Posts Tagged ‘ RG-59 ’

Security Camera Cables

Friday, March 4th, 2011

If you have a “wired” digital video system, you’ll want to make sure you have the correct security camera cables for it.  In this article we’ll take a look at the most common type of security camera cable and its connectors.

Digital video security cameras generally require two types of cable; one for video transmission of the camera to the DVR (Digital Video Recorder) and one for the power supply for the camera from a power supply source.

The most common security camera cable used today is the RG-59/U.  This is a coaxial cable designed specifically for low-power video signals.   Historically speaking, the name of the cable originates from the U.S. military.  RG-59 designated the type of cable and the “U” stood for general utility use.  However, the “RG” (which stood for “Radio, General”) component is no longer part of military standards, however the name use has remained, generally without the “/U” designation.

RG-59 security camera cable has a unique characteristic that makes it a good match for use with video transmissions.  It has the same impedance as an antenna, such as the “rabbit ears” type that was used on televisions.  This impedance of 75 ohms makes the cable a good choice for radio frequency transmissions for televisions, DVRs, and security camera video.  RG-59 is smaller than typical cable television cable, RG-6, and is therefore less obtrusive and easier to manipulate.

However, RG-59 has a tendency toward high-frequency losses over long distances (greater than RG-6 for example) but 750 feet seems to be a generally agreed upon length before significant losses appear.  These can also be corrected with drop amplifiers or active (powered) baluns to boost signals.  For most security camera systems applications, RG-59 coaxial cable works well.

The RG-59 security camera cable consists of an outer plastic sheath (the colored cover or jacket of the cable), followed by a copper braid shield (it looks like a mesh or netting of fine wire), underneath which is an inner dielectric insulator (often looks like a milky white thick plastic material somewhat like a drinking straw) that contains a copper-plated or solid copper (better performance) center wire core.

RG-59 cable is usually fitted with one of three different types of connector; F connectors (used most commonly for cable television applications), RCA plugs (often used by DVD players), and BNC connectors.  By far the most common type of security camera cable connector is the BNC.

The BNC connector provides a means of connection for both the shield and core of the cable.  The connector has “male” and “female” plug types that when inserted together and twisted properly, stay locked together.  In fact “BNC” stands for the bayonet like locking mechanism (B), and Paul Neill (N) and Carl Concelman (C) it’s inventors.

Security Camera King offers three different types of BNC connectors based on how they attach to the RG-59 cable.  Connectors are fastened to the security camera cables either by twisting on, crimping, or compression.  Twisting is the simplest and requires no additional tools once the wire is stripped and trimmed.  Crimping, when done properly, generally holds the connector to the cable better but requires the use of a crimping tool.  The best connection that provides the greatest strength is the compression BNC and it requires a compression tool.

Security cameras also require a power supply cable.  This is normally standard 18 gauge copper wire with plastic insulation.  The power for most security cameras is low voltage DC current of 12 volts or low voltage AC current of only 24 volts and this wire is suitable for carrying the power supply of either.  The power supply cable that terminates at the security camera end usually does so using either screw terminals for each wire (often for AC) or a 2.5 mm female type power plug (often for DC) with a positive center.

Security Camera King offers complete security camera systems that include security camera cables for both power and video transmission.  We offer pre-cut lengths of video and power supply cable with connectors already installed for “plug n play” use.

For applications with differing distances of cameras from the DVR, we offer bulk Siamese RG-59/18-2 cable with twist-on connectors.  This cable consists of both the RG-59 video transmission cable and the 18 gauge 2-wire power supply cable.  One cable means one run per camera saving you time and work.

There also offer other types of less common security camera cables.  Check our Web catalog for more information.


Wireless Outdoor Security Camera Systems

Tuesday, January 4th, 2011

A wireless outdoor security camera system can be used for many different applications. The system is easy to install, easy to operate, and incredibly versatile in application. Since the wireless outdoor security camera does not require a video transmission cable to be run from each camera to the Digital Video Recorder or DVR, you may want to consider this system if cabling the system is impractical, undesirable, or simply can’t be done.

Standard standalone digital video security systems have three major components: 1) One to several digital video cameras; 2) A Digital Video Recorder or DVR; and, 3) one or more color monitors. The digital video cameras capture light images and turn them into electronic data that is sent to the DVR. The DVR creates a digital video file that can be viewed that instant (live) on the monitor and/or stored on the DVR for later viewing, archiving, etc.

These systems are connected by the use of various wires and cables. For instance, each digital video camera must have a coaxial cable run from the camera to the DVR unit. This video transmission cable is usually RG-59 type coaxial video transmission cable. It carries the video data from the camera to the DVR unit to be processed. Each camera also must have a smaller low-voltage DC wire run to it from either a power distribution supply box or a nearby plug-in transformer.

Wireless outdoor security camera systems eliminate the need to install the digital video transmission cable. Instead of using RG-59 coaxial cable the camera sends its video data to the DVR by radio wave signals. This is normally done in one of two ways. Either the camera sends its radio signal to a corresponding receiver which is located near the DVR unit and connected to it by cables, or the DVR unit itself has on-board receivers that the camera broadcasts its signal to.

