I have similar system running my CCTV at workplace. What I learnt from it is that for van setup you really need H.265 or H.265+ encoding. Recording files are much smaller and faster to access over internet. For IR cameras use second source of IR light and disable one in cameras. This way spiders will build webs where IR light is mounted. Motion detection works fine, but there is no easy way to enable/disable it. Same feelings about software. It lacks easy access on the go. Thanks for posting
Definitely makes sense what you have said. I would have personally preferred IR cameras which had the IR lights and camera behind different lenses, but there weren’t models like that available for me. Yeah, I guess I am really using the system outside of sort of what it’s designed for
I’ve just found you channel and felt compelled to subscribe. Very interesting and packed with information. Which I guess is the reason for your frenzied editing! 😂. I’ve just retired from a career in electronic security, specialising in CCTV. So this is right up my alley. Cheers.
Frenzied editing, I like it! I often edit it rapidly with changing scenes keep interest longer 😂 Given your background, I hope you found the overall the video interesting
For people starting with 3D printing, I suggest using Black, Gray, Orange or possibly Blue PLA. White in particular tends to be more brittle. (I'm using Black, or Blue if I can't get Black from my usual supplier) DO NOT do as I did when I first started out and buy any which filament that tickles your fancy, stick with JUST ONE and from ONE SUPPLIER. Nylon or any filament with 'inclusions' such as Carbon fiber, wood, metal or even stone powder does NOT go well in a standard brass nozzle. The stuff just shreds it. Use a steel or otherwise 'hardened' nozzle. 'Interrupted print restart' or whatever they call it on printers that have it is a waste of time and filament. Disable it. It works by the printer almost continuously writing to your SD or uSD card, slowly killing it, to track where in the print it is. This can even corrupt the card if power fails as the really, really wrong time. Also, if power is lost for more than a few seconds the plastic will start to cool down and shift slightly, and at best you get a visible line where the printer continues the print, and at worst a complete and utter mess... Use a proper UPS or a chunky power bank instead. The Bambou Labs printers are generally seen as 'the good stuff', but out of my price range. A new Creality Ender (highest optioned you can afford, preferably with automated Bed levelling and filament sensor) will work just fine for most uses. (My main is an Ender 3 MAX. Because bigger is better... My old WanHao i3 also still works. A bit less optioned, slower and smaller, though) Also, I buy PLA in 2.5Kg spools. Because I can. And because I want to be able to run large prints without worrying that I may run out of filament midway though... (Use digital scales to measure the spool when you start using it. That way you know how much is left. And the Slicer SW will tell you how much you need)
The Bambu X1 is definitely more expensive, but they’re A1 with AMS was on sale cheaper than my Ender 5 S1. Which I’ve been using for the last year. I can agree on your point on sticking into one filament if your new. mostly my printer i just use PLA and then if I need something specific for a job such as ASA for this. Best to stick to normal stuff and not go exotic if you don’t need to or I don’t know how.
@@Les_Grossman don’t know if this is In replied to the original person or to me. I didn’t use PLA for the final version. they were ASA. The PLA done in the video is just for my quick prototypes using cheaper materials which are easier to print to get the sizing correct.
@@Les_Grossman I mentioned PLA as the best material to start with. Whether or not it's usable in a car... well that depends on what yoiu use it for and where you use it. The big issue really is heat from direct sunlight.
Mate.... have throughly enjoyed just nerding out to the max for the last half hour!!! Absolutely love the techy content!!! Esp as it's something I keep looking at for the van... don't think I'll bother with the whole eve thing though - maybe blink....
Glad you enjoy this style of techie content it’s always fun to make for me. I just take a little bit longer. I’ve looked into the more consumer friendly options like blink or Reolink, they are both good options but they always seems for a house environment which you can get working to a degree externally. But I’ve just found a lot of them to be quite clunky and large to be modified to fit on a van. I wanted to system which was reasonably small and discreet and viewable on a single screen all at once.
@@MispronouncedAdventures ok thought that would of worked! Oh well. Otherwise VLC is awesome
Месяц назад
@@Are_we_there_yet_ VLC can be buggy. I've switched to SMPlayer (using mpv as a backend) on Windows and Linux and IINA on macOS. It's honestly ridiculous that you can't play a format as ubiquitous as H.264. Worst case, ffmpeg should be able to remux the data stream into a container.
I have the same brand but went for the 8 camera without remote access. I have 12 cameras though thru a custom switch I designed. This is so I can switch some of the camera channels to one's mounted just for use on our small ferry. The recording retrieval is not simple but hopefully it is not needed all that often.
