thanks, KDR! I see the holes on the Astak. The Wisecomm doesn't have that but I think I found a place where I can mount it on a wall. The night vision on the Wisecomm sucks, by the way. But it has a great daytime picture and I really like the wide angle view.

The Wisecomm has the cable attached right to the camera, so it's truly weather proof. The Astak says it's weather proof, but it has a few inches of cable attached to the camera, and then you plug in the rest of the cable to that with RCA plugs, so I don't know what to do about keeping the connections dry in the rain. Even mounting it under eaves won't keep the rain out when there's a heavy wind, which is most of the time here.  I wonder if wrapping the connections in electrical tape would waterproof it enough.
Title: Re: Wired or wireless, which is better?
Post by: KDR on March 16, 2007, 07:17:45 PM
You can try that or shop around for a piece of heat shrink tubbing and slip that over it. Applie a little heat and you have a nice tight seal.

(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)----KDR
Title: Re: Wired or wireless, which is better?
Post by: JimC on March 16, 2007, 07:19:39 PM
Quote from: TNP
I wonder if wrapping the connections in electrical tape would waterproof it enough.  
 

You could wrap it in electrical tape and that may work. What I have found to be fairly effective is to first wrap the connection in plastic wrap and then cover it with electrical tape. What is even better is to protect the connection with coax sealant. It is like electrical tape but is more rubbery and very stretchy. It is specifically made for sealing connections outside. Radio Shack use to have it. If they don't have it you could check any of the amateur radio supply sites on line all of them have it. Below are a few links.

http://www.aesham.biz/pdf/aes_catalog.pdf   item UNV104

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/antsup/1194.html
Title: Re: Wired or wireless, which is better?
Post by: TNP on March 17, 2007, 03:27:44 AM
Thanks, KDR and Jim!
Title: Re: Wired or wireless, which is better?
Post by: JLMP on July 22, 2007, 04:30:07 PM
Quote from: TNP on March 07, 2007, 01:51:58 AM
I'm trying to decide between the wired and wireless cameras. I live out in the country with hardly any light in my yard, so I need good night reception. I also need a camera that can get good reception up to a half an acre during daylight. Would I be better off with a wired system? Can't afford high priced, so I'm looking for the best among the lower priced cameras.

I suggest that you think in a wired solution. The Wireless is good but sometimes has the interference signal problem. Evaluate this issue before buy a wireless solution. Remember that if you are thinking to install cameras in a wide range you may be experience a interference or lost of signal because of a distance.


[-Bill- (of wgjohns.com) Edit: Moved JLMP's response to outside of the quote box.]
Title: Re: Wired or wireless, which is better?
Post by: tom j on July 23, 2007, 03:25:29 AM
Quote from: Tuicemen on March 09, 2007, 03:14:29 PM
Here is a link to the Astak cam  (http://store.bluecherry.net/Astak_CM_612W_night_vision_wired_infrared_audio_p/cm-612w.htm) you can get online for $59
The viewing area is slightly greater then the regular X10 cams but not the wide eyes!
I find the color a little washed out in bright daylight and non existent at night but the picture Quality is excellent! If you need a large viewing area I suggest getting a Ninja pan and tilt base and install which ever cam you get to that! ;) You'll be amazed at the coverage!

SAY Tuice gota give ya a point for that one! say you got any of these whats the picture like at night??  not really interested in the color at night  just having a sharp image for prosecution ;D think I'll just put my x10 stuff on eBay and get something decent, hay guys if you hit the lotto check this system out had a DVD recorder to boot.

Tom j

http://www.homesecuritystore.com/ezStore123/DTProductZoom.asp?productID=1400

http://www.homesecuritystore.com/ezStore123/DTProductZoom.asp?productID=1401

Title: Re: Wired or wireless, which is better?
Post by: tom j on July 24, 2007, 05:25:11 PM
Say guys thinking about dumping my x10 stuff except the two wireless cameras I have I'll keep them just as a backup, actually I can get a sharper picture from the wireless ones then the wired, say guys give me a hand and help me decide on this system, what do you think about this wired system I found seems like it has almost everything. Check out the remote nit even has zoom and the reviews rate it almost 4 stars!!

Tom j

http://www.amazon.com/SVAT-CVQ1000-Security-Nightvision-Cameras/dp/B000GIP90M/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-1092921-8231253?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1185311613&sr=1-1

Motion Detection feature sounds alarm (when turned on)
Quad screen modes let you see multiple locations at the same time
Remote control access for channels and audio
Manual and automatic switching of camera views
Easily connects to a TV, VCR, computer or DVR for recording
›  See more technical details
Title: Re: Wired or wireless, which is better?
Post by: HA Dave on July 24, 2007, 06:00:29 PM
Quote from: tom j on July 24, 2007, 05:25:11 PM

what do you think about this wired system I found seems like it has almost everything. Check out the remote nit even has zoom and the reviews rate it almost 4 stars!!

Tom j


The price is right! I have cameras [other than] X10 mixed into my system. It makes it a little harder to configure the system.... I use appliance modules to switch non-X10 cameras on and off. No one camera (that I know of) is perfect for every application, so a mix can provide more benefits than problems.

If all things were equal (and they never are) and I was to replace my camera system (and someday, I will) I would use more X10 cameras and only ONE long-range ultra-bright IR camera.

