Last Minute Security Camera System for a New Build

Mugsy on 01/08/2024 - 09:36

My wife and I have recently taken possession of our new house build. We've also recently found out through neighbours that there have been various attempted break ins in the estate (footage captured on their security cameras). Unfortunately for us, we have a few things holding back our landscaping/fencing from being progressed.

So the wife and I have decided it's best to fast track the installation of security cameras (rather than wait for black friday sales). We've been using a eufy doorbell at the townhouse we currently live at and have been happy with the brand/product so were thinking of simply expanding on our current system… though, that would mean ensuring that the wifi adequately covers the building.

The house is two storeys and is 20m long and 9m wide. I have an NBN application in with Future Broadband which includes the TP-Link VX230v modem that they sell. It supports TP Link's OneMesh… and possibly EasyMesh according to the TP Link website. The way I've wired up the LAN cabling in the house has the modem placed in the middle of the top floor (I despise having to run down to the garage to check the modem lights or power cycle the modem). I suspect I will need a TP Link repeater towards the front of the house. If the modem does indeed support EasyMesh, I'll set up the repeater with it wired to the VX230v. I've never used any Mesh technology before so do have some concerns I've misunderstood anything.

We have various external light fixture points outside which I am now thinking of using to power the security cameras so I'm not having to recharge the cameras every few months. The electrician who wired up our house advised that as long as the cameras can be powered from 230V, then we should be good. I'll be getting them to install the cameras. Still yet to look into whether eufy security cameras are suitable to be powered by those external light points (only barely had time to look into Mesh).

I'll be looking into more than just the eufy 4 pack plus homebase cameras… the ones with sensors and flood lights are looking pretty good for what we need.

I guess the feedback I'm looking for is if my understanding and plan of attack so far above makes sense or if there are any flaws/shortcomings I haven't considered?

Many thanks in advance.

Electrical & Electronics Security Camera

Comments

  • geekcohen on 01/08/2024 - 09:51
    +1

    I'll be getting them to install the cameras

    Get recommendations from an installer then because some people might have a preference to what they install and configure it. Some people who might not be familiar with what you buy, might refuse to do it because they don't want to be liable.

    I do that. I am happy to install something that I know and I am comfortable with. I am not going to install something someone else bought that I have no knowledge and/or understanding of, because if something goes wrong, it could be a lot of back and forth between "its your configuration" and "it was your install process".

    Personally, I would go a wired system (like OzBargain's most recommend REOLink) over wireless. But that is my view. I would rather cables to a DVR than relying on power from somewhere else and then WiFi.

    If you run it all back to a DVR and then into a UPS, in the event of a power outage, cameras would still record.

    People could still break and you have 0 footage due to the house power being turned off in the fuse box and then in they go.

    Also, might be worth reading this thread as well.

    • Mugsy on 01/08/2024 - 10:18

      Yeah, I'd have preferred going completely wired myself and having the electrician install the cameras when the house was being built but when doing the electrical appointment, my wife just wanted to use a wireless system to save money. Wasn't worth the argument with someone who walks away saying I'm being too detailed and that they have a headache after I've said 3 words.

      It was a hard enough battle to convince her that we really should have ethernet ports in every bedroom, and room that could potentially have a TV.

      She seems to think that wifi is sufficient for everything.

      Anyway, the installer comes on Monday to walk me through which of the multi port ethernet points goes where in the house and to discuss the security camera positioning so I'll have a chat with them about what options they have for me.

      But they were happy to help install the eufy system if the cameras are able to be powered at the lighting points. The feed would be up to me to sort out at that point.

      • geekcohen on 01/08/2024 - 10:25

        my wife just wanted to use a wireless system to save money.

        You might find that depending on the number of cameras, pricing is the same. I got a Swann system including 2TB HDD for a customer during Prime Day sales for under $900 for 8 cameras, all back to a DVR.

        Eufy Security 2C - 4 Camera Pack Plus Homebase at Bunnings is about $730 so maybe a little cheaper.

        I see your point about the debate, sometimes its a case of just do what is best rather than what is cheap and what the wife wants. When we bought our place, I just installed everything and didn't ask for approval. It was just "oh, here you go in the roof again".

        • Mugsy on 01/08/2024 - 11:28

          Luckily all the doors and windows have security screens on them at the very least… but of course, the non opening glass panels on the windows don't have screens over them.

          Thanks for posting the Eufy 2C pack at Bunnings… could be good to use in combination with these ones:

          https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/eufy-security-e340-floodl…

          which I was thinking of installing on the front/back/currently unfenced side of the house.

          I'd be happy with three floodlight cameras covering three sides of the house, and then using the 4pack you posted, to give the wife some additional coverage on the, narrow side of the house, the front porch and looking down the driveway… though, I would need to still buy a Homebase 3 in order for the floodlight cameras to be able to store to something inside the house.