That’s a pretty interesting and clever way of dealing with adding more cameras via custom switchboard. Yep, I agree with you there retrieving video is not easy, but it should be one of the least used bits
Hi Alex, love your videos, watching the Arctic series again. I’m building a lwb Sprinter and copying your build - insulation, heating, water etc. I’m going to go big on electrics with a full Victron kit and 2 x 380AH Fogstar Drift batteries. We want to cook on electric. Is there anything you would do differently on your next build before I miss an update. PS you’re the spit of our youngest son! Not in looks, but absolutely in mannerisms and communication. Keep up the work 👍
Congratulations on your new van build! Overall, I wouldn’t change too much as I’m pretty happy with how everything’s turned out and if I was doing another medium wheel base I’d pretty much build the same only with a few tweaks. On the new long van build i’m hoping to start next year I will keep many aspects the same, including the bed. I’m gonna hopefully take that as a compliment on the mannerisms and communication!!
Just a normal 10 ways ( other version as well ) outdoor junction box. I then drilled a hole in it and used a 40mm waste pipe bulk head fitting to bring it all together
Pal is european tv signal the one you have is amerikan,,, thats a form of crosing the band and straigt at the bandwith or somting like that,nice fiming thanks,,,,
Well, this system was listed as running both styles of camera, PAL and the other sort in settings but you can change. I found the actual cameras themselves weren’t.
First I thoght: What a very British idea to have cameras everywhere. 😁 But then again, this will add further to the quality of your videos for sure. It's a really nice gadget the whole system. However, I have a suspicion they might just run a Raspberry in the "DVR" and my concern would be a proprietary app, where you don't know who can actually watch (from China or wherever...). But it could get interesting if allowed family or friends can just remotely see how you are doing somewhere in the arctic or wherever you go. Another thought on the "bright" IR: Point one upwards and it can be blinding roadside ANPR, keeping the watchers from recording your tracks without your consent.
I mentioned the remote viewing aspect and Chinese service in the video. And the potential there it’s not the first time a camera company has been found being a bit dodgy with users data. There are definitely raspberry pry CCTV based OS is out there for sure working with POE camera. As well as some PoE DVR’s for well-known companies which have a far better user interface. Wells POE cameras would be a nice solution unfortunately they don’t really make many models which suit me personally, most of the cameras are just bulky and large, being designed for a domestic set up opposed to sneaker and smaller for a vehicle one. For me, it was more to see what there is on outside the vehicle as it’s always a bit suspect when a vehicle turns up to remote car park one in the morning parks next to you!
considering to take my tesla model 3 long range all the way upto nordkapp perhaps in the most extreme temperature of january and feb, you have insprired me to keep pushing forward
The last three winters have been up to Nordkapp and I’m pretty sure I’ve been seen a Tesla up there each time. Should be plenty doable with preparation.
Nice video Alex. Maybe I missed it - Is it possible to access these cameras remotely from your phone if you have a network with internet connection in the van WITHOUT going through some Chinese server?
Yes, as far as I’m aware I’ve not tried it myself. But only if you have your own window server. Their website does give you instructions how you can point it towards a server of your choosing opposed to their default one.
Great video mate and I would do the same if had a conversion but a little different with a motorhome so settled on the blink camera Can you recommend a great reverse camera ? Good quality
I know a few people using Blink options. Good app for them. Reverse camera I’m very happy with my Autovox V5 which is a rear mirror style screen type of camera
Interesting video Alex (as always!) - I bought a 4 channel CCTV (first one got ripped off on Amazon as it didn’t have Wifi etc but they refunded a fair bit ) then I decided to upgrade (£170) for another 4 channel with remote access but found the remote to be not secure (no SSL etc via Chinese server). I mounted the IR cameras on the side but have had a problem with some condensation in certain conditions and must pop some silicon on (not sure if they are the same) Spiders do love the cameras with IR for some reason 😂 Software looks very similar, totally agree on pulling footage! The h264 is a nightmare too on Mac… thought your verdict was spot on and aligned to mine - Did you find the same on the server security? Anyway, hope you;’re good, all the very best, David 👍
Yes, I also find the service security suspect, it wouldn’t be the first time a camera company has been found through something dodgy. No issues with condensation just yet, but we’ll see how weather goes down in the Arctic. As all all of the cameras are slightly warmer. And h264 is a pain . I would imagine the operating system on many of these units is pretty similar. glad you also agree with my Vedic hardware generally pretty okay whilst software is pretty clunky.
At last ! I thought you'd forgotten about a video for this ? LOL Worth the wait though 👍😎 Excellent. P.S. I think we need a chat about facial hair 🤔🫣 Did you change your mind halfway through a shave ? Looks like you're rockin' three styles at once ? 10/10 for effort at the very least sir . 👍 Fattrucker
Nope, don’t forget I’m just took a lot longer and then I thought as I went away in the summer for the northern Indian Himalayan expedition. As for the facial hair change I think the Outro section at the end with the big moustache I filmed a few days afterwards I was going to a friends wedding celebration where the theme was the 1920s so I shaved a massive moustache, wore a white suit and a giant fur coat, playing the part of a Son of a new money banking family . I then just kept it till it grew out mainly to annoy people. 😂😂😂
@MispronouncedAdventures Pffft . Can't believe you're using a stroll in the hills for a couple of days as your main excuse for slacking ? 😮🤯🤦♂️😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣 All jokes Alex . LOL The reason I watch and respect your reviews is because you do thorough testing , which obviously takes time . Fattrucker
I am also looking into a camera system for my camper. But I couldn't find any of them with stealth sleek cameras. All are bulky. The sleeker I found are the one for the mirrors. Do you think can be done with a set of smartphone cams combined with an android device insteas of the DVR ? Phone cams would be harder to notice by thieves, making the van less desirable. They could be incorporated flush with the metal.. Or, even they observe them, fake lens can also be glued all around the roofrack to be discourage the painting over, because of their big amount of trouble.
