What camera solutions are you integrating with ISY

[panzer948]

Hi,

 

I have a basic system started now using several Insteon KPLs, Switchlincs, motion sensors and door sensors intergrated with my ISY to aid in home automation and basic alerts when doors open and motion is detected etc.  Smoke sensors are on the way as well.  I feel that next step will be to monitor the house using network security cameras.  I really have no idea how these interact with the ISY and thought at first that I would just use one of those all in one kits that integrates with your network separately.  For example, I know that Insteon has a couple of camera models that do this. Also, I don't necessarly need wireless to cover my houses interior.  For any cameras mounted outside, that will probably be the way I would need to go.  But... I worry about bandwith usage.  Don't these cameras send a signal thru your wireless network at all times? Or just when I access it?  I am curious what camera models others are using and any cool ideas on setup/monitoring.  I read on here where one guy was using an Insteon motion sensor to send alerts to his ISY which then had the camera snap a pic and email it to them.  That would be useful for sure.

 

Thanks,

[Xathros]

There are no "Insteon" cameras.  SH sells a re-branded Foscam camera that they call Insteon but only because their Smartphone App supports the camera stream.  The cam itself does not speak Insteon.  A number of us interact with PTZ cams using ISY network resources to do things like point the cam to a particular location or enable/disable recording etc.  Others are using Synology NAS boxes to capture/record video from IP cams and then interact with the Synology via the ISY.  I believe with the latter, you can have a cam cause an action on the ISY though this may require a third machine in the middle.  In some cases, with a middleman server like an RaspberryPi, you can have a Foscan cam trigger an action on the ISY as well but I have heard conflicting reports depending on the cam's firmware level.

 

Mobilinc has support for a wide range of IP cams and this brings the appearance of integration with the HA system.

 

Hope this helps.

 

-Xathros

Edited February 4, 2015 by Xathros

[panzer948]

Okay thanks for the info. I havne't even installed MobilLinc yet as I have been waiting to finalize my home system first.  Looks like I need to probably play around with that first and figure out what is compatibile with it.  As I understand it that can be my linc to view the house remotely using the cameras.

[Xathros]

Okay thanks for the info. I havne't even installed MobilLinc yet as I have been waiting to finalize my home system first.  Looks like I need to probably play around with that first and figure out what is compatibile with it.  As I understand it that can be my linc to view the house remotely using the cameras.

Mobilinc does a good job of bringing the ISY to the mobile device and with the support of IP cams, it makes a nice solution for remote control and viewing.

 

-Xathros

[panzer948]

Wait, I was just checking out the Mobilinc site and it says it works for both Android and iOS; but then shows all these bullets with cool features with (iOS only) in parenthesis.  Wow.... So I guess I need to be an Apple user to get to all those functions, including cam support.  Not good.

http://www.mobilinc.com/apps/mobilincpro/

[Jimbo.Automates]

Yes, Mobilinc support of Android does lag behind iOS.  But, it's the best/only choice.  The camera part integrated in isn't a big deal for me, there are plenty of good android apps like TinyCam or IP Cam Viewer.

[memphis2k]

I do surveillance for a living and have several 720p Sony IP cameras working with Mobilinc, and also my favorite is a 3MP HikVision outdoor mini turret w/ single cree IR emitter. Model DS-2CD2332-I.  For the price, can't beat the quality & price & features.  Depends on your needs, and such.

[Jimbo.Automates]

I do surveillance for a living and have several 720p Sony IP cameras working with Mobilinc, and also my favorite is a 3MP HikVision outdoor mini turret w/ single cree IR emitter. Model DS-2CD2332-I. For the price, can't beat the quality & price & features. Depends on your needs, and such.

Thanks for that endorsement! I'm in the market for a good outdoor camera like that so will check that one out! Does it have an api to receive from and send to the ISY network module like we can do with the foscams?

[memphis2k]

Thanks for that endorsement! I'm in the market for a good outdoor camera like that so will check that one out! Does it have an api to receive from and send to the ISY network module like we can do with the foscams?

 

Not entirely.  It uses more of an XML format and if your using Windows PC, using a program called CURL to send the commands to it.  Supposedly, version 5 will make this easier in ISY.

 

I posted some questions about it here.

http://forum.universal-devices.com/topic/15118-insert-weather-into-hikvision-ip-camera-via-text-overlay/

 

Also, this guy does review cameras

http://www.networkcameracritic.com/

[Jimbo.Automates]

Thanks, I'm very familiar with curl and xml, so could do it from a web server, or hopefully with V5.