The camera of a wireless outdoor security system may not be entirely wireless. Although there is no need to run the RG-59 coaxial cable in these systems, the cameras still require a power supply which is normally provided by the power distribution center box or a nearby plug-in transformer. However, there are cameras that are battery operated, using either one-time-use or rechargeable batteries. These cameras are truly wireless in that they have no video transmission cable or power supply wires run to them.

Since outdoor security camera systems do not require video transmission cabling, they can be much quicker and easier to install. Mount the camera, plug it in, and it’s ready. Even easier to install are the battery operated cameras; just mount the camera (no need to run a power supply wire) and it’s ready to go.

Wireless outdoor security camera system cameras use various technologies to send their radio signals to the designated receiver or DVR. One of the most popular methods that is used is the 2.4 or 5.8 MHz technology; this is the same technology used to send land-line based cordless telephone signals. It’s useful for this purpose because the signal is strong and virtually interference free.

It is important to note that the camera-receiver (or DCR with built-in receiver) relationship on wireless outdoor security camera systems have different specified ranges. Not all cameras have the same range. In fact wireless cameras may have a manufacturer’s specified range of from 30 feet to 2 miles Line Of Sight or LOS. LOS means a direct path in a straight line from camera to receiver that has no objects blocking the path. In other words, if you are standing at the point where the camera is mounted, you should be able to see the receiver (i.e. LOS).

Although the range is specified as LOS, it doesn’t necessarily mean that an impeding object along the path will prevent reception. In fact, seldom is the reception actually blocked by impeding objects; normally the range is just reduced. The reduction of the range is variable based on the transmission signal technology used and the material make up of the object(s) that fall within the LOS. Windows have less effect that walls or trees for example. This is not unusual as cordless telephones share this same sort of LOS range. Therefore, be certain the specified range of the camera satisfies your requirements before purchasing the camera or system.

Other than the need for replacing or recharging batteries, the cameras in a wireless outdoor security camera system or relatively maintenance free.


Wireless Camera Outdoor Security Systems

Monday, December 27th, 2010

If you are looking for an excellent method to provide outdoor security and surveillance, consider using wireless camera outdoor security systems. Not only do these systems provide excellent security, but wireless camera outdoor security systems are a snap to install. They make for an easy do-it-yourself installation project with the most difficult task being what type of camera to purchase.

Wireless camera outdoor security systems are component systems consisting of the wireless outdoor cameras, a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), and an optional monitor. Not all of the components are placed outside, in fact usually only the cameras are located outside with the DVR and monitor located nearby indoors.

The system works by capturing high-quality color video images with the digital wireless outdoor cameras. The video images, in the form of electronic signals, are converted from analog signals to binary or digital signals and sent to the DVR. The DVR and video processor converts the information into a digital video file that can be viewed in real-time (live) and/or saved on the DVR for later use.

The wireless camera outdoor security system cameras have two of many additional features that make the system unique. First, the cameras are outdoor cameras, designed specifically for use in places that do not provide shelter or protection from the weather and other elements. Second, the cameras send their video signals via wireless radio waves instead of video transmission cables. Let’s take a closer look at each of these features.

Today’s digital security camera is a relatively small, light-weight piece of modern technology, especially when compared to cameras that were used 20 years ago. However, even though modern technology has yielded great improvements and additional features, the cameras are still designed to be used indoors, under protective cover of a building for example. However, wireless camera outdoor security systems cameras are designed for use outdoors.

Outdoor cameras contain digital video cameras that have a protective case or closure that prevents damage to the camera from the weather and other elements such as rain, snow, and dust. Many outdoor security camera manufacturers provide a rating as to the protection that is provided by the enclosure. This rating called and Ingress Protection or International Protection Code (IP Code) is a standard that is developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (EIC). The purpose of the rating is to provide a more specific, standardized description of the protection instead of a generalized description such as “waterproof.”

The IP Code consists of two digits and is normally expressed like this: IP37. The first digit refers to protection from solid objects and ranges from 0 to 6 with 0 meaning no protection and 6 indicating the camera is dust tight and completely protected from damage from dust. Digits 1 through 5 indicate protection from increasingly smaller solids. A 5 indicates that ingress of dust may occur, but not in a quantity enough to damage the camera.

The second digit refers to protection provided from liquids and ranges from 0 to 8, with 0 indicating no protection and 8 meaning that the camera can be submerged continuously in water deeper than 1 meter. Typical ratings for wireless camera outdoor security systems are a 5 (no harmful effects from water projected by a nozzle) or a 6 (no harmful effects from water projected by a powerful jet). Examples of good IP ratings for an outdoor camera is IP55 or greater.

The second unique feature of wireless camera outdoor security systems is the wireless function of the camera. Normally, digital video cameras send their video data via coaxial cables such as RG-59. A cable must be run from each individual camera to the DVR. However, wireless cameras convert their data into radio signals and send the data to the DVR as a radio wave.

There are several radio wave technologies used today but one of the more common is the 2.4 or 5.8 GHz technology, the same that is used for land-line based wireless telephones. The camera sends out the signal using its own transmitter and antenna to a corresponding receiver. The receiver is usually located near the DVR and is connected to it by a cable. Some DVRs even contain their own receiver technology, eliminating the need for a separate receiver unit.

Installation of wireless camera outdoor security systems is easy and mainly consists of mounting the cameras and setting up the DVR and/or receiver. For more information, contact one of Security Camera Kings security experts today.