This was the reason I wanted to use a vehicle based DVR as it has a selection of cameras which are smaller for vehicle. Domestic systems Usually have way bulky cameras. With my case the wide angle was one on my black roof rack are not that noticeable unless looking. There are quite a few options now, which allow remote access or number of different way. My more important feature was the screen inside the vehicle. I did want a phone app reviewing content. The smallest ones at the moment I think would probably be the style used on car mirrors like you mentioned. It would be quite hard for people to spray paint my cameras as it’s about 3 m in the air
I did consider those, but I like the idea of a screen with all the cameras showing on it once opposed to opening an app. But given the Neos smart cameras I use are about to go off-line permanently I might consider replacing the internal ones with something like blink
Very informative video. My vehicle has a built in cameras, but honestly it's crap. VLC is a very useful video playback tool. I use it on windows, but they also have an iOS version (never tried it). Questions: 1) are their options for turning on/off the IR lights for the cameras individually? 2) when you view the files on the SD card, are they 1080p? 3) is it only windows that can to pointed to? Linux? (raspberry pi might be a good low power file server) 4) have you found any manuals for USB or Ethernet ways access data? Perhaps web/rest interface? 5) Given you have used it months, no issues with Lithium battery voltage ranges? 6) Have you chatted/emailed support? (curious if they are responsive) Motion capture - if you ever get this working, I'm interested in an update video at some future point.
Did some quick reading on this. the MDVR looks like it uses 1080N/720p while the cameras say 1080p. I did not look up the actual sensor specs from sony yet. Can google 1080N vs 1080P and learn more.
Unfortunately VLC didn’t work here, I normally use VLC for odd videos types. Answering your questions 1. No option to turn off the IR. Only option I see would be to modify the camera ( if you even can ) or choose a camera with IR. 2. Couldn’t video the files from the Sd with converting via Hand break. I can remember the resolution, but I think I might have tested that before I adjusted the resolution. 3. The only only loosely documented information from the manual regarding this was using “Windows server” although someone more knowledgeable in this area might know of alternative options. 4. If the unit has Internet connectivity Wi-Fi or the ethernet port. then there is a web interface you can use as alongside the app. which I did find pretty slow. 5. Interesting question on battery voltage but no, no issue at all. Whilst the resting voltage of lithium is generally higher, the charge voltage is generally lower, most preset LiFePO4 charger profiles bulk up to 14.2. Whilst lead and AGM bulk up to 14.6. However this voltage range of this unit is 8V to 32V 6. Had no replying when trying
@@MispronouncedAdventures Thank you for taking the time to answer the questions. I'm very interested in their products. Spent some time digging around the website. However, if they offer no support that's a problem. I'll try to email them and see what happens. I've been looking for a house video system, and also an off-roading vehicle video system. Was hoping these guys are legit enough to be around the next 5+ years, seems they have been around for the last 5+ years. I'm interested in the windows server and their API interface to the Mdvr box. Without support, it's not worth it. Do you happen to remember the model of your video server? one does not support 1080p, only 1080n but there seems to be a 1080p version as well. Video uses a lot of bandwidth so unless the Ethernet connection is gigabit(doubtful), it's not going to network stream well at all.
Phew! perhaps 🤔 this set up may be a bit technical for me 🤔.I’m actually looking for a recommendation for a decent front and rear dash cam,any ideas 🤔.but perhaps may go down this root,jump in at the deep end or check out their set ups.👍
Yeah, I would see front and rear dash cams and a CCTV system is something different. I’ve got the VIOFO A229 plus 3 channel dashcam in to test at the moment. The specs of that look rather quite good.
@ they sent me a waterproof for camera for my A229. It’s listed on there website under the separate accessories area “VIOFO RWC200 Waterproof Rear Camera for A229 Plus/A229 Pro”
Great documentation and review. I've been planning something similar, but we will see if anything happens. Do you have any arctic trip plans? You haven't experienced -40°C yet :)
By the way, I have several Reolink cameras around my house. They have worked without any problem in -20°C. Last winter was quite "warm" here in southern Finland, so I have no experience in colder temperatures than that.
Awesome. Vid on the best kit you would put in your new build be cool, as you have tested a lot and knows what s*** and what's good value and what's the best 😊 🧠🇬🇧🌍🏆
Hopefully that will be the point of a lot of the tech videos on the new van build as I’ve spent the last year with the current van for finding the choices I want to make for the new one
Hi Alex, a little off topic but hope you can help. I have an auxbeam switchpanel controlling my lightbar and additional lights from the cab. If I buy another switchpanel kit for the back could I control the same set of lights with of course a 12 gang version for my extra accessories in the hab area. How would I wire this ?
