Showing posts with label alarm. Show all posts
Showing posts with label alarm. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Discover What Home Automation Systems Are All About

by: Kelly Hunter

Do you remember George Jetson? His futuristic world gave a whole generation of cartoon viewers fantasies about having the ability to complete even the most tedious chores with only the push of a button. Well they don’t look like the Jetson’s Rosie, but robot housekeepers are actually already available. They are called home automation systems and look more like a fancy thermostat than a metal maid. A home automation system allows the homeowner to control all his home’s systems via the World Wide Web from virtually anywhere Internet access is available. An automation system harmonizes the air conditioner, heater, water and appliances.

Each subsystem is wired and connected to a hub, or a central processing unit, that ties them all together. Have you ever been rushing on your way to work and had a sinking feeling that you forgot to turn off the stove, or didn’t turn the answering machine on? If your home was automated, you could take care of those things as soon as you get to your computer and have absolutely no house related worries for the rest of the day. A home automation system can make your entertainment systems even more fun. No more missing your favorite television shows because you forgot to set the VCR. The system would allow you to start your recorder remotely so you don’t miss a minute. Imagine being able to adjust the volume on your stereo, for just the right mood music, with just the click of a button. You wouldn’t even have to walk away from your guests. Security is probably one of the first things people associate with home automation.

All the entrances and openings to your home can be wired so you will virtually have an electronic barrier against intruders around your home twenty-four hours a day. Like all the other subsystems in your home, it can be operated off-site, so you never have to worry about whether or not you locked everything up tight. Most automated systems are also armed with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If the barrier is breached in any way, or danger is detected, then it alerts the proper authorities. It could save your life, if you were injured and unable to do so yourself. Of course, there are fancier home automation options for the rich and famous. According to U.S. News, the Gates family home is full of them. That’s right; Bill Gates’ home contains about 52 miles of electronic wiring. Every flooring surface in the building is heated, including the driveway and sidewalks. Theoretically, Mr. Gates could start his favorite music, draw a bath and light his fireplace on his way home from the office.

You can visit http://www.home-automation-systems-guide.com to find more information on home automation. There is a place on the home automation spectrum for every household and every budget. Whether your priority is safety, convenience or just to show off, there are many options available to you. Who knows, the next step in technology evolution might mean hover cars for everyone!

About The Author
Kelly Hunter operates http://www.home-automation-systems-guide.com and writes about Home Automation Systems.


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CCTV Camera - Do-It-Yourself Installation Guide

by: Robert Moskal


Introduction:

This guide is written for those who do need video security and can't afford costly installation services, or if the CCTV installer is not available in your area - the later is more common than one could think. We will cover most common security equipment types, as it is virtually impossible to go over such a wide rang of different security cameras and recording/video processing equipment available on the market.

I assume anyone considering do-it-yourself CCTV installation has basic knowledge of wiring techniques and practices. I am not to be held responsible or liable for damages to the equipment due to mishandling or misuse. Remember; during the installation always pay attention to safety. Working at heights and using tools can be dangerous, please follow all safety practices. Lets jump right to it now.

Planning: First step of any camera installation is to plan camera and monitoring equipment locations. When planning for camera locations please take in consideration light condition, never install cameras in low light room pointing straight into the sunny area it will add glare to the picture, even if your camera has back light compensation it will not be enough. Use infrared cameras for very dark conditions and/or B/W cameras with as low LUX number as possible. I am not going to discuss proper equipment selection, as this was subject of my last article.

Selecting the best possible camera locations is not easy, and will directly impact the camera views. Besides light conditions, the distance to the monitoring object is equally important. There are many different types and focal lengths of lenses; your selection will depend on light condition and distance from the camera to the monitoring object. In small rooms around 500sq. ft. cameras with standard 3.6mm lens should be OK. Keep in mind that most bullet and board type of cameras come with 3.6mm lens, the greater the distance to the monitoring object the longer focal length of the lens will be needed. There is no ease way of judging lens selection, you can eider guess or buy professional lens selector tool.. Alternatively you can start with your lens selection and if needed get longer or shorter focal length lens later. Other option as far as lens selection goes, is to use variable focus lens, which is very versatile approach and takes the guess out of the lens selection process. For those who do not know what variable focus lens is, it's basically adjustable focal length lens that will allow to change the focal length within specified range, fore example: 2.6mm - 8mm or 5mm - 50mm.

