Web cam video surveillance made easy (and cheap)

  My cheap surveillance system is up and running for almost two years now, so I can say that I have found the best combination of software and hardware for that project.



So, you have cheap web cameras (or you can get them) and PC running 24/7 (or only when you are not at home) and you want to monitor your house, courtyard or firm... And record all activities out there? No problem.

Here is what you need:

1. Web camera


2. PC


3. USB extension cable


4. PCI USB card/adapter (in case of 4,5 or more cameras, or lack of USB ports on motherboard)


5. Surveillance software

Web Camera:

The cheapest webcam from e-bay would suite. You can mount Hi-end webcam with 2Mpix or more, but then you'll need stronger CPU, for higher resolutions. Mine VGA cameras are running at 320x240 resolution and output picture is good. They work on temperatures from -10 to 35 degrees Celsius, here. They are placed outside, but on dry place.

You can get them from 4$ per piece, shipping included. Just enter "usb webcam" on e-bay search, and sort by lowest price...

If you want, you can buy webcam with IR led light (price is about the same), but that works only on 2-3 meters... I'll explain later how to modify your webcam for better night time monitoring. 





Computer:

Most of us have some old computer or hardware components in basement, so it is a good way to get benefit from it. If you can squeeze usb cables from your everyday PC to a webcam spot, that's even better.

Here are my 10-year old computer specifications: 

Socket 478 motherboard with LAN port

Pentium IV 2.4 GHz

512 DDR ram

20Gb Hard Disk

250W power supply

PCI Ethernet adapter cost couple of bucks, in case your MB doesn't have LAN port. Or you can use WiFi card/stick to connect computer wirelessly. I have no need for Graphic card, because I'm connecting to that PC through ethernet cable (via remote desktop). It is a barebone computer with low power consumption. If you are going to buy that kind of used computer, it would cost you about 35$. 

Power consumption: ~7$/month 

USB extension cable:

Tricky part. Some motherboards can manage up to 18m of USB cable, but other allowing only 5m or even less. My ex GA-945P-S3 could run USB webcam on two 5meter + one 2m extension cable with no problem. Gigabyte 8PE800, which is in my current system, works well with one 5m cable.

So, it is important to place computer on a good place that would cover most of desired monitoring spots.

PCI USB card :

Cost: 3$ on e-bay. If you are going to have more than 2,3,4... webcams, it is a good thing to buy one, or two. I have 3, with two webcams on each, because half of my driver-less cameras have same chip, which doesn't allow them to run on single PCI USB card/MB ports.

 

The software:

  I can tell you right away that the best monitoring and recording software is Blue Iris. I am not advertising BI co, I just spent months testing various software and find Blue Iris to be the best one.

There are lots of  tutorials and forums regarding BI, so I'll put here only couple of Pros and Cons:

+

Easy to use, it can be really fine tuned, low CPU usage, WMV/A streaming, good motion detector algorithm, able to record motions before they occur, various recording formats (low disk usage/good quality record), access to your cameras from internet via GSM cellphone (GPRS, 3G)

-

Poor remote http interface, it can crash once in a week or two (More Simple Watchdog is the solution for that)

I will write down my software configuration later.

Conclusion:

If you need basic, but stable surveillance system, don't spend more than 50-60$ on it (excluding software cost). 

Just do it yourself!

.

Real gadget : MP3 sunglasses - Jet Black with stereo sound quality

 

Product Description

Tonight as usually i search for camera in Amazone and i found this cool things. This is Patented XYZ Optics® for razor sharp clarity at all angles of vision, even at lens periphery Cool looking sunglasses / mp3 shades with 2GB MP3 and WMA player built in as well as high quality earphones for great stereo effects. Great for making a statement as well as listening to your favorite music, these MP3 sunglasses will fit virtually adult with swiveling and extendable earphones, and with the flip up glasses design, you won't even have to take the shades off in low light salutations. With the included hard case and lens care cloth, keeping your sunglasses in great condition is easy.the charger also comes with USB outlet, therefore you can charge it while transfering music from your PC to your sunglasses