That is an interesting question. That’s a difficult one. I mean you could use each separate control panel as a different power supply for the same set of lights. I guess that’s kind of similar to how I’ve wired my main light bar it can either be manually turned on by Switch panel or on with the high beams
Thanks for your kind reply Alex. Would I just need to wago say the load wire from lightbar before it gets to the switchpanel in the cab from there into the switchpanel in the habit area. So load is sent to both . If that makes sense 😅
Would like the option to be able to turn on all my exterior lighting if I hear a suspicious noise outside instead of running to the cab turning on the key then doing it . Every second counts
Yes, quite a clunky UI. Seems like it's build by an engineer rather than for consumer purposes. Download seems like a right faff. As long as you're happy though - that's the main thing! Maybe you could use make the 3D printed baseplate for the camera available to sell for others to be able to make their own custom mounts? Just a thought.
Wouldn’t surprise me I imagine they all probably use the exact same basis of the software. I imagine mostly systems use the same architecture. I do need to actually check if there’s people out there who have made custom operating systems.
Nice add-on. I am still on the search for a good dash cam. But I do have a question. Can you disable it easy if you enter countries with stricter camera laws like Sweden? Even if the risk for getting in that kind of trouble is close to zero.
Yeah, I showed In the video. You could add a simple 12 V switch. I added a toggle switch to turn off the entire system i wanted too. What specific dash cam laws are there in Sweden?
@@MispronouncedAdventures The main one are that you can't film any public place (streets sidewalks parks et cetera without permit) where the public can enter, unless you are driving the vehicle. But the police doesn't enforce this even if they see some cameras. Too much work for something that aren't that invasive of privacy. You can film as much as you want anyways in public with a handheld camera. So keep doing what you do. Great content by the way. (Y)
Does anybody know what people, me included, can do with their NEOS cameras now that the company has terminated the app and support ? Its such a shame as I have two monitoring the doors on my van... or had!
How easy is it to get footage onto your pc in a readable format? Our dvr isnt the same brand and its awful, slow, clunky and takes hours just to export 4 10 min clips
Just caught up to your part on exporting. I hate how the footage is encrypted? I just want one that will store the video on the SSD the same way a dashcam does… surely someone mmakes one?
Yeah, it’s basically a pain to get the footage usable when it was written directly to an SD card. It was physically quick to remove the SD card and put it in a computer, but you have to use their own software to access it.
The same with any camera system. You need really long arms given my roof rack is nearly 3m off the ground. Might look quite obvious up to no good of using a ladder to spray paint camera system. Or it might be quite obvious in the van if you’re to me if you’re outside spray painting my cameras, I might consider moving.
With my general timeline with current work commitments. It will do another winter. The hopefully the new van in the spring. Then gives me all summer to build a new van getting ready for the next winter. Not as quick as I would hoped, but you can probably imagine it’s quite an expensive purchase !
Specifically for that incident no but that’s because for some reason all the export files were 480P, as I had just put the system in later on I learnt those settings were wrong and it should’ve been 1080 P where I would’ve been able to pull the numberplate. In the Case of the motorhome incident, my front dash cam would’ve caught the numberplate. I see why you would say what’s the point if you don’t catch on a plate you’ve just got a nice set of videos of an accident. Although for me the main purpose of the system is to be able to view what’s going on outside at a park up opposed to specifically capturing accidents but yes either are important.
No this one is the model without a SIM card. Its Internet connection is via the RJ45 port or WiFi. Or if you don’t want to use the remote access at all, you don’t need to do any of that
What's the benefits of using this with bespoke connections for cameras, when you can get poe cameras for much cheaper? Just appears to be more camper tax
It wouldn’t be a “camper tax” because the item is never designed for camper vans. Is designed and aimed at fleet and bus CCTV & management systems. I’m just using it in a camper context. I can’t really see POE cameras for much cheaper either. A quick check on Amazon for POV cameras have some ranging from an average of £40-£60 per camera. I’m sure there are a few which are cheaper and definitely a lot which are more expensive. What’s the average style of this camera is significantly cheaper. That’s before you add an eight channel DVR and screen. Additionally, most POE cameras are designed for a domestic environment generally are bulky and less discreet, not designed for a vehicle for. Some might be happier with that, but I like having the different styles of camera and some of them to be discreeter than others. The option for vehicle based POE cameras seem to be extremely limited at the moment ( that I can find ) nothing against using that style or building my own bespoke system if I could get the type of cameras I want for a system I could work with.
Oh I am, but a new van doesn’t happen that fast! ( for me at least ) Also quite a few of the upgrades I’ve done over the last year like the camera system and the rebuilding of the bed for the bike rack are testing out things which are gonna be put into the new van
Dont use Pla for the mounts . below 5C it gets brittle . in the artic weather they will shatter with simple vibration . do your self a favour and make from metal
I didn’t, I show in the video the mounts I’m printing for prototypes are PLA because it’s quick and easy. Later on, I mentioned the final results sre ASA. Due to the UV resistance and being generally stronger.
