Spec me a CCTV System

What I'd like is alarms on external doors doors/windows being opened, that alerts some main box which has a noise, and then also our phones. This would be self setting and done between say midnight and 6am.

It's not a recommendation because I don't have these products, but something for you to look at:



Ajax and Eufy are quite well known for security systems. There might be a thread on home alarm systems on here too, but I'm not sure.
 
Does anyone have a decent camera in their shed /garage? I've just clumsily broken the shed alarm and I think that a camera would probably be more suited, especially as we can get alerts sent to our phones ;)

Someone recommended this cheap and cheerful one from here but I have nothing to compare it to -> aliexpress.com/item/1005006079966569.html

I've no idea what would be good or bad, and finding footage or image quality to compare is a nightmare.
 
I love Reolink cameras - there's naturally a bonkers range of them out there so totally depends what you're looking for, but they're very, very stable for me
 
Does anyone have a decent camera in their shed /garage? I've just clumsily broken the shed alarm and I think that a camera would probably be more suited, especially as we can get alerts sent to our phones ;)

Someone recommended this cheap and cheerful one from here but I have nothing to compare it to -> aliexpress.com/item/1005006079966569.html

I've no idea what would be good or bad, and finding footage or image quality to compare is a nightmare.

I have 4 Reolink cameras and they are great.
Like Katie says there are a range but you don't want anything too expensive and make sure you can get a good WiFi signal in the garage unless you can go POE.
One of my cameras is on top of the garage.
 
Does anyone have a decent camera in their shed /garage? I've just clumsily broken the shed alarm and I think that a camera would probably be more suited, especially as we can get alerts sent to our phones ;)

Someone recommended this cheap and cheerful one from here but I have nothing to compare it to -> aliexpress.com/item/1005006079966569.html

I've no idea what would be good or bad, and finding footage or image quality to compare is a nightmare.
yi home or whatever they are called has like for cameras for £25 on amazon at the moment. i saw it on hotdealsuk about 2 days ago if you can't find it on amazon.

i have these cams, and other than the regular attempt to get you to pay for their service, the cams do all i need
 
With our first kid in the way I feel it's probably time we get some sort of basic alarm system in place, especially for when the kid is in his own room. I'm not wanting cameras, as I currently have 2 yi outdoor cameras at the front, and then also Google nest doorbell (though it doesn't record as I'm not paying a sub for this) which I feel is enough for the exterior.

What I'd like is alarms on external doors doors/windows being opened, that alerts some main box which has a noise, and then also our phones. This would be self setting and done between say midnight and 6am.

We have hue lights throughout so even better if it can link to turning on lights.

Key thing is I don't want to pay a subscription

Anyone able to recommend something?

I have a cat that wonders in the night, so assume motion sensors will be no good.
We have all this with Ring, but there is the subscription for it. It does give you extended warranty etc, our doorbell camera has been replaced and is around 4 years old.
We have magnetic sensors on all opening doors and windows downstairs, the alarm box makes a noise if any are opened.
Also, either using Alexa or home assistant opening doors can turn lights on, etc.

The subscription is a bit annoying, but it’s wife friendly and all contained in one app(cameras & alarm).
 
Last edited:
With our first kid in the way I feel it's probably time we get some sort of basic alarm system in place, especially for when the kid is in his own room. I'm not wanting cameras, as I currently have 2 yi outdoor cameras at the front, and then also Google nest doorbell (though it doesn't record as I'm not paying a sub for this) which I feel is enough for the exterior.

What I'd like is alarms on external doors doors/windows being opened, that alerts some main box which has a noise, and then also our phones. This would be self setting and done between say midnight and 6am.

We have hue lights throughout so even better if it can link to turning on lights.

Key thing is I don't want to pay a subscription

Anyone able to recommend something?

I have a cat that wonders in the night, so assume motion sensors will be no good.
I've set something very similar up using home assistant, zigbee door sensors and google nest minis, its not too hard and you can use it to control Hue lights as well.. worth looking into :)
 
Looking at starting to invest in a CCTV system. And add to it as and when the funds are available. Currently in rented accommodation but hopefully will buy in 12-18 months.

Looking at the Reolink System as it seems to have a good selection and reviews. Wanting to minimise cable runs etc with it being a rental and to make cable management as simple as possible and also keep options for expansion as good as possible


Preferred Option (Overkill)

NVR: RLN36 (Overkill for supported camera Quantity. However the Storage Capacity is a big Seller on this. Also only having 4 Ethernet Cables running to it, regardless of the total number of cameras installed
Switch: RLA-PS1 x4 (One for each corner of the house to simplify the cabling routes )
Cameras: No limitations

Would there be any disadvantage doing a setup this way? The 36 Chanel NVR + one POE Switch is of similar price to the 8 Chanel NVR. Ive got 5 x 4TB unused NAS drives that can be sold to get some decent Surveillance drives
 
I would wait until you have your house and start then as you don’t know what your requirements then will be until you move in.
This^

You also would be running down the warranty, and risking issues with returns etc if any turn out to be problematic…plus there may be new tech by the time you move in…best to wait
 
I don't follow why you want 4x switches with that setup? why not run one cable from the NVR to a PoE switch then 4 cables from there, or use PoE injectors?
 
Other than a little higher cost I can not see what anyone would buy anything other than Unifi For a POE system. it just works so well and the app is excellent
 
Other than a little higher cost I can not see what anyone would buy anything other than Unifi For a POE system. it just works so well and the app is excellent
That's what I'm currently weighing up. I was all set to go with Blue Iris and recently bought an IP camera (Hilook), POE+ switch and second network adapter, but now wondering whether Unifi might be a quicker/easier option. I might ask in the Networking/Ubiquiti thread since it's not too clear to me on which would be the best Unifi components to compare to.
 
Who do best Color Night Vision at the min? my back garden backs up to unlit lockups and car parking. Was thinking of getting a all in one cam with lights or should i jut get powerfull night vision instead?
Any suggestions?
 
Back
Top Bottom