Needless expense to some, already paid itself for me

[Blueface]

I recently did my third upgrade to my surveillance system for my home.
I spent $1,900 on the upgrade that included upgrading a couple of my nine cameras and a new DVR, with ability for remote access on my iPhone, iPad, or any computer for that matter.

I would have much preferred to have spent that money on other things. However, something told me to do this instead and my wife did not hesitate to agree to spend her bonus money this way.

Last week, while out of town, I decide to check on the house. To my shock, I find my 3.5 year old grandson, on a push scooter, chasing the two pit bulls around the pool. On one part of my pool, there is barely three feet of concrete width for the whole 32' length of the pool. Turns out my daughter was out like a log due to being up all night with the newborn. I called my dad who lives in the same community and within a few minutes, I saw him on the video taking my grandson in the house and locking any access to the patio/pool.

That being said, who thinks the $1,900 has been a waste? I sure as heck can't. It may have saved my grandson's life.

Moral: sometimes, the clear purpose is not as clear as one would think.

I got this to protect my home, where I truly don't need it as I live in a great neighborhood, in a great town. Never thought it would serve me as it did.

[HollywoodQue]

I think it was an excellent investment because it helped save your grandson's life

[Mr.Maduro]

Great to hear a tragedy was avoided.

The surveillance system will also protect some of your prized shartwork too!! :r

[Average Joe]

Sureveilance systems are always a great investment. Helps prevent bad from happening and helps catch those who are doing bad.

In this case, it did the more important of the two! Money well spent!

[icehog3]

Wow. Glad it all turned out so well, Brother.

[shilala]

I guess it's how you think of it. Did you really get it to protect your home, or to protect your family? We can all get another home, and more stuff.
I live in a super nice, brand new neighborhood on the far edge of town, and I've gotten my car robbed twice so far. Dumb kids, I figure.
My home surveillance is Smith and Wesson. I'm a very light sleeper, and I count on it.
I woke up from a dead sleep a few nights ago and got the gun because of a loud bang. I didn't find anything. Next morning it turned out that the peanut butter fell off the shelf in the pantry. So now I'm getting ribbed about doing a naked 9mm full out assault on a jar of peanut butter.
Way I figure, it beats waking up dead. :r

[CigarNut]

Glad to hear that everything worked out OK Carlos!

[68TriShield]

Scary shat right there Carlos.

[Bill86]

Just like that it's paid itself off an infinite number of times over. Glad to hear you got the system when you did. That's pretty creepy though.....some things are definitely meant to be eh?

[T.G]

Great to hear that it worked out so much better than expected. :tu

[HK3-]

Looking back you think, glad I made that decision! ;)
Everything happens for a reason my friend.

[MiamiE]

Damn Carlos, well worth the money. Thank God for your Dad!

[croatan]

Hell of a bargain!

[markem]

I'd say that it was a bargain, Carlos.

[Ranger_B]

Wow looks like the investment got a solid if not unexpected return. Damn glad to hear your family remained safe.

[poker]

Great investment that paid for itself in an unforeseen way. Glad all is well.

[mosesbotbol]

You'll be on a TV ad with that story. Good looking out!

[Eleven]

However, something told me to do this instead and my wife did not hesitate to agree to spend her bonus money this way.

Divine Intervention.

[TonySmith]

Glad your grandson is okay.

Who's to say it's a "needless expense"? Spend your money as you wish :2

[Skywalker]

Now, just think of all the stuff you never saw prior to the new system!:D


Seriously, Glad your family is safe, especially your grandson!:tu

[Blueface]

For purposes of perspective, asked my grandson to pose with the now famous scooter, around the pool as I caught him on the camera, less the pit bulls.
(actual surveillance photo)

Now picture him doing laps around, at full speed, banging into two dogs.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s167/cmach_photo/87772703.jpg

[newcigarz]

For purposes of perspective, asked my grandson to pose with the now famous scooter, around the pool as I caught him on the camera, less the pit bulls.
(actual surveillance photo)

Now picture him doing laps around, at full speed, banging into two dogs.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s167/cmach_photo/87772703.jpg

Yikes!!!

[drmda]

Blueface,

It certainly was a worthwhile investment.

I'm just beginning the process of researching a security and monitoring system for my house that can be monitored by a 3rd party company, but that I can also monitor myself via iphone or or other internet-connected device.

I am interested in finding out what research resources you used in the process of making your decision, and hearing any other advice you may have.

If you are willing to help a newbie home security DIYer get started would you please private message me.

Thanks

[Blueface]

Bob,
Will address your question on the thread as it may benefit others that may have the same question. If you need anything else, PM me.

This system has evolved gradually throughout 8 years or so.
Initially, it was installed in a rush as my daughter had been assaulted by another student's mother, on school grounds. That resulted in the authorities, charges, etc. Concerned with retaliation, while my daughter went home after school and was alone as wife and I were working, I installed the first system.

I had a professional company install it. At the time, I had black and white bullet type cameras, along with a VHS recorder for the events. Cost me close to $3,000 to install.

As the years passed, and hurricane Wilma came along and shorted out the system, I upgraded to newer IR color cameras with night vision and a hardrive for a DVR, as opposed to VHS recordings. Much clearer, more storage, easier search functions. Not to mention, you probably couldn't find a VHS one any more if you tried.

Most recently, I decided to upgrade it to the system that allows me remote access, from iPad, iPhone, and any computer. That unit is an Everfocus ECOR264. They come in various models depending on number of camaras one wants. Additionally, they have an application in the App Store for their system. It is a bit crude but effective. Only allows you to view and take snapshots of any of your cameras. Some of my cameras are now 36 IR, upgraded from the 12 I have had until recently. That basically enables a longer distance of night viewing, without any lights at all around.

I believe there is no doubt it is something anyone handy can do themselves. However, for a few hundred dollars in labor, much easier to have someone do it for you and you can sit there and watch them do it.

Through the years, I truly believe it has paid for itself. As an example, I came home to find my custom concrete borders for my landscaping along my circular driveway destroyed. When I checked the cameras, I was able to record a DVD showing Fed Ex driving all over it and destroying it as they left my house from a delivery. I contacted Fed Ex, gave them a copy of the DVD and got paid the $700 it cost to replace it. The latest upgrade to being able to view remotely is now priceless thanks to what it helped me accomplish.

[c2000]

Sounds like a great system especially when you can use your Ipad to tap into it..
I live in a very secluded area and the previous owner had been a victim of a burglary, so I installed an alarm system and never looked back ,,plus it saves you some money on your insurance...



Jerry in Minnesota.

[Texan in Mexico]

Que alivio Carlos, me da gusto que todos estan bien.
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