There are many different form factors available for security cameras. Box, dome and bullet are the most common shape categories, and there are different variants within each category. 

For any installation, it may be beneficial to employ a spot monitor (a small NTSC video monitor that allows viewing close to the camera itself) to aid in initially positioning the camera. Some cameras, notably dome cameras which often have hidden wiring, have a dedicated spot monitor connector that can be accessed by a lone installer. Without a spot monitor, there may need to be two installers - one aiming the camera, and another at the monitoring site to report on the camera's view. 

 Box Cameras

Typically are sold without a lens, or with an easily-removable lens that can be swapped for another for more specific applications. Box cameras are very versatile cameras for this reason. Most box cameras are mounted on a wall or ceiling using a camera mounting bracket. For outdoor applications, box cameras in outdoor-rated environmentally protected enclosures are available.

Box cameras are straightforward and easy to install: The mounting bracket is affixed to a wall, ceiling, or a similar structural feature, then the camera is attached to the mounting bracket. The power and video (BNC) cables are then connected. The camera's angle, zoom, and focus can then be adjusted, and when correct, locked into position. The camera is now ready for operation. In some cases, the back focusing control may require adjustment to avoid a noticeable focus change when in night mode with IR illumination.

 Dome Cameras

There are many different variations: plastic domes (generally for indoor use), IP-66 rated domes (for outdoor use), vandal proof domes, PTZ (Pan, Tilt, and Zoom) domes, and so on. Domes are generally more aesthetically pleasing than box cameras, and have an inherent design benefit that makes its view unapparent to an observer. Most of the time domes are installed on the ceiling. 

Installation is a bit more involved than for a box or bullet camera, but domes provide a cleaner and less-obtrusive solution. The area for installation must be decided, and power and video cables will need to be planned and routed, usually above a ceiling or behind a wall. Holes will then be made for the camera's mounting hardware, and if hidden wires are required, for the power and video cables. Many dome cameras come with paper hole templates to make proper hole-drilling location easy. The wiring (power and video) is then connected, the transparent dome is removed, and the camera is secured using its mounting screws. Once installed, check to see if there is a black liner that needs to be removed during installation, and adjust the camera module's view to the intended target using the 3-axis gimbal. If the camera includes a vari-focal and/or focusable lens, adjust the focal length and fine tune the focus using the control levers around the lens. When finished, secure the levers by twisting them finger-tight clockwise, as if tightening a screw. Replace the black liner back in the transparent dome, and affix the transparent dome to its now-mounted base. The dome camera is now ready for operation.

 Bullet Cameras

For an easy-to-install general purpose camera, the bullet is the way to go. The bullet is a very popular form factor because of its no-nonsense, straightforward and practical design. Most of them are IP rated for outdoor use and come with powerful weather-sealed infrared (IR) LEDs for IR illumination. Visible lighting is not needed, as a bullet camera with IR LEDs can go into "Night" mode, turning on its IR LEDs and automatically performing internal adjustments to be able to view in total darkness. Many bullet cameras have external controls so that they be manually focused and/or zoomed without the need to open the camera itself. Bullet cameras are available in a wide array of versions with different TVL resolutions, lens options, IR illumination powers and other convenient features, such as lens control mechanisms and OSD access, if present.

The bullet camera is generally the easiest type of camera to install, and they can be installed nearly anywhere. The physical mounting is normally accomplished with 3 or 4 screws, and access behind the mounting surface may not be needed. After the camera is mounted, power and video cables are connected. The camera is now functional, and all that remains is to adjust the angle of the camera and make final adjustments. The vari-focal lens and focus, if present, can often be set by external adjustment rings. Some cameras come with a tool for securely locking the rings afterward. Several bullets are furnished with an attached adjustable sun shield, and if installed outdoors, it is advisable to additionally shield them from weather, often by mounting them under an eave or awning.

More sophisticated bullet cameras come furnished with DIP switches, or even OSD (On Screen Display) menus to set up advanced camera features such as exposure control, color balance, etc. These features can be set by setting the DIP switches, using navigation pushbuttons, or even with advanced 5-way navigation control, depending on the camera model.

What does the rating on the cameras such as IP66 Mean?

