Need suggestions for HOA security cams

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Video1

Getting the hang of it
Jul 15, 2020
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32
California
Our HOA is not gated. We have 5 major points of entry. In the past the HOA board has considered installing security cameras, but the bids we got were well over $70k. The problem is power. There is no electricity at most of the entrances. I have explored using hunter's trail cameras with lithium batteries that can be recharged with a small solar panel. Would such a setup work with a security camera somehow?

Also networking the cameras is another issue. Is there any way to network the cameras without digging up the streets to install ethernet?
 
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You would find trail cameras would be a false sense of security and way too much effort to upkeep with very little positive return.

And the dimensions and sizes needed to solar power and charge for security camera would be too large and a target for theft.

Here is a link to a thread where our resident HOA camera expert @bigredfish outlined how they went about it:

Advice for Video Surveillance at subdivision entrance\exit

Has anyone here ever set up or contracted out a surveillance system for their neighborhood who could give me some advice on estimating costs and\or finding a reputable outsource solution? My HOA wants me to research setting up surveillance cameras at the entrance and exit of our subdivision and...
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Video1 said:
Our HOA is not gated. We have 5 major points of entry. In the past the HOA board has considered installing security cameras, but the bids we got were well over $70k. The problem is power. There is no electricity at most of the entrances. I have explored using hunter's trail cameras with lithium batteries that can be recharged with a small solar panel. Would such a setup work with a security camera somehow?

Also networking the cameras is another issue. Is there any way to network the cameras without digging up the streets to install ethernet?
Click to expand...

Does the HOA have street lights?

Perhaps you can install cameras on the light poles using power from the street lights ? ..
 
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Here are threads were people considered or even implemented a solar power option. Probably not the size and look the HOA would go for...and they would probably be targets for stealing them.

Looking for energy efficient POE or WIFI cameras to run with battery/solar and no subscription crap.

Looking to run some either poe or wifi cameras in the yard as security/critter cams with Blue Iris. Have a couple POE generic Dahuas that work great, but looking for more energy effciency because this will be powered by solar/batteries. Currently running a IPC-T2431T-AS 2.8mm and...
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Video1 said:
Unfortunately no street lights. We are in a fairly rural area.
Click to expand...

Does the HOA have a club house, or park area that has power .. perhaps just start with the buildings / areas that the HOA has power at.
 
Maybe have to use individual homeowners electricity, have the HoA give them a price adjustment on Dues,,,,
 
mat200 said:
Does the HOA have a club house, or park area that has power .. perhaps just start with the buildings / areas that the HOA has power at.
Click to expand...

Yes, we have power at the clubhouse and lake, which has a gate. Our plan is to install a camera there since the gate has had issues with vandalism. I'm hoping we can use these for the cameras in the clubhouse area to connect with the server in the clubhouse:
 
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Flintstone61 said:
Maybe have to use individual homeowners electricity, have the HoA give them a price adjustment on Dues,,,,
Click to expand...

That might have to be a possible solution. It would still be an expensive way to go though, since most lots are over 1 acre, and the power coming into the house from the street may be quite a ways from where the camera would be mounted. I suppose we could have our onsite maintenance guy rent a trencher so that the wires can be buried 18" below grade.
 
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