One of the fastest growing markets is security cameras and many people are being duped by what they purchase on the Internet. Cloud-based cameras like Dropcam, Samsung and others have a recurring charge as high as $29per month to store and play back video per camera. There is a better way without paying a recurring charge -- storing video on a SD/SDHC/SDXC micro card in the camera. The CMIP8932-W is an IP Cube Camera that does just that plus a lot more.
I realize that most locksmiths presently do very little in the security camera business but if there was ever a time to learn, now is the time. Today I would like to introduce you to a little IP Cube Camera that could be the trailblazer for a locksmith to learn new technology that can help increase your bottom line -- IP security cameras. It is hard to believe that the IP which stands for Internet Protocol is almost a 20-year-old technology. Since then, this technology has made many advances including a lower cost.
There are more choices of camera manufacturers than ever before and yes, you can be easily be overwhelmed. Let me tell you why this CMIP8932-W Cube Camera is a needle in the haystack. First it has great value and price and is manufactured by one of the largest camera manufacturers in the world. Their products were used in the London, Beijing Olympics and other world venue events. This manufacturer also makes other cameras for other camera companies. If you are in the security camera business, I am sure by know you guessed it is Hikvision. The CMIP8932-W is made by Hikvision but sold and marketed through their affiliate company, LTS Security, with 10 U.S. branches and 25 people corporately in tech support.
No I am not paid by LTS Security but you need to select partners who are going to give you the right support and service and I feel LTS has done that for me. What I also like is the smartphone apps are free and if you have multiple cameras at more than one location, you can also get a free Network Video Management Software so you remotely control your cameras on your PC, plus download many software tools to help you plan and calculate a complete IP Camera System. On top of that you can use their DDNS (Dynamic Domain Name System) for free if you are working with Dynamic IP Addresses. Here on the East Coast, the LTS Office is open until 6 p.m., but if you get in a jam after hours and you are registered with LTS, you can call the West Coast branches. For more information about LTS Security, visit www.ltsecurityinc.com.
When dealing with various electronic products which involves programing various devices, it is a big help when a manufacturer of a product line utilizes continuity and consistency across their entire product line during the setup process. A technician can apply the knowledge already learned from dealing with one product model to a different product model without the need to learn new programing procedures. LTS Security product line follows this protocol and I personally like this process because any time you can save time, your earning potential is increased.
The CMIP8932-W is a good product for a locksmith without video surveillance experience because you would learn the many features that IP cameras offer without making a large investment. All you need is a PC or Laptop with an Ethernet port, Ethernet cable about 3 feet long, 64 GB SD/SDHC/SDXC Micro Card and, of course, the CMIP8932-W LTS Cube Camera and some electricity. The total investment (less computer) costs under $150. I have been working with this camera for over 14 months now and am still discovering new features and functions. Unfortunately in this article, I can only touch on the highlights.
How It Works
You can set up this camera two ways. First, the easiest way is by installing the camera free in the cloud by depressing the WPS button on the camera for three seconds after the camera is powered up. Then go to your WIFI router and depress the WPS switch until the WIFI router lights starts blinking. When the camera’s link light starts blinking amber, you are connected to the WIFI router. Next, download and install the free NVMS7000 app from Google Play or iTunes. Go to PT Cloud on the startup and follow instructions to set up a free account with a user name and password. Then click on the + button in the upper right corner of the screen and a scan screen will appear. Scan the small card with the QR code on it and, in a few seconds, you will have your camera installed on the phone and you can instantly view live video.
The other way is install the Search Active Device Protocol (SADP) software that came with the camera package onto your computer, then plug in a Ethernet cable into the camera and directly into your PC or laptop. Execute the SADP Software and in a few seconds the IP camera will populate onto the software and you can change the IP settings of the camera to be on the same network you are working on and then save changes. After the camera reboots, view the new IP address that you set in Microsoft Explorer or Firefox.
The camera can connect with and Ethernet cable or WIFI and it can be powered up with the included 12 Volt power supply or through POE. The camera draws only .4 amps.
Storage of video on the micro card varies, depending on the size of storage of the card, video settings, alarm event settings, time schedules and activity. You can easily get 30 hours of continuous play on the highest setting which is 3MP. This will soon be doubled with the upcoming release of the.H264 Plus format. Firmware changes are posted on LTS website and firmware updates are free. With the camera manufacturer having over 4,000 people dedicated to R&D, it is no wonder why there has been four different firmware changes for CMIP8932-W which has been on the market less than two years.
The camera not only has video motion detection but it also has video tampering, alarm input, alarm output, PIR, video line crossing and video intrusion. Built-in IR light enables it to view images up to 33 feet in total darkness.
I have a customer who has installed these in construction trailers where there is no electricity. He powers up the camera using a deep-cycle marine battery and solar panel to recharge the battery. A portable MIFI jetpack is set to a static IP address and sets the jetpack to never go to sleep with the proper port forwarding settings and a wide gap contact switch that is wired into the dry contact input of the camera. If the door is opened, it sends email and text alarm notifications to the responsible party without eating up large use of bandwidth since mobile data devices have bandwidth limits and if you go over, you could have a big bill to pay.
Another customer is using this camera in the lobby as a video two-way intercom system since the camera also has two-way communication feature built into it and they can have more than one person operate the camera using their Internet Browser on their LAN.
I use this camera as a sales tool when specifying a camera job, powering up the camera and connecting it directly into my laptop to show a potential customer what type of image they can anticipate. Using the WYSIWYG (What you see is what you get) method rules out all perception and doubt. This methodology is a great aid in selling a security camera system because you can easily demonstrate all the functions and features of an IP camera has to offer to your prospect.
Our industry has been fast changing and there are more opportunities available to us than ever before. The choice is up to us if we care to venture into new technologies that can make a difference from surviving to thriving. I am willing to share what I learned about this product on the Locksmith Ledger Forum under Electronics/Access Control (www.forums.locksmithledger.com). I hope to see you there.
