Web Cameras and USB Cables

[Darisha]

Hi Everyone,

I am looking for advice.

I have a appliance repair shop and my techs are stealing so I want this project to cost me a little as possible ...

I was thinking of using 2-3 simpe web cams and hook them up, via usb, to record on movement .... but the shop is about 16 meters in depth and I'm worried about the USB cables ....

Is there some sort of USB hub type thing that is AC/DC powered and that could be used to provide extensions for the USB cables? If so, what is it?

Also, what web cams would be recommended ...... good but cheap

Thanks in advance.

 

[Darisha]

bump ...

Anybody??

 

[CataclysmZA]

What you'd need is a set of cameras linked up to a DVR unit if you want a decent setup with the option of creating backups of video footage and the option to view your video feeds online - handy for when you're on business elsewhere or at home.

Otherwise, the maximum limit for USB that you should aim for is 10m. You can buy a powered USB hub and connect the cables to that. You'll need a camera that does video recording on demand - most cameras are capable of doing this. I recommend Logitech's C310 for this purpose.

Once you've got your cameras, follow this guide to set up the auto-record function. The guide works with most webcams. Logitech may have kept their auto-record option in their software as well, so its worth downloading it first and checking it out.

Also, check this out: 25 Video Webcam Recording apps

 

[Darisha]

WOW ..... no replys and then NAG - Wesley gives me absolutely everything Thank You very much for the advice and for your time!
The second option is what I am looking for ... money is tight and all we really need are two or three cameras ... plus I'm sure the guys are gonna stop the second they see cameras.

Once again, thank you very much for all the links and advice!

 

[oldhat]

The lowest cost option will most likely be ZoneMinder:

http://www.zoneminder.com/

 

[GarethC]

If you get 10m you'll be quite lucky. Generally 5m is the accepted maximum. But you can always test it out. If you need longer distance, you can buy a pair of extenders. The extenders are then linked with a network cable, allowing much further distance. But this may be overkill for your application.

 

[droid]

Relatively cheap wireless options

http://www.comprousa.com/en/product/wl150/wl150.html

http://www.comprousa.com/en/product/ip55/ip55.html

http://mydlink.dlink.com/products/DCS-930L

 

[CataclysmZA]

plus I'm sure the guys are gonna stop the second they see cameras

That's the thing. Do you know that half the video surveillance domes you see in stores and supermarkets are fake? The real ones are elsewhere, or are more expensive options with advanced software and pan/tilt/move stands. Try putting in some broken cameras but don't make it obvious that they're not plugged in - hide those cables well!

If you get 10m you'll be quite lucky. Generally 5m is the accepted maximum.

Yeah, with regular cable it is hit-and-miss. I get a much thicker EMI-shielded cable from Linkage that goes up to 20M, does the job perfectly but it costs a fortune for a mere cable.

 

[sajunky]

What about IP cameras? Any affordable stuff around?

It could be powered by cat5 cable by means of Pover over Ethernet or custom adapter if cameras don't support PoE.

Wireless are nice, but they still need power cord.

One thing for sure, the first camera I would install hidden without personel knowledge.

 

[Roger.Wilco]

Hi Everyone,

I am looking for advice.

I have a appliance repair shop and my techs are stealing so I want this project to cost me a little as possible ...

I was thinking of using 2-3 simpe web cams and hook them up, via usb, to record on movement .... but the shop is about 16 meters in depth and I'm worried about the USB cables ....

Is there some sort of USB hub type thing that is AC/DC powered and that could be used to provide extensions for the USB cables? If so, what is it?

Also, what web cams would be recommended ...... good but cheap

Thanks in advance.

I have 2 sets of USB over Ethernet extensions that I'm not using. You plug in the USB part in the pc, then utp cable, then the other USB part to connect a USB device. Perfect for what you need. R200 each (half price) if you're interested in both?