The reasons: The X10 cameras are tough, reliable, inexpensive, and very easy to intergrate into my X10 HA system. The extra hassles of (of intergrating) a super IR cam, would be worth it.
Title: Re: Wired or wireless, which is better?
Post by: tom j on July 25, 2007, 01:07:43 AM
Quote from: Dave_x10_L on July 24, 2007, 06:00:29 PM
Quote from: tom j on July 24, 2007, 05:25:11 PM

what do you think about this wired system I found seems like it has almost everything. Check out the remote nit even has zoom and the reviews rate it almost 4 stars!!

Tom j


The price is right! I have cameras [other than] X10 mixed into my system. It makes it a little harder to configure the system.... I use appliance modules to switch non-X10 cameras on and off. No one camera (that I know of) is perfect for every application, so a mix can provide more benefits than problems.

If all things were equal (and they never are) and I was to replace my camera system (and someday, I will) I would use more X10 cameras and only ONE long-range ultra-bright IR camera.

The reasons: The X10 cameras are tough, reliable, inexpensive, and very easy to intergrate into my X10 HA system. The extra hassles of (of intergrating) a super IR cam, would be worth it.

Hi ya Dave! Only thing about the x10 wired stuff and I agree concerning the price and integration is that I'm not happy with the picture quality any more you can't at least in my case see enough detail in the faces, I want something sharp enough for prosecution if necessary. I seem to get more distortion, lines running through the picture on my wired ones then my wireless go figure. Really like the SVAT it has features galore. Check out the link below if you get a chance and tell me what you think.

Tom j

http://www.svat.com/productDisplay.php?id=185&categoryNumber=2


http://www.svat.com/downloads/manuals/cvq1000-manual.pdf
Title: Re: Wired or wireless, which is better?
Post by: Tuicemen on July 25, 2007, 06:37:03 PM
tom j: sorry for  the slow reply!
I was on holidays at the log home and just got Sunday 22 had over 10 pages of posts to got threw ::)
Anyways I believe pics speak volumes so: I mounted a low light B&W X10 cam on a ninja and and Astak directly over top on another ninja upside down, lenses are inches apart! Took two pics at 6:20pm facing west. I set a beer bottle on the end of the bench distance from cams is just over 12 feet, the cams are 9ft above the deck.
I'll take another two pics once it gets darker and post them ;)
Title: Re: Wired or wireless, which is better?
Post by: Tuicemen on July 25, 2007, 09:11:04 PM
Ok 9:00 pm and solar lights just came on ;)
I placed a live trap box in front of the bench! ;)
Title: Re: Wired or wireless, which is better?
Post by: Tuicemen on July 25, 2007, 09:37:42 PM
I was going to wait till 10:00 pm but the B&W low light is near dead at 9:30 pm ;)
Hope this helps!
Only light on is the solar light, No porch light!
Title: Re: Wired or wireless, which is better?
Post by: -Bill- (of wgjohns.com) on July 25, 2007, 10:16:09 PM
Tuicemen,

WOW!   :o   ;D   8)

That was a great idea for setting up the two cameras together, bet it took some work too!

Makes the differences quite obvious.

I for one clicked you a helpful.
Title: Re: Wired or wireless, which is better?
Post by: Boiler on July 25, 2007, 10:22:39 PM
Tuicemen,
Time lapse photography - I love it. Nice touch with the trap box (and beer bottle).

After trying the X10 cams a while back, I was convinced I wasn't interested cameras altogether. 

You're changing my mind with this.

Title: Re: Wired or wireless, which is better?
Post by: HA Dave on July 25, 2007, 10:41:50 PM
Great job Tuicemen! As another owner of the Astak IR, as well as X10 cameras, thats pretty much the results I would have expected.
Title: Re: Wired or wireless, which is better?
Post by: kmcgillycuddy on October 07, 2007, 01:27:04 AM
I just wanted to make sure I have your orientation correct.  The Astek camera are the top images that appear more clear?  Is this correct?

Thanks for your help.

Kevin
Title: Re: Wired or wireless, which is better?
Post by: HA Dave on October 07, 2007, 11:32:27 AM
Quote from: kmcgillycuddy on October 07, 2007, 01:27:04 AM

I just wanted to make sure I have your orientation correct.  The Astek camera are the top images that appear more clear?  Is this correct?


Kevin...I don't mean to answer for Tuicemen... but you can always tell IR cams (day or night)..... YES the Astek pics are on TOP (in all the pictures). The way you can tell an IR cam is during the day... the grass (and other objects) will look bleached. In the DARK they will still produce a picture.... because they provide their own light.

Tuicemen's pictures are excellent! And I found them a very HELPFUL.

Quote from: Tuicemen on July 25, 2007, 09:37:42 PM
Only light on is the solar light, No porch light!

Note that Tuicemen did point out that the porch light isn't on.

The Astek cam doesn't produce a bad image with an exterior light on (I have two different IR cams and both work well with floodlights ON). However the X10 cams image is GREATLY improved with the addition of light. While my IR cams once again retain that bleached appearance when additional exterior light is added.

There is NO one camera fits all... solution (IMHO). If you want to see [what is happening] in the dark... you need an IR camera. If it's dark around your home... you need floodlights. If you want a surveillance system, that is easily intergraded into a whole system, that would be X10. Mixing other cams into the system adds extra benifits, and can be done but at additional expense and hassle (I did say IMHO... right?).
Title: Re: Wired or wireless, which is better?
Post by: Tuicemen on October 10, 2007, 10:18:42 AM
kmcgillycuddy    Yes the Astec cam pics are those on the top!
Title: Re: Wired or wireless, which is better?
Post by: zach1234 on October 20, 2007, 03:34:46 PM
Wired