| Do it yourself security camera systems are | | | | on the cameras and running cables. You don't |
| gaining popularity everyday. Property, home and | | | | want to go through the trouble of fully installing a |
| small business owners are willing to put in a little | | | | camera only to find out later it is inadequately |
| extra time to save money by installing their own | | | | monitoring an area. Be sure to test daytime and |
| surveillance systems. And why not. There are a | | | | nighttime monitoring. |
| few vendors in the security camera system | | | | 4) Make sure the lighting is consistent between |
| arena that cater to the captains of sweat equity. | | | | the area your camera is installed and the area |
| The packaged systems provided by companies | | | | that is being monitored. If the camera is installed |
| like SVAT Electronics, SecurityMan and Swann | | | | in a dark area and a bright area (and vice versa) |
| Security come with every thing you need in one | | | | is being monitored you probably won't get a high |
| box including easy to understand instructions and | | | | quality image. Try to have the same amount of |
| 24/7 technical support. | | | | light in both areas. |
| Installing security camera systems for a property | | | | 5) The cameras could be damaged if they are |
| or small business has become less complicated | | | | aimed towards the sun or any other a bright light. |
| and the cost for hiring someone to install the | | | | It may also prevent it from capturing quality |
| system can run into the thousands. Any one who | | | | images even if it does not damage the camera. |
| can figure out how to install a simple ethernet | | | | 6) If you are going to be monitoring an area at |
| network or a surround sound speaker system | | | | night make sure your have enough light from |
| can certainly figure out how to install a security | | | | either the IR LEDs on the night vision camera or |
| camera system from one of these vendors. The | | | | other light sources installed in the area being |
| one thing that is missing is the knowledge that is | | | | monitored. |
| developed by experience working with camera | | | | 7) Remember the distance a wireless security |
| systems. A camera is a much more complex | | | | camera can transmit its signal to the receiver is |
| piece of equipment that lets say a speaker. | | | | reduced when the transmission has to go through |
| Environmental elements like light and weather | | | | walls. The more walls the greater the reduction. |
| greatly affect the performance of a camera. | | | | Always test view before permanently installing |
| So here are 10 common sense tips that should | | | | the cameras. |
| not be overlooked when installing a security | | | | 8) If the installation is at a place of business, be |
| camera system. | | | | sure to place a camera at every entrance into |
| 1) If you are installing outdoor cameras that | | | | the business. This will ensure every one who |
| require a local power source, remember the | | | | enters or leaves the building is being monitored |
| cameras are made to be resistant to the | | | | and/or recorded. DVR's record footage from |
| weather, but the power supplies to the cameras | | | | cameras with a date/time stamp. This may prove |
| usually are not. Make sure that the power adapter | | | | to be definitive evidence when there is an incident. |
| is in an area that is not directly exposed to the | | | | 9) Periodically make sure you clean all the camera |
| elements. This may require sealing the power | | | | lenses with a non-abrasive, soft lint free cloth. |
| connection to help prevent damage. A major | | | | This will ensure you are getting the best picture |
| advantage of using a wired system is that many | | | | quality possible. Always avoid using an abrasive |
| of them use a cable type that supplies both the | | | | material to clean the lens. |
| video feed and power feed. | | | | 10) Secure your DVR in a lockbox or inaccessible |
| 2) Choose locations that protect the cameras as | | | | cabinet. If thieves find the DVR they will steal it |
| much as possible from the elements. Also, try to | | | | and you will have no evidence. |
| install the cameras as high as possible to help | | | | I hope these tips help your installation go |
| prevent vandalism. | | | | smoothly and avoid common pitfalls of installing a |
| 3) Always 'test view' the area being monitored | | | | security camera system. |
| before actually screwing in the mounting brackets | | | | |