Inexpensive security camera with remote access

[fred_jb]

I have a fair amount of physical security in my van which hopefully will deter the bad guys. I have had externally visible deadlocks installed on all the doors, plus I use a steering lock and have a simple alarm which when armed is triggered by the interior lights coming on when a door is opened. I have also devised a system which when armed disables the auto shift lever meaning that the gearbox is locked in park even if the engine were to be started.

Despite all this I still feel a bit nervous about leaving the vehicle for any extended period and wanted a camera which I could access remotely and which would notify me of movement near to or inside the van. I have a Reolink outdoor security camera on our house which covers the driveway, and it allows a live view via the phone app even when away from the house and using mobile data, and will send a notification to the phone when it detects movement in specified areas. I have been quite happy about how that works so looked for a similar Reolink camera that I could put in or on the van.

I found the most recent version, though discontinued now, of a Reolink Lumus camera which seemed a bit more compact than their current offerings so got one of these off Amazon for £36. The earlier version which lacks 5G wifi capability and has a lower resolution camera is available even cheaper, for about £22 on eBay. I did think about installing it externally but wasn't convinced that it was durable enough for that or could be positioned for good coverage, and also didn't want to drill any more holes in the roof for the power wire, so decided to site it inside. I positioned it where it has a good view of the front half of the interior and with a good view out of the windscreen and sliding door window.

Amazon.co.uk

The earlier version of this camera runs off a USB power lead and comes with a USB 5V 1A mains adapter, so I was a bit disappointed to find the later version, though it also has a 5V 1A supply, has a hard wired mains adapter meaning that I couldn't just plug the power cable into a USB socket, so I will cut the cable and fit a USB plug onto the end. The camera connects to the internet via the wifi router in the van. The router either accesses the internet via the Starlink Mini mounted on the roof or by using mobile data via USB tethering to my spare smartphone which also runs Android Auto onto the Pioneer head unit.

I had originally expected to have to do some complicated remote access set up in order to see a security camera when away from the van, but the Reolink app magically connects the smartphone and camera so long as both have some sort of internet connection. As well as alerts and a live view the camera also records a video clip every time it is triggered by motion. It uses infra red lighting at night which gives a good quality black and white picture and can also turn on a bright light for full colour recording. The other useful feature is the ability to trigger a siren when nearby motion is detected.

The following phone screenshot show how both cameras can be monitored in the same Reolink app.

 

[Landy Andy]

I’ve got the Reolink E1 in my van powered by a usb lead (purchased separately) that i use for security whilst parked, and dog monitoring when away.

 

[fishplug]

I have an EZ-VIZ camera which you can pan/tilt/zoom and can listen to as well as speak through remotely.

Can be powered via cable or there's an option to buy with a small solar panel if you wanted an external mount without drilling any holes. Connects via the van WiFi and notifies you of 'events' which you can customise to suit your needs.

Records to a micro SD card if you don't want to pay a subscription.

There are a few options to choose from depending on your budget / requirements.

 

[rod_vw]

I have Reolink cameras on the house and don't pay a subscription. They record to an SD card but can be set to record to a network drive or cloud storage.

 

[Graydo]

I have a fair amount of physical security in my van which hopefully will deter the bad guys. I have had externally visible deadlocks installed on all the doors, plus I use a steering lock and have a simple alarm which when armed is triggered by the interior lights coming on when a door is opened. I have also devised a system which when armed disables the auto shift lever meaning that the gearbox is locked in park even if the engine were to be started.

Despite all this I still feel a bit nervous about leaving the vehicle for any extended period and wanted a camera which I could access remotely and which would notify me of movement near to or inside the van. I have a Reolink outdoor security camera on our house which covers the driveway, and it allows a live view via the phone app even when away from the house and using mobile data, and will send a notification to the phone when it detects movement in specified areas. I have been quite happy about how that works so looked for a similar Reolink camera that I could put in or on the van.

