Wireless Security System Install for Dummies
More and more people are interested in setting up wireless security for their homes. There are a lot of reasons why this is so. Some install wireless security cameras because it's now so easy to set up. Other people use them because running wires is impossible or not cost effective. It does not matter why but the fact remains that a wireless system is very much preferred by a lot of homeowners.Wireless security cameras are so popular because users can literally put them almost everywhere they feel that protection is needed -- and you do not have to worry about snaking wires inside the walls. The placement of a wireless security system is very flexible and easy to install, as long as the installer does his or her homework. Wireless security cameras have a very high failure rate on initial install if precautions are not taken.
What sort of failure? For example, you might have installed the camera but as soon as you turn it on, you cannot get the signal on the receiver. Fortunately, this type of problem can be easily solved. If you are thinking of doing the install on your own or with help from a friend, there are three frequencies that are on the market for the general public.
How to Choose the Frequency: 900MHz, 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz
Remember that the lower the frequency, the more walls your system can get through
* For devices that are rated 900MHz, they are the best option if you need to get past dry walls to reach the receiver. At the same time, this bandwidth will have minimal issues with other devices, which means that the signal can be transmitted strongly. The drawback is that right now there are only two channels available on this frequency, making its use very limited.
* The 2.4GHz wireless security cameras are the most used nowadays. Unfortunately, there are tons of other devices out there (i.e. phones, computer routers, wireless keyboards) that use the same frequency. Basically, if you see something wireless on the market, there is a good chance it is on a 2.4GHz frequency. As a result, a lot of the wireless 2.4GHz security cameras stop working. There are up to 12 channels available on 2.4GHz frequency that you can select for transmission, but unfortunately, it's hard to find one channel that is not already being used, especially if you live in a big city.
This is where the 5.8GHz transmitters and receivers come in. The 5.8GHz frequency is relatively clean, and subsequently, the successful wireless camera installation rate is higher. The nice thing about this frequency is you can connect more than eight wireless cameras to it. The main disadvantage is that it cannot go through walls with the same efficiency as the 900MHz or 2.4GHz systems.
So what do you do? A 900MHz setup can only connect two cameras, the 2.4GHz is slightly better but conflicts a lot with other common devices, and the 5.8GHz can support more but cannot go though obstacles efficiently. To get around these problems, the 5.8GHz systems are now being improved with better antennas and more powerful transmitters. As a result of this addition, 5.8GHz wireless security cameras can now send a camera signal through a wall.
If you find a 5.8GHz camera and receiver on the market for under $200, chances are it has a 10 milliwatt transmitter in it, which is the lowest power transmitter on the market. In ideal conditions with line of sight, you can stretch it to 300 feet (in theory). In reality though, that is never the case. This is due to signal interference as it goes though walls. If you are looking for a camera that can transmit video up to 500 feet away, you need a camera with at least a 100mw transmitter. For a distance greater than that, let's say 1,000 feet to 2,000 feet, you need a system with an one watt transmitter.
These are very general numbers and can change based on the distance, weather, and availability of a clear line of sight. One way to increase your odds for success is to put both the receivers and transmitters as high as you can to get that clear line of sight. Before you buy any system however, make sure that you identify your own specific needs for a security system so that you receive the right protection for your home or business. And if you still need a little help selecting the right system, just consult a professional!
About the Author
Beth is a retired teacher who is also into internet marketing, promoting a really eclectic collection of web sites. If you are looking for a place with the best options and pricing in a
wireless security camera system
or if you are interested in a wide selection of
exercise balls
, come and visit her sites.
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