Diy exterior home security set-ups?

[Gutshot007]

All you tech guys . Starting to look at diy exterior home security systems . Thoughts on cell phone camera systems ? Exterior in sub zero weather at times ? Wired vs battery ? My drive is 2 tenths of a mile long would like cameras near drive so "range" is important ,also something that works in lowlight conditions . Outbuilding near drive before reaching house and detached garage . Would like cameras on both. Things that work and things that dont ? Thanks for the insight and opinions .

 

[Rob5589]

We have an Arlo system, wireless, battery. Works well, battery life is very good but is dependent on how many times it is set off, easy set up. I doubt it would work for your distances, however. A full wired system will probably be your best bet.

 

[CCooper]

My brother who is an electrician talked me into a wired system. He did all the research for me and recommended Lorex. It has been flawless for a couple years now. We did voice cameras everywhere around the house which to my surprise has come in handy a few times.

 

[grfox92]

I would just try and re create whatever those Natives had set up in the Indiana Jones movie.

Sent from my SM-G990U using Tapatalk

 

[Gutshot007]

Punji sticks in the drive with a giant concrete ball with rails on either side !

 

[Whaledriver]

I have had good luck with hardwired reolink cameras. Had a hard drive quit out of warranty. They sent me a new one and it works perfect now.

 

[awbowhunter]

I went with lorex and have been happy with it. Iooked at Arlo as well. App on phone you can view cameras from anywhere.

 

[Dennis]

I have been happy with the self monitored Ring system. I use a combination or wired cameras, battery cameras along with door bell sensor, motion sensors, open door sensors, water sensors and panic alarms. App on phone and computers.

 

[Team4LongGun]

I tried lorex, and stopped the install and threw them out. We now have Arlo, and although they are wireless, we ran power cords to them so we don't have to charge every 3 weeks. The arlo is great, but they get you with a subscription if you want to view historical (anything past current live footage) which is annoying.

Arlo is not designed for extreme dark and long distances (for positive ID purposes). They are a perimeter type camera at best, but for our needs we like them.

For distance and darkness, only a true professional PTZ camera will accomplish what you want. Prices aren't that bad anymore. Here is what the company local to me installs in banks and homes, Dahua

Surveillance Systems | B&H Photo

Buy and learn about Surveillance Systems from top brands like Swann, Speco Technologies, Lorex by FLIR and FLIR. Explore our unbeatable prices and selection.

www.bhphotovideo.com

You could have a base system of 4 cameras, and add on 2-4 long range cameras on an 8 channel DVR and have a pretty good system for a decent price. The cost of hiring someone is the install. If you DIY, you'll save a bunch. It's really a plug and play set up.

 

[505Wapiti]

In New Mexico with a flat roof. Arlo is awesome.

 

[Trogon]

I tired Lorex and the system wouldn’t work for me. Ended up going with Hikvision PoE (power over Ethernet) and it was really good if you can run the wires through your house. They have a lot of different cameras to suit specific needs. One is full color night vision.

 

[Curmudgeon]

From what I've been reading, Lorex has sold again and their cameras going forward will only be compatible with their own models of DVR and NVR recorders. Hikvision cameras can still connect with other brands. Neither brand is NDAA compliant if that is an issue for you. Arlo is bit vague when asked about being NDAA compliant but they are owned by the Chinese so......buyer beware I guess. All that aside, storage for recording would be my main consideration. I have three separate systems and I've found it important to be able to look back for at least the prior two weeks. All my storage is on hard drives (NVR) which are flexible as to how much storage you need before they start to overwrite. I can monitor all my systems from my iPhone which is also important for me. (Requires an internet connection at the NVR location) Wireless cameras are nice as long as you don't mind messing with batteries or an electrical outlet. The limiting factor being their range if they don't have true line of sight. POE cameras save you the aforementioned problems but you can only run around 300' of cable before you have to use an extender and you can get direct burial Cat6 cable. I would definitely go with 4K cameras. All my outdoor cameras have gone through some brutally cold weather with no problems. Night vision ranges are usually around a 100'. There's plenty of DIY articles and videos out there and it's not that hard to put your own system in.

 

[Gutshotem]

I can't give you any advice on systems but everyone should be aware that any footage stored through a cloud based system can be accessed by LE without a warrant. Something to keep in mind if you value your family's privacy.

 

[Sierra Hunter]

Working line German shepherd

 

[Team4LongGun]

I can't give you any advice on systems but everyone should be aware that any footage stored through a cloud based system can be accessed by LE without a warrant. Something to keep in mind if you value your family's privacy.

How so? On what merit do they get unfettered access to any cloud based system?

 

[RuggedYogi]

How so? On what merit do they get unfettered access to any cloud based system?

I don’t believe that all companies are providing footage to LE without owner’s consent. However, Amazon has been giving Ring footage to LE when they request it.

Amazon Providing Ring Footage to LE

 

[Gutshotem]

How so? On what merit do they get unfettered access to any cloud based system?

Apparently the service providers just give it up upon request. A quick Google search and you'll find a lot written on the subject.

 

[chaser_2332]

We use Reolink at work and at home. They have been great

 

[WeiserBucks]

Working line German shepherd

Great Pyrenees at my place.

 

[Dust Rider]

We went with Montavue system. Based in Missoula MT. Have a question, and a guy in Missoula picks up the phone and speaks English.
System is hard wired with PoE and cat5e. I did have to dig a trench with tractor and laid conduit to reach my shop. Also ran extra power and extra cat5 lines while I had it trenched.
Six high def cameras watching the house, shop and inside shop. Was also able to link door bell camera to hard drive and phone to record.
It’s pretty cool to be a thousand miles away from home and open an app on phone and see all what is going on at the property at any given time.