First cam up HDBW4321FP-AS 2.8mm

TonyR

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Any chance you can clear that carriage lamp? It seems to be blocking 20% of the viewable area.
+1 to that.

Due to WAF concerns that won't allow moving the lamp, could you try slipping a piece of sheet metal painted flat black down the inside of the housing (mine has 2 bolt caps on top) on the cam side of that carriage lamp just to see how your night view looks? It won't increase viewing area but it should help with glare at night when lamp is on.
 

Jim Pederson

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Feel free to share some night time test photos with regards to a couple of the different spots you're testing out.
This should be useful for a lot of others to see the results.
could you try slipping a piece of sheet metal painted flat black down the inside of the housing
I did some of that, but area was too bright for IR to engage.
This brings up a question I had. How do I force Daylight mode or force IR mode? DO I do it in BI in the profiles, or in the camera set-up proper?
Or both? Or depends on the camera?
Here are some pictures
One is covered with Al foil, two with very dark blue construction paper, both at past dusk. The third one is from @looney2ns suggested position.

Cam1.20180426_160941_1.jpg Cam1.20180426_160941_2.jpg Cam1.20180427_134731_2.jpg
 

TonyR

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I vote for #2 but use sheet metal, flat black painted. The foil bounces too much light back out.
 
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Jim Pederson

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I vote for #2 but use sheet metal, flat black painted. The foil bounces too much light back out.
I do like the wider angle obtained outboard of the light, rather than number three with narrow angle on car door.
 

Jim Pederson

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Seriously! lol @Jim Pederson, did you make that enclosure?!
don't forget to drill a little hole for the microphone
Yes, the bird house was made to precisely fit between the two trim rails. I had to angle the lower half of the front piece so it would not block the fish eye lens.
The roof is cut to lap over the red house trim. Made of model airplane plywood with my scroll saw.
I have marked the position for microphone hole and plan to drill a hole to allow sound through.
Still looks like a camera, but an inviting "cute" one instead of a "big brother is watching you" one.
 

looney2ns

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Yes, the bird house was made to precisely fit between the two trim rails. I had to angle the lower half of the front piece so it would not block the fish eye lens.
The roof is cut to lap over the red house trim. Made of model airplane plywood with my scroll saw.
I have marked the position for microphone hole and plan to drill a hole to allow sound through.
Still looks like a camera, but an inviting "cute" one instead of a "big brother is watching you" one.
Most people aren't that observant, and will never see it. Good job!
 

Firefighter

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That's awesome! As looney2ns said, you wouldn't believe what people don't notice. Still, the WAF is one that can't be overlooked!

I'm more interested in how you got cat5e down in the wall to that location, did you cut drywall inside and go down the wall (obviously just opening at the ceiling, and cam location)

I like the camera on the inside of the light, but maybe pointed up to catch the street. You don't really need your plate or front bumper captured, but the guy getting into your car door would still be gotten. Not sure what the angle would look like.
 

mat200

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Yes, the bird house was made to precisely fit between the two trim rails. I had to angle the lower half of the front piece so it would not block the fish eye lens.
The roof is cut to lap over the red house trim. Made of model airplane plywood with my scroll saw.
I have marked the position for microphone hole and plan to drill a hole to allow sound through.
Still looks like a camera, but an inviting "cute" one instead of a "big brother is watching you" one.
Jim, YOU sir are my hero now!

That's very cool. You've earned a spot in my notes ;-)
 

Jim Pederson

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I'm more interested in how you got cat5e down in the wall to that location, did you cut drywall inside and go down the wall (obviously just opening at the ceiling, and cam location)
I am assuming you mean cable to the bird house....
Well, I took off a piece of trim above the door.
There is a recess there where the burglar alarm system wires run.
I punched a hole from the garage into that cavity. Then ran the cable over almost to the edge of trim just above the camera. I put a 1/4 inch hole in the siding there, and fed the Cat5 into it.
I drilled the 3/4 inch hole for the camera connector where the camera had to be mounted. I fished the Cat 5 out of the wall. No dry wall cuts at all.
I silicone sealed the hole in the siding and replaced the top of door trim piece. Terminated the Cat5, made connections, waterproofed, and shoved it all back in the 3/4 inch hole.
The main cable run comes from the mini attic above the garage.
 
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Amazing the difference in opinion:
  • I see that birdhouse, and just see an unnecessary colored little object on the side of the house.
  • But showed it to the wife and she's like "that's cute!! Baby, plan to do something equally clever when you put a camera on the front door for watching packages etc"
That was a disaster, should never have shown her that picture. Now I have to drag my feet and hope she forgets :D
 
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