A friend of mine has a summer cabin in the mountains of Colorado and he wants to set up two or three webcams so he can
visit his cabin during the off season when the un-winterized cabin is not habitable even if the roads to it were open, which they often aren't. He has found several package systems such as
DropCam that are relatively inexpensive, easy to install (in his case that is a very important factor), and provide simple internet access as well as automatic recording (for an additional fee). But there is a catch. While these systems may be
weatherized, they are limited to operation in temperatures above freezing. That pretty well limits their use, even indoors, to the times my friend could be in residence and outdoors not even many nights are above the requisite temperature level. I consider myself reasonably competent technically but this is outside of my realm of experience, so I am hoping some of you can come to our aid and offer advice as well as the benefit of your experience.
EXISTING SETUP: - Reasonably reliable year around power
- Reasonably reliable and fast DSL broadband with UPS backup
- Late 2012 Mac-mini available to act as server if needed, also with UPS backup
- Relaible WiFi through Airport Express (also on the UPS)
- He has a relatively primitive web site that the contact could be routed through if necessary.
FIRM REQUIREMENTS:- Two to four fully weatherized/winterized cameras
- IR night lighting for the cameras (doesn't want the light to scare the elk or bears away)
- Simple connection to the internet that can be managed by a marginally technical individual.
- Minimal wiring required, WiFi or ethernet over power connection preferred. (We aren't getting younger and those long Cat 5 runs can be a pain — literally)
- Low to moderate initial cost and ongoing cost
- Reset/configure cameras via internet
NICE TO HAVE — BUT NOT ESSENTIAL: - iPhone/iPad app access and control
- Automatic recording either on site or on a network host
- Remote and/or automatic camera scanning
- Access control for viewing
In other words a fully loaded Mercedes Benz system at a Smart for Two price.
At that, I will turn this over to you all for any suggestions, ideas, experience, things to look out for,
etc.