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    Extra long drill bit????

    Yes, you could have a VERY bad day if it turns out to be electrical cables or plumbing pipes :eek:. Survey both sides of the wall below for electrical outlets, wall switches, or nearby plumbing. If you are not sure and worried, you might cut a small drywall inspection hole in the wall before...
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    Dahua Backdoor Uncovered

    I'm following all these discussions regarding network security and slowly beginning to understand some strategies. All this networking stuff has my head spinningo_O I have an Asus router and it has a Network Services Filter option that appears to be a method of denying your ip cams from...
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    Levitons New WiFi enabled switches

    Other options for this are photocell control or "smart" switches. I like these astronomical Honeywell switches that adjust the time to your location as well as DST. This switch does require a neutral wire though. These have a vacation setting that turns lights on and off at random times too.
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    Dahua Starlight Varifocal Turret (IPC-HDW5231R-Z)

    I ordered two and paid via PayPal on February 28th. ....still no shipment:(
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    Female Trespasser at 3AM

    Your motion sensor lights don't seem to turn on quickly enough. I have a few of these RAB motion sensors: RAB Lighting Inc. These have great coverage and sensitivity. Also, they seem to have good immunity to small animals and pets.
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    Advice appreciated

    Your question seems to indicate a single camera for the driveway. I think you should considered what cameras and views you desire for the entire front of you house. For example, I have wide driveway for a 3 car garage. I installed cams on the opposite ends of the garage with them pointing...
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    VPN Primer for Noobs

    There's a nice Asus smartphone app here that allows you to access router settings, e.g., you can block internet access for specific I.P.'s.
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    Dahua 2MP 25x Starlight IR PTZ Network Camera (SD49225T-HN)

    Standard PIR vs TriTech (PIR + Microwave) for what it's worth. Supposedly the TriTech has more immunity to false alarms. I have a few of the TriTech's in my alarm system - works well and no complaints.
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    Are there other brands similar to Starlight in minimum lux req?

    Here you go: https://ipcamtalk.com/threads/any-one-have-an-ip-camera-with-the-sony-exmor-imx291-image-sensor.9601 Gadinan “Starlight” 2MP camera with IMX291 sensor
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    Dahua dome camera alarm wires (IPC-HDBW4431R-AS)

    Not sure if you got the answer you were looking for, these Dahua wiki links may help. Ip camera alarm How To Connect Relay Module Access Control/How To Connect Electronic Buzzer Troubleshoot/NVR/Alarm Null
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    Analysis paralysis: low voltage cables through drywall

    Very nice and well thought out installation. I like how you used two 45 degree elbows instead of two 90's to get to the high point of your attic. I don't know the temperature swings where you live, but be aware of thermal expansion with PVC conduit. The length of your run may not cause...
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    Dahua Starlight Varifocal Turret (IPC-HDW5231R-Z)

    Yes, 1 amp is fine. The data sheet indicates 8.5 watts - 12volts x 1amp = 12 watts. Therefore, a 1 amp power supply will work, but be aware of voltage drop if your power wire needs to be run a long distance. Also, the camera is PoE 802.3af which means 15.4 watts, or 12.95 watts with line loss.
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    Mystery IMX290 2.8-12mm varifocal vs Hikvision DS-2CD2332 6mm

    I haven't kept up with the Hikvision offerings, but I remember the 2332 turret model was a popular seller (before the Dahua starlights) along with the classic bullet model 2032. I believe the Hikvision model 2335 ($80. USD) replaced the 2332, not sure what changed though. Hik also has this form...
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    Next step in securing your home!

    Glass breaks are an additional layer in a security system. Just watch this interesting Honeywell video regarding the Honeywell FG-1625 that @tangent cited. Click on the Video tab. It appears Honeywell did their homework.
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    Next step in securing your home!

    @tangent Thanks for the heads up! I also have a previous version, the FG-1525. Technology marches on, I may have to think about updating... again, lol
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    Next step in securing your home!