@@MispronouncedAdventures vlc can be found in finicky about dvr video. I used to have to play cctv as part of my last job. Try this: Vlc, tools > preferences > show all settings (bottom left), Demuxers > h264 video Demuxer. You will need to change back to auto after using this setting.
I agree many of the internal options are consumer grade and because of that have sleek interfaces. Most of the DVR system specifically for vehicles don’t seem to have nice User interfaces. Internally, I use Neo smart cams as mentioned in the video, but they’re actually going off-line in November which is such a shame
@@MispronouncedAdventures Also have Neos smart cam, have added it to the tinyCam app which is working ok atm, and will see if it continues to work once November comes
I have similar system running my CCTV at workplace. What I learnt from it is that for van setup you really need H.265 or H.265+ encoding. Recording files are much smaller and faster to access over internet. For IR cameras use second source of IR light and disable one in cameras. This way spiders will build webs where IR light is mounted. Motion detection works fine, but there is no easy way to enable/disable it. Same feelings about software. It lacks easy access on the go. Thanks for posting
Definitely makes sense what you have said. I would have personally preferred IR cameras which had the IR lights and camera behind different lenses, but there weren’t models like that available for me.
Yeah, I guess I am really using the system outside of sort of what it’s designed for
Perfect timing. Been researching systems yesterday. I spoke to adz about his too 👍
He’s a good person to speak to because he is the inspiration for my purchase of this system
@@MispronouncedAdventuresyeah. I did throw the company an email but didn’t get a reply so I’ll have to resort to buying my own too lol.
@SpyderLEE yeah I sent them quite a few emails and got absolutely nothing in response. The only contact I was able to make was via eBay.
I’ve just found you channel and felt compelled to subscribe. Very interesting and packed with information. Which I guess is the reason for your frenzied editing! 😂. I’ve just retired from a career in electronic security, specialising in CCTV. So this is right up my alley. Cheers.
Frenzied editing, I like it! I often edit it rapidly with changing scenes keep interest longer 😂
Given your background, I hope you found the overall the video interesting
For people starting with 3D printing, I suggest using Black, Gray, Orange or possibly Blue PLA. White in particular tends to be more brittle.
(I'm using Black, or Blue if I can't get Black from my usual supplier)
DO NOT do as I did when I first started out and buy any which filament that tickles your fancy, stick with JUST ONE and from ONE SUPPLIER.
Nylon or any filament with 'inclusions' such as Carbon fiber, wood, metal or even stone powder does NOT go well in a standard brass nozzle. The stuff just shreds it. Use a steel or otherwise 'hardened' nozzle.
'Interrupted print restart' or whatever they call it on printers that have it is a waste of time and filament. Disable it.
It works by the printer almost continuously writing to your SD or uSD card, slowly killing it, to track where in the print it is. This can even corrupt the card if power fails as the really, really wrong time. Also, if power is lost for more than a few seconds the plastic will start to cool down and shift slightly, and at best you get a visible line where the printer continues the print, and at worst a complete and utter mess... Use a proper UPS or a chunky power bank instead.
The Bambou Labs printers are generally seen as 'the good stuff', but out of my price range. A new Creality Ender (highest optioned you can afford, preferably with automated Bed levelling and filament sensor) will work just fine for most uses.
(My main is an Ender 3 MAX. Because bigger is better... My old WanHao i3 also still works. A bit less optioned, slower and smaller, though)
Also, I buy PLA in 2.5Kg spools. Because I can. And because I want to be able to run large prints without worrying that I may run out of filament midway though...
(Use digital scales to measure the spool when you start using it. That way you know how much is left. And the Slicer SW will tell you how much you need)
The Bambu X1 is definitely more expensive, but they’re A1 with AMS was on sale cheaper than my Ender 5 S1. Which I’ve been using for the last year.
I can agree on your point on sticking into one filament if your new. mostly my printer i just use PLA and then if I need something specific for a job such as ASA for this. Best to stick to normal stuff and not go exotic if you don’t need to or I don’t know how.
@@Les_Grossman don’t know if this is In replied to the original person or to me. I didn’t use PLA for the final version. they were ASA. The PLA done in the video is just for my quick prototypes using cheaper materials which are easier to print to get the sizing correct.
@@Les_Grossman I mentioned PLA as the best material to start with. Whether or not it's usable in a car... well that depends on what yoiu use it for and where you use it. The big issue really is heat from direct sunlight.
Mate.... have throughly enjoyed just nerding out to the max for the last half hour!!! Absolutely love the techy content!!!
Esp as it's something I keep looking at for the van... don't think I'll bother with the whole eve thing though - maybe blink....
Glad you enjoy this style of techie content it’s always fun to make for me. I just take a little bit longer.