I found the most recent version, though discontinued now, of a Reolink Lumus camera which seemed a bit more compact than their current offerings so got one of these off Amazon for £36. The earlier version which lacks 5G wifi capability and has a lower resolution camera is available even cheaper, for about £22 on eBay. I did think about installing it externally but wasn't convinced that it was durable enough for that or could be positioned for good coverage, and also didn't want to drill any more holes in the roof for the power wire, so decided to site it inside. I positioned it where it has a good view of the front half of the interior and with a good view out of the windscreen and sliding door window.

Amazon.co.uk

The earlier version of this camera runs off a USB power lead and comes with a USB 5V 1A mains adapter, so I was a bit disappointed to find the later version, though it also has a 5V 1A supply, has a hard wired mains adapter meaning that I couldn't just plug the power cable into a USB socket, so I will cut the cable and fit a USB plug onto the end. The camera connects to the internet via the wifi router in the van. The router either accesses the internet via the Starlink Mini mounted on the roof or by using mobile data via USB tethering to my spare smartphone which also runs Android Auto onto the Pioneer head unit.

I had originally expected to have to do some complicated remote access set up in order to see a security camera when away from the van, but the Reolink app magically connects the smartphone and camera so long as both have some sort of internet connection. As well as alerts and a live view the camera also records a video clip every time it is triggered by motion. It uses infra red lighting at night which gives a good quality black and white picture and can also turn on a bright light for full colour recording. The other useful feature is the ability to trigger a siren when nearby motion is detected.

The following phone screenshot show how both cameras can be monitored in the same Reolink app.



View attachment 987980

I have a reolink camera in my van as well but they are not so good at detecting outside motion, especially at night.
I think it is because the infra red cannot penetrate through glass/plastic windows.

Wouldn't be without it though.

Graydo

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[fred_jb]

I have an EZ-VIZ camera which you can pan/tilt/zoom and can listen to as well as speak through remotely.
.

Yes mine can do the two way audio, and can also play a siren noise either automatically or under manual control. It doesn't do pan and tilt, but where it is sited that would not give any useful extra coverage.

 

[Landy Andy]

The Reolink E1 does the pan and tilt, sound and siren. Next E1 pro does tracking, and the E1 zoom does all the previous plus optical zoom, which is no use inside a van.

 

[Oldrat]

It used to be that siting a camera behind glass prevented the motion sensor function.

You might want to check that yours works?

 

[Neilfg]

We have IMOU cameras at home, also a doorbell, and travel with a camera in the van. We only get the van one out when parked up. All accessible via the same app.

The inside van camera allows us to check remotely when out and about. We had a couple of false alarm alerts (due to a faulty window sensor) and this saves us having to go back to check and we can make sure the alarm noise had stopped.

We have been playing with using 4 IMOU battery cameras for the outside of the van and will be implementing on the new van (when it arrives). This does not provide birds eye view or assistance when driving but again allows remote viewing especially at night, also have lights and 2way audio.

Have tried Ring, Blink and Eufy all very different, apps vary as does quality. Tried a really cheap brand Yi Tech fantastic but wanted something that integrated with Google etc.... IMOU so far have been very good and not high cost.

 

[fred_jb]

It used to be that siting a camera behind glass prevented the motion sensor function.

You might want to check that yours works?

Yes it detects movement outside. Picks up cars driving past and people. This morning it briefly sounded the siren when our neighbour jogged past the front of the van! It also recorded the paper boy arriving while it was still dark and it was using infrared, but didn't sound the siren. Not sure why, maybe there is a time restriction set on that, but it is not very loud, so it is not like a car alarm going off, but would be heard by someone getting close to a window.

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[Burge]

Bit more expensive but moves around following movement, could be a good addition to Security , doesn't need wiring

https://www.amazon.co.uk/eufy-Security-Wireless-Surveillance-Compatible/dp/B0CF8R2P24/?tag=mhf04-21

 

[fred_jb]

Interesting device, though obviously only suitable for outdoor use, so not sure where you would mount it on a van.

