Question:
I'm planning on buying a security camera to monitor the front yard whilst at
home, as our area has had a few problems recently. While this is fine while i'm
at home, I would like to know if it's possible to have the camera set up with a
pir and connected to a recording system for use when i'm not home. I'm guessing
this probably has more to do with the recording system than it does with the
camera, but is it possible, or would it be too expensive? I will start with a
basic monitoring system first, so what sort of equipment would I be best to
start with that will allow me to upgrade to this later without having to start
from scratch and buy a new system. Can you give me advice on Home Surveillance
Camera System? Any ideas would be appreciated
Answer:Jaycar (www.jaycar.com.au) has a "Time Lapse Video Recorder" (catalogue
number QV3050) that sounds like what you're after (a bit expensive though).
The following description says it all:
"Purpose built for security applications, this Korean made, high quality
centre drive unit will record video and audio for up to 24 hours on a single
E-180 tape. Various recording modes can be set and recordings made on a
continuous or time-lapse basis. Recording times can be programmed for
certain time periods on a daily or weekly time frame. External triggers can
also be used to automatically record on receipt of an alarm signal from a
variety of external sources such as PIR, door switches, IR beams etc. When
an alarm event is triggered, the recorder will sound a buzzer and record for
a predetermined period. All alarm events are counted and up to 8 will be
stored and can be displayed by date and time on video monitor connected to
the video output socket. One shot recording mode will record 1 frame of
video at 1, 2 or 3 minute intervals. Playback options include normal, still,
reverse, field by field, slow and slow reverse. At the end of the tape, the
recorder can be set to automatically rewind and record over the previous
recording, or eject at the end of one pass and stop. Several recorders can
be cascaded together. As the first recorder reaches tape end, it can signal
the next recorder to start recording, and so on to subsequent recorders.
Rear panel connectors for audio, video, alarm in, alarm reset, alarm out,
one shot trigger, trigger out, tape end, series in and series out.
Specifications: PAL system, Dual head VHS recording system, continuous
recording up to 24 hours, 300 lines resolution (B&W) 240 lines resolution
(Colour), Video input/output via BNC connectors 1Vpp into 75 ohms, RCA audio
connectors. 240VAC operation, operating temperature 5°C to 40°C, measures
360 (W) x 90 (H) x 312 (D)mm, weight 4.2Kg. Don't let the low price fool
you. This is a professional unit." Hope that helps,
