Barn camera setup I need, is it out there?

[ejoe326]

Can I list a company that is a problem?  I have a current BBB complaint against them after a PTZ camera failed completely at 8 months under a 12 month warranty. 

We ran into some issues with the cameras being compatible with both iPhones and Androids.  Often they are one or the other.

There are several phone apps that work well.  I have not noticed a big difference between the apps. 

Another tip is to use silicone and electric tape at the connections.  It does help with some of the moisture and dust. 

To me the cameras are addictive!  All I wanted initially was to see the cows.  Then I needed to see more views, then be able to zoom in, then hear them.  I think I am good for now. 

 

[DB]

I have read all of the posts on this and it sounds like a lot of you used the foscam 8910w.  I am ready to get a camera now and set up but when I was looking at this camera it is an indoor camera yes I understand inside of a barn is kind of indoors I guess but to me still outside in the weather. 

Did you have to put any thing around the camera for the cold weather or just the protection of the barn was good enough.

Thanks again this was a very helpful thread.

 

[blackcows]

I have 5 foscam 8910W cameras, like someone else said they become very addicting.  I have had very good luck with mine.  When I decided to put one of the cameras outside I purchased one of the outdoor Foscams and it sucked, they don't zoom or move....it's just a fixed picture so I sold that on eBay.  I decided to just try one of the 8910s on my front door to see what would happen and it has been flawless.  I live in Nebraska and we have had some extremely cold temps and I have had no problems.  It does sit under and overhang but that's it's only protection.

 

[ejoe326]

I actually do not have any foscams and I'm not familiar with that brand.  If there is a choice between a camera with a Sony lens and one that does not have it I would go with the Sony lens.

The PTZ that failed is a Night Ranger.

I wouldn't enclose them in general.  I don't have any cameras that need to be enclosed but I just had to reset my camera dvr and found a huge mouse nest in it.  I'm not sure why I'm still amazed at the size of holes mice will go through.  I will say dust seems to be the biggest enemy besides temps and even some moisture.

For a fast set up First Alert sells a wireless camera and monitor you can sit in your window.  I forget the range but it did work pretty well. The view is small but I could at least tell if I needed to walk out there or not.  It also had sound.  I have a Lorex monitor with 2 cameras that doesn't have as good of range.  I only have it in case our internet is down but if someone was interested I'd sell it very reasonably. 

 

[hntwhitetail]

Foscam comes in handy when it is blowing snow.  Have a jersey calf on a simi / angus that goes back to the emerald lady cow.  Cow lost her bull calf, was born breached. 

 

[Gargan]

I finally got a foscam. Saw them on amazon for $61 and couldn't pass it up. The WiFi signal to the barn shows up as "fair" on my smartphone (2 bars). Will this be enough to run the camera or should I go ahead and buy a WiFi booster?

 

[hntwhitetail]

If you have 2 bars, you should be ok.... I can barely get a bar and I'm ok.

 

[Gargan]

Great! Thanks for the info!!

 

[hntwhitetail]

Great! Thanks for the info!!

Get it working?

 

[Gargan]

Great! Thanks for the info!!

Get it working?

Not yet. The WiFi comes from the neighbors house and I need to take my camera and laptop over and connect to their WiFi. Prob will do it this weekend. I may pm u if I run in to any problems.

 

[hntwhitetail]

Great! Thanks for the info!!

Get it working?

Not yet. The WiFi comes from the neighbors house and I need to take my camera and laptop over and connect to their WiFi. Prob will do it this weekend. I may pm u if I run in to any problems.

Ok, sounds good.  I have been using a relatives wifi and they have an airport extreme now.....  maybe its just the weather, but I'm not getting as good as signal as I was with a linksys.  I think I may need to hook up a airport express, just not too familiar w/ the apple products.

 

[twulf43]

So I've got the Foscam Fi9821w and the big antenna and also an expensive wifi extender however I still can get a signal in my barn 300ft away. No obstructions from here to there. I was thinking of putting a cable extension to the antenna and place that outside and cable it to the camera for better reception? Has anyone tried that, if so, where do you get the cable, as I've been in and out of countless stores with no luck. Trying a new, stronger  router tonight to see if that will help. Also, how is everyone accessing camera view outside of home network? Does the IP address have to be put into a browser? I had trouble with that when I was messing around with it inside the house. Thanks, I love the camera just wish I could connect to it!

 

[ejoe326]

Yes there is an antenna and cable specifically for longer range.  We had to put it outside the barn to transmit to the house.  Lorex makes one and there is one called a linear xtended range that comes with 18' of coax cable.

The IP address does have to be put into the browser and you will need an app or a program to see it.  I'm not familiar with Foscam so I'm not sure what they use.  The challenge can be if you do not have a static IP.  If you do not and do not have the option or do not want to pay for one, there are services that you run your info through to create a static IP.  The one I used was ok and it was a small fee.  I did switch to static and things ran much smoother but it will work.

I agree they are great and wouldn't be without them.