 

[Landy Andy]

Reolink do several that are solar, and with them the solar is a separate item so can be left outside with camera inside, or under cover.

 

[Burge]

Interesting device, though obviously only suitable for outdoor use, so not sure where you would mount it on a van.

??? Good point

 

[fred_jb]

Reolink do several that are solar, and with them the solar is a separate item so can be left outside with camera inside, or under cover.

That is useful, though would prefer if it could be run off a USB port for indoor use to avoid cables through the roof. Maybe it can but I couldn't see any info on that.

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[Landy Andy]

That is useful, though would prefer if it could be run off a USB port for indoor use to avoid cables through the roof. Maybe it can but I couldn't see any info on that.

My Reolink e1 is run off usb which does tracking, pan and tilt. Had to by the lead separately though. 5v 1amp. Got it connected to the mifi whilst away and the house WiFi when home. Got a refurb unit from Reolink about £20. Have it so I can see dog, and also temp gauge in the van, when away. Can have it with detection, and notifications if I want.

 

[fred_jb]

My Reolink e1 is run off usb which does tracking, pan and tilt. Had to by the lead separately though. 5v 1amp. Got it connected to the mifi whilst away and the house WiFi when home. Got a refurb unit from Reolink about £20. Have it so I can see dog, and also temp gauge in the van, when away. Can have it with detection, and notifications if I want.

Yes mine also requires 5V at 1A, and now runs off USB, though I had to cut the cable and put a USB connector on it as it came with a hard wired mains adapter and barrel connector.

 

[Landy Andy]

We managed to get a usb cable from Amazon £4 from memory.

 

[seasideBill]

I have a fair amount of physical security in my van which hopefully will deter the bad guys. I have had externally visible deadlocks installed on all the doors, plus I use a steering lock and have a simple alarm which when armed is triggered by the interior lights coming on when a door is opened. I have also devised a system which when armed disables the auto shift lever meaning that the gearbox is locked in park even if the engine were to be started.

Despite all this I still feel a bit nervous about leaving the vehicle for any extended period and wanted a camera which I could access remotely and which would notify me of movement near to or inside the van. I have a Reolink outdoor security camera on our house which covers the driveway, and it allows a live view via the phone app even when away from the house and using mobile data, and will send a notification to the phone when it detects movement in specified areas. I have been quite happy about how that works so looked for a similar Reolink camera that I could put in or on the van.

I found the most recent version, though discontinued now, of a Reolink Lumus camera which seemed a bit more compact than their current offerings so got one of these off Amazon for £36. The earlier version which lacks 5G wifi capability and has a lower resolution camera is available even cheaper, for about £22 on eBay. I did think about installing it externally but wasn't convinced that it was durable enough for that or could be positioned for good coverage, and also didn't want to drill any more holes in the roof for the power wire, so decided to site it inside. I positioned it where it has a good view of the front half of the interior and with a good view out of the windscreen and sliding door window.

Amazon.co.uk

The earlier version of this camera runs off a USB power lead and comes with a USB 5V 1A mains adapter, so I was a bit disappointed to find the later version, though it also has a 5V 1A supply, has a hard wired mains adapter meaning that I couldn't just plug the power cable into a USB socket, so I will cut the cable and fit a USB plug onto the end. The camera connects to the internet via the wifi router in the van. The router either accesses the internet via the Starlink Mini mounted on the roof or by using mobile data via USB tethering to my spare smartphone which also runs Android Auto onto the Pioneer head unit.

I had originally expected to have to do some complicated remote access set up in order to see a security camera when away from the van, but the Reolink app magically connects the smartphone and camera so long as both have some sort of internet connection. As well as alerts and a live view the camera also records a video clip every time it is triggered by motion. It uses infra red lighting at night which gives a good quality black and white picture and can also turn on a bright light for full colour recording. The other useful feature is the ability to trigger a siren when nearby motion is detected.

The following phone screenshot show how both cameras can be monitored in the same Reolink app.



