Designing a Home Surveillance System

There are a number of Linux apps out there that do a pretty good job. I worked with ZoneMinder for a while. I never got the triggering quite right, but I know people who are happy with it.

I got my capture card from http://store.bluecherry.net/. They seemed like good people with good products. There probably are dozens of other sources.

Cheap monocrome cameras feeding a single or quad input card is usually a good starting point to consider. Color IR cameras with pan, tilt and zoom appear on the wish list quickly. Also, cameras that digitize the video and directly connect via ethernet (instead of analog) are nice. But, starting on something new with a lower budget is usually wise.

Let us know how this effort is going.

Bruce

Linux? I never worked with linux.

looks like the PC link can be a problem as much as i thought...i will let you guys know once my prototype is working, but it might take time as i have other projects running. i am not planning to finish this one quickly.

I ordered some parts from X-10, but haven't had time to play.

They seemed cheap affordable and with a broad spread, but the PC link may be their shortfall.

They have changed their profile; they bomb me, twice a day, with emais with almost-nude (pretty) girls photos. Don't know why, but I like it better, now.

How about building one from a kit? Maplins (usual disclaimer)?

What do you mean slack?

Guys,I am planning to go for a simple and affordable idea that i can construct myself. The web camera with motion sensor and capture card is on my list of components to get but i want to find a way to talk to its software so the application pops up when motion is detected.

As mentioned earlier, the X10 stuff will do what you are trying to accomplish. You can even set it up so that you can monitor the cameras from any internet connection, so you don't even have to be at your home PC to see what's going on at home. I use the X10 home automation stuff (controlling lights, etc.), have for years, and have been pretty happy with it. I don't have experience with the camera stuff, but from the time I've spent on their website, I know they have the equipment to do what you would like to do.

If you do plan to purchase, make sure you look for a deal that will give you all the software they offer as part of the bundle price. They will usually have at least one package deal that has the 5 or so software pieces they offer included, otherwise, you will end up buying the software one at a time, and the price can add up.

You can also check out Ebay for the X10 stuff, sometimes you can find it cheaper there, but I wouldn't trust any Ebay purchase for the software. Without a valid authorization code, you won't be able to install the software or get updates as they become available (I've been burnt buying software on Ebay, never again!)

The X10 website is as annoying as a TV infomercial, you just have to wade through the crap to find the information you need. Good luck, and post any questions you might have here.

Tom

Tom,

I do have a similiar need and would like to get to where you are now in terms of home automation and security.

The paradox is that I am a power plant controls engineer but knows little in terms of how X10 works or what it can do or what home security and automation products are the best pick.

I recently built my new house and have installed conduits at every ground floor door and window so as to make the wire-up easy.

I would be interested in getting some first time advice from you on the way forward.

I do visit the Smarthome website but I am not sure whether to choose Insteon or X10 products. I am confortable with programming a controller and doing all the installation works myself.

I do look forward to some advise from you and others with the knowledge and experience.

First thing to do is register here at CR4 so I reply to someone other than "guest" :)

Tom

Tobzn, try HomeCamera over at http://www.homecamera.com Works with USB webcams - a quick and easy way to get started. Hope this helps, - Varun.

There are many different ways to accomplish this. However to make sure the end product will work, you should contact a proffesional company to design the system.

Good Luck,

Ryan Temple

ryan@pcsurveillance.net

www.pcsurveillance.net

You can simply use a motion activated system. Rather than try to tie the sensors into the loop anytime motion is picked up by the camera you will get the image and it will record. See: http://www.diydefense.com/servlet/the-369/DIGITAL-WIRELESS-IR-CAMERA/Detail