          I just got off the phone with Energex for another matter and whilst I was with them, I figured I'd ask if it was possible to lock the external meter box. They said it's possible as we have remote meter reading. We could always go with an energex approved lock where they have a master key still (and hopefully the thieves don't, nor lock cutters) but it would be one extra thing to make it harder for the casual thief to do their meddling.

  • MS Paint on 01/08/2024 - 10:05
    +2

    They might have footage of crooks to show the neighbours and share on the local Facebook community page but what else is it good for?

    Just put up a few fake cameras as a deterrent and move on.

    • geekcohen on 01/08/2024 - 10:25
      +8

      but what else is it good for

      Watching the Wife of a FIFO worker and what she is up to whilst he is away.

      Just put up a few fake cameras as a deterrent and move on.

      Doesn't always. My brother has a fake one and there were people going through the street checking car doors. They checked his but only because it was caught on the ring doorbell.

      Plus Looked at all the crimes happening in VIC. The crims don't care about any of the cameras and will just break in anyway.

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 01/08/2024 - 10:31
        +1

        Damn I was 5 min too late to comment

        IYKYK

      • buckster on 01/08/2024 - 14:55

        Had a laugh.

        Probably also helps check if your neighbour is hogging the public BBQ too often

    • coffeeinmyveins on 01/08/2024 - 10:45
      +1

      1) Proof that a delivery driver took a picture of your package and then stole it
      2) Can show police video footage of the criminal and they may recognize them
      3) Proof for insurance purposes that stuff was stolen and you don't have to deal with convincing your insurer

      There are a lot of legitimate reasons to have a working security system.

      • geekcohen on 01/08/2024 - 11:04
        +1

        4) Being a good bloke and catching the FIFO's Wife doing the dirty on him.

      • freefall101 on 01/08/2024 - 12:17

        I was able to catch footage of the old lady who was stealing the vegetables out of our front garden. Then I did nothing about it.

        I also tried to use it to identify the animal that keeps pooping in my yard, but I think I need better night vision. Also thinking about a motion triggered water spray to really sort it out.

        • buckster on 01/08/2024 - 14:56

          To sort out the vegetable thief?

          • freefall101 on 01/08/2024 - 16:07

            @buckster: That would work. Also water the crops for me at the same time!

    • JIMB0 on 01/08/2024 - 13:03

      Cameras are only good if they alert you when someone is up to no good so you can go out and take action. The cops don't have the resources to investigate someone stealing from your yard. Better to take matters into your own hands.

      • Mugsy on 01/08/2024 - 13:55

        I'll get a shotgun after getting the cameras then - lol

        • JIMB0 on 01/08/2024 - 13:59

          That's a bit extreme, the cops will definitely investigate.

          • Mugsy on 01/08/2024 - 14:13
            +1

            @JIMB0: Well, the alternative is to set up home alone styled traps and use the cameras to capture the hilarity that ensues.

  • jv on 01/08/2024 - 10:16
    +2

    PoE is best

  • sumyungguy on 01/08/2024 - 10:31

    To add to the mix:
    - only if you're iPhone users, you may consider HomeKit Secure Video compatible cameras
    - security cameras have night vision so do you really want dim LED floodlights in addition to your external luminaires?
    - are you fitting smart lighting to those exterior points?
    - a low cost solution is Wyze Cam v3 with OEM outdoor power adapters which your sparky could hardwire
    - not sure you'll be able to run PoE cabling economically at this late stage

  • JIMB0 on 01/08/2024 - 10:41
    -1

    You'd be better off with a big scary dog roaming the yard.

    • Mugsy on 01/08/2024 - 10:53
      +1

      Can't. The yard isn't fenced. Council would get onto me faster than the thieves would come around - lol

      • MS Paint on 01/08/2024 - 11:09

        Train said dog.

        • Mugsy on 01/08/2024 - 11:32

          Council won't care if the dog is trained or not… they'll fine my arse to kingdom come just because they can.

      • JIMB0 on 01/08/2024 - 12:59

        Put it on a long chain.

        • Mugsy on 01/08/2024 - 13:54

          Definitely gonna have the council plus RPSCA breathing down my back at that point :-P

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 01/08/2024 - 11:07

    If you dont have fences, it really doesnt help in creating choke points. Sure , you could get around a limited FOV by putting cameras higher - but most of the more affordable ones are only effective up to 10m, max - and at that distance - either it might not trigger, or you get a lot of false positives.

    If you want to stick to eufy, I might suggest bundling a higher power floodlight with a panning ability camera function such as
    this from eufy

    Another thing you might want to consider is motion sensors - around the possible entry points - as a backup if they evade the cameras - eufy does one but I havent personally used it

    • Mugsy on 01/08/2024 - 13:53
      +1

      Yes, the lack of choke points is an issue atm. It won't always be that way… a year from now it'll be fully fenced up… it's just the next few months that's a concern.

