Cheap IP Camera Housing?

[standon]

Security camera noob here. I bought the Acti TCM-4301 cube megapixel cameras (no PTZ). Can I throw it in a cheap eBay type housing with a heater and blower? What's the difference between other enclosures (like Pelco)? I do live in the north east, so snow is an issue.

 

[Kevin L]

Welcome to CocoonTech!

I'm in Southwest Florida, so I'm no longer faced with the cold and a need for a heater. I have IQ-Eye cameras and after much research, decided to use the Pelco housings. It has a heater and blower, but obviously I only use the blower. I was very pleased with the quality of construction and finish. The prices are more expensive than the cheapies, but considering each camera costs between $500 to $1,000, I didn't want to take a chance. They've been up for over six months, no problems at all.

Here's a link to where I purchased my housings:

http://123securityproducts.resultspage.com...p;x=16&y=13

HTH,

Kevin

 

[signal15]

All of the heated/ventilated housings I found last year were at least $200-300. That's a good price on those Pelco's.

 

[Kevin L]

All of the heated/ventilated housings I found last year were at least $200-300. That's a good price on those Pelco's.

I thought so. It was certainly the best pricing I found. I was very pleased with the purchase, and the cameras have worked fine in the hot, humid SW FL weather.

Kevin

 

[standon]

Thanks for the link! I didn't realize this place had them for such great prices. It's probably not worth it to even try the ebay ones for the price difference.

 

[Kevin L]

Thanks for the link! I didn't realize this place had them for such great prices. It's probably not worth it to even try the ebay ones for the price difference.

You're welcome. Good luck with them.

BTW, the ones with the S at the end of the part number include a snapon shroud. If it's going to be in the sun, I'd get it.

Kevin

 

[PaulD]

I am not familiar with your camera but one thing to consider when using a camera designed for indoor use. It may not be able to deal with bright light shining directly in the lens wihtout damage to the camera. I am using some Panasonic outdoor cameras which are highly similar to another Panasonic model designed for indoor use. Significant price difference between the models so I called Panasonic to understand the differences. One of the differences was that the outdoor model had filters on the lens to handle sunlight shining directly into the lens. Indoor model did not have that and they told me it was just a matter of time until the sunlight would kill the optics of the indoor model.

 

[signal15]

Direct sunlight will kill the CCD. My buddy has 3 units sitting on a shelf with large parts of the CCD just showing black.

Order some Blue Blockers and stick them in front of the lens. It might save the CCD, but more importantly, the camera will look like a State Trooper from 1972.

 

[standon]

Thanks for all the advice! Would window tinting film work? Found some Insta-Cling on Amazon for about $5 (5x78" -thinking the 5 means feet since its for windshields). 35% visible light transmission and one reviewer says they used it on their webcam.

The state trooper look does sound appealing but I couldn't seem to get the mustache just right.

PS - Got the enclosures Friday/today for 123security, seem like high quality, much better than having the cords dangle for any would be burglars with scissors. Thanks again for the recommendation.

 

[signal15]

Put the camera up and see if the sunlight ever hits the lens directly. If it doesn't, you'll probably be fine. If it does, either go the tinting route (mirror tint might work well also), or extend the hood over the front of the housing with something. It would also probably work better with a curly mustache attached below the lens.

 

[Kevin L]

Put the camera up and see if the sunlight ever hits the lens directly. If it doesn't, you'll probably be fine. If it does, either go the tinting route (mirror tint might work well also), or extend the hood over the front of the housing with something. It would also probably work better with a curly mustache attached below the lens.

I agree. I have my outdoor cameras angled down, so they never get direct sunlight on the lens. Mine have been up for most of this year and they are doing fine. The camera covering the equipment faces the sun in the morning, but because of the down angle the sun does not hit the lens directly. In the pool picture, since I use a very wide-angle lens you can see the shroud hanging over.

 

[twilo123]

since you are in the northeast you should check out ISC East for a day. i am sure there will be plenty of housings to view firsthand. the pelco is an excellent choice regardless though.