[Techman]

I do surveillance for a living and have several 720p Sony IP cameras working with Mobilinc, and also my favorite is a 3MP HikVision outdoor mini turret w/ single cree IR emitter. Model DS-2CD2332-I.  For the price, can't beat the quality & price & features.  Depends on your needs, and such.

 

 

I've been looking for a 3 mp POE outdoor camera and saw your post.   The price seems very low for a 3 mp camera.  Does it come with software?  Are there any negatives?

[memphis2k]

Thanks, I'm very familiar with curl and xml, so could do it from a web server, or hopefully with V5.

 

Just any computer that is on your network could send whatever to the camera.  My situation was to feed current temperature & wind condition right into the camera via Text overlay.  ISY currently can't do it yet as I had bought the Weather module.  There's plenty of documentation for the camera.  API's and XML goodies.  Certain models offer alarm in's & out, SD cards, audio etc.  This camera just provides value and quality (and better IR) over other solutions out there.  You can spend $1000's or several numbers, but $150 average is unbelievable.

[memphis2k]

I've been looking for a 3 mp POE outdoor camera and saw your post.   The price seems very low for a 3 mp camera.  Does it come with software?  Are there any negatives?

 

Depends on your needs.  I have some software we use at work, its from a company called i3 International aka SRX PRO Server.  I like it and use it everyday with my customers.  What is popular for everyone is Blue Iris.  I have played around with it very little, interface seemed ok, but overall, should work OK.

 

HikVision does offer software, and mobile apps.  Again, no experience, but they are a growing company and set to impress.

 

Also, when you order a camera, you will get a 4MM camera by default.  Specify what you want... 2.8 (wide angle), 6mm etc.  Honestly, I prefer fixed focal length.  Picture is always perfect, no set screws to come lose etc.  Set it and forget it.

 

Also depends on how many cameras, resolutions, storage, PC specs, network speed etc.  A good i5 computer should have no problem with a few cameras.  You don't need 30 FPS @ 3MP, but 3 is fine for most, default, 7 is the sweet spot, and 15 for high.

[memphis2k]

I've been looking for a 3 mp POE outdoor camera and saw your post.   The price seems very low for a 3 mp camera.  Does it come with software?  Are there any negatives?

 

Negatives.  I have it mounted right by my front door, in the soffit with a 2x12 wood back plate.  Kinda goofy looking camera, but again it could one day protect us or my house.  Does not have alarm inputs & outputs & SD card slot.  Hikvision does have PRO camera line, but again, value line is fine with me.  Buy cheap and buy an 8MP or 10MP one day sooner due to the savings.

 

Try one, if you hate it sell it on eBay or return it.  If you buy from a authorized dealer, then they will have a good warranty if needed.

 

-Camera survived a -45 below zero day and winds.

 

-No focal length adjustment.  Fixed rocks, set it and forget it.

 

-Check your recording software and see if it suppots it.  IP cameras are fussy and need to be supported.  H.264 is what you want, and sub-stream is usually JPG or MJPEG.  I believe this has to be the case for Mobilinc.

[Techman]

Depends on your needs.  I have some software we use at work, its from a company called i3 International aka SRX PRO Server.  I like it and use it everyday with my customers.  What is popular for everyone is Blue Iris.  I have played around with it very little, interface seemed ok, but overall, should work OK.

 

Also, when you order a camera, you will get a 4MM camera by default.  Specify what you want... 2.8 (wide angle), 6mm etc.  Honestly, I prefer fixed focal length.  Picture is always perfect, no set screws to come lose etc.  Set it and forget it.

 

Also depends on how many cameras, resolutions, storage, PC specs, network speed etc.  A good i5 computer should have no problem with a few cameras.  You don't need 30 FPS @ 3MP, but 3 is fine for most, default, 7 is the sweet spot, and 15 for high.

 

Thank you, I'll take a look at the specs. Seems the camera is available on amazon and newegg. How's the construction quality and the night vision?

Does the camera have a jack or a pigtail for the cat cable?

[memphis2k]

Thank you, I'll take a look at the specs. Seems the camera is available on amazon and newegg. How's the construction quality and the night vision?

Does the camera have a jack or a pigtail for the cat cable?

 

Pretty dang awesome at night, IMO

 

I have seen these 3MP go for as little as $70 but will take a month to get to you.  I don't know if its true and a genuine product or not.  $150 should be a good price. and honestly, that price is what you would pay for a good outdoor analog camera.

 

There is mounts available too, if you want to mount to a wall and have it hang like a gooseneck.

 

http://www.networkcameracritic.com/  There is a slightly different model on there, its the 3332 I believe.  As a company, we have seen a lot of failure with red IR leds, all different brands ranging from $50 to $2000.  That's why I was happy to see a single large IR emitter.  I have a feeling this will last years.  Also, there is a lot of settings to play with, I enabled "Smart IR" and holy cow, noticeable difference made.  Heights, distance from camera, other lights near by all play a part.

