Hello from peoples republic of Kalifornia

[Ronald Agrusa]

I was on my way to Sams club to buy this kit:
Lorex 8-Channel 4 Mega Pixel DVR Surveillance System with 2TB Hard Drive and H.264 Video Compression, 8x Weather Resistant 4 MP Bullet Cameras with 89° Viewing Angle and 130' Color Enhanced Night Vision - Sam's Club:
One day sale,$400.00
I can return it if its not a good choice.

I found your site, and decided to ask for opinions.
I am very busy as a volunteer firefighter, and contractor. That is where my free time goes. I will set a day aside to install the system.

I was thinking it might be a good idea to buy some bulk cat5e cable and fittings to cut the right length. And be able to upgrade in the future.

My house is About 120'x45' on a half acre. I would like to have 6 to 8 cameras and see my back gate,100' back from the house.

If that kit is not a good choice,what would you recommend?

Thank you in advance,Ron

 

[mat200]

I was on my way to Sams club to buy this kit:
Lorex 8-Channel 4 Mega Pixel DVR Surveillance System with 2TB Hard Drive and H.264 Video Compression, 8x Weather Resistant 4 MP Bullet Cameras with 89° Viewing Angle and 130' Color Enhanced Night Vision - Sam's Club:
One day sale,$400.00
I can return it if its not a good choice.

I found your site, and decided to ask for opinions.
I am very busy as a volunteer firefighter, and contractor. That is where my free time goes. I will set a day aside to install the system.

I was thinking it might be a good idea to buy some bulk cat5e cable and fittings to cut the right length. And be able to upgrade in the future.

My house is About 120'x45' on a half acre. I would like to have 6 to 8 cameras and see my back gate,100' back from the house.

If that kit is not a good choice,what would you recommend?

Thank you in advance,Ron

Welcome Ron,

Remember to check the notes:
IPCamTalk WiKi | IP Cam Talk

Definitely give that kit a good solid bench test - test both day and night time views, and please do feel free to share a few image snap shots / video clips with us.
Also do share some snap shots of the interface.

Remember the kit you are picking up is an analog coax / bnc connector kit, and I definitely recommend installing good quality cat5e/cat6 cable and using baluns so that you'll have more upgrade options in the future.

 

[Ronald Agrusa]

Ok, thanks Mat.
Im just dipping my toes into this,so everything is new and unfamiliar.
I dont even know how to bench test,or save a snap shot.
I can return that system if it isn't a good choice. I just wanted to get it today because of the "one day sale".
I will look for a good buy on bulk cat5e or cat6 and some fittings as well.
I will take a look at the link you provided.

 

[looney2ns]

Bench test= hook it all up on a convenient table top, then run it for a couple of days to see how it performs. And is ok.
I suggest, also using a 8' 2x4, 5gal buck with rocks or sand, and one or two of the cams and put them out doors for 24hrs and see how they perform.

 

[Ronald Agrusa]

Thank you,I decided not to purchase that kit. I think I will piece together a system as funds allow. I get a little overwhelmed looking at all the info here. I guess it just takes time.
Im thinking the first step is to figure out where the cameras will go,and buy some cat 5e or 6 cable,fittings and a crimping tool.

 

[looney2ns]

It is a learning process, I commend you for deciding to take the time to do it right.
Study the notes that @mat200 linked above.

 

[randytsuch]

What worked for me was to buy one camera first, I bought a variable length (zoom) cam so I could see how it looks with different focal lengths. I bought bulk cat 6, plenum rated, from monoprice, along with the jacks and a tool to connect the jack.
I also bought a POE switch to be able to power the camera, connected it to my PC and I was up and running (after some figuring out and research here).
Mount the cam on a 2x4, stick in a bucket of sand, and put it where you think a good location is, and see how it looks. Taught me a lot just doing this. The acid test is to walk by the camera at night, like a bad guy, wearing a white shirt, and see what it looks like.

In hindsight, I wish I had more dahua starlights, I just have one at my front door, used cheaper cams for other areas and now kind of regret it.

This took me a lot more than one day, rush and you may get something that works, but probably not optimal.