two BI install machines with one license

xmfan

xmfan

Getting the hang of it
Nov 30, 2017
187
96
Hey All. Happy Friday.

I would like to have a production BI and a test BI machine. Ideally, the production BI PC will run cams that have been prepared for deployment (mounted and hardwired) on the wall/eaves, etc. whereas the test BI machine will be used to set up the cam settings, update firmware for cams on the bench, etc. I also plan to run the new purchase cams on the bench for a few days to eliminate any defects or concerns that might require me to remove them shortly after they were deployed. In my case, I plan to have 10-12 cams to cover my property. I have 3 so far.

Will my planned setup require two separate BI purchases?

The network guys at work are telling me that they have a production and test servers so thought to inquire the same in regards to BI.

thanks !!
 
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Given that you can watch and configure the cameras, themselves, using the web interface of the cameras a second BI license/install, or even the demo version, isn't really needed. You'd still have to configure the cameras in the "production" server. If you want to leave something u and running, there are other programs that will let you do that, VLC as an example.
 
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awsum140 said:
Given that you can watch and configure the cameras, themselves, using the web interface of the cameras a second BI license/install, or even the demo version, isn't really needed. You'd still have to configure the cameras in the "production" server. If you want to leave something u and running, there are other programs that will let you do that, VLC as an example.
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@awsum140 aaah yes, indeed. That makes sense. Based on your feedback, looks like there won't be a need for a 2nd BI install. thank you
@Ssayer - thanks for your input. I actually didn't know that BI could run in demo mode for an extended period.

It would take me another 6 - 9 months, possibly even longer before I complete the purchase of all cameras. Trying to budget for something, every month.
 
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One other comment. Somehow I think once you get your cameras they'll get "burned in" for maybe a day, if that long, before they're mounted and on the production system. I had similar plans and actually spent three days with my first camera testing and making sure it ran OK. Now, it's out of the box, mount it where I want it and configure while it's in place all in under a day (unless it's raining).
 
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awsum140 said:
One other comment. Somehow I think once you get your cameras they'll get "burned in" for maybe a day, if that long, before they're mounted and on the production system. I had similar plans and actually spent three days with my first camera testing and making sure it ran OK. Now, it's out of the box, mount it where I want it and configure while it's in place all in under a day (unless it's raining).
Click to expand...

:lol: I was thinking along the same lines too.
The three I have are still on the bench, will install them in the next 30 or so days...but I can see that next maybe one or two, I might tinker with then the rest will get installed as soon as I buy them.

I may just have been overthinking.

as a sidebar, for the most part I an DIY guy. I didn't realize how much learning I had to do till I got knee deep in the cams project. I witnessed a potential break-in in the middle of the day on Saturday, across the street. Talk about BALLS. Luckily, my presence thwarted the thugs attempt and they took off running. That was a wake up call to do something for protection. Shortly thereafter, I ended up here on IPCT

I am definitely enjoying the ride but there are days...man, I just want something plug and play so I can just sit, watch TV and have a beer :rofl:
 
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If you enjoy this, try the home automation route too. It's quite satisfying having a bog standard pir detecting presence on the porch (no messing about with false alerts from cams), and having a voice announcement in the front room whilst a tablet switches on and shows the porch cam.

Takes a lot of initial trial and error, but it's satisfying getting it all working. Plus systems like this are completely configurable and cost a hell of a lot less than something out of the box.
 
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