CCTV Installation Made Easy

CCTV Cameras may seem like they take a lot of effort to install, but there are a few, simple steps required to install them and set them up ready for your use. Here is a step by step guide on how to install your CCTV Cameras.

Step 1. Ordering the parts. A CCTV System requires a few components to make it work, most are in-expensive and easy to purchase online. Firstly you need the Cameras. Depending on your purpose for them, you can get HD Cameras for a higher price of you can get standard 480p Cameras. Secondly you need a DVR Box. A DVR Box is the place where all of your cameras connect to, and it’s the place where your video output is displayed. Next, you need a hard-drive. Some DVR Boxes may come with one but usually they don’t. I would personally recommend a 1TB Hard-drive but it all comes down to how long you intend on filming and the quality you will be filming in. Some other choices are 500GB, 2TB and 4TB.

Then, you need the cables. Most cameras come with the power connectors, so a power cable is not required, however you need Video Baluns. For each Camera you require 2 video Baluns, one for the camera and one for the DVR Box. After that, you need to get a monitor to display your Cameras on, a screwdriver set and a drill. You may also want some trunking for cable management.

Step 2. Camera installation. You need to determine where you want to place your Cameras, taking blind-spots and timing into account. Once that is figured out, hold them in the exact spot you want them and mark the holes in which you will mount the Cameras. Once marked, you may remove the Camera and drill the holes. Once drilled, put in a wall-plug if you have one with a hammer for extra stability. Next, line up the Camera with the hole and screw it in with the screw-driver. Repeat that for all of your Cameras and the installation phase is done.

Step 3. Wiring. Run all of your power cables to the voltage box or socket where they will receive power and screw in the connectors. Then, simply plug in the power cables on the other end on the Cameras. After that, plug in the video Balun on the Camera, and connect a wire to it. Run that cable to where you plan on placing your DVR Box and attach another video Balun on the other end. Test that the Camera recives power by turning on the Voltage box and testing for a power output.

Step 4. DVR Box. Open up your DVR Box using the screws on either side. Then, lift open the cover and connect the SATA and Power cables onto your hard-drive. After that, screw in your hard-drive and close the cover. Place your DVR where you want it to go, and connect all of the video Baluns to it. Then, connect the power cable and a mouse to it. Once those cables are in, connect a VGA Cable to it and plug the other end into your monitor and also plug in the power to your monitor. If everything was wired correctly, you should see the DVR Box logo and then a screen with a grid. that grid should contain video-output from all of the Cameras that you have installed.

Step 5. DVR Configuration. Right click with your mouse and open the menu. There will be no password so just click enter. Go into the HDD Manage section. Once on that section, look for the option “Format” or “Initialise”. When this is located, click on it and wait for the Format to complete. Next, go into the record settings and setup the schedule that you want. (The days and hours in which you want to record and the hours where you don’t want to record). Then, go into the Camera option and set what quality you would like your Cameras to record in (720p, 1080p etc.) After that, your DVR Configuration is complete.

Step 6. Finishing up. Make sure no wires on your camera are exposed, if they are, then use trunking to cover them up and screw shut the wire-box. Then, tidy up the wires behind the DVR Box and make sure it is cooled correctly and does not overheat in Singapore’s hot weather. Last but not least, make sure your monitor is placed somewhere secure and easy to access, so you can view your Cameras whenever you want.

After all of those steps you are done! You are free to enjoy your Cameras and be more secure. Make sure to change the Hard-drive once it gets full and you are good to go.