I’ve looked into the more consumer friendly options like blink or Reolink, they are both good options but they always seems for a house environment which you can get working to a degree externally. But I’ve just found a lot of them to be quite clunky and large to be modified to fit on a van. I wanted to system which was reasonably small and discreet and viewable on a single screen all at once.
You could use VLC on your Mac to view footage instead of converting H.264 files and it’s free. Great Vid.
VLC was the first program I tried, it’s my go to for awkward video files, but no luck
@@MispronouncedAdventures ok thought that would of worked! Oh well. Otherwise VLC is awesome
@@Are_we_there_yet_ VLC can be buggy. I've switched to SMPlayer (using mpv as a backend) on Windows and Linux and IINA on macOS. It's honestly ridiculous that you can't play a format as ubiquitous as H.264. Worst case, ffmpeg should be able to remux the data stream into a container.
That is - again - super useful. Thanks Alex.
Glad you found the video helpful!
I have the same brand but went for the 8 camera without remote access. I have 12 cameras though thru a custom switch I designed. This is so I can switch some of the camera channels to one's mounted just for use on our small ferry.
The recording retrieval is not simple but hopefully it is not needed all that often.
That’s a pretty interesting and clever way of dealing with adding more cameras via custom switchboard.
Yep, I agree with you there retrieving video is not easy, but it should be one of the least used bits
Hi Alex, love your videos, watching the Arctic series again. I’m building a lwb Sprinter and copying your build - insulation, heating, water etc. I’m going to go big on electrics with a full Victron kit and 2 x 380AH Fogstar Drift batteries. We want to cook on electric. Is there anything you would do differently on your next build before I miss an update. PS you’re the spit of our youngest son! Not in looks, but absolutely in mannerisms and communication. Keep up the work 👍
Congratulations on your new van build! Overall, I wouldn’t change too much as I’m pretty happy with how everything’s turned out and if I was doing another medium wheel base I’d pretty much build the same only with a few tweaks. On the new long van build i’m hoping to start next year I will keep many aspects the same, including the bed.
I’m gonna hopefully take that as a compliment on the mannerisms and communication!!
1st, BOOM. That doesn't look like the inside of a new Man van😂
Unfortunately not yet! But we will get there
@@MispronouncedAdventuresYou've purchased the new van though & have you sold this van yet?
Neither yet
Those glands / outdoor cable boxes are really nice. Where can I buy them ?
Just a normal 10 ways ( other version as well ) outdoor junction box. I then drilled a hole in it and used a 40mm waste pipe bulk head fitting to bring it all together
Pal is european tv signal the one you have is amerikan,,, thats a form of crosing the band and straigt at the bandwith or somting like that,nice fiming thanks,,,,
Well, this system was listed as running both styles of camera, PAL and the other sort in settings but you can change. I found the actual cameras themselves weren’t.
First I thoght: What a very British idea to have cameras everywhere. 😁
But then again, this will add further to the quality of your videos for sure.
It's a really nice gadget the whole system.
However, I have a suspicion they might just run a Raspberry in the "DVR" and my concern would be a proprietary app, where you don't know who can actually watch (from China or wherever...).
But it could get interesting if allowed family or friends can just remotely see how you are doing somewhere in the arctic or wherever you go.
Another thought on the "bright" IR: Point one upwards and it can be blinding roadside ANPR, keeping the watchers from recording your tracks without your consent.
I mentioned the remote viewing aspect and Chinese service in the video. And the potential there it’s not the first time a camera company has been found being a bit dodgy with users data.
There are definitely raspberry pry CCTV based OS is out there for sure working with POE camera. As well as some PoE DVR’s for well-known companies which have a far better user interface.
Wells POE cameras would be a nice solution unfortunately they don’t really make many models which suit me personally, most of the cameras are just bulky and large, being designed for a domestic set up opposed to sneaker and smaller for a vehicle one.
For me, it was more to see what there is on outside the vehicle as it’s always a bit suspect when a vehicle turns up to remote car park one in the morning parks next to you!
That is an awesome bit of kit
Cheers Sir
considering to take my tesla model 3 long range all the way upto nordkapp perhaps in the most extreme temperature of january and feb, you have insprired me to keep pushing forward
The last three winters have been up to Nordkapp and I’m pretty sure I’ve been seen a Tesla up there each time. Should be plenty doable with preparation.
Alex. Are you heading going back up to the Artic next year? I will be heading that way end of Jan for a month or so. Andy 6x6 pinz. All the best
Indeed I will be! leaving first week of January all being well! See you up there hopefully
Nice! Do you have a link to the multi-cable gland box you purchased?
Amazon “10 ways outdoor junction box” should be on Amazon link in the description
@@MispronouncedAdventures Legend - thank you!
Nice video Alex. Maybe I missed it - Is it possible to access these cameras remotely from your phone if you have a network with internet connection in the van WITHOUT going through some Chinese server?
Yes, as far as I’m aware I’ve not tried it myself. But only if you have your own window server. Their website does give you instructions how you can point it towards a server of your choosing opposed to their default one.
