Need a outside camera that will not fail.

[MikeLieberman]

I am not a noobie to CCTV. My NVR supporting up to 32 cameras currently supports 22 IP cameras. Some wired, some WiFi. Most are NETIP (H.265) and a few are only ONVIF. It's a combination of bullet, fisheye, and ptz units. I have one location that is giving me massive problems. It is overlooking my front gate.

Initially, I had no electric service there and so installed a solar solution, but could only get 20 hours each day before the batteries gave out. So, I eventually ran electric service to the location. Here is what is looks like.


Over the last four years, three "outside" weather resistant cameras have failed. Each runs well for a while -- months -- and then loses connection to the WiFi AP. The access point is about twenty unobstructed meters away from the camera location. My hand was a few inches from the AP as I took this photo from my office window,

In each case of the three, to attempt to fix it, 75-year-old me is getting on an extension ladder, resetting to factory settings and reconnecting to the camera to the AP. It works a couple of times but eventually each camera just dies completely. The current one died again last night after another of our typical heavy downpours; my location being no more than five kilometers from Sarangani Bay in the Philippines.

The camera is over looking a five meter steel gate, a smaller steel "manhole" door beyond it and a bit of the road at the entrance. Is there a camera that won't fail?

 

[TonyR]

Regarding the wireless connectivity issues: If you are not using a pair of purpose-built radios such as Ubiquiti, TP-LINK, MicroTik, etc. to provide a Layer 2 Transparent Wireless Bridge solution (not camera Wi-Fi to household AP) then you will likely never have a dependable wireless solution. At the bottom is an image of a schema that I have deployed many times over the past 10 years with excellent results.

I'd go with with either a pair of Ubiquiti Nanostation 5AC Locos or a pair of TP-LINK CPE-510's.

Unlike a link between Wi-Fi devices, extenders, repeaters, etc. the radios I linked both use proprietary protocol, channel widths and more to provide fast, reliable connections between the 2 devices, creating a wireless layer 2 transparent bridge much like a straight Ethernet cable as far as data is concerned.

You configure them with unique, static IP's in the same subnet as your LAN (but outside of your router's DHCP pool). The configuration instructions found in the Ubiquiti link covers the terminology and methods for both the older "M" devices (as in my schematic below) and for the newer "AC" devices as in my recommendation.

EDIT 6/6 0524 CT: Because you have been using your current wireless setup for several years, the above recommendation assumes you would have good LOS (Line Of Sight) between the 2 radios.

Regarding weather-related issues: for long term dependability I would try if at all possible to not place any camera, IP or analog, wired or wireless, in direct exposure to the elements. Under an eave, soffit or pupose-fabricated weather shield above the camera would go a long way to increasing reliability. That and, of course, protecting the wired pigtail connection to the camera with a junction box and connection weatherproofing which includes dielectric grease on the male-to-female RJ45 connection.

 

[MikeLieberman]

Regarding the wireless connectivity issues: If you are not using a pair of purpose-built radios such as Ubiquiti, TP-LINK, MicroTik, etc. to provide a Layer 2 Transparent Wireless Bridge solution (not camera Wi-Fi to household AP) then you will likely never have a dependable wireless solution. At the bottom is an image of a schema that I have deployed many times over the past 10 years with excellent results.

I'd go with with either a pair of Ubiquiti Nanostation 5AC Locos or a pair of TP-LINK CPE-510's.

Unlike a link between Wi-Fi devices, extenders, repeaters, etc. the radios I linked both use proprietary protocol, channel widths and more to provide fast, reliable connections between the 2 devices, creating a wireless layer 2 transparent bridge much like a straight Ethernet cable as far as data is concerned.

You configure them with unique, static IP's in the same subnet as your LAN (but outside of your router's DHCP pool). The configuration instructions found in the Ubiquiti link covers the terminology and methods for both the older "M" devices (as in my schematic below) and for the newer "AC" devices as in my recommendation.

Regarding weather-related issues: for long term dependability I would try if at all possible to not place any camera, IP or analog, wired or wireless, in direct exposure to the elements. Under an eave, soffit or pupose-fabricated weather shield above the camera would go a long way to increasing reliability. That and, of course, protecting the wired pigtail connection to the camera with a junction box and connection weatherproofing which includes dielectric grease on the male-to-female RJ45 connection.

View attachment 222230

I asked for recommendation on true weather resistant CCTV cameras. Each of the three I installed were advertised as IP67 but they are clearly not.

With all due difference, your response is pure bull-roar and totally non-responsive.

