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| | Camera FAQ's
Are your cameras Wireless?
The cameras themselves are not wireless. They can, however, be used
in conjunction with a video transmitter to make them wireless. (top)
Do these cameras see in the dark?
Not exactly. Our monochrome cameras have such incredibly low light
capabilities, they seem to be able to see in the dark. When used with
external IR illuminators, you can get true see in the dark performance. (top)
Do I have to use an enclosure with these cameras?
It's not absolutely necessary, but it is highly recommended.
Enclosures keep your camera protected from dust and dirt, and also offer a
little protection against impact. ABS plastic enclosures are generally
the most preferred choice. We also offer a rubberized Vaccu-Coat
protectant. This covers the camera without increasing it's physical
size. (top)
How small is a pinhole lens?
The aperture on a pinhole lens is 1/32". The hole itself is
1/16". Since most pinhole lenses have a 90° field of view, the
smallest viewing hole is equal to the thickness of the material you are
trying to view through. For example, if you are viewing through a
1/16" thick plastic area, the smallest hole needed for a full field of
view would be 1/16". (top)
Do I need a special monitor to view these cameras?
No. Anything that has a composite video input can be used to view
these cameras. Most newer TV's and VCR's offer the necessary inputs.
Older units may require a modulator to change the video signal into a RF
signal so you can connect it to your antenna input. (top)
Are they full motion video or are they single shot with film?
These cameras are full motion video; 30 frames per second just like
any standard camcorder. The difference is, these cameras do not
include any of the bulky recording equipment and many offer greater
resolution and better low light capabilities than a standard camcorder does.
(top)
How long do the batteries last?
This all depends on the battery and the amount of current the camera
draws. Using our BP12AA battery pack with normal alkaline 'AA'
batteries, a camera with an operating range of 8-13 volts that draws 100 mA
will run for about 24 hours continuously. (top)
What is the smallest camera?
As listed in the Guinness Book of Records, our MC 341-99 CMOS1 holds the
title of "World's Smallest Video Camera". This is a
monochrome camera. The smallest color camera we offer is our
mini-enclosed MC 345C-64. (top)
What else do I need to use these cameras?
Most of our cameras come with power supplies. You will need either
battery power or an AC/DC transformer to operate these cameras. They
also will not come with an extended length of video cable. If you need
to use you camera any distance away from the monitor, you may want to
consider purchasing extra video cable. (top)
What are the operating/storage temperatures for these cameras?
This is also dependant on the camera. Most will operate in the
temperature range between 5°C to 40°C (40°F to 104°F). Storage
temperatures will be ±10%. (top)
How do you power these cameras?
Most of these cameras are powered by 12 volts DC. These can be
powered by either using a 12 volt battery source or an AC/DC transformer. (top)
What will I see with a pinhole lens versus a normal size lens?
In almost every instance, a pinhole lens will give you a wider field of
view. This means everything will appear farther away on the screen. (top)
Wireless
Are these transmitters line of sight?
Although you can get some tra
nsmitters to perform acceptably through obstructions, line of sight is
necessary for optimal performance. Any obstructions will always
reduce your effective range. The higher the transmitting frequency the
better penetration through obstructions. (top)
What do I need to do to get an amateur radio operator license?
A good source of information would be the AARL
web site. You will need to get in contact with your local Ham Radio
Club. They are the ones who administer the exams needed for licensing.
All of our ARS equipment requires a Technician's Class or higher amateur
radio license to operate. (top)
Can I wear these transmitters on my body?
Yes, however, it depends on the transmitter. Generally, a
directional transmitter would not be viable for use on the body since it
will be moving around and transmitting in different directions. An
omni directional transmitter is a better choice, but remember it is normally
very difficult to transmit through a body. Your best bet is to try to
always keep the transmitter between the body and the receiver. (top)
Will they transmit through walls?
Yes. But remember that line of sight is always better, so you want to
keep your obstructions to a minimum for optimal performance. (top)
What is all this FCC Part 15 Approved Stuff?
Any transmitter that is approved under Part 15 of the FCC Rules can be
used by anyone at anytime without licensing. Further details regarding
FCC Rules and Regulations can be found on the FCC
web site. (top)
Are your transmitters compatible with any camera?
Yes. All of our transmitters have composite video inputs which are
compatible with all of our cameras. You can also use just about any
consumer camcorder with our transmitters. (top)
What about interference?
There are many different causes of interference. The main cause of
interference is competing RF frequencies. The 900 MHz band is a very
crowded band. Cell phones, cordless phones, and pagers mainly operate
in this band. If you are getting interference from these devices, the
only action you can take is to move to a different location, or to change to
a different transmitter on a different frequency. (top)
VCR's
Can I use an 8mm tape in a standard VHS
VCR?
