Maker Pro
Maker Pro

Suggestions on inexpensive video security

T

the_tool_man

Jan 1, 1970
0
Hi all:

I've recently become the target of a couple of neighborhood kids who
like to ring the doorbell at midnight and run away. I'd like to catch
them on video, so their parents (or police, if necessary) can be shown
proof.

My thought is to set up an inexpensive video camera looking at the
door. Perhaps I'll use two, one looking at the door (to show doorbell
being pushed), one looking from the door to get the perp's face. I've
found some motion-activated cameras rated for outdoor use for $40. The
output from these would ideally be recorded on video tape for use as
evidence.

My delemma is how to record the output. I can't figure out how to have
the VCR start and stop in response to the camera. I could put a
separate motion detector outside the house and have it power on the
VCR, but then it won't automatically start recording. I could set up
the VCR to record each night starting at dusk and get 6 hours worth,
but resetting this every night would be a pain. Does anyone make an
"endless" VHS tape so I can let it record 24/7?Also, I don't know how
to combine the video from multiple cameras. Is there an inexpensive
"box" out there that will combine two video signals and tile them into
a single output signal for the VCR? If not, I guess I can find a
couple of yard sale VCRs and have one for each camera.

Any help would be appreciated!

Regards,
Sleepless...
 
A

Allan Waghalter

Jan 1, 1970
0
Sams sells several off the shelf system that includes multiple cameras,
recorder and monitor for around $500. This would be a quick and easy way to
protect your home.
 
Top