To maximize cameras coverage and get the most out of the CCTV system for least amount of money minimize number of it by placing cameras in strategic places, unless complete area coverage is needed. Avoid overlapping camera views, do not install them with source of light directly in front of it and do not place infrared cameras pointing at each other to eliminate risk of overexposure. These are the most common mistakes that need to be avoided. After the initial camera locations are predetermined, lets look at cable placement. Make sure that it is actually possible and practical to run cable to each location, if running the cable to any camera location is for some reason impossible opt-out for alternate location.

Wiring: The most time consuming and important part of any camera installation is wiring. Plan your installation carefully to minimize cable lengths and insure good quality video signal. Never run cables alongside high power electrical lines, at least 12" spacing between video cable and power lines are recommended. Keep the cable lengths below 400ft and use good quality cable, most people take the cable for granted, but it is actually very important aspect of any installation. The CCTV system is only as good as its weakest component. I usually stick with RG59U with power Coleman cable (YES it is US made) sometimes called Siamese type cable. It is combo cable and will transmit video and power, as an alternative it is sometimes possible to use less expensive RG6 standard coax cable with separate run of 18/2AWG for power.

The Siamese cable is less bulky and easer to run, distribution power supply is recommended with this type of cable as power will be supplied from common place right next to monitor and recording equipment. Using Siamese cable makes for more clean and neat installation, as only one line is required for each camera. Running RG6 cable with separate run for power is the likely solution if power outlets are available near each locations. In this case individual plug in power supplies are used to power them with power cable running as separate and independent line to the camera. Both types of cables are available at dvrexperts. When running the cable it is good practice to leave couple of loops of extra cable at both camera and monitoring locations. This extra length of cable is needed if in the future monitoring or location will have to be moved slightly. After the cable is in place, the labor-intensive part of installation is over, now we can get to the fun part of installation.

Camera mounting: Most s come with mounting screws and bracket included, attach the bracket firmly and remember that in some cases different brackets than the ones supplied with the cameras could be needed.

Attach the camera to the bracket and adjust the position approximately at this time, we will come back to it later. Typical security camera is powered by 12VDC or 24VAC and power input type is screw or push terminals or 2.1mm plug. Power connection will differ for each type of power supply and input style. Most cameras are 12VDC, in this case it is important to observe polarity or you may damage the camera. The power cable has two conductors and in most cases it will be red or white and black cable. Use the red or white for positive and black for negative terminals. If it has screw or push terminals power input connect the cable directly observing polarity, if it is 2.1mm plug, a special 2.1MM Female DC Plug with Flying Leads have to be connected to the cable again keep attention to polarity. The 24VAC connection is very similar, with one major difference - polarity is not important.

Next step will involve some special tools and accessories. We will attempt to go over installation process of BNC crimp-on video connector, I will post video demonstration of BNC crimping techniques shortly so please check the web sites mentioned in this article often.

Steps: 1. Remove about 1/2-inch long outer jacket from the end of video cable exposing braid. 2. Slide the crimping barrel onto the cable with the larger diameter facing end of the cable. 3. Pull the braid backwards exposing the inner isolator material and remove 3/8-inch of it so you have now core conductor exposed. 4. The main part of BNC connector has a small hole on one side; push the exposed core conductor of the cable into that hole as far as it will go. 5. Push all the braid folded backwards in step 3 onto the BNC connector and spread the braid evenly around connector. 6. Push the crimping barrel onto the BNC connector all the way. 7. Using crimping tool, squeeze the crimping barrel onto the BNC connector, now the cable braid is compressed in between crimping barrel and BNC connector assuring secure connection.

BNC connector is on, lets hook it up now and repeat the steps for each camera, if you have purchased 16 camera system you may want to get some coffee first.

Monitor and recorder connection:

Cameras are on, its time to make final connections. I will focused on standard CCTV monitor, standalone DVR recorder and distribution power supply, as this is the most popular and likely solution for most CCTV installations.

First we have to install BNC connectors on this side as well - its time for that coffee again. It is good idea to make room for monitor and recorder now and setup some type of desk, shelf or rack to place all the equipment on.

We need the monitor and recorder in place so we can determine proper power supply location. Power supply should be mounted within couple of feet from the DVR video inputs. After power supply is secured separate the power conductors from the Siamese cable, and run it to power supply. Like we did with the cameras if 12VDC power is used, we need to watch the polarity, each terminal on the power supply is marked, so there should not be any doubt. Make sure the power supply is not plugged in to the power outlet yet.

