Now I see you
I like toys and gizmos.
I try to be realistic though and only treat myself to a new one if I think it’s necessary.
My latest idea is a drop of home security.
The Manor has developed into a somewhat back to front orientation. All our living is at the back of the place so I never see the front of the house unless I am going out. To give you an idea of the layout, if someone rings the doorbell I have to leave the back sunroom, cross the kitchen, through the lobby to the front room to the porch where I can finally open the door. It’s a bit of a pain in the arse if I am just going to send them away with a flea in their ear?
Daughter got a yoke recently where she just had to replace her doorbell. It’s neat. It triggers a wee camera whenever there is anyone outside the front of her house and she can view things on her mobile phone. So that got me thinking. But just replacing the doorbell would be no good if someone was going around the back of the house. Time for some research.
The best solution would be a wee camera mounted with a view of the gate. That would trap anyone entering or leaving the Estate as the gate is the only way in or out. It wouldn’t matter if they were heading for the front or the back door. It would also catch those delivery people who like to just leave a parcel in my recycle bin or wherever without ringing the doorbell.
My only quandary is which model to buy. There seems to be quite a choice. Whatever my choice, it looks like it will have to be delivered so I can’t see it in advance. I like to actually see what I am buying first. It also means reinstating my wifi to the front of the house which has been disconnected since Herself moved residence to the Back Room.
Decisions, decisions.
Move house? Get one already kitted up.
Not a chance.
I'm looking for a similar gizmo to spy on the bird feeder. Motion detection would be a plus. Tell us what you eventually buy.
Will do [if I get around to getting something to work]. In my research I actually came across a wildlife camera but I can't remember where now.
I just ordered one of these :-
http://vi.raptor.ebaydesc.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemDescV4&item=264338919148&category=175725&pm=1&ds=0&t=1559924948000&ver=0&cspheader=1
I have used them before, they work quite well.
Hokay….. I have ordered a similar one. I couldn't actually find the model above but it put me on a track where I found one that's cheap enough that if it doesn't work then I won't have an expensive heap of junk!
I'm sure you can get very cheap versions that use a small permanent screen in the house rather than an internet/mobile phone solution. Obviously you can only use it when in the room with the screen – but on the plus side if that's where you are you only have to glance up to see the front view not faff about with a phone. (I'm a great believer in separation of function)
There are two problems with those – they require cabling from camera to screen [I assume] and of course the screen is in a fixed location. I like to move about a bit!
I bought the Ring doorbell, it’s pretty good and I certainly can’t fault their customer service. I had some problems with the signal and after checking they sent me a Pro chime to extend the signal, they cost about £50 and it’s worked perfectly well ever since.
Daughter bought one of those, and that's what got me thinking about security here. She had a bit of trouble setting it up but it works very well. However, door bell cameras just wouldn't work here as they would give me an extremely limited view [which doesn't include the gate]. I need something that will work from a separately mounted camera.
A man with your experience of Linux should have no problem cobbling together a security set up for yourself. An Arduino board costs £3 or £4 and there are loads of sensors and cameras available for them at similarly stupidly cheap prices. Add a WIFI module, and you can even send the output to your phone.
There are loads of forums too, including specialist ones for home security projects.
Go on, you know you want to…… 😉
Hoy shit! Life is too short. It's easier to go down the ready made route.
You can adjust the area the camera covers if that’s any help.
The view from the front door is very limited because of high hedges. In fact a doorbell camera would just give me a lovely view of a Fuschia hedge and the front wall of the house. A camera mounted on the garage roof [or the gable of the house] would however give a full view of the gate, front driveway and the only access to the property.