Security Cameras

[brightshine]

Does anyone know of a fantastic high res security camera with zoom on it. In the past month I have had nothing but problems with people filling my dumpster. Its getting out of control. i have signs for no dumping. I have installed more cameras on site but for some reason I cannot capture the plates of the cars. I just purchased a high res camera and have it zoomed onto my entrance/exit and still cannot get the plates.

 

[MEP001]

Can you not get a locking dumpster? Some people may still throw their trash in front of it instead of in it if it's locked, but it does help a lot. I've only had two instances in six years of people piling trash in front of the dumpster, but just about every time I'm there and have it unlocked and open someone pulls up to use it.

This camera:
http://cgi.ebay.com/1-3-Sony-HQ1-CC...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item56373937bf
has far better specs than a real Sony that I use to get tags. It is not a Sony camera but does use a Sony sensor. I paid almost $600 for "the real thing," but I've bought many cameras from this seller and they are excellent quality. If you can't get tags with this camera, you probably need a better recording setup.

 

[robblackburn]

Can you not get a locking dumpster? Some people may still throw their trash in front of it instead of in it if it's locked, but it does help a lot. I've only had two instances in six years of people piling trash in front of the dumpster, but just about every time I'm there and have it unlocked and open someone pulls up to use it.

This camera:
http://cgi.ebay.com/1-3-Sony-HQ1-CC...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item56373937bf
has far better specs than a real Sony that I use to get tags. It is not a Sony camera but does use a Sony sensor. I paid almost $600 for "the real thing," but I've bought many cameras from this seller and they are excellent quality. If you can't get tags with this camera, you probably need a better recording setup.

Wow - thanks for the link. They really have some good prices. Have you tried the DVR card from these guys. I wonder who makes it for them. I am in the market for a camera system and you could put that DVR card with a PC and have a nice system for not much. I typically use Geovision systems. Thoughts ?

 

[MEP001]

Geovision doesn't make a card that will record above 320 x 240. That's a severe limitation of detail. and probably why you can't read tags. To even begin to take advantage of the camera I linked you need at least 640 x 480 recording. No, I haven't used a card from that site, but I've considered it. I have bought a super cheap $20 card that records better quality and has more features than the $3,000 Samsung DVR we're using.

 

[Ric]

Geovision doesn't make a card that will record above 320 x 240. That's a severe limitation of detail. and probably why you can't read tags. To even begin to take advantage of the camera I linked you need at least 640 x 480 recording. No, I haven't used a card from that site, but I've considered it. I have bought a super cheap $20 card that records better quality and has more features than the $3,000 Samsung DVR we're using.

I've just begun to look into a camera system. I'm being led to believe that a pc based system is becoming "old school". Should I reconsider and look at pc based systems also? My main goal is to view the wash remotely to see the overall operation...are the bays clean, being used, etc.

 

[MEP001]

A standalone DVR is simpler and has almost all of the options as a PC-based DVR, but if you're familiar with computer hardware/software I believe the latter is the way to go mainly due to cost and the fact that you can replace failed components.

 

[JustClean]

Geovision doesn't make a card that will record above 320 x 240. That's a severe limitation of detail. and probably why you can't read tags. To even begin to take advantage of the camera I linked you need at least 640 x 480 recording. No, I haven't used a card from that site, but I've considered it. I have bought a super cheap $20 card that records better quality and has more features than the $3,000 Samsung DVR we're using.

I am using a Geovision system and I am very happy with it. http://www.geovision.com.tw/upload/en/Datasheet_1480A.pdf The max. resolution is 720x480 and I can read about 98% of all tags. I tried cheap cards in the past and I must have been unlucky to pick the wrong one because I had nothing but trouble. Most of the time I had compatibility problems with my motherboard and software bugs. In the end I spent more money trialing the cheap ones and then still going back to Geovision. I am now in the market to add another 16 cameras....Same story again: Do I try the cheap stuff? On the other hand I had barely problems with the cheap cameras.

 

[MEP001]

That's a much better card than I've seen from them before. I've looked in stores and online and never found one that could record above 320 x 240.

