WeatherCam+Types

WeatherCam Types - Purchase Guide
There are several WeatherCam options based on location, cost, convenience and connectivity. We recommend network cameras, and wireless network cameras make the installation easy.

1.0 Wireless Network Cameras ([[image:s_5.gif]])
Wireless Network Cameras are compatible with standard [|802.11] wireless devices, allowing the flexibility to install and operate the camera without running network wires, and utilizing [|SSID filtering] and 40/64/128 bit [|WEP encryption] helps to protect your wireless network from illegal intrusion.
 * [[image:yhst-37697109791737_1962_96102422.gif]] || **[|Panasonic BB-HCM371A Pro-Line Wireless Outdoor Pan/Tilt Network Camera with 2-Way Audio]** ||
 * [[image:http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/yhst-37697109791737_1950_917308087 width="70" height="70" link="http://store.yahoo.com/yhst-37697109791737/tdc131a.html"]][[image:yhst-37697109791737_1962_516027303.gif align="center"]] || **[|Panasonic Network Camera C131A Wireless Network Camera Indoor]** ||

You can install an outdoor wireless network camera or indoor wireless network camera and point it out a window if you have a good vantage point. You will need a wireless router (example, [|Linksys Wireless Router]) to communicate to the wireless camera, other computers on your network, and the Internet. Wireless routers are available at most electronic specialty stores.


 * 1.1 Advantages**
 * **Flexible Installation**. In general, you can install the cameras within 300' of your wireless router and you do not have to run cables through walls and other obstructions.
 * **Ease of Integration**. The 802.11b protocol allows you to easily integrate the camera into an existing network.
 * **Software Tools**. The software included with network cameras are web based, fairly easy to configure and include internet protocols, such as FTP, Email and web hosting.


 * 1.2 Disadvantages**
 * **Interference.** Some installations may be susceptible to interference. Make sure you purchase a camera that is returnable in the event you have issues. 802.11 communicates at 2.4 GHz and is designed to work with other 2.4 GHz devices, such as telephones and wireless computers. Note that metal siding can significantly shield radio transmission, so a cabled system is recommended for homes with metal siding if you are installing the camera outdoors. Wireless cameras also have an ethernet so it can be configured as a cabled network camera.
 * **Cost**. Wireless cameras may cost more, but running cables can also be expensive and time consuming. Try installing an indoor wireless camera and point it out a window if you have a good vantage point - indoor cameras are significantly less expensive. You must also purchase a wireless router if you do not have one already.


 * 1.3 Other Considerations**
 * **Pan / Tilt Functionality**. We highly recommend purchasing a unit with pan / tilt functionality. This allows you to remotely control the camera to fine tune the position, and reposition the camera based on seasonal changes and sun angle. Direct exposure to the sun can damge the camera element over time.
 * **Power**. Even though the camera is wireless, you still have to connect the camera to AC power, so locate near an outlet if possible.

2.0 Cabled Network Cameras ([[image:s_4.gif]])
Cabled network cameras work essentially the same as wireless network cameras, except they plug directly into your router (example, [|Linksys router]). They offer a low cost solution if you have a computer nearby a window with a good vantage point.
 * [[image:yhst-37697109791737_1962_161068041.gif align="center"]] || **[|Panasonic KX-HCM110A Indoor Network Camera with 2-Way Audio]** ||


 * 2.1 Advantages**
 * **Cost. C**abled cameras are less expensive then wireless cameras.
 * **Ease of Integration**. The 802.11b protocol allows you to easily integrate the camera into an existing network.
 * **Software Tools**. The software included with network cameras are web based, fairly easy to configure and include internet protocols, such as FTP, Email and web hosting.


 * 2.2 Disadvantages**
 * **Installation**. You have to run an ethernet cable outside your house, unless you have an indoor camera located near your computer with a good vantage point.
 * **Cost**. You may have to run the ethernet and power cables through conduit, depending on the environment to protect against harsh conditions and rodents.

3.0 Direct Connect Computer Cameras ([[image:s_2.gif]])
Often referred to as WebCams, direct connect cameras provide the lowest cost by least flexibility. They include USB cameras and BNC cameras (which require video converters, such as USB or PCI cards.


 * 3.1 USB Cameras**. USB cameras are low cost, indoor cameras. Because the camera is powered by the USB port in the computer, there is a limited cable length (about 8' or less) and therefore are strictly indoor cameras.
 * [[image:I148197.jpg align="center"]] || Logitech Quickcam Messenger Web Camera ||
 * 3.1.1 Advantages**
 * **Cost**. Very low cost
 * **Installation**. Very easy to install and use, connect directly to the computer.
 * **Software Tools**. Check with the manufacturer, but most software tools provide automated FTP, EMail and web hosting functionality.
 * 3.1.2 Disadvantages**
 * **Cable Lengh**. Because this camera uses the USB port, it is an indoor camera only and must be situated within 8' of the computer.
 * **Software**. Requires an FTP application run continuously on the computer (the camera does not have internet protocols and can not directly send data to a website).


 * 3.2 BNC Cameras**. BNC cameras are often used in the video surveillance market, designed to connect to recording equipment. They include separate power connectors and require video converters (either USB or PCI) to connect to a computer.
 * [[image:yhst-37697109791737_1958_79782892.gif align="center"]] || **[|Marshall V-2217 Weather Proof Web Cam, 350 Lines, Daytime]** ||
 * 3.2.1 Advantages**
 * **Cable Length.** Cables can be run over long distances.
 * **Reliability**. Reliable cameras used in the surveillance market.
 * 3.2.2 Disadvantages**
 * **Software**. Requires an FTP application run continuously on the computer (the camera does not have internet protocols and can not directly send data to a website).
 * **Installation**. You have to run video and power cable outside your house, unless you have an indoor camera located near your computer with a good vantage point.
 * **Cost**. You may have to run the video and power cables through conduit, depending on the environment to protect against harsh conditions and rodents.

4.0 Direct Connect Wireless Cameras ([[image:s_1.gif]])
Non 802.11 network protocol cameras should be avoided due to non-standard networking capabilities.
 * [[image:yhst-37697109791737_1962_111764051.gif align="center"]] || **[|SVAT Electronics GX5000 B/W Indoor Wireless Camera]** ||

Links
WeatherCam Installation Requirements (mounting, power, environmental conditons) WeatherCam Software and Internet Publishing (PC, web based applications) [|Weather Web Cams] [|Outdoor Wireless Network Cameras] [|Outdoor Cabled Network Cameras] [|Indoor Wireless Network Cameras] [|Indoor Cabled Network Cameras] [|BNC Cabled Outdoor Security Cameras]