atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums Wiring - Telecom Carriers - Trunks & Services Security, Alarms and Paging Infrared/Dark room

Be careful with the puck. The problem with using one illuminator with two cameras; if one of them happens to be in view, or even close to the IR light, you will get washout. Remember, cameras see the IR as a light source, so it's like aiming the camera at a bright light.

I personally think you would be better off just running 2 cameras with built in IR illuminators. You never will have one camera in view of the other camera. Also, since both IR's are on at the same time, it will help the view of each individual camera.

OKay, so I need to revise that purchase order...

You think it would be better with a high-power IR on cameras themselves? Dome Cameras or other?

Depending on the room size, you may not even need high power IR. Remember, each camera has the benefit of the other's IR illuminator.

I think a couple of tamper proof enclosures (ceiling height, are they within reach?) would be best. When using IR, it is best to stay away from domes. They are normally smoked and this cuts down the low light sensitivity of the camera.

Another thing to consider, you can actually get some decent day/night cameras now at pretty reasonable prices. Not sure if they even need color or if some of the vandalism is happening when full lighting is on?

As far as I understood the situation, the vanalizing was happening while the dark lights were on.

I was hoping I could go with regular cameras with a few IR's built in. Looks like that might be the way to go.

Since the room is small, just has a bunch of hidden corners, I think that a puck would overpower the cameras too now.

The day/night cameras should work well. I woudl think it is worth looking into

Okay, so no IR at all w/ day/night cameras then right?

No, the day/night cameras we are talking about have IR too. When the light level is high enough, they work in color. When the light level drops, they switch to B&W and the built in IR turns on.

Sort of the best of both worlds. They use to be very pricey but I've seen some good quotes lately.

Here's an example:
https://www.honeywellvideo.com/products/cameras/bu/51066.html

It woudl be no stand alone IR, the cameras have a few LEDS built in. They do work well, and as mentioned the price has come down recently. You should be able to grab a couple for the same price as the two cmaeras with the puck if not a better price.

Awesome thanks for your help.

I agree on on what you said about the pricing Anthony. Any recommendations for a model?

The link I posted explains how the day/night works but the bullet style is probably not a good vandal proof idea.

I was just searching the net for some ideas and the only thing I am finding are domes. They appear to be clear domes and that would be alright though. The problem I see all the time is installers mounting vandal proof domes to removable ceiling tiles. What good is that!

If you have a solid wall (such as block for example), you could mount a vandal proof dome on the wall.

I really like those corner mount (wedge) style cameras but I haven't found any yet in IR let alone day/night.