Exterior-mounted security camera that feeds video to control unit for recording.
Security cameras, or one-eyed witnesses, have become more ubiquitous as homeowners and business owners alike seek to protect their property. A variety of security camera systems currently exist and can be purchased at any major electronics retailer. Certain systems even allow remote viewing of the property and alert the owner of any intruders. Installing and setting up security cameras requires some thoughtful planning and careful attention to the installation. However, the end result is piece of mind provided to you, the home or business owner.
Instructions
General Setup Process for Systems with or without a Computer
1. Determine where security cameras should be placed. For the home and the business, any areas that have high traffic or items of value are prime locations for cameras. Also, consider placing cameras where break-ins or acts of vandalism are more likely to occur.
2. Optimize camera placement. Once you have determined where the cameras should go, plan for the least amount of wiring and the widest viewing angles for each camera. Since there are only so many cameras included per kit, it is best to utilize each one as much as possible before resorting to purchasing additional cameras to connect to the camera control unit.
3. Determine location for on-site camera monitoring and other control equipment. This can be a closet, an office or any other area of the building. It is best to locate this equipment where it will be out of common view.
4. Mount cameras where desired. Use the supplied mounting hardware as much as possible. Be sure to also drill a large enough hole in the wall so that wire can be fed from the camera back to the camera control unit.
5. Feed wires to the camera control unit. Use a steel wire fishing tool or a straightened wire clothes hanger to direct the wire. Be sure to use about a 1-inch piece of electrician's tape to secure the wires to either feeding tool used. If any additional wire is needed, be sure to use the same type supplied or specified by the security camera system manufacturer.
6. Connect wires to cameras and the control unit. This wraps up the hardware installation process. Be sure to check all connections before powering up the security camera system.
7. Power up the security camera system and test it. Once it is working properly, take advantage of the ability to record video from all cameras.
Finishing Set Up for Systems with a Computer
8. Check system requirements. Be sure that the computer being attached to the security camera system will be compatible with it.
9. Install all necessary software. Be sure to read the accompanying manual and all the directions supplied by the manufacturer.
10. Configure the proper IP address to communicate with a computer. This allows for authorized users to gain remote access to video recorded by the cameras at any time of the day.
11. Verify functionality. Once all the software has been installed, make sure that the security camera system is properly recording video to the hard drive, allowing remote access only to authorized users, and that it is otherwise performing other tasks as designed.
Tags: security camera, camera system, control unit, security camera system, camera control, camera control unit