The problem I am experiencing is related to cameras that fail due to weather. I have many access points connected to this managed network of 58 hosts. This is large facility built with concrete and rebar which attenuate signals. I have forty-five years in LAN and WAN management. I damned well know how to manage site. In this case the AP talking to the camera is a TP-Link CPE210 v3.20. But the radio is not the problem.

 

[TonyR]

I asked for recommendation on true weather resistant CCTV cameras. Each of the three I installed were advertised as IP67 but they are clearly not.

With all due difference, your response is pure bull-roar and totally non-responsive.

I was trying to help you so such rudeness is not merited. I did not imply you were inept in any way.

Since you have shown the forum you're an asshole right off the bat, let's see how many other helpful replies you get.

And before I forget, keyboard warrior....KISS MY ASS!

 

[MikeLieberman]

I was trying to help you so such rudeness is not merited. I did not imply you were inept in any way.

Since you have shown the forum you're an asshole right off the bat, let's see how many other helpful replies you get.

And before I forget, keyboard warrior....KISS MY ASS!

View attachment 222231

Getting caught with irrelevant nonsense is not helpful. It is a waste of everyone's time. I had a straight forward question, you chose to strut out pure non-relevant crap. No need to kiss your ass, as you have already bent over and done it to yourself. If you didn't know of a high quality IP67 camera.. you know what the correct response was? ... to sit on your hands and not waste the bandwidth.

 

[alastairstevenson]

You described the problem as :

Each runs well for a while -- months -- and then loses connection to the WiFi AP.

Then you say :

I damned well know how to manage site. In this case the AP talking to the camera is a TP-Link CPE210 v3.20. But the radio is not the problem

It's well known - as highlighted by @TonyR - that WiFi connectivity for CCTV cameras can be inconsistent and troublesome.
It was a helpful post.

Suggestion :
To confirm it's not the WiFi - it might be interesting to take down one of the cameras and carry out some testing.
If the problem is indeed weather-related, check out the joints in the cable for corrosion from inadequate weatherproofing / sealing, and open up a camera to check for moisture ingression.

 

[biggen]

Why would you run power and not take the time to run fiber or cat5e/6 at the same time?

Anyway, we really need the distances you need covered from the camera to the target. If it’s something under 30 feet, then the 54IR is pretty much the gold standard of excellent night time capability and fully waterproof. If you want a bullet, then the Z4E is also excellent. Keep in mind, these are not wifi cameras. You won't find anyone in here serious about running wifi cameras. Most are junk. If you need wifi because you didn't run cable, then you need to take @TonyR advice and install PTP links and stop buying junk wifi cameras. I have had an Axis camera up on a billboard running Ubiquity PTP Nano links for over 7 years now. Distance is several hundred feet from billboard to the building it's beaming the signal to. The receiving antenna is mounted in an attic so they don't even had LOS. It's absolutely bullet proof and has survived many hurricanes here in Florida.

 

[JPmedia]

Every camera will fail at some point. Some last 10+ years some only a few years. I've found that Dahua based cameras tend to last 6 or more years in my location and I'm in one of the worst areas for weather. Installation is one of the keys to a long-lasting camera. In humid areas connections really need to be protected well, especially if you are near water. Saltwater areas require attention to every possible entry point as it is a highly corrosive environment.

Unless I'm missing it, I don't see any mention of the camera(s) that are or were being used in this location. Can you provide these details?

 

[bigredfish]

I'll try to give you my best advice......


Fuck Off

 

[bp2008]

I don't understand the problem. @TonyR told you how to properly handle weatherproofing the connectors, and you insult him because he also suggested a more reliable wifi solution?

 

[JPmedia]

Is there a camera that won't fail?

Simple answer NO. That's like asking if there is a living creature that won't die.

I smell a troll. You gave no information on the current installation. You mention electric was finally run to the cam location, but no ethernet cables were run at the time - poor planning.

The photo you attached is a mess of an install with open connectors and no protection.

Even with all this, members try to help you with little to no info on the install, and you berate them because you either didn't get an answer you wanted, or you have nothing better to do then stir the pot to pass the time.

It's better to be thought of being an asshole, then to type your tirade of 5-year-old nonsense tantrums and remove all doubt.

Take it somewhere else junior

 

[Sparkey]

WiFi for cams sucks. Nuf said.

 

[Flintstone61]

The Reolink cams are the best for Tropical cyclone prone areas, because when they fail they are cheap to replace.

