Neat Security Camera at Costco

[CaberTosser]

I saw an interesting security light/camera combo at Costco recently that I thought some of you might find interesting, considering the numerous threads about being victimized by criminals that pop up. The unit is a motion-sensor activated 300W halogen light, with the added feature of a video camera that records 20 second clips onto an SD card, so you can pitch one up anywhere you've got 120V without having to run Cat5 or coax. Kind of like a hard wired game-cam for your garage, etc. One thing it does I hope would be able to turn off was an audio warning, as I think that would invite vandalism and make the unit itself a target. The thing is just 80 bucks to boot! I think one or two might follow me home soon; if there's no switch to kill the audio warning, there will be a wire to the speaker that can be cut;). I can't recall if the thing has motion tracking, but it looks just like some I've seen that are motion tracking.

[BBD]

Sounds like the solution I've been looking for. Thanks for telling us about it.

[WCTHEMI]

Sounds like a good idea, let us know what you think if you decide to try one out.

[BeeGuy]

If you like that,

you'll love this

LINK (http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-build-a-wifi-home-surveillance-system-with-your-pc/)

It's a home made WIFI Video Camera surveillance system.

When everyone is at work or on vacation, it can send you emails of video when motion is detected.

You can stream the video to a private website and watch it on your smart phone.

[Spidey]

Hey Caber, is this the unit you're talking about?

http://www.costco.ca/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=10354570&search=security&Mo=79&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-CA&Nr=P_CatalogName:BCCA&Sp=S&N=0&whse=BCCA&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BCCA&Ne=4000000&D=security&Ntt=security&No=32&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1

I agree, if there's some way to disable the audio warning it would be a great little asset.

[CaberTosser]

That's the bugger Spidey. But cheaper in store, the linked ad notes a cash and carry price, probably because the online buy needs postage tacked on. There are units that look similar that I've seen at electrical wholesalers, but they are just lights with motion-tracking, and cost $130 wholesale!

[CaberTosser]

Edit: The camera/light is $89.xx and I found out that the audio warning can be disabled, which I think is good as I junk it would invite vandalism and draw attention to the unit that people might think is simply a motion sensor light. I'm in a Costco right now waiting for the last customers to leave so I can have the saw-cutters open up the concrete for me. Wow are some people ignorant about getting out; the store closed at 8 and there's still people walking up to the till at 8:27:rolleye2:

[6gunner]

I've had one for about three months. The card provided lasts about two weeks at my place so I switched to a larger card. Do not shut off the power to the unit or it resets the unit and you will have to shut the voice warnings off. Ensure that you mount the unit high enough so potential theives can't reach it or they will just steal your memory card and render the unit useless. Great video quality for the money.

[silver]

I am eyeballing one of these security light/camera setups. Or maybe I should say two. If you set up two of them at the same door, one somewhat obvious and with the warning disabled and with the other with the sound and light disabled and not very obvious, I think you would have a good setup. An intruders attention would be directed toward the one with the light and the other camera would be still taking pics using the light of the first one.

[ishootbambi]

ive been looking for something like this. thanks for the heads up....this is perfect.

[althetrainer]

Caber, did you get it installed? I have been wanting to get something like this for the front of our house. But I have no experience/knowledge whatsoever. Can I shoot you a PM with some questions?

[CaberTosser]

Caber, did you get it installed? I have been wanting to get something like this for the front of our house. But I have no experience/knowledge whatsoever. Can I shoot you a PM with some questions?


I've not picked the units up yet; my post was when I was killing time waiting for Costco to close for some after hours contracting work I had to perform in the store. I'll bump the thread when I have some experience with the things. 6gunners input was valuable in regards to not shutting down the power or the camera resumes default and plays audio warnings. If the case opens with screws instead of being either glued or permanently snapped together I'll snip the speaker wires to do a permanent audio disable. I intend to get them, but have a big chore list prior to being ready. I might buy them sooner so as to avoid the 'no longer in stock" inconvenience. Searching the company that makes them, it looks like they also offer LED versions, which would be nice both for lower power consumption as well as longer bulb life. I've never had good service life from those types of halogen bulbs.

[greylynx]

Please keep the comments coming.

This little device it just what I need. And for about 80 bucks. Not bad at all.

[althetrainer]

I've not picked the units up yet; my post was when I was killing time waiting for Costco to close for some after hours contracting work I had to perform in the store. I'll bump the thread when I have some experience with the things. 6gunners input was valuable in regards to not shutting down the power or the camera resumes default and plays audio warnings. If the case opens with screws instead of being either glued or permanently snapped together I'll snip the speaker wires to do a permanent audio disable. I intend to get them, but have a big chore list prior to being ready. I might buy them sooner so as to avoid the 'no longer in stock" inconvenience. Searching the company that makes them, it looks like they also offer LED versions, which would be nice both for lower power consumption as well as longer bulb life. I've never had good service life from those types of halogen bulbs.

Thanks Caber. I am looking forward to your review.

[prairiecustom]

After my place was broke into this spring I looked around for some surveillance stuff.A friend of mine recommended this

http://gotocamera.com/

Works great.
He told me he tried the motion activated lights,cameras with cards etc.Said he spent more money replacing cameras and lights because people would just steal them,smash them or take the card.With this it automatically uploads to an online server