      The floodlight camera with panning ability is what I am after, though, I'll likely get the E340 model due to its integration with the Homebase 3. Even with fences, I probably would have bought the flood light camera since I need lighting too in those areas.

      Thanks for the advice on the motion sensors too.

  • pc007 on 01/08/2024 - 12:38
    +1

    I am using Reolink POE cameras from a long time. Can vouch for them. They are really good, reasonable and hardwired (PoE). And they have lot os options to choose from.

    • buckster on 01/08/2024 - 14:59
      +1

      Yeah, Reolink are great

      • Mugsy on 01/08/2024 - 16:07

        Do the Reolink have a homebase system similar to eufy?

        The main reason I chose eufy for our doorbell originally was because the footage wouldn't be stored on the actual camera itself but on the homebase inside our home. We avoid cloud storage subscription fees and still keep the footage even if the camera/doorbell was ripped off and damaged.

        And do their floodlight cameras have sirens?

        This one is my wife's request. I personally think it's going to cause more trouble than good but I'll let her figure this one out.

        • DoctorCalculon on 01/08/2024 - 21:47

          Do the Reolink have a homebase system similar to eufy?

          Homebase is overrated. You would use a Reolink NVR with flexible storage options (add more surveillance grade HDDs as you need to).

          And do their floodlight cameras have sirens

          All of my (PoE) Reolink cams have sirens, and 2-way talk.

  • vince088 on 01/08/2024 - 20:26

    I have the Eufy system also

    1 x dual video doorbell 2k
    4 x S330 Solar battery cameras
    1 x E330 24/7 wired camera

    I also have whole home wifi mesh so they all have full connections

    • Mugsy on 01/08/2024 - 21:03

      Cheers for the reply bud.

      Do you find that your wireless bandwidth has been affected with 6 eufy cameras on your network?

      • vince088 on 01/08/2024 - 21:35

        nah, have not noticed at all.

        I have a 100 Mbps speed plan if that helps

  • dan2k on 02/08/2024 - 08:18

    I've got a Reolink Duo PoE cam, it does a 180 degrees view, also has light and siren. Can recommend.
    Also the Reolink NVR has been pretty good. it came with 4 x 4k cameras and cost about $600. that was prime day a few years ago.

    • dan2k on 02/08/2024 - 08:21
      +1

      Add to that the cameras are under the eaves, so it's pretty easy to run the network cable to them all.

  • 2esc on 02/08/2024 - 11:22

    If your still in the build stage (plaster not hung yet) definitely go wired for security. Also best to check you also have enough power points and internet connections now.

    • geekcohen on 05/08/2024 - 05:42

      My wife and I have recently taken possession of our new house build.

      I think you need to read the post, OP has had it handed over = build is completed.

  • numloxx on 02/08/2024 - 12:02
    +2

    Don't get wireless. Spend the money and have cat 6 wiring installed and future proof it.
    If you're serious about security don't go Eufy. Spend some good money on quality cameras, 8 or 12mp.

  • Tigercjn on 02/08/2024 - 13:48

    All wired to a central NVR is the way to go. Centralised power means it can also be backed up by a single 12V battery. I would have it solar recharged to run the whole video system off the grid.

  • plague69 on 02/08/2024 - 16:56

    TP-Link omvif supported cameras with Frigate and Google Coral TPU.

    Referbed $200 box running frigate can have a referb 16tb HDD for $250

    Or you can get a pi for less than 100$ and get the USB drive

  • ton1 on 02/08/2024 - 22:30

    Reolink battery cams with solar 5 years now never seen battery below 90%

    They also have home hub for battery cams too https://reolink.com/lp/reolink-home-hub-series/?gad_source=1…

  • Mugsy on 06/08/2024 - 11:06

    Update on the plan following meeting with the electrician who did the ethernet wiring for the house…

    Given how big a job it is to go completely wired now, the fact that having all cameras powered from the wall is viable, and that I'm getting the meterbox "secured" with a lock, the electrician feels comfortable with the selection of cameras I've chosen from eufy and their usefulness in both monitoring around the house and acting as an alarm.

    FIrstly, I'll have this motion detection, floodlight camera monitoring the front, side and back of the house:

    https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/eufy-security-e340-floodl…

    And will have two of these on the left and right of the front of the house for lighting/extra monitoring:

    https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/eufy-security-wall-light-…

    The last side of the house has no windows and is fenced off already which makes things easier.

    All the devices have sirens which I will set with a relevant active zone so they go off when people get too close.

    The modem has come already. I'll get two easymesh compatible range extenders that I will set up at the front and rear of the house for better coverage for the security cameras. And yeah, will pick up a homebase 3 and install a spare 500Gb HDD I have lying around so that footage is stored internally.

    The benefit of this setup is that we have no external wall lights so the floodlights will be useful for this purpose.

    If I had picked those 4 packs of cameras that can't be powered by wires and has not siren/floodlights, yeah, the electrician would have said I'd be wasting my money for what we need.

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