No. The width of the tape in a VHS recorder is 12mm. An 8mm
tape has a width of 8mm. There is no way to get the heads in a VHS VCR
to read the tape correctly. (top)
What is the difference between time lapse and real time?
Real time recording uses a full 30 frames per second recording.
Time lapse is anywhere below that. The advantage of using time lapse
over real time is longer recording times. The main disadvantage is the
longer the record time, the more information is missing. (960 hour
recording takes a frame every 8 seconds) (top)
Do I need a special tape for time lapse recording?
No. You can use any standard VHS tape for recording in time lapse.
Just remember to replace your tapes often. (top)
Can I watch a time lapse recording on a standard VCR?
No. Since all time lapse recorders are different, you must use the
same make/model VCR to view as it was recorded. (top)
What does alarm/event mean?
An alarm/event VCR has special inputs for a triggering device (PIR, door
switch, relay, etc...) to remotely start recording when a certain event
occurs. The most popular configuration is with a PIR motion detector
wired to trigger the VCR to begin recording any time there is movement in
the area. The big advantage of this setup is not having a video tape
full of no action. (top)
Multi-camera
What is the difference between a switcher, a quad processor, a
multiplexer, and a multi-record processor.
*A switcher is exactly what the name implies. It switches from
one video signal to another. A switcher may have many cameras
connected to it, but only one camera will be visible at any given time.
Simultaneous recording of multiple cameras is not possible with a switcher.
*A quad processor is a piece of equipment that takes four or more
cameras and displays them four at a time on a video screen. The
advantage is multiple simultaneous recording.
*A multiplexer takes it one step further. Multiplexers are
capable of displaying up to 16 cameras on one screen. They are very
similar to quad processors, but require larger screens to view more cameras.
*A multi-record processor adds another function. Continuous
simultaneous recording of all cameras connected. Even when viewing a
camera full screen, all other cameras are being recorded on the same tape. (top)
What is the difference between simplex and duplex?
*A simplex multiplexer works the same
way a quad processor works. It will display all your cameras on one
screen, but will not record all cameras when viewing in full screen mode.
*A duplex multiplexer will record all cameras continuously whether in
full screen or multi camera modes. Furthermore, after recording, any
camera can be viewed at full screen regardless of what mode it was recorded
in. (top)
"PLUG &
PLAY" INSTALLATION
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1.
After
connecting the wires to a TV or VCR, press the button that switches from
normal channels to direct video/audio input channel. Normally this
button can be found on your remote indicated as "INPUT",
"VIDEO", "AUX", "A/V" or "LINE"
(depends on the brand). If no such button is found, try channel
"00" or select a video input source from a menu screen.
2. All
cameras sold are designed to work with any types of TV or VCR with
direct audio/video input jacks. 99% of VCR's are equipped with direct
A/V jacks but not for all TV's. If your TV only has a Coax Input, you
can still connect the camera by first connecting it to your VCR than to
the TV. In this case your TV should be on CH3 or CH4.
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Which Recorder Is Best ?????
| First you have to define "best
at what?" Some models offer higher resolution. Some offer longer
recording times. Still others aren't particularly strong on resolution
or recording time but offer the lowest price. Indeed what is ideal
depends on who's asking. What's best for one application may be totally
inappropriate in another. So let's define our needs first. Although
applications vary greatly, the basic requirements of any VCR are nearly
universal. |
 | Animation
| | Clear Details
| User Friendly
| Dependable
| Affordable |
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The Most Animation. Regardless
of the brand or model, we always want the most animation we can get from
any VCR. Television and cinema spoil us at 30 and 24 frames per second
respectively. We stop perceiving animation in a video playback at around
5-6 frames per second. Below that, video is slightly more fatiguing to
watch. A typical standard time-lapse VCR replays 5 frames per second in
the 24 hour mode. For internal management control, at least 8 - 10 frames
per second should be considered minimum with 15 frames per second
recommended. This is achievable with the new generation of high density
recorders available today. "Double Density" models record at
double the frame rates of standard time-lapse models or about 10 frames
per second in the 24 hour mode. "Triple Density" models offer
the highest frame rates at typically three times standard time-lapse
speeds or about 15 frames per second in the 24 hour mode. They are ideal
for large multiplex systems or long recording times. As an added benefit,
high density VCRS typically offer more advanced features and often higher
resolution.
