Basics Of A Wireless Security Camera System

The use of wireless security cameras has become increasingly popular over recent years. This surge in interest is due to many reasons. Some install wireless security cameras because it's now so easy to set up. Other people use them because running wires is impossible or not cost effective. Whatever the reason may be, wireless security cameras are quickly becoming the preferred method of surveillance for many people.



Wireless security cameras are so popular because users can literally put them almost everywhere they feel that protection is needed -- and the homeowner doesn't have to worry about wires. The placement of a wireless security system is very flexible and easy to install, as long as the installer does his or her homework. Wireless security cameras have a very high failure rate on initial install if precautions are not taken.

What can possibly go wrong? For example, you might have installed the camera but as soon as you turn it on, you cannot get the signal on the receiver. Luckily, this problem can be solved with some due diligence. If you are thinking of doing the install on your own or with help from a friend, there are three frequencies that are on the market for the general public.

Choosing a Security System: 900MHz, 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz
Remember that the lower the frequency, the more walls your system can get through

* For devices that are rated 900MHz, they are the best option if you need to get past dry walls to reach the receiver. At the same time, this bandwidth will have minimal issues with other devices, which means that security cameras the signal can be transmitted strongly. The drawback is that right now there are only two channels available on this frequency, making its use very limited.
* 2.4GHz wireless security cameras are the most common on the market. So are 2.4GHz phones, wireless routers, keyboards, and mice that we all use. Basically, if you see something wireless on the market, there is a good chance it is on a 2.4GHz frequency. As a result, build your own security camera system a lot of the wireless 2.4GHz security cameras stop working. There are up to 12 channels available on 2.4GHz frequency that you can select for transmission, but the reality is that if you live in a city like New York or Los Angeles you won't find a single channel that is not occupied by a wireless device.

This is where the 5.8GHz transmitters and receivers come in. The signal is clean and the probability of success in installing a wireless camera system is much higher. You can have up to eight analog clover 16 channel lcd dvr on 5.8GHz frequency. But the 5.8GHz frequency has an issue. It does not go through walls as effectively as the 900MHz or 2.4GHz frequency. This is a huge disadvantage.

So right now, we have 900MHz, where you can only have two cameras on it (not very practical), and 2.4GHz, which has almost every device known to man on it, and 5.8GHz, which is relatively clean, but fails when you try to send the signal through walls. To resolve this issue, some security camera manufacturers have started placing high power 5.8GHz transmitters and better quality antennas in their wireless cameras. That means these 5.8GHz systems can now go through walls as effectively as the lower bandwidth systems, without the device limitations.

If you find a 5.8GHz camera and receiver on the market for under $200, chances are it has a 10 milliwatt transmitter in it, which is the lowest power transmitter on the market. If you have a clear line of sight, it can be extended to 300 feet but is really hard to do The signal strength is reduced by interference and walls. So if your objective is around 500 feet or so, look for a transmitter that is rated 100mw. If your objective is over 1,000 feet, look for a system with a one watt transmitter.

These are very general numbers and can change based on the distance, weather, and availability of a clear line of sight. One way to increase your odds for success is to put both the receivers and transmitters as high as you can to get that clear line of sight. Before making any purchases however, ensure that you identify your own specific needs for a security system so that you get the right protection for your home or business. And if you still are not comfortable choosing the right system for your needs, just consult a professional!