If you want to know more about this just check it in amazone and Good Luck :)

Unique camera sunglasses with video recorder included

As usually i ike to browse some gadget and i found a cool gadget. It is a sunglasses with camera. In amazone.com link said as:

Video Sunglasses - Stylish Elegant Design with Concealed Video Camera Recorder - Internal Memory + Micro SD Card Slot - Includes Case + Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

It's so cool and making them great for traveling, skiing, and other outdoor activities, and they capture all the action without any hassle. As usually like ordinary sunglasses, these are designed with polarized lenses that provide UV protection. Plus, they feature innovative technology that allows a built-in video camera to record video and audio content for up to three hours on the internal memory. The camera is positioned over the bridge of the nose for minimal visibility, while still providing a wide recording range.

So i think it is really cool gadget. If you want to know more check this in amazon.com

Awesome spy pen --DBTech Mini DVR Video Pen -- High Res Photos and Video

When i browse for amazone spy pen i found an awesome pen. It is a spy pen.

Technical Details

• Records high res full color photos and video


• Video Resolution: 640x480; Format: AVI 30 FPS


• Photo Resolution: 1280x960; Format: JPG


• Built-in Rechargeable Battery

Product Description

The DBTech Mini DVR pen is an easy to use high quality pen camera, Records high resolution color video and still images. Micro SD slot supports up to 16gb card.



Features:

2.0 mega pixels CMOS camera for clear digital recording

Video resolution : 640x480 30fps

Photo resolution:1280x960, JPG format

Easy connection with PC/Laptops, no driver needed

Supports up to 16gb Micro SD Card

Built-in lithium rechargeable battery



Package Includes:

Gold DVR Pen

AC Adapter

USB Cable

English Instructions



So i think it is really cool thing. If yo want to know well info about this check this link

Creative using a wireless camera with microphone

         This morning i browse  for wireless camera. Then i found an interseting camera. I foud it in Amazone,com. It is Tiny and wireless, this inconspicuous camera offers effective surveillance protection. Form the site informed that It has an operative range of 150 feet, providing full motion, real-time, color video with no delay. It is easily concealed and the built-in microphone provides great sound quality that's perfect for presentations or interviews. So i think is very good for monitoring our room.

 For the money, this is a great little system. Easy, out of the box setup, nothing to it. Video was surprisingly good. I checked it out on two different TV's. One is an older 36" CRT Panasonic, the other a 32" LCD Sharp. No interference from the interior of the home was detected. (You know, it transmits through walls, ect..) Got this to keep an eye on the teenagers still living at home. Man, they are going to think I have a 6th sense! The audio works great too. Wish I would have bought a larger multi-camera system. In fact I am considering that now for other projects. For under $40 bucks, I don't think you can go wrong. Don't expect Hi Def, but it really is quite good.



Unfortunately i never buy it. But maybe sometimes. So if you have tested maybe you want ti share us :) about your experiences use this wireless camera.

For more info : check this amazone link. 

Portable Digital Microscope Bigc Dino-Lite AM413T-FVW / Fluorescent UV Camera 10X ~200X

            I have found a good microscope from amazone web. This Models, AM413TL-FVW and AM413T-FVW  feature both white and fluorescent ultra-violet LED lighting in a single device. The option of viewing magnified objects under normal LED  (light Emiting Diodes) white light or fluorescent ultra violet lighting by simply switching from one to the other. The new enhanced UV filtering system provides improved fluorescence contrasting for use in forensics, biomedical or machine vision applications. The ability to switch from white light to fluorescent UV as well as on/off provides the user task flexibility and versatility. These two new models is also completed with calibrated measurement and all of the other standard features found in the Dino-Lite line of digital microscopes. 