Clear Recording. Resolution
is one of the most important performance parameters of a VCR. Without a
clear picture, what use are all those "bells & whistles
anyway?" Most consumer-grade VCRS record at under 240 lines of
resolution in color or B&W. While they may play rental video tapes and
movies you record off the TV just fine, that's because those videos and
movies were specifically set up and filmed to look great on your TV! You
don't have the benefit of a mobile camera crew to keep the action up close
on a set with perfect lighting, so your surveillance VCR has to produce a
clearer picture. One that will let you recognize a face from across the
room, see what your cashier put into her pocket, or identify a fleeing car
in dim lighting. It only makes sense to select a VCR that can record the
full picture quality your video cameras produce. The high quality
time-lapse VCR's offered here include models that record up to 400 lines
for non-digital and over 500 lines for digital models! This insures that
you will have solid evidence in the event of a robbery, cash loss,
customer complaint, accident, liability suit or other important event. By
contrast, most low-cost time-lapse VCR's found in discount clubs record a
low resolution picture using unsophisticated two tape head technology that
can result in a jittery, unstable playback. The few cents a day you might
save over the life of the VCR just isn't worth the sacrifice in
performance and quality if it costs you dollars a day in reduced loss
prevention results. You should know that there is more to achieving a
clear recording than just resolution numbers. Gray-scaling or color
saturation, sync signal stability, scanning accuracy, RF shielding and
motor noise all contribute to the overall quality of the recording. Low
cost VCRS sacrifice picture quality for low price and it's a difference
that 's apparent for the life of the machine.
User Friendly. Quality
VCRS automate the daily process of archiving information, making them
convenient and user friendly. Programming back-up battery insures that
your programmed data won't be lost each time there is a power
interruption, and after power is restored, your VCR will resume recording.
Alarm recording allows optional panic buttons, our Smart Sensor PIR,
digital motion detection, or your alarm system to trigger on-demand
recording. Add motion detection to your surveillance system to save tapes
and VCR wear while you reduce tape review time by up to 90%! The automatic
alarm index search function standard on all models lets you find and
review alarm recording events in seconds. Press one button and the VCR
finds the event on tape then cues it up for you, ready for your review.
Advanced features like virtual real-time 24 hour speed*, programmable
timer recording, repeat recording, movable on-screen displays, jog /
shuttle control, reverse play, automatic daylight savings time change,
alarm interface and auto power on give you incredible flexibility and
control.
Dependable. As
you shop up the recorder price range, you realize more standard features
that insure a longer lifespan and thus, a higher return on your
investment. Higher quality recorders usually offer safeguard functions
like dew warning sensors that won't let the VCR attempt to wrap a video
tape around a wet tape drum, or warning codes that notify you of a fault,
often before any damage can occur! And top end recorders experience less
interference from external influences like voltage fluctuations, the
operator pressing several button at once, someone bumping the recorder or
inserting a tape the wrong way. The smarter circuitry of top end machines
can reduce unnecessary down time that cheap recorders suffer from under
these conditions. Often the only solution is to press the global reset
button and reprogram a cheap recorder after every storm!
Affordable. When
shopping time-lapse VCRS, it's important to value the investment over the
life of the machine. We've seen a new class of low quality, low price
imports luring buyers with a super low price tag. These lightweight 2-head
decks with short warranties coverage are usually short on resolution, too.
Yea, it will save you a few bucks at the register, but at what cost to
your loss prevention program? The higher price of a quality recorder
invariably proves to be the best value due to its greater lifespan and
higher performance. We offer VCRS in a wide range of price levels &
features. If you're not sure what's best for you, please Email BMET. We're
happy to access your needs and offer free advice on the best configuration
for your application.
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Answer to Resolution Chain Quiz:
The live view will render 600 lines of resolution, the lowest
resolution of the three device chain; the cameras, the processor and the
monitor. With the right lenses, the view will be clear and highly
detailed. The playback view will render only 240 lines of resolution, the
maximum many low-cost VCRS can produce! In this configuration, the VCR
reduces potential resolution by 60%, making your investment in high
resolution equipment a wasted investment and rendering taped evidence that
may be totally unusable!
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For Help Selecting Lenses,
Click Here
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Click on the picture on the left to see
how to install a connector onto the coax using a 2 piece BNC connector
for a standard CCTV camera |
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Click on the picture on the left to see
a larger copy of the typical hook-up for a 4 camera system with a
switcher, VCR, and monitor |
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Click on the picture to the left to see
a typical diagram of a 4 camera hookup with a quad processor, VCR, and
monitor |
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Click on the picture on the left
to see a large diagram of a typical hook up with multiplexer, VCR
and monitor |
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Click on the picture to the
left for a typical camera hook-up |
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This is a wire diagram for a
CA-55 board camera |
| The main difference between 12VDC and
24VAC is that 12VDChas to be properly polarized were as 24VAC the
positive and negative are reversible |
| The lower the LUX rating the better the
camera will work in low light situations |
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