Great video mate and I would do the same if had a conversion but a little different with a motorhome so settled on the blink camera
Can you recommend a great reverse camera ? Good quality
I know a few people using Blink options. Good app for them.
Reverse camera I’m very happy with my Autovox V5 which is a rear mirror style screen type of camera
Interesting video Alex (as always!) - I bought a 4 channel CCTV (first one got ripped off on Amazon as it didn’t have Wifi etc but they refunded a fair bit ) then I decided to upgrade (£170) for another 4 channel with remote access but found the remote to be not secure (no SSL etc via Chinese server). I mounted the IR cameras on the side but have had a problem with some condensation in certain conditions and must pop some silicon on (not sure if they are the same) Spiders do love the cameras with IR for some reason 😂 Software looks very similar, totally agree on pulling footage! The h264 is a nightmare too on Mac… thought your verdict was spot on and aligned to mine - Did you find the same on the server security? Anyway, hope you;’re good, all the very best, David 👍
Yes, I also find the service security suspect, it wouldn’t be the first time a camera company has been found through something dodgy.
No issues with condensation just yet, but we’ll see how weather goes down in the Arctic. As all all of the cameras are slightly warmer.
And h264 is a pain . I would imagine the operating system on many of these units is pretty similar. glad you also agree with my Vedic hardware generally pretty okay whilst software is pretty clunky.
At last ! I thought you'd forgotten about a video for this ? LOL
Worth the wait though 👍😎
Excellent.
P.S. I think we need a chat about facial hair 🤔🫣
Did you change your mind halfway through a shave ?
Looks like you're rockin' three styles at once ?
10/10 for effort at the very least sir . 👍
Fattrucker
Nope, don’t forget I’m just took a lot longer and then I thought as I went away in the summer for the northern Indian Himalayan expedition.
As for the facial hair change I think the Outro section at the end with the big moustache I filmed a few days afterwards I was going to a friends wedding celebration where the theme was the 1920s so I shaved a massive moustache, wore a white suit and a giant fur coat, playing the part of a Son of a new money banking family . I then just kept it till it grew out mainly to annoy people. 😂😂😂
@MispronouncedAdventures Pffft . Can't believe you're using a stroll in the hills for a couple of days as your main excuse for slacking ? 😮🤯🤦♂️😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣
All jokes Alex . LOL
The reason I watch and respect your reviews is because you do thorough testing , which obviously takes time .
Fattrucker
I am also looking into a camera system for my camper. But I couldn't find any of them with stealth sleek cameras.
All are bulky.
The sleeker I found are the one for the mirrors.
Do you think can be done with a set of smartphone cams combined with an android device insteas of the DVR ?
Phone cams would be harder to notice by thieves, making the van less desirable. They could be incorporated flush with the metal..
Or, even they observe them, fake lens can also be glued all around the roofrack to be discourage the painting over, because of their big amount of trouble.
This was the reason I wanted to use a vehicle based DVR as it has a selection of cameras which are smaller for vehicle. Domestic systems Usually have way bulky cameras. With my case the wide angle was one on my black roof rack are not that noticeable unless looking.
There are quite a few options now, which allow remote access or number of different way. My more important feature was the screen inside the vehicle. I did want a phone app reviewing content.
The smallest ones at the moment I think would probably be the style used on car mirrors like you mentioned.
It would be quite hard for people to spray paint my cameras as it’s about 3 m in the air
Thank you. Another great video😊
Thank you glad you thought so
nicee cameras
I’m pretty happy with them, although you think the software wise could be significantly improved
Blows my mind how tech you are !
I use Blink and it works super smooth… only thing is that it is owner by an evil corp I guess !
I did consider those, but I like the idea of a screen with all the cameras showing on it once opposed to opening an app.
But given the Neos smart cameras I use are about to go off-line permanently I might consider replacing the internal ones with something like blink
Hi there. Do you have a link to the junction boxes you use on your roof please.
Amazon “10 ways outdoor junction box” should be on Amazon link in the description on a list.
Thanks for that. I will take a look.
Very informative video. My vehicle has a built in cameras, but honestly it's crap.
VLC is a very useful video playback tool. I use it on windows, but they also have an iOS version (never tried it).
Questions:
1) are their options for turning on/off the IR lights for the cameras individually?
2) when you view the files on the SD card, are they 1080p?
3) is it only windows that can to pointed to? Linux? (raspberry pi might be a good low power file server)
4) have you found any manuals for USB or Ethernet ways access data? Perhaps web/rest interface?
5) Given you have used it months, no issues with Lithium battery voltage ranges?
6) Have you chatted/emailed support? (curious if they are responsive)
Motion capture - if you ever get this working, I'm interested in an update video at some future point.
Did some quick reading on this. the MDVR looks like it uses 1080N/720p while the cameras say 1080p. I did not look up the actual sensor specs from sony yet. Can google 1080N vs 1080P and learn more.
Unfortunately VLC didn’t work here, I normally use VLC for odd videos types.
Answering your questions
1. No option to turn off the IR. Only option I see would be to modify the camera ( if you even can ) or choose a camera with IR.
