Intro to the Basics for the diy & prepper community
The most crucial aspect of home defense for your family is having sufficient warning that an incursion into your area has taken place, after all there is no point having the best equipment and thought out plan if you are caught unaware and are unable to put that plan into action.
Security Systems are one of the few emergency and preparedness measures or investments that you can make, that you don’t have to wait for STHF to make use of. In fact, once you have an operational CCTV system you will wonder how you ever functioned without one.
With a massive retail market with thousands of products available to the consumer this article will try and break down the important basics when purchasing a system, specifically but not exclusively for home defence.
IP systems vs Analogue
IP stands for Internet Protocol and these systems use a recorder called a Network Video Recorder (NVR), IP systems are more advanced in terms of versatility and functions. IP Cameras use CAT5e Data cable at an approximate maximum length of 100m without additional equipment, cameras can be connected directly to your internet network. Analogue systems use a recorder called a Digital Video Recorder (DVR). This is old established tech that has been around forever and if you are looking for a very basic setup with no features and low cost this is a good option, it uses RG59 or Co-axial cable with a power cable often combined called RG59 with power or Siamese cable, but data cable can used with plugs called Baluns.
Both IP and Analogue recorders will need physical connection by a data cable to your home router or internet network to stream live footage and receive alerts on mobile devices.
Wireless vs Wired
This subject is worthy of a full-length article on its own, a cabled system is always superior to a wireless system. The only advantage of a wireless system is ease of installation. Wireless cameras although not physically connected to your internet network by cable still need power. This is provided by an internal battery which will need to be re-charged or connected to a solar panel or a mains power outlet. The camera if running off a battery or solar will likely not be able to transmit or record footage for any length of time because of battery and storage restraints, most wireless cameras activate and record on motion only. Wireless cameras a reliant on a consistent WI-Fi signal.
Recommendations from a professional
CCTV systems with the latest AI detection technology and siren integration now make traditional alarm systems a thing of the past. CCTV systems are perfect for outdoor areas that traditional PIR sensors may struggle with from factors like weather and screening out activations from wildlife.
Generally speaking an IP system with a proven AI detection functionality that can be used paired with sirens or active deterrence cameras (cameras with sirens inbuilt) are the way to go. Analogue days are over and this will allow you to replace your cameras in the future if need be and not have to re-cable to your cameras again.
CCTV is very easily a DIY project, provided you prepare a proper plan and decide on the right system for your needs. Hopefully this article and the many others I will be writing will help you turn your property into a criminal’s worst nightmare.