 

[Flintstone61]

I am not a noobie to CCTV. My NVR supporting up to 32 cameras currently supports 22 IP cameras. Some wired, some WiFi. Most are NETIP (H.265) and a few are only ONVIF. It's a combination of bullet, fisheye, and ptz units. I have one location that is giving me massive problems. It is overlooking my front gate.

Initially, I had no electric service there and so installed a solar solution, but could only get 20 hours each day before the batteries gave out. So, I eventually ran electric service to the location. Here is what is looks like.
View attachment 222224

Over the last four years, three "outside" weather resistant cameras have failed. Each runs well for a while -- months -- and then loses connection to the WiFi AP. The access point is about twenty unobstructed meters away from the camera location. My hand was a few inches from the AP as I took this photo from my office window,

In each case of the three, to attempt to fix it, 75-year-old me is getting on an extension ladder, resetting to factory settings and reconnecting to the camera to the AP. It works a couple of times but eventually each camera just dies completely. The current one died again last night after another of our typical heavy downpours; my location being no more than five kilometers from Sarangani Bay in the Philippines.

The camera is over looking a five meter steel gate, a smaller steel "manhole" door beyond it and a bit of the road at the entrance. Is there a camera that won't fail?

You'd have to do extra work to help the camera Survive. Like a rain sheild, and caulk. being near the equator, conditions are poor for survivability, you have to improvise. not blame the camera.

 

[mat200]

I asked for recommendation on true weather resistant CCTV cameras. Each of the three I installed were advertised as IP67 but they are clearly not.

With all due difference, your response is pure bull-roar and totally non-responsive.

The problem I am experiencing is related to cameras that fail due to weather. I have many access points connected to this managed network of 58 hosts. This is large facility built with concrete and rebar which attenuate signals. I have forty-five years in LAN and WAN management. I damned well know how to manage site. In this case the AP talking to the camera is a TP-Link CPE210 v3.20. But the radio is not the problem.

Dear @MikeLieberman

@TonyR did not warrant the sort of response you posted here. Tony is and has been a great source of information to many here countless times.

You should apologize, as the statements you have made was uncalled for.

 

[paul@austins.tv]

Dear @MikeLieberman

@TonyR did not warrant the sort of response you posted here. Tony is and has been a great source of information to many here countless times.

You should apologize, as the statements you have made was uncalled for.

He probably cannot respond now. Most likely he's lost WiFi connection for the internet.

 

[luk8899]

Everyone focuses on the WiFi because the OP said "the camera eventually looses connectivity to AP". It is true for some reason Ip cameras and WiFi simply do not get along. I've had two WiFi cameras 10m from the access point for 7 years (under a short eave, for all intents and purposes we may consider them fully exposed). One would disconnect maybe twice a month. The other, I'd be lucky if I got 12h from it. There was no difference. One was south the other one north on the same house. The north one was replaced multiple times but started failing too, just like you describe within months.

Both cameras had cables directly connected inside the bullet case and then went through the wall and were connected inside. So there was no water ingress on the connectors.

There was never any misting etc. So I have no reason to believe water got it's way into the camera.

You have not stated if your camera mist up before failing. I'm going to assume you would if that happened.

Having the camera body sealed against the environment is not rocket science. In fact in 10+ years I've been messing with cameras on this property I never had failure caused by water Ingress (this is Poland so we get -30C occasionally in winter and +35C in the summer, hail, storms and sometimes a lot of humidity). Still even the cheap cameras I have do not fail because of elements getting inside.

So what can this be? I think we have only two options except the fact Ip cameras do not like WiFi.

1. The WiFi antenna corrodes.
2. You're getting electric surges on your power. Now if this was happening with similar frequency when this camera was off grid that only leaves 1.

You'll struggle finding a camera that is known to run on wifi for months and years outside. What I'd do, if I was you is to silicone the crap out of the wifi antenna, it's mounting point. The place where it bends and so on. You get the point (hopefully).

 

[wittaj]

Everyone focuses on the WiFi because the OP said "the camera eventually looses connectivity to AP". It is true for some reason Ip cameras and WiFi simply do not get along. I've had two WiFi cameras 10m from the access point for 7 years (under a short eave, for all intents and purposes we may consider them fully exposed). One would disconnect maybe twice a month. The other, I'd be lucky if I got 12h from it. There was no difference. One was south the other one north on the same house. The north one was replaced multiple times but started failing too, just like you describe within months.

Both cameras had cables directly connected inside the bullet case and then went through the wall and were connected inside. So there was no water ingress on the connectors.