View attachment 987980

I was surprised that you have to pay to activate the camera account and, even more scary there’s a reference to “rebilling at £59.99 per month unless cancelled” and they have your credit card details! No thanks.

 

[Guigsy]

So, if someone breaks into your van for burglary or vehicular theft, they're going to see the camera and disable it. All the footage is on the SD card, so it's gone.

These cameras are good reassurance that you've not been broken into. But they don't do much if you have.

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[fred_jb]

I was surprised that you have to pay to activate the camera account and, even more scary there’s a reference to “rebilling at £59.99 per month unless cancelled” and they have your credit card details! No thanks.

View attachment 990859

Where have you seen that? I don't pay anything for mine.

They do have a cloud service you can subscribe to so that your videos get stored remotely on their servers, as well as on your local SD card.

I don't subscribe, so I pay nothing, but it is currently £3.49 per month if you want that service, so I don't know how you get a figure of £59.99 per month.

 

[fred_jb]

So, if someone breaks into your van for burglary or vehicular theft, they're going to see the camera and disable it. All the footage is on the SD card, so it's gone.

These cameras are good reassurance that you've not been broken into. But they don't do much if you have.

Yes, I agree, but I like to be able to be notified if anybody is lurking nearby or looking in the windows. You can also speak through the camera or activate a siren, and can also turn on a bright light which might be enough to put off someone thinking of breaking in.

This will also draw their attention to the fact that they are on camera, if the CCTV stickers don't put them off first, and they won't know whether or not you have the cloud service with remote copies of the video which they can't destroy.

 

[seasideBill]

Where have you seen that? I don't pay anything for mine.

They do have a cloud service you can subscribe to so that your videos get stored remotely on their servers, as well as on your local SD card.

I don't subscribe, so I pay nothing, but it is currently £3.49 per month if you want that service, so I don't know how you get a figure of £59.99 per month.

The £59.99 is illustrated in my attachment. Obviously something no sane person would opt into, but I’m very wary of these arrangements making you responsible for cancellation once they have your credit card details. The message about credit cards popped up as soon as I scanned the QR code on the camera to create an account as part of the App installation. I’ll be sending it back!

 

[fred_jb]

The £59.99 is illustrated in my attachment. Obviously something no sane person would opt into, but I’m very wary of these arrangements making you responsible for cancellation once they have your credit card details. The message about credit cards popped up as soon as I scanned the QR code on the camera to create an account as part of the App installation. I’ll be sending it back!

What camera was that then?

It reads like a scam to me .

 

[seasideBill]

What camera was that then?

Reolink Lumus

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[fred_jb]

Might be worth going on their website and creating an account there. Possibly if there is a QR code sticker on the camera or packaging it may not be genuine as talk of multimedia licenses for their content seems irrelevant to using the camera, but sounds like a scam link to me.

Where did you buy the camera?

 

[fred_jb]

The other thing to be careful about is that when you search for an app on the Google play store they have started putting an unrelated app at the top of the list, with the app you want appearing below that. It is very easy to accidentally install the wrong app.

 

[seasideBill]

Might be worth going on their website and creating an account there. Possibly if there is a QR code sticker on the camera or packaging it may not be genuine as talk of multimedia licenses for their content seems irrelevant to using the camera, but sounds like a scam link to me.

Where did you buy the camera?

Amazon, but the process illustrated is as detailed in the Reolink instruction manual enclosed within security sealed manufacturers packaging.

 

[fred_jb]

Amazon

Well there is something wrong somewhere.

Why don't you just download the Reolink app from the Google Play store, assuming your phone is Android.

Can you read the link that the QR code puts on the screen without clicking on the link. I am pretty sure it won't be sending you to the Reolink website.

 

[seasideBill]

Well there is something wrong somewhere.

Why don't you just download the Reolink app from the Google Play store, assuming your phone is Android.

Can you read the link that the QR code puts on the screen without clicking on the link. I am pretty sure it won't be sending you to the Reolink website.

I’m certainly not going to trust it, but it looks the part in a printed instruction booklet, not a sticker.

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