Video Surveillance

[hyfire]

I also have a wifi cam setup looking at the stove, my wife was worried that it was going to burst into flames when we aren't home. But we do have two dogs that are in crates during the day so that's what she was worried about, i guess in the event of a fire there could be a quick call to the FD around the corner.

You could just use a nest smoke detector, with wifi and the app, but the camera could verify that the fire is real!

 

[velvetfoot]

Do these cameras require connection to a network over the net? Are there subscription fees?

 

[woodmakesheat]

Got a couple in my place. One for security after a break in a few years back. The other is inside and was used to check back door but also to see if fire was still burning in wood stove (camera can pan/tilt via laptop or phone (Foscam) ). No more wood burning, haven't decided if I should get an additional one for the pellet stove.

And these hook up to wireless network, no additional cost so long as you have internet access.

 

[hyfire]

If you get a dropcam you must pay the fees if you want to have recording, but other IP camera's No. When your at home you can view the cam on your local network and not use any data across the web to view your camera's.

 

[Skier76]

I have four Foscams; two at each place. We use them for monitoring the outside of the houses. I'm glad to see others have used them to watch the stove. I've kicked this idea around as well. With any camera, make sure you update the firmware and change the default username and password. I'm convinced that'll solve 99.9% of security issues. Also, do the same with your router.

The Foscams don't require a subscription which is nice. But you do need to setup port forwarding and I use a service that I pay about $10 a year for a static IP forwarding service. It's cheaper than getting a static IP from my ISP.

Re: How did we survive without this stuff?
I wondered that myself. I just checked all 4 cams and posted on hearth whilst flying back from a conference. Ahhhhh, technology.

 

[hyfire]

I have four Foscams; two at each place. We use them for monitoring the outside of the houses. I'm glad to see others have used them to watch the stove. I've kicked this idea around as well. With any camera, make sure you update the firmware and change the default username and password. I'm convinced that'll solve 99.9% of security issues. Also, do the same with your router.

The Foscams don't require a subscription which is nice. But you do need to setup port forwarding and I use a service that I pay about $10 a year for a static IP forwarding service. It's cheaper than getting a static IP from my ISP.

Re: How did we survive without this stuff?
I wondered that myself. I just checked all 4 cams and posted on hearth whilst flying back from a conference. Ahhhhh, technology.

If you set up port forwarding and DNS address like from no-ip.com for free you can get your dynaminc IP to work, but depending on the router it can be tough to set up. Going back on topic you would need to be alerted from smoke in the room, you can chose your area for motion, however by the time you get that email it maybe too late?

 

[marty319]

I caught mamma bear and the 3 cubs on my video surveillance

 

[Skier76]

If you set up port forwarding and DNS address like from no-ip.com for free you can get your dynaminc IP to work, but depending on the router it can be tough to set up. Going back on topic you would need to be alerted from smoke in the room, you can chose your area for motion, however by the time you get that email it maybe too late?

That's exactly the service I use; works great. I opted to pay a few bucks instead of having to answer the monthly emails they sent out.

 

[rwthomas1]

Off topic, but the OP was talking sump pumps.... Friend of mine works in "water mitigation" You wouldn't believe how many sump pumps fail. Sometimes its just the float switch, sometimes debris, sometimes they are froze up. It pays to test them periodically. Better yet, install TWO and check them regularly. Your webcam may tell you the pump isn't working but it would be more helpful if there was a backup......

 

[Polar Bear]

Off topic, but the OP was talking sump pumps.... Friend of mine works in "water mitigation" You wouldn't believe how many sump pumps fail. Sometimes its just the float switch, sometimes debris, sometimes they are froze up. It pays to test them periodically. Better yet, install TWO and check them regularly. Your webcam may tell you the pump isn't working but it would be more helpful if there was a backup......

I have many backups Like I said... she thinks I'm crazy! Muahahahahah

 

[Dmichigan]

I think its a great idea, good price to. Now just need to add the app thermo to change the temp before leaving work