Armored enclosure for PC Case?

[Sendero]

Finally got my cameras setup and now realize it would be a good idea to protect the PC/DVR. Can anyone suggest a strong enclosure for a mid-tower PC? I'd like to mount it to wall studs and for it to have some ventilation outputs as well.

 

[Neurorad]

Why do you need a strong enclosure? Blast proof?

If you're worried about tampering from an burglar/intruder, you should consider hiding it.

 

[Sendero]

Why do you need a strong enclosure? Blast proof?

If you're worried about tampering from an burglar/intruder, you should consider hiding it.

Thats like asking why do you want a wood/metal front door instead of paper.

It is hidden, but thats not the point. I'm looking for more security. Doesn't matter where or how something is hidden, it can be found. I want a way to make it at least somewhat difficult for them if they do find it. If they can find the DVR and just walk away with it then the cameras and system are useless. But if you can secure it in a protective enclosure mounted in to the studs then at least thats another line of protection.

 

[DavidL]

connect the PC to your security system. Bolt the case to the studs and hide it. Many conventional cases have a case lock to keep the cover from getting slid. I don't think an "armored" case is going to really do anything of merit. Once the PC is removed from premises it's gone and no armoring will protect it's contents.

The feeds to the PC are more suspect as the recording feature is done with a snip.

 

[Monk]

The idea is to prevent the PC / VCR / DVR from being taken on the way out - this is why the armored case was being suggested, correct?
Presumably the thieves would have a hastened pace to begin with since the alarms would already be sounding...

Perhaps something like this would fit the bill.
http://www.tryten.com/products/PCLocker.php

 

[CollinR]

I have them they are $750, so I don't talk about them much.

I also have a vertical rack enclosure (8U) that I have modified it's appearence in the past to hide it's purpose. These are closer to $400 I have meade them look like soap dispenser controllers in car washes / gas stations and breaker panels in other installations. It's not nearly as tough though.

I also have some designs in with a fabricator for a more simple cage that will secure 8U vertically but I get such little demand for it the priority level is low.

 

[Monk]

Now this is weird - before hitting reply, the links below did not appear in the message.... I am on a MAC using firefox. will have to check from a PC...
In any case, I was replying to ask for a link...
Thanks

I have them they are $750, so I don't talk about them much.

I also have a vertical rack enclosure (8U) that I have modified it's appearence in the past to hide it's purpose. These are closer to $400 I have meade them look like soap dispenser controllers in car washes / gas stations and breaker panels in other installations. It's not nearly as tough though.

I also have some designs in with a fabricator for a more simple cage that will secure 8U vertically but I get such little demand for it the priority level is low.

 

[sic0048]

The idea is to prevent the PC / VCR / DVR from being taken on the way out - this is why the armored case was being suggested, correct?
Presumably the thieves would have a hastened pace to begin with since the alarms would already be sounding...

Perhaps something like this would fit the bill.
http://www.tryten.com/products/PCLocker.php

I like that. If you could anchor the case to the wall or the floor well enough, I think that case would prevent someone from getting at the computer. They might be able to disable it (even just by unplugging it), but hopefully there would be enough video evidence already recorded prior to someone getting to the computer location to disable it. As long as they can't physically carry the computer or HD away, I think you would be OK.

 

[electron]

If you are worried about that, I would also configure your system to send snapshots/videos (triggered by an alarm) to an offsite server (even e-mailing them to yourself will do the job for snapshots).

 

[sic0048]

Another option would be to disasemble the computer and put it in something other than a regular computer case. If it doesn't look like a computer, they might leave it alone. For example, you could certainly use a 14" can to hold all the components of the computer. It locks and it could be placed in a location that someone wouldn't think about. Or assemble it in a custom case that looks like a normal household item, etc.

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

Maybe get a networked external storage drive like THIS and hide that somewhere. They take the PC but the hard drive with the video remains intact.

 

[Neurorad]

Why do you need a strong enclosure? Blast proof?

If you're worried about tampering from an burglar/intruder, you should consider hiding it.

Thats like asking why do you want a wood/metal front door instead of paper.

It is hidden, but thats not the point. I'm looking for more security. Doesn't matter where or how something is hidden, it can be found. I want a way to make it at least somewhat difficult for them if they do find it. If they can find the DVR and just walk away with it then the cameras and system are useless. But if you can secure it in a protective enclosure mounted in to the studs then at least thats another line of protection.

Will it be in your basement, in a closet, or office? Today, an alarm installer told me he has a local carpenter who will make changes to furniture to create secret compartments. He used the bottom pedestal of a desk as an example - the space below the bottom drawer.

Many comercial options for securing a PC, and few for a DVR. Search google images.

 

[Sendero]

Why do you need a strong enclosure? Blast proof?

If you're worried about tampering from an burglar/intruder, you should consider hiding it.

Thats like asking why do you want a wood/metal front door instead of paper.

It is hidden, but thats not the point. I'm looking for more security. Doesn't matter where or how something is hidden, it can be found. I want a way to make it at least somewhat difficult for them if they do find it. If they can find the DVR and just walk away with it then the cameras and system are useless. But if you can secure it in a protective enclosure mounted in to the studs then at least thats another line of protection.

Will it be in your basement, in a closet, or office? Today, an alarm installer told me he has a local carpenter who will make changes to furniture to create secret compartments. He used the bottom pedestal of a desk as an example - the space below the bottom drawer.

Many comercial options for securing a PC, and few for a DVR. Search google images.

The current location doesn't provide as much 'stealth' as I'd like I do like the idea of having a USB or other external drive and mirroring the video info to that disk .

The main thing I was looking for is not an armord case so much as just a way to secure my case to a wall or floor. Even something like metal 'straps' from top to bottom and left to rigth (probably 2 each) would be enough to give me more peace of mind. Its not the computer itself that i worry about, more the possible loss of the video data.

I did just move to a new hosting provider though with unlimited data/bandwidth. I like the idea of finding a way to save data there as well. Since it would likely take them a bit to find the server, if I do it correctly I would be able to copy to the remote server before they found the DVR. if they even find it.

Another cool thing would be to take a close and put in a false wall. Then the PC would be behind that. I would need good ventilation in the hidden space. And a good way to get to it in case I need to. Maybe a false ceiling with the attic acces panels would work too. What thief tries to get up in the attic crawlspace?

 

[Sendero]

btw, Colin, I'm going to e-mail you about those other bullet cams. I've decided that the cams I have aren't enough. Hopefully you still have those.

 

[drozwood90]

If you are worried about that, I would also configure your system to send snapshots/videos (triggered by an alarm) to an offsite server (even e-mailing them to yourself will do the job for snapshots).

that's what I do. e-mail them to myself.