New to CCTV - where to start? - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

gury · 02-11-2009, 07:35 PM

I've got a guy that wants a CCTV system for his business. I've never really gotten into it, but I can get the equipment and I'm pretty sure the installation isn't that complicated for a LV contractor. I've already found out there's a bunch of red tape to do security systems, so is CCTV just as complicated? Plus, there are so many options for the cameras... I don't know where to start.

Assuming i can legally do this, he's wanting six cameras, 4 indoor and 2 outdoor, and a DVR with a monitor. What kind of equipment should I be looking for? I hate to call my distributor and have them put together a package without doing some research and getting a better idea of what I need first.

BuildingHomes · 02-12-2009, 09:01 AM

So do you want to practice on him?

DVRs will come with either 4, 8, and 16 inputs and variants beyond that.

There are a thousand companies that 'make' DVRs when in reality they are all just rebranding the same crappy Chinese reference design.

If you are looking for something with some sort of quality and ease of use, investigate DigiMerge and Capture. Not the cheapest, but also not the most expensive. ADI carries them.

There are many many things to consider when it comes to cameras.
Number one is: Cheap cameras will produce cheap results.

You need to know what you need to cover per camera and then apply the appropriate focal length to fit it all in, or get another camera. You need to understand the differences between IR mechanical/electronic cut filters, day/night cameras, and more. You need to understand electrical requirements vs run lengths, local power vs centralized power. If local power in a commercial setting you may need to worry about cameras on different phases which introduces rolling bars..

Buy something that your supplier recommends. Play with it and get comfortable with it to gain some experience.

slowforthecones · 02-13-2009, 02:07 AM

www.cctvforum.com has wonderful advice. I am a member there also. Pelco, Bosch and GE have great products with great support. It's a quality product with a quality warranty. GE DVRs are cheaper and less features than the Pelco and Bosch's but I use GE for 8 camera installs. I use Bosch and Pelco for larger setups.

send me a pm or ask questions on the forum for advice...goodluck.

slowforthecones · 02-13-2009, 02:16 AM

ADI (owned by honeywell), always bargain with these motherf---. They charge outrageous prices and not always have what you need instock. They're like holedepot except they supply fire alarms, burg alarms, low volt stuff.

You'll need some tools, some you probably have. look at this thread I commented on for more info on tools needed..I'm sure you have the skills needed to install. Some things you learn as you go?
http://www.cctvforum.com/about15462.html

Chevyman305 · 02-14-2009, 01:05 AM

At work we use speco cameras and also gvi cameras which are made by samsung. In my opinion speco cameras are the best. Speco just came out with cameras that all u need to do after installing them is just set your zoom and they auto focus. also speco has really nive dvrs.

gury · 02-14-2009, 07:23 AM

I got a quote on a six camera system from ADI. My rep put together a pretty good package, and even threw in the cable, BNC crimpers, and door decals. I was pretty impressed. The problem is MY cost on materials is about 200 bucks more than what other companies are charging for the same type of system INSTALLED. hmmmmm....

and btw, it looks like CCTV is included under "alarm systems contractors" for the state classification which means I can't even do this unless I hire someone with 5 years experience to be a qualifying agent, and become a certified alarm systems contractor.

too much red tape.

Chevyman305 · 02-14-2009, 11:43 AM

Also you may want to run simese rg59 and 2 wire for power. It's a lot easier to run one wie instead of two. Also i do not recomend using crimp on bnc. I would use compression bnc. My preference for bnc is the new cable pro bnc double bubble ends. Adi stocks the stripper, crimper and ends. We hav e not had one bad cable pro end yet.

slowforthecones · 02-14-2009, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gury

I got a quote on a six camera system from ADI. My rep put together a pretty good package, and even threw in the cable, BNC crimpers, and door decals. I was pretty impressed. The problem is MY cost on materials is about 200 bucks more than what other companies are charging for the same type of system INSTALLED. hmmmmm....

The price you were quoted doesn't sound so much like a deal from ADI. Anytime you ask them to throw together a kit, they already know you don't know what things cost.. so you aren't getting a good deal. Try to spec out the items seperately to see how much they cost, compare em to home depot or lowes commercial sales dept. Often times Hole Depot or Lowes can beat ADI in pricing for conduit, wiring, connectors, fittings and etc. As far as cameras, HD commercial can get you Bosch cctv hardware and if you go in with a artificially low bid/quote.. they would gladly beat it.. that's onething about HD..they don't like to be beat... they'll markdown like a motherf--- just to get the sale.

slowforthecones · 02-14-2009, 11:15 PM

Care to share your quote here..maybe i can offer some feedback on no b.s. pricing for the hardawre/supplies atleast california pricing rates go.

slowforthecones · 02-14-2009, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chevyman305

At work we use speco cameras and also gvi cameras which are made by samsung. In my opinion speco cameras are the best. Speco just came out with cameras that all u need to do after installing them is just set your zoom and they auto focus. also speco has really nive dvrs.

speco is a good product but as with any good product, there needs to be readily available parts to service the camera. It sucks to have to replace a whole dome... part making money on installed systems is service. Being able to replace a part or lens cover that is cost feasible is important. That's why I'm a Pelco and Bosch guy, they have great parts availability. I haven't seen Panasonic or Samsung do that...everytime I try to order a panasonic ptz dome camera part..its always backordered or very hard to get. I perform flat rate bench repairs on Pelco and Bosch cameras ptz $300 except for the imager (ccd camera), $150 for tune up... replacement of drive belt, motors if nec., lub & check motors/gearing., clean lens/sensor.

gury · 02-15-2009, 01:35 PM

Yeah, I should probably PM it to ya.

slowforthecones · 02-15-2009, 05:45 PM

send it right on over.