    I installed Honeywell dual tech glass break sensors. The dual tech is supposed to minimize false alarms. It listens for the "thump" and then the shattering of glass before it alarms. To test you use this tester. When I was updating my alarm system I pulled an 2 cables, one for a motion and one...
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    Next step in securing your home!

    I used one of these until I was able to find a way to run an Ethernet cable to my Envisalink.
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    Analysis paralysis: low voltage cables through drywall

    The firecaulk does not set rock hard and is removable with some effort, it sets up like regular caulk. In general, the application of 1" thickness in your case would probably suffice. I don't mean to make your install any more complicated, but be careful with using PVC conduit where a fire...
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    Next step in securing your home!

    These Bosch TriTech (Amazon) pet friendly motion sensors worked well in our house with one cat. The data sheet says pet friendly up to 100lbs (45kg). Not sure how it would do with multiple pets though. I installed my motion sensors and was concerned about false alarms so I programmed them to...
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    Analysis paralysis: low voltage cables through drywall

    On many commercial installations an electrical conduit sleeve (short length of conduit) and plastic bushings are used for penetrations through sheetrock walls and ceilings. Just drill a hole through the Sheetrock matching the O.D. Of the sleeve. Choose a conduit size based on your number of...
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    Front door camera placement

    +1! IP cams become a slippery slope of buying more cams:D. I initially mounted my front door cam on the side wall next to the front door at 8' high. I realized to see the doormat where UPS/FedEx drops deliveries that I had to aim the cam downward which limited the FOV towards seeing people...
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    Outdoor mounting - need flex conduit to cover cat6 cable?

    To clarify, mark the outline of your junction box and the back knock out, or hole, on the stucco beam. Drill from the back knock out location at an angle up into your attic. I have a number of different length 3/8" drill bits, 12", 24" and 54", I use for fishing cables. The 24" drill bit should...
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    Outdoor mounting - need flex conduit to cover cat6 cable?

    I don't like exterior exposed cable as a rule. It looks like you can drill up at an angle, maybe 45 degrees, from your camera location up towards your mark drill location and get into your attic. Just start your drill point straight and then start angling up as you drill. A 3/8" hole is all you...
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    (16) 3MP Camera System

    This discussion has me considering upgrading my (meager;)) system if the cost savings warrant. I agree energy usage and efficiency is a hidden cost. I got to thinking what my actual energy numbers are by plugging in my Kill A Watt meter. HP Elite 8300, SFF, i7-3770, 12gb RAM, 500gb and 4tb...
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    Semi Professional Installs

    @tangent very well stated! This thread has really gone off course into alarms, home automation, UL listings, certifications, etc. When break-ins stated occurring in my neighborhood I decided to update my 4 zone burglar alarm system. I decided on the Honeywell vista 20p system since it has been...
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    Don´t throw them away

    Nice job, great diy video! Thanks.
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    IPC-HFW8232E-Z seems dead all of a sudden

    Nice! Looks very clean. Very creative to hang or wall mount that network cabinet from the countertop. Gives me an idea to try something with my mess of cables and such.... another project I need to do o_O Thanks.
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    IPC-HFW8232E-Z seems dead all of a sudden

    Don't mean to hijack this thread;). You are quite the pro! I've seen my share of computer rooms with rows of racks, patch panels, and cabinets. Patch panels give you a lot of flexibility to reconfigure your wiring. I would if I could, but no room for patch panels and racks in my house :)
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    IPC-HFW8232E-Z seems dead all of a sudden

    I need to learn more about the network side of ip cams - both hardware and the software side:confused: Is there a benefit to using a mid-span PoE switch? As I understand you would need patch cables from your Ethernet switch to the mid-span and then run cables from the mid-span to the cams.
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    Don´t throw them away

    You are awesome! I admire your resourcefulness and recycling old cams. Thanks for sharing:)