May 5, 2009

How To Setup An Internet Camera

by Dan Michaels

Setting up a network camera is not as complicated as it might sound. The cameras are IP-based video cameras meaning that they connect to an IP network. 

Once your network is setup with the camera, it allows for remote access and video management from anywhere around the world with internet access. It is a great setup because you have the flexibility to add or remove additional network based security hardware with minimal change to the infrastructure.

The infrastructure concept is the same whether for small home security such as monitoring the children's play room, to large buildings hundreds of stories tall. It's just a matter of size and complication but the underlying principles are the same. Before you can setup the camera, you have to buy it first. Before you buy the camera, you have to figure out what camera you will need. The network camera can be wired or wireless but remember wireless cameras are not completely free of wires. They still need a source of power so a nearby wall outlet is still a wire limitation. For outdoor purposes, the flexibility of a wireless camera makes it an ideal candidate for outdoor security cameras. Keep in mind that many factors affect the range and strength of the wireless signal. Thick walls and metal objects are the worst enemies of wireless signal. Transmission of video feed is actually pretty bandwidth intensive, even low quality video.

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Filed under Surveillance by Dan Michaels

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May 3, 2009

The Mechanics of Your Home Security System

by Mae Summerville

Burglar alarms that are set-up in homes use the fundamental rule of alarm systems and by simply using an electric current, alarms can be triggered to sound when circumstances are met. 

For instance, for a closed circuit alarm, when the door opens, the current flow activates the sounder which is contrary to the open circuit alarm which activates when the current is cut off. There is just three principal components or major gear a burglar alarm system features - 1) the control board, 2) indicating device and 3) detectors, which require to be interlinked for it to function. A system that uses radio signals to connect is called the radio controlled system - but infrared light and other methods can also be used. Control panel- The control panel is the primary control mechanism that permits the user to input specific information about the home or building. The alarm system can be switched off from this point, reset and with many systems this can be carried out remotely.

If the sensors detect any unusual activity they will transmit this information to the control panel and the alarm will activate. Signal systems - This type of burglar alarm emits a noise if certain situations occur in order to set it off. A alarm may be a bell, a buzzer or a chime but most commonly the sounder that is being used for intruder alarm systems are those that are noisy enough to scare the burglar. Today, sounders are sometimes combined with a rotating strobe light. Common strobe colors are red, yellow, and blue. Signaling equipment might include speed dialers or a phone relay. Sensors are also known as sensors, which reports movement to control panel.

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Filed under Basic Home Security by Mae Summerville

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April 29, 2009

Emergency Plan

by Eric Vanderham

Everyone should have an emergency plan that is developed well in advance of any disaster that might hit their area. Some of us live in zones more prone to certain natural disasters such as tornadoes, active volcanoes, hurricaines, floods,tsunami areas, etc. 

At school we learn what to do if an earthquake or other disaster strikes, but families and individuals should have a plan in place that will help us cope effectively at home with an emergency. The list you should go through with your children and spouse or partner would ideally cover the following concerns: - contact persons nearby and out of town. - medical and health information and documentation storage. - a meeting place to reunite with family members in case of separation. - a designated person to pick up the children if you are unable to. - the location of the gas valve, electrical box, water valve, fire extinguishers, floor drain. - the decisions involving pet safety, what to do with them, and the priority of personal safety before pet safety, which can be a touchy subject for those who love their pets like family. Times to call 9-1-1. Your family needs to be know when to use this remarkable service.

Those times to call are when reporting crimes, reporting fires and when saving a life. During an emergency, follow your emergency plan, take your emergency kit which you should have put together ahead of time, keep a listening ear on the radio and television for alert updates and evacuation orders, stay where you are until all is safe or until evacuation is ordered. One of the biggest mistakes we make is forgetting about another person being designated to pick up family members. A password for children should be assigned, in order for them to know when it is okay to go with another person.

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Filed under Basic Home Security by Eric Vanderham

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