 

[Earl Weiss]

FWIW have 4 of these now in place;

Posted link did not work. Check out Costco on line and search Security Camera System. It's a 16 camera system with DVR.

Indicates record at 480 x 480 had to buy my own DVD writer and added a second hard drive. They basicaly are a drop in install. Probably took longer to take the case apart and put it back together. - 9 screws than install the drives . Interior of case has power supply and data lines set for plug and play for DVD writer and second Hard drive. With extra cabling available on line and 22" Monitor and computer speakers which have their own amp I probably spent about $2000.00 Total.

Is it perfect - No. If camera faces sunlight picture will not be good. Maybe a better camera would solve issues. Captures tags in tunnel. Do not really have cameras positioned for outside tags. Specs say 480 x 480 record. Have not yet tried to use internet acces feature.

 

[Red Baron]

I now have 14 cameras at my 2/3, which is overkill, I know. two are tag cameras which have been a disappointment in that I can get a tag 50% of the time regardless how I adjust. I have found that even my cheap cameras get a tag 75% of the time at the ACW once I moved them to look at the car head-on rather than at an angle. Between all 14 cameras I can usually get a tag by the time a guy leaves the lot.

Btw, I set 1 of my tag cameras to work at night, and one to work in daylight...a compromise that seems ok.

 

[ProCarWashes]

Cameras

This guy dumped 400 gallons of mud in my bay. I caught him. They are worth every penny when you need them.

 

[ProCarWashes]

The cost of the cleanup he paid, paid for half my total investment in my system. It sits there guarding my wash until I need her. She's a good friend. LOL I had to post again. This forum keeps timing out and I had to start all over again arrg!

 

[Red Baron]

This guy dumped 400 gallons of mud in my bay. I caught him. They are worth every penny when you need them.

Oh geez! I would make an example out of an idiot like that. I'd make him jump thru so many hoops to get out of trouble, he'd think he's a circus poodle. That is a special kind of stupid.

 

[diamond joe]

security cameras

Hi, I will be purchasing a new security camera system and was wondering if anyone had some experience with car washcameras.com.I've done some research and am almost ready to pull the trigger.As always the feed back from this forum is valued.

Joe

 

[borumrm]

Well so far the only experience I have with them is that I just purchased equipment from them. In the process of installing them now. I had a custom lockable cabinet made to hold the DVR, Power Supply and Monitor. It looks a lot like an electric cabinet. What I did not plan on was the UPS/Surge Protector. I bought one separately and now I need to find a cover for it as it will not fit in the cabinet. I will begin pulling cable this Friday. Once I get it all set up I will get cable so I can monitor from home. So far they have been good to work with and have answered all my questions. One thing...their software is not compatible with smart phones but will work with most PDA's....they say they are working on that.

 

[Happycarz]

You can't go wrong with carwashcameras.com. I've been using them for 10 years and their support couldn't be better.

 

[washnvac]

I have 3 of their systems. So far, they are the best I have seen. Jen at customer service is tops; she is super knowledgable. She responds to all calls quicky, and does mind that occassionally silly question that I should have already known the answer to. They walk you through the internet set up, which is relatively easy. I want to buy two more dvrs from them when funds permit. (I am praying for some good snow events this Winter!)

 

[Baywash]

There for a minute, I thought you were talking about some other company. They used to go by Rugged CCTV. I have had there equipment for four years now and could not be more pleased. I especially like the customer service from Jen. She is always happy to take your call and very knowlegable.

 

[Red Baron]

I bought a camera from carwashcameras.com and it was a good experience. As others have said, Jennifer was great to work with. I would and probably will use them again in the future. My last system was installed by a local company, however, because I just didn't have time to do the install myself and he had his own source.

Carwashcameras.com is a perfect example of why good customer service/people skills are critical to the success of a company. I won't mention any names, but if a certain advertiser on this group had Jennifer at carwashcameras' people skills...just look at all the free advertising carwashcameras gets because they treat their customers right.

 

[mmurra]

Used them for years.. They are fantastic. You will not regret using them! Mark