Home purchase w/existing cam system

JPB123

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Hi. I recently purchased a home with an existing outdoor security camera system but have no information about it whatsoever. The cams are apparently wifi as they only have power cords going to each, although they also have unconnected lan ports. There is no other hardware in the house (wifi receiver, dvr, monitor, etc) and there is no identification on/around the cams (brand/barcode/etc). My main question: Is there any way for me to use these existing cameras with maybe some 3rd party software on my pc/mobile? If so, how would I go about getting them all connected? Thx.
 

aristobrat

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Without knowing something about those cameras, it’s going to be hard. Can you post a pic of one?
 

mat200

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Hi. I recently purchased a home with an existing outdoor security camera system but have no information about it whatsoever. The cams are apparently wifi as they only have power cords going to each, although they also have unconnected lan ports. There is no other hardware in the house (wifi receiver, dvr, monitor, etc) and there is no identification on/around the cams (brand/barcode/etc). My main question: Is there any way for me to use these existing cameras with maybe some 3rd party software on my pc/mobile? If so, how would I go about getting them all connected? Thx.
HI @JPB123

You'll probably need to figure out the user/password to those cameras. Many wifi ip cameras also have a RJ45 ethernet port that you can use instead of the wifi or to configure it.

Suggest taking one of the cameras down to inspect it further.
 

JPB123

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No branding anywhere on the outside surface, so I have no idea who makes these. There are ethernet ports for each, but I have no idea what would be needed or how to do it if connected. I had no interactions with the home sellers, only their estate reps, so I don't have any other info on these than what's visible. Image attached. Thanks to all.
 

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No branding anywhere on the outside surface, so I have no idea who makes these. There are ethernet ports for each, but I have no idea what would be needed or how to do it if connected. I had no interactions with the home sellers, only their estate reps, so I don't have any other info on these than what's visible. Image attached. Thanks to all.
Firstly, I'd take down one camera & see if you can access it with a PC, maybe try WireShark .....

If you can't get it working, you've lost nothing

Secondly, whether you can or can't get it working, I'd personally remove the entire system & start afresh. I'm guessing someone called Jerry installed it (Jerry Rigged !) - I couldn't live with such a piss poor, untidy install

Either way, whether you re-use or fit new, go for a hard wired system, not a wifi one

Just my two-penneth ;)
 

mat200

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No branding anywhere on the outside surface, so I have no idea who makes these. There are ethernet ports for each, but I have no idea what would be needed or how to do it if connected. I had no interactions with the home sellers, only their estate reps, so I don't have any other info on these than what's visible. Image attached. Thanks to all.
Thanks for the picture @JPB123

So the previous person ran the power wires to the cameras instead of setting up a good IP PoE wired setup.

I really never understand why people go through the trouble to run power wires to a wifi camera but fail to go the short next step to just run good quality cat5e/6 and go with a good wired IP PoE setup. Really, normally not much extra work at that point imho.

So what would I do..

Some WiFi scanning.. look to for the MAC addresses of the cameras - this will help you ID the OEM

8 free Wi-Fi stumbling and surveying tools

once you ID the OEM, you can then find security holes to break into the cameras...
 

aristobrat

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FWIW, my Dahua dome cameras have the product label on the back side of the camera. You'd have to remove the camera from the wall to see it, but if there, it should mention the manufacturer and model.

If you can get the make and model, while you have the dome off, there's probably a reset button in there you can push to reset everything back to stock. You may have to Google to find the reset button and setup instructions.
 

JPB123

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Soooo.....turns out that system in my house was from ADT. Rep knocked on my door last week and wanted to sign me up for their Pulse package at an intro rate of $59.99/mo with no install fee since it was already there. Shocked I only had to say NO once for him to leave and didn't inquire about reclaiming their equipment. Looks like it's back to square-1 for my house. Any way to repurpose the equipment or is it's best value going straight to the trash?
 

mat200

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Soooo.....turns out that system in my house was from ADT. Rep knocked on my door last week and wanted to sign me up for their Pulse package at an intro rate of $59.99/mo with no install fee since it was already there. Shocked I only had to say NO once for him to leave and didn't inquire about reclaiming their equipment. Looks like it's back to square-1 for my house. Any way to repurpose the equipment or is it's best value going straight to the trash?
Hi @JPB123

The previous owner may have bought the equipment, so ADT may not have had any rights to it.

I would still attempt to see what you have and find out if it is any good before deciding what to do with it.

If they are still good cameras I would redeploy and change out the cameras on the front side of the house ( I am assuming this is the greatest threat area ) with better low light performing cameras like the Dahua OEM starlight models.
 

JPB123

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Hi @JPB123

The previous owner may have bought the equipment, so ADT may not have had any rights to it.

I would still attempt to see what you have and find out if it is any good before deciding what to do with it.

If they are still good cameras I would redeploy and change out the cameras on the front side of the house ( I am assuming this is the greatest threat area ) with better low light performing cameras like the Dahua OEM starlight models.
Agreed and that's what I came here asking for assistance with. I have no idea how, assuming I even can, to reuse theses wifi cameras with another system (or the like). If not, I doubt there would even be a resale market for these other than those already with ADT who want additional cameras. If these are just sunk costs, I'll need to start perusing these forums to find a starting point for a new system.
 

looney2ns

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Agreed and that's what I came here asking for assistance with. I have no idea how, assuming I even can, to reuse theses wifi cameras with another system (or the like). If not, I doubt there would even be a resale market for these other than those already with ADT who want additional cameras. If these are just sunk costs, I'll need to start perusing these forums to find a starting point for a new system.
Pictures of the cameras, and the connections to the cameras would help.
Until then, study this: Cliff Notes
 
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