[Scyto]

I love my hikvision cameras and their iOS software and windows software is pretty neat, I can provide legal links to the SW and firmware if you pm me

[shannong]

As already mentioned, there are no "Insteon" cameras on the market and Smarthome.com/Smart Labs is pushing the bounds of ethical business practices calling the rebranded Foscams that.

 

I also am using the Hikvision DS-CD2xxxx series. I have 7 of them installed of various flavors including the dome, bullet, and one Wi-Fi. I prefer the domes but had to choose the bullet and a mini-dome in two spots. The features and picture quality are unbeatable in the price range, and I did a lot of shopping before buying. Some DO HAVE ALARM INPUT/OUTPUTS. I don't use mine but was considering that at first. They do not have onboard storage via SSD but I didn't care since I was installing a central DVR. Somebody also mentioned their poor support of some software for auto-recognition (ONVIF) but they improved on that in the last software release. However, it wasn't an issue for me with the software I was using even before that. The night vision is decent on the cams but for most of mine I installed separate LED IR lights are that have their own luminance sensor to turn them on when it's dark. They're about the same size as the cams themselves but I installed them inside the house at the top of my windows facing out to that cam. All my windows have blinds so you never get to see the top of the windown inside even when the blinds are open. It made powering them easier and I didn't have to have another unsightly device installed outside.

 

There are cheap Hikvision cameras available directly from China but it violates their terms, and you'll have no warranty or support. Also, it will ship with Chinese language lacking an options to select English. There are various hacks to fix that on the internet, but it's no cake-walk. I bought two like that. There are various sellers on the internet who will guarantee the original manufacturers warranty (replacing at their own cost without getting reimbursed by the manufacturer), give you support, and get you the current firmware version as its released. I bought my other 5 this way. I used Nellie's Security but haven't had to process an RMA or get support to vouch for it, yet. Hopefully, I won't need to.

 

I'm using Blue Iris as my DVR. Probably not professional quality but again the features you get for the dollar are unmatched from the ones I've compared it against. They have an app for Android devices and it's also available from a web browser. To be honest, I never use either of those.

 

For integration of ISY I use Event Ghost (runs on the same box as Blue Iris) and the ISY's Network Resources. At dusk/dawn, the ISY runs a Network Resource against Event Ghost that triggers a Perl script to directly change the cameras settings, e.g. brightness, noise filter, BLC, etc using JSON calls. I have my doorbell on an IOLinc, so when it is rung the ISY uses a Network Resource to Event Ghost which runs a local Exe that talks to the Blue Iris API which has built-in functions to take a snapshot/video and email/SMS it to me. Another example, I have a camera in the garage which isn't normally recorded to disk. When I open the garage door, this triggers an ISY Network Resource that hits Event Ghost to change profiles on that cam in Blue Iris to begin recording and it keeps going until 2 minutes after it's closed. Same for the gate in my backyard leading to the alley. I also have ISY turn on the exterior lights that help light those scenes during the recording when appropriate and turn them back off again.

 

When I engage various occupancy scenes in the ISY (Away, Sleep, etc), that also triggers a Network Resource to Event Ghost to change the profiles of individual cameras in Blue Iris. Profiles in Blue Iris allow for different recording and motion detection settings. Also, if the house security alarm (integrated Elk M1) is triggered all cameras as set to record and all lights are turned on in/out of the house and a snapshot of each camera at that time is emailed to me.

 

I'm very happy with this setup and it wasn't very complicated to get working. The scripts I use in Event Ghost were found on the internet and modified for my uses. However, it's worth noting I used to be a network admin and had (limited) scripting experience.

Edited February 6, 2015 by shannong

[MWareman]

Is anyone using Sighthound? It claims to be able to locate and alert on people in camera streams rather than simply motion. I'm considering it....

[shannong]

I looked at Sighthound. It's sounds interesting with it's advanced motion detection.

 

Its worth noting that it does not have an audio channel.

 

I was also having trouble finding info on inbound integration. It can execute local commands when rules are triggered but I didn't find a way to interact with it for inbound requests such as triggering snapshots on certain events to email snapshots and modifying camera profiles on demand.  For those two reasons, I didn't include Sighthound in my selection list. In the end, I don't care about the audio and doing it over again would probably give them a closer look as I like the idea of fewer false positives with motion detection. I record continuously on most my cams anyways but I'd like fewer alerts to fish through when necessary.

[MWareman]

Thanks! I'll probably take a look and give their free 1 cam option a try.