Need help with security?

Question

I'd like to set up video surveilance and use an old pc as a server for the equipment. If possible I'd also like to have the information uploaded somewhere online at certain intervals (since if the surveilance equipment is found and stolen it's of no use)

Also looking for other nice security measures such as motion lights, dog, etc...

Suggestions for equipment and lighting and anything else not mentioned is appreciated.

The property will be surrounded by bamboo, an electric fence with a charger used for cattle since I'm on a farm.

I plan on having all the doors on the house open outwards so it's harder to kick them in.

Doors will have deadbolt locks.

Anyone have experience with setting up their own home security?

I love security :]

First, the outwards opening door doesn't have to have hinge pins that can be knocked out. They make doors/frames specifially for this and the purpose is it makes it harder to kick the door in. As far as live feed goes, I don't need live feed. I just want all the Video/Audio to be uploaded to an online server so that the files are still there for me to view if the surveilance in my house is stolen.

Answer 1

Wow! Pretty intense. We have a product we use in our designs that is web based and loads all information, photos and videos on a remote computer.

This systems also allows someone in New York to check cameras installed in Los Angeles if they want to.

Email me for more info.

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

Concentrate first on physical security, then move on to the electronics. I love security also, and I have over 34,000 doors to secure!

Doors swung in or out doesn't really matter, what does matter is installing your locks correctly. I would use a Schlage B660 deadbolt, and make sure to use the strike back plate and 3 1/2" screws. The screws attach the strike to studs, instead of the soft pine frame. The B660 has a thumbturn on the inside, I ouldn't use the double cylinder B662. The lock is designed to keep people inside, noy out, and the life safety risk isn't worth it.

If ADA compliance must be considered, like a commercial building, I would use the Schlage Vandleguard Lever locks. These locks have a 3/4" throw latch, and a little twist in the design; You don't unlock the lock when you turn the key, you engage the lever. So the lever is free until you turn the key, and then it will retract the latch. Means it can't be forced open.

I would use a side bar type pin tumbler key, like Schlage Primus or Medeco. You have to get this from a certified locksmith, but it's worth it. Duplicates can't be made anywhere but at the locksmith where you bought it, and that locksmith will have your signature and ID on file. This type of lock can't be "bumped" because of the finger pins, sidebar, and restricted key blank.

If you swing the doors out or in, use non-removable pins, Ives and Hager both make very good commercial grade hinges. These both have set screws on the side, and takes a beating to get them out.

Think about landscaping, rose bushes and cactus plants make great window deterrents without taking away from the exterior of the house, or ruin your view out. Plus, xeroscape is so much cheaper to maintain, and gives a rugged look to any house.

You can purchase auxillary window locks that attach onto the frame and simply prevent the window from opening. These are effective and very inexoensive, and can be picked up at almost any hardware store or locksmith shop.

Dogs make great security systems, deterrents, and comforters. My kids appreciate my 85 lb black lab climbing into their bed with them, and they know she "patrols" all night. And their fun to have around.

Now begin installing all the latest greatest electronic toys, but depend on them to only alert you and the authorities that your house as been broken into, your locks and common sense are your true home security tools.

Answer 4

You can do all this; it is not very hard but you need to understand how to put things together and how to network

I suggest you use conventional cameras with IR night lighting (this means that when it is dark, the IR lights which you cannot see provide light for the camera to see images). Run the coax cables to a central location and get a camera board for the pc; put all coax feeds in to it per directions. Most of the camera board operating software can be configured to turn camera on and record when it detects motion - so you don't have a lot of idle pictures recorded.

If you put in broadband internet connection (satellite can do this if you can't get DSL or CATV) you can see what the pc sees remotely from your location over your internet connection. You can have motion detection also send an alarm to you to visually check it out.

Having doors open out is unwise. All you have to do is pull hinge pins and the door comes off. Put in heavy dead bolts - perhaps 2 or 3 if needed.

Answer 5

I take it that whatever is worth protecting is at least worth installing a video system. This tells me if it is worth this much it is probably worth going even further.
Let's consider something though, where is everything going to be stored? You have to understand it is very bad practice to have everything at the same place, even in programming this practice holds to be true. if your camera is at local#1 they feed to a computer, which sends it over to local#2's computer, which is the server for your web site. Now you have a live feed on your site...or slightly delayed. Problem, take out the camera and you have nothing. Solution, server retains a copy of the file transmitted and displays it to the web site at the same time. I would name the file " Date-Time"
I would consider using "Facial Reckognition software " at local#1, it will make a serious effort to get facial data from burglars / vandals. I would use audio inside the structure only. I would consider installing a fake door. On the outside the fake door will have a lock and all look as real as a reg. door. Open it to lead to a second door with another kind of lock, that opens inward. This will gain you time of video taping them - the more time on video the better the chance to catch the crooks. I would use motion detectors to turn on my video surveilance and audio. I would invest in " night vision surveillance cameras" and not provide the theif with any more light than your night vision requires, this will make it harder for them too...costing them more time.
I would use pressure sesor on exterior lock ( door #1) this would trigger message 1 to the police - suspicious activity call. Pressure sesor on door 2 triggers call to police of actual break-in. Motion sensor inside door 2 triggers the final call - a breakin has occurred and the burglars on prowling the premisis.
Or you could have that sesor operate a relay, which operates a solenoid that opens a door - this room contains the guard dogs. They must be trained when they hear a specific sound they return to this room ( presure sensor locks the door again).
I would not go with dogs, lthey can be intimidated and killed. Electronics can be replaced / repaired.
Why you want this to be published on a web page I don't understand, it seems you could give managers access to a system where they can access the saved files, which can be used by police. Setting up a live feed to a site will cost you much more than if the video / audio files were saved on a remote computer.
remember also, if you have live feeds it could become accessed by would be crooks - they will know what angle and point of view you have of your property and locations of video cameras - that could work against you. You should use video as a silent witness - lay silent in the night unknown and unseen. This is my best advice, rely on video capture 3 minute delay then file exist and can be accessed.
Don't forget this lesson in history, the power of suggestion. Post a sign stating you use video surveillance. Place a medium size black box with a red flashing light on it, and this box is to contain a video camera with minor holes in the front to capture video frm .It will be within sight from the main door of entry. The pressure sensor turns the light on and it flashes to indicate it is working so they will probably wnat to destroy this camera and that iwll take time to break open the box and do so. However, by the time they get box open they see it is empty..there is no camera in it, unknown to them the camera is hidden elsewhere and got perfect view of them as they attempted to break open the box and calls went out in the meantime. If you tell them there is video surveillance, and place a box near by they will assume that is where the camera is - even if no one ever said that. Hitler used this method for audio recording of his own men, telling them they are being recorded and provided the black box for them to focus on. As a twist the black box could move to the direction of the motion - move toward them...
just be imaginative ....base on how much you want to spend will determine how far you can go...

Answer 6

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