Security Cameras Posts

The IPCAM-WOEXT is being kicked to the curb. This useful unit was an extension cord for Honeywell's popular Alarmnet outdoor camera. But as Honeywell is slowly upgrading their line of cameras, everything is changing. And while this piece has been one of the simplest ways to get an extra bit of range from your electrical outlet to the camera, it is not going to be with us in short order.

At this time, Honeywell has not indicated whether the part is going to be replaced by anything new. But we suspect that once it is gone, it will be gone for good. It is a piece that is included in the IPCAM-WO box, though that may come to an end as well. We shall know very soon. Though we suspect it is going to continue to be included in the camera box, and not available on its own.

For those who need it, now is a good time to pick one up. We have a few left, and as supply gets exhausted, the cords will be doled out on a first come first serve basis.

Honeywell has discontinued its pan tilt camera, and Alarm Grid is saying goodbye to the unit as soon as we run out of inventory. This camera was among our favorite of the Honeywell Alarmnet cameras, and we're sad to see it go. That said, its replacement, the IPCAM-PT2 is a vast improvement over the old version of the camera, and it is going to be a little bit cheaper!

Unlike its predecessor, the IPCAM-PT2 is takes images in high-resolution 1280x720 video and it supports flash upgrades, meaning that it can be brought up to date with technology as it changes. All of the other things that you have come to know and love about the IPCAM-PT will continue on in the new model.

There are two ways of viewing video from a Honeywell Total Connect 2.0 Camera.

Honeywell has released its own wireless, WIFI enabled, ip cameras. They are called IPCAMs and come in a variety of models for different applications. Honeywell currently offers three models of their IPCAMS. The IPCAM-WL is an indoor, low light camera. The IPCAM-PT2 is a pan-tilt camera that can be manipulated remotely through Total Connect 2.0, a WIFI enabled Lynx Touch or Lyric panel. The IPCAM-WO is a rugged camera that’s rated for outdoor use. All of the cameras are able to communicate over WIFI. IPCAMs can be used as standalone devices with or without an alarm system; their communication goes straight to the internet. IPCAMs also have an Ethernet jack on the back of the unit to be able to connect to a hardwired network.

There are three ways to connect IPCAMs to an IP network. The easiest method to connect is to use the WPS function. First, WPS needs to be enabled at the router supplying the WIFI network. Typically this can be done by pressing a dedicated button on the outside of the unit or by enabling WPS through the router’s web enabled GUI. After enabling WPS at the router press the WPS button on the back of the camera. The camera will automatically connect and configure itself to the WIFI network. For customers whose router doesn’t support WPS, Honeywell has released a device called the WAP that connects IPCAMs to the WIFI network using WPS. This device connects to the local router with a patch cord and has its own WPS button. With the WAP connected via Ethernet to the router, enabling WPS through the WAP and to the IPCAM allows the IPCAM to connect to the WIFI network. Lastly, in the event that WIFI isn’t going to be used, the cameras can simply be plugged into an Ethernet network with a patch cable.

IPCAMs are able to be viewed live at a Lyric panel or Lynx Touch panel that has a WIFI module installed, as long as the panel and IPCAMs are on the same WIFI network. The L5210 is able to view 2 cameras simultaneously where the L7000 and Lyric can view up to 4 cameras. IPCAMs live streams can also be viewed through the Total Connect 2.0 app. In addition to being able to view live streams, users can also configure IPCAMs to automatically record 10 second clips when a motion event occurs within their view. Up to 500 clips save to the cloud and can be watched, exported, downloaded and deleted through Total Connect 2.0. Users can also select email addresses to have motion events sent to as soon as a video event is captured.

Sometimes having security cameras means seeing some unexpected things. In Scott County, KY, the Smith's caught a postal worker throwing packages onto their driveway. The homeowner, Jill Smith, described what the video caught as astounding.

At Alarm Grid, we're very proud of our postal workers. After all, they deliver a large number of the packages we sell every single day. This video is not representative of their work. That said, it does provide a pretty compelling example of why having outdoor cameras is not a bad idea. While they can be used to see who is at the door, or to give a homeowner forewarning of an intruder or approaching danger, you just never know when you'll need a glimpse of something incredibly unusual happening right in your own driveway.

If you are using  Total Connect, and are interested in installing a camera outside of your home, the IPCAM-WO is just what you're looking for.