When you start looking for cameras, you may notice the term written IP66 as one of the features of our cameras. But what does IP66 compliant actually mean? IP66 is the rating that is given to any outdoor camera, and it determines the camera’s ability to keep out foreign objects. The IP stands for Ingress (the ability of a foreign object to enter) Protection. The first digit (and for our cameras it is a 6) will tell you the specific rating that the camera is rated for foreign objects entering the camera housing or the lens. A rating of 1, the lowest means the objects 0.5 cm or smaller can enter. On the other hand, a rating of 6 means it is dust proof, and it is a perfectly sealed camera, housing, and lens. The second digit (and for our cameras it is another 6) tells us how well the camera can keep fluids out of the case. A low rating of 1 tells us that there is no protection for the camera. The highest rating is an 8, which means it is fully submergible, and can be used under water. Check below for a description of what each of the values mean in the IP rating system.

Protection against foreign objects: (First Number)

0 Non-protected No special protections

1 Protected against solid objects greater than 50 mm a large surface of the body such as the hand (no protection against deliberate access). Solid objects exceeding 50mm diameter

2 Protected against solid objects greater than 12 mm Fingers or other objects not exceeding 80 mm in length. Solid objects exceeding 12 mm diameter

3 Protected against solid objects greater than 2.5 mm Tools or wires, with a diameter or thickness greater than 2.5 mm.

4 Protected against solid objects greater than 1.0 mm Example: Wires that are thicker than 1 mm.

5 Dust protected But dust can still get in, but will not affect the operation of the camera

6 Dust-tight Not even dust can penetrate into the camera housing

Protection against fluids : (Secondary Number)

0 Non-protected No special protection

1 Protected against dripping water (vertically falling drops)

2 Protected against dripping water when tilted up to 15º Vertically dripping water shall have no harmful effect when the enclosure is tilted at any angle up to 15º from its normal position

3 Protected against spraying water. Water falling as spray at an angle up to 60º from the vertical shall have no harmful effect

4 Protected against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect

5 Protected against water jets Water projected from a nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect

6 Protected against heavy seas Water from heavy seas or water projected in powerful jets shall not enter the enclosure in harmful quantities

7 Protected against the effects of immersion Ingress of water in a harmful quantity shall not be possible when the enclosure is immersed in water under defined conditions of pressure and time

8 Protected against submersion The equipment is suitable for continuous submersion in water under conditions, which shall be specified by the manufacturer

We will be running 3 tests - indoor, outdoor, and lights on and off in an office to test out our three most popular cameras:

    RCBY12-1    79.99   RBS20-1    69.99     RCDY12-1    79.99

Check them out on our YouTube Channel!

Determining if your current security system needs a complete solution basis is very important right now. An important  question to ask yourself is if my security system up to homeland security standards.  Usually we run into cheaply outfitted systems and applicatins that will upset an end user. Lets look into this:

The dome camera is the number one most versatile camera style around!
Easy, clean, and safe to mount
Quick to Set the angle lens
Protected by vandals
Captures Audio as well
Check it out Here!

Are you looking for a new surveillance system?  Here is the info for a DIY to installa new CCTV system:

When searching a power supply that powers up several cameras from one source, pick a unit which has a fuseless design. This will decrease the possibility of having fuses go out and cause your cameras to not monitor and record feed properly

Always remember and research how you want to watch and monitor your  DVR and cameras. If it is over the web but are installing the system yourself, look for a system that offers support over the phone so you will not be charged a fee to have someone set it up for you.

Ask your sales webste if they have all of the installation tools – when you are choosing them.  And always make sure to have items that are classified within the security industry, you may run across items that require special tools to work with them, you could damage or break a camera or a cable by using the wrong tools.

When trying to setup & focus the cameras to see the area or item you want to monitor, it can be helpful to have a system that allows you to view the actual image the camera is seeing. The best device to start with is a full security system – Check us Out!

Oh No - This is why everyone needs a Revo Security System! 

On Camera: Homeowner Slashed by Attacker

Check out the video clip from Fox News Here

Check out our YouTube channel for Reviews, Feeds, Setup Info, and More!

http://www.youtube.com/user/mysecuritall

Check out our YouTube channel for Reviews, Feeds, Setup Info, and More!

http://www.youtube.com/user/mysecuritall