          This cool device, The AM413TL-FVW ("L" series) is designed for use at greater working distance than non- "L" series. So it is an ideal gadget for scientific, medical and engineering research  as well as industrial quality control, dermatology (skin/scalp) exam, law enforcement (counterfeit ID, crime lab, CSI, etc). It can be used in conjunction with detecting counterfeit currency as well as other forms of documents such as; valid identification, tickets lottery, concert or event tickets, travelers checks, credit cards, passports, forgeries and countless possibilities. Make your imagination! Included with each Dino-Lite digital microscope is a copy of the "DinoCapture" software which will allow you to "capture" either a photograph, video or time-lapsed video with a simple click!. A nice step i think.

So if you want to know check this in amazon :). Then lets share your experiences using this cool devices :)

A very Cool Mobile Watch Phone Embbedded Camera Works With T-Mobile or AT&T

        A very Super Cool Mobile Phone Wrist Watch. Tri-band (900MHz, 1800MHz, 1900MHz) Super Cool Mobile Phone Wrist Watch. This is a fully functional unlocked GSM mobile phone with a color touchscreen, built in microphone and speakers, Bluetooth, and multimedia functions. This is the latest in a great line of China mobile phone watches to be released this year, and unlike any others, features a digital camera/video camera built in! 

       I think use This device will WoW you with all the features it provides. Surf the internet, play mp3 music, mp4 videos, make phone calls, view jpeg photos, use the built in organizer, calculator, alarms, world clock, and play the built in puzzle game. This is all available with the twist of your wrist. Most people agree this is one of the smallest, most feature packed devices to come along in a long time.  

An awesome camera i think.

Link :

http://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Watch-Phone-Camera-T-Mobile/dp/B001CLFJ4S

Daily gadget using Watch Mobile Phone Touch screen with Keypad

An interseting daily gadget :

Watch Mobile Phone Touch screen with Keypad

It is EG110. It  is a professional Black triband watch mobile phone will work with almost any carrier worldwide. It has some digital input keypad,1.33" touchscreen, FM Radio, 2.0 Mega camera, multimedia player. I think some Users around the world have loved it and leaving the best comments.



I hope i can have one. How about you :)?

Awesome Spy Camera Watch Instruction Video , a good cam

Special spy cam in watch form. A good and simple spy cam but intelliegent spy cam. Buy it at the best price from http://www.mobileshop.com.cy . This spy watch has a hidden camera in the front which you can activate by pressing the button. You can easily record video and take photos without anyone noticing. The video is very high quality 640 x 480 pixels at 30fps. Photos are 1280 x 960 pixels. All you have to do is record, then attach it to your computer's USB port to download the video. Watch this video which shows instructions (user manual) on how the watch works and how to use it.

A Unique daily gadget. How about you ? : )

Awesome good spy cam : Spy Camera Keyring Keychain Instruction Video

An awesome spy  cam. Simple and usefull spy cam. Buy it at the best price from http://www.mobileshop.com.cy . This keyring has a hidden camera in the front which you can activate by pressing the button. You can easily record video and take photos without anyone noticing. The video is very high quality 640 x 480 pixels at 30fps. Photos are 1280 x 960 pixels. All you have to do is record, then attach it to your computer's USB port to download the video. Watch this video which shows instructions (user manual) on how the spy keyring works and how to use it.

GOOD R/C UAV MICRO INTERCEPTOR DVR DRONE CAM SPY PLATFORM

The predecessor of its mother ship the Interceptor HD Drone. The Micro Interceptor DVR Drone is design to carry the mini MD-80 and keychain DVR cameras all of you have or use. This is the maiden flight and many more to come. No more jiggles, shakes, props, or plane fuses. Get a clear view of whats going down with your cheap mini cam. If you wish to build this drone visit here http://www.lipopilot.com/rctv and become a viewing supporter of this project. Live shows in great detail to build one yourself. Total cost of this plane is under 40.00 and the build time is fast and easy. The video gives all of it specs... If you got questions just ask...

R/C UAV MICRO INTERCEPTOR DVR DRONE "MD80-KEYCHAIN CAM SPY PLATFORM"