Rural Elevated House on Stilts - Camera System Recs Needed

[Matt_FTP]

If I dont have WIFI at the property (so no online access / mobile phone access of video data is possible) - is the Blue Iris still worth the additional costs?

 

[Mr_D]

If I dont have WIFI at the property (so no online access / mobile phone access of video data is possible) - is the Blue Iris still worth the additional costs?

No cable/DSL at the house or just no wifi? Either an NVR or BI would need Internet access to send alerts. I've never tried operating either without Internet access, but I'm guessing that would affect both more or less equally. BI would still retain its superior flexibility in terms of recording options, profiles, etc.

 

[pozzello]

late last year, i picked up a
Lenovo Thinkcentre M900 ST Core i5-6600@3.30GHz 16GB RAM 240GB SSD Win10 Pro
on E*Bay for $240, added a 3TB WD Purple drive for $75. good for a dozen 3-5MP cams no problem.
Sure, you can get an NVR in that price range, but BI blows them all away in terms of features and useability, imo...

no remote access is the same issue whether you run BI or an NVR.

 

[Matt_FTP]

Thanks guys - no cable / dsl internet at all. Rural property!

I'll shift towards running a dedicated machine and Blue Iris - seems costs are about the same but usability is there.

Plus at the end of the day you have a computer that can serve many functions over a single function NVR

Thanks again

 

[Mr_D]

You really want to dedicate the PC to Blue Iris, but in a pinch, you could use the PC for other tasks.

 

[Matt_FTP]

Yup thats what I have been reading.

Now the search begins for a decent PC.

Ebay the best place to find one?

 

[Mr_D]

Yup thats what I have been reading.

Now the search begins for a decent PC.

Ebay the best place to find one?

Yeah eBay is OK. You just have to be patient to find a decent one at a good price. I know I paid a little too much but by that point I was anxious to get up and running. It'll last a long time though.

 

[looney2ns]

Yup thats what I have been reading.

Now the search begins for a decent PC.

Ebay the best place to find one?

Choosing Hardware for Blue Iris | IP Cam Talk

 

[Matt_FTP]

Now I'm researching costs a bit, and an NVR is about $300 + Hard Drive

for a Dedicated PC I'm looking at $300-400 for the PC, another $100 plus for a 16 channel POU switch, and then a Hard drive.

Is it really worth that much more for someone who just wants a basic NVR type system?

 

[pozzello]

yes. but if you want a 'basic NVR type system', then that's what you want, so get that.

you can always upgrade later...

 

[Matt_FTP]

I dont mind spending another $100 or $200, I just want to verify if the juice is worth the squeeze if you get what I mean.

 

[Matt_FTP]

Guys

I'm searching for a Blue Iris PC - would below be a good item to use?

Dell Optiplex 3020 Desktop Quad Core i5-4590 3.30GHz 8GB 256GB SSD Win 10 Pro | eBay

Thanks

 

[pozzello]

sure. that's a decent rig for up to dozen or so cams, i'd think.
not the newest or fastest, but the price seems reasonable.
Just add a big WD purple and you're all set...

 

[Mr_D]

Guys

I'm searching for a Blue Iris PC - would below be a good item to use?

Dell Optiplex 3020 Desktop Quad Core i5-4590 3.30GHz 8GB 256GB SSD Win 10 Pro | eBay

Thanks

That should be fine, but you'll want to add a WD purple drive for storing clips. I put my SSD in a tray to replace the optical drive, freeing up space for the hard drive.

9.5mm Universal SATA 2nd HDD Caddy SSD Hard Drive +Panel for DVD-ROM Optical Bay | eBay

 

[Matt_FTP]

Thanks guys - I already ordered a 4TB purple HD

 

[Matt_FTP]

I also need a 16 channel POE Switch? would something like below work or are there better options?

BV-Tech 16 Port PoE+ Switch + 2 Gigabit 1000Mbps Ethernet Uplink -130W- 802.3at | eBay



Also, If the PC does not have HDMI out ( was hoping to connect to a 40" TV or so) , what monitor setup do you guys typically use?

 

[Mr_D]

I also need a 16 channel POE Switch? would something like below work or are there better options?

BV-Tech 16 Port PoE+ Switch + 2 Gigabit 1000Mbps Ethernet Uplink -130W- 802.3at | eBay



Also, If the PC does not have HDMI out ( was hoping to connect to a 40" TV or so) , what monitor setup do you guys typically use?

I have that same switch. So far so good.

There are cheap adapters to/from most PC video standards. I believe I'm using a Displayport->VGA adapter on mine since it goes through a VGA KVM switch.

 

[pozzello]

yes, that Poe switch would be fine. Plenty of cheaper options if you care to risk a used one, eg:
Netgear FS728TP Prosafe 24+4 PORTS 10/100 Smart PoE Switch | eBay (not my listing)
just check the specs as some may not have all ports powered...

the ebay unit (optiplex 3020) you linked to has a DisplayPort video out, which is electrically compatible with HDMI. just need a DP to hdmi cable or adapter...

 

[Matt_FTP]

Thanks guys - I just ordered the PC and Switch. 4TB Purple on its way too. I also got my monoprice Cat6 cables / Rj45 connectors / crimping pliers coming, and my cameras on their way from Andy.

I think I got everything

Next step - installation. Should be fun

One more thing - My house is all concrete(roof, stilts, walls, etc) . What is the best way to attach / run network cables along concrete? I do not want to use adhesive based clips.

 

[Mr_D]

For running cable outside, its best to run it in conduit for protection from the elements, vandals, and critters. I used 3/4" schedule 40 UV resistant PVC (easy to work with) and painted it to match the house. You can use tapcons and a hammer drill to secure the clamps to concrete.