There was never any misting etc. So I have no reason to believe water got it's way into the camera.

You have not stated if your camera mist up before failing. I'm going to assume you would if that happened.

Having the camera body sealed against the environment is not rocket science. In fact in 10+ years I've been messing with cameras on this property I never had failure caused by water Ingress (this is Poland so we get -30C occasionally in winter and +35C in the summer, hail, storms and sometimes a lot of humidity). Still even the cheap cameras I have do not fail because of elements getting inside.

So what can this be? I think we have only two options except the fact Ip cameras do not like WiFi.

1. The WiFi antenna corrodes.
2. You're getting electric surges on your power. Now if this was happening with similar frequency when this camera was off grid that only leaves 1.

You'll struggle finding a camera that is known to run on wifi for months and years outside. What I'd do, if I was you is to silicone the crap out of the wifi antenna, it's mounting point. The place where it bends and so on. You get the point (hopefully).

You are correct - the wifi antenna creates an additional fail point for water to enter. POE cameras do not have these two antenna holes punched into a camera. Fewer holes equals fewer opportunities for water to get in.

Everyone focuses on wifi cameras because just because they are made and sold does not mean they are capable units.

Wifi and cameras do not go together.

There are always ways if you don't want to run an ethernet cable.

You need power anyway, so go with a powerline adapter to run the date over your electric lines or use a nano-station.

Maybe you are fine now one day with wifi cams, but one day something will happen. A new device, neighbors microwave, etc.

Cameras connected to Wifi routers (whether wifi or not) are problematic for surveillance cameras because they are always streaming and passing data. And the data demands go up with motion and then you lose signal. A lost packet and it has to resend. It can bring the whole network down if trying to send cameras through a wifi router. At the very least it can slow down your entire system. Or cause the problems the OP is experiencing of pooping out once per month.

Unlike Netflix and other streaming services that buffer a movie, these cameras do not buffer up part of the video, so drop outs are frequent, especially once you start adding distance. You would be amazed how much streaming services buffer - don't believe me, start watching something and unplug your router and watch how much longer you can watch NetFlix before it freezes - mine goes 45 seconds. Now do the same with a camera connected to a router and it is fairly instantaneous (within the latency of the stream itself)...

The same issue applies even with the hard-wired cameras trying to send all this non-buffer video stream through a router. Most consumer grade wifi routers are not designed to pass the constant video stream data of cameras, and since they do not buffer, you get these issues. The consumer routers are just not designed for this kind of traffic, even a GB speed router.

So the more cameras you add, the bigger the potential for issues.

Many people unfortunately think wifi cameras are the answer and they are not. People will say what about Ring and Nest - well that is another whole host of issues that we will not discuss here LOL, but they are not streaming 24/7, only when you pull up the app. And then we see all the people come here after that system failed them because their wifi couldn't keep up when the perp came by. For streaming 24/7 to something like an NVR or Blue Iris, forget about it if you want reliability.


This was a great test that SouthernYankee tried and posted about it here:

I did a WIFI test a while back with multiple 2MP cameras each camera was set to VBR, 15 FPS, 15 Iframe, 3072kbs, h.264. Using a WIFI analyzer I selected the least busy channel (1,6,11) on the 2.4 GHZ band and set up a separate access point. With 3 cameras in direct line of sight of the AP about 25 feet away I was able to maintain a reasonable stable network with only intermittent signal drops from the cameras. Added a 4th camera and the network became totally unstable. Also add a lot of motion to the 3 cameras caused some more network instability. More data more instability.
The cameras are nearly continuously transmitting. So any lost packet causes a retry, which cause more traffic, which causes more lost packets.
WIFI does not have a flow control, or a token to transmit. So your devices transmit any time they want, more devices more collisions.
As a side note, it is very easy to jam a WIFI network. WIFI is fine for watching the bird feed but not for home surveillance and security.
The problem is like standing in a room, with multiple people talking to you at the same time about different subjects. You need to answer each person or they repeat the question.

Test do not guess.

For a 802.11G 2.4 GHZ WIFI network the Theoretical Speed is 54Mbps (6.7MBs) real word speed is nearer to 10-29Mbps (1.25-3.6 MBs) for a single channel

 

[Smilingreen]

Damn Zoomers think that just because they quit sucking their thumb last month, moved off of moms couch and into their basement to pursue a lifelong career as a keyboard warrior , that everyone should kiss their diapered ass. Next, he will be crowing about how he used to be some big business owner.