Connect video cables to the DVR video in ports. We need one video cable to connect the DVR with the monitor, if you do not have one you may cut piece of Siamese cable separate the power conductors from it and install BNC connectors on both ends, you now have the cable. Connect the DVR monitor out port to monitor video in. We are almost ready to power up everything; there is only one more thing to take care before we do that.

We need to protect the equipment from power spikes by plugging it into power conditioner or better yet, buttery backup unit. If the installation location is experiencing frequent power outages, the backup unit is strongly recommended. To extend the backup time only plug the DVR and camera power supply to the backup unit and the monitor to regular power strip, this way if we do loose power for some time the DVR and cameras are still functioning as normal while monitor is off. Turning off monitor will not affect DVR and cameras in any way; it is actually good habit to turn the monitor of if not used to extend its life.

Power on and final adjustment: Yes... we are now ready to power it up for the first time, if this is your first installation it may be nerve-racking experience. Start with turning the cameras power supply on, turn the monitor on as well followed by DVR system. The stand-alone DVR, after self-test will show cameras or setup menu on first power up depending on your model.

To setup the DVR refer to the manual for proper settings. Go over each camera view to determine if the view is actually what you want, hardly ever it will be without additional readjustments. To properly and easily adjust the positions, the test monitor will be very handy if not essential tool. Go to each camera location and connect the test monitor to adjust the position to your preferences, if satisfied secure camera bracket adjustment screws - we will not go back to this camera anymore.

Conclusion: Congratulations! You have just completed your most likely, very first installation of CCTV system. Visit our store fore more information on surveillance cameras, DVR recorders, tools and accessories.



About The Author

Robert Moskal is Technical Department Manager at V2Comp, Inc., a major distributor of CCTV cameras and other surveillance equipment located in Chicago area. More information about new products can be accessed at http://www.amazingoutlet.com/


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How To Make Sure Your Home Is Fully Secure From Break-ins

by: Steve Strong


Glass break sensors or Audi Discriminators have been around for a number of years. The technology has advanced in recent years and there are now a number of different versions available. The basic concept of a glass break sensor is to detect and sound an alarm if there is a sound of breaking glass. The original concept was based around a single technology which only picked up on the sound of breaking glass, however today there are now dual frequency devices which will not only pickup on the sound of breaking glass but also on the splintering of wood. Most of the glass break sensors today will use the dual frequency technology. The technology works by listening at the frequency that glass breaks and if this sound is detected then the alarm is activated. There are some points that need to be made clear before you decide on this form of security, firstly the technology does not work through walls, ceilings or doors. With this in mind you would need to have a sensor in each of the rooms where you have glass windows or doors. This can be a costly exercise to have sensors in all of these places and you may not wish to have this many around the house in every room. The sensors are wall mounted and have a range of around 35 feet in all directions; therefore their coverage is good for the home environment. There are however on glass sensors that can be purchased, these are sensors that are attached to the windows directly usually using a glue adhesive. The off-glass sensors can be discreetly wall mounted and are most likely the preferred option for many people. Today it is possible to buy the devices as either hardwired or wireless units like much of the security equipment that can be brought today. A lot of the glass break sensor units will provide many advanced features including false alarm detection which will eliminate the chance of something other than the breaking glass triggering the alarm systems. Most of the glass break sensors come with excellent guidelines on how to install the system allowing the homeowner to be capable of setting up the systems quickly and simply. Testing features are generally built into the sensors allowing the user to easily verify that they are functioning correctly; usually this is achieved by lights on the sensors. As like any home security product it is important to follow the correct planning routine in order to ensure that the product is suitable for your requirements. Some of the most important aspects when you are looking to install glass break sensors will be the number of rooms, how many sensors will be required per room, whether a window would be accessible from the outside by an intruder. Check the features included in the glass break sensor that you are purchasing and make sure they are suitable to integrate into your current security setup. When you purchase the sensor keep in mind whether you need a wired or a wireless sensor and whether you want the off glass or on glass sensors. Always read the instructions carefully before attempting to start the installation process, you need to ensure that they are setup correctly otherwise your security could be compromised.
About The Author
Steve Strong's is an employee with Sun Security which is an innovative and growth oriented company who uses a fresh and new approach to meet the security needs of millions of consumers throughout North America. Visit us at: http://www.sunsecurity.com


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