2. Couldn’t video the files from the Sd with converting via Hand break. I can remember the resolution, but I think I might have tested that before I adjusted the resolution.
3. The only only loosely documented information from the manual regarding this was using “Windows server” although someone more knowledgeable in this area might know of alternative options.
4. If the unit has Internet connectivity Wi-Fi or the ethernet port. then there is a web interface you can use as alongside the app. which I did find pretty slow.
5. Interesting question on battery voltage but no, no issue at all. Whilst the resting voltage of lithium is generally higher, the charge voltage is generally lower, most preset LiFePO4 charger profiles bulk up to 14.2. Whilst lead and AGM bulk up to 14.6. However this voltage range of this unit is 8V to 32V
6. Had no replying when trying
@@MispronouncedAdventures Thank you for taking the time to answer the questions. I'm very interested in their products. Spent some time digging around the website. However, if they offer no support that's a problem. I'll try to email them and see what happens.
I've been looking for a house video system, and also an off-roading vehicle video system. Was hoping these guys are legit enough to be around the next 5+ years, seems they have been around for the last 5+ years.
I'm interested in the windows server and their API interface to the Mdvr box. Without support, it's not worth it.
Do you happen to remember the model of your video server? one does not support 1080p, only 1080n but there seems to be a 1080p version as well.
Video uses a lot of bandwidth so unless the Ethernet connection is gigabit(doubtful), it's not going to network stream well at all.
Phew! perhaps 🤔 this set up may be a bit technical for me 🤔.I’m actually looking for a recommendation for a decent front and rear dash cam,any ideas 🤔.but perhaps may go down this root,jump in at the deep end or check out their set ups.👍
Yeah, I would see front and rear dash cams and a CCTV system is something different. I’ve got the VIOFO A229 plus 3 channel dashcam in to test at the moment. The specs of that look rather quite good.
@@MispronouncedAdventures yes the Viofo A229 is the one I’ve been considering but they don’t as yet do a weatherproof rear camera.👍
@ they sent me a waterproof for camera for my A229. It’s listed on there website under the separate accessories area “VIOFO RWC200 Waterproof Rear Camera for A229 Plus/A229 Pro”
Thanks Alex I pressed the button for the A229 pro and RWC 200 with additional bits and bobs.👍
@johnpatterson5744 excellent! Hopefully it works out well for you!
Hiya! Could you tell me which bulbar you have please?? Need to get one ordered. Many thanks mate!
It’s a ford transit bull bar made by Misutonida and bought from the UK company Vanimal
Great documentation and review. I've been planning something similar, but we will see if anything happens.
Do you have any arctic trip plans? You haven't experienced -40°C yet :)
Yep, I’ll be heading back again this winter. We’ll see how the system performs in the cold!
@@MispronouncedAdventures I'm waiting for videos :)
By the way, I have several Reolink cameras around my house. They have worked without any problem in -20°C. Last winter was quite "warm" here in southern Finland, so I have no experience in colder temperatures than that.
@ Reolink do some POE camera as well which I might look at
@@MispronouncedAdventures my cameras are POE. Model RLC-510A.
Awesome. Vid on the best kit you would put in your new build be cool, as you have tested a lot and knows what s*** and what's good value and what's the best 😊 🧠🇬🇧🌍🏆
Hopefully that will be the point of a lot of the tech videos on the new van build as I’ve spent the last year with the current van for finding the choices I want to make for the new one
Hi Alex, a little off topic but hope you can help. I have an auxbeam switchpanel controlling my lightbar and additional lights from the cab. If I buy another switchpanel kit for the back could I control the same set of lights with of course a 12 gang version for my extra accessories in the hab area. How would I wire this ?
That is an interesting question.
That’s a difficult one. I mean you could use each separate control panel as a different power supply for the same set of lights.
I guess that’s kind of similar to how I’ve wired my main light bar it can either be manually turned on by Switch panel or on with the high beams
Thanks for your kind reply Alex. Would I just need to wago say the load wire from lightbar before it gets to the switchpanel in the cab from there into the switchpanel in the habit area. So load is sent to both . If that makes sense 😅
Would like the option to be able to turn on all my exterior lighting if I hear a suspicious noise outside instead of running to the cab turning on the key then doing it . Every second counts
I might buy an extra and have a bench test .
Great video
Thank you
Yes, quite a clunky UI. Seems like it's build by an engineer rather than for consumer purposes.
Download seems like a right faff. As long as you're happy though - that's the main thing!
Maybe you could use make the 3D printed baseplate for the camera available to sell for others to be able to make their own custom mounts? Just a thought.
Wouldn’t really be much point making the mounts I made publicly available for download they very very specific.
@@MispronouncedAdventures not the mounts - just the base sections for the cameras.
Software looks similar to my SWANN system (screwfix special)
Wouldn’t surprise me I imagine they all probably use the exact same basis of the software.
I imagine mostly systems use the same architecture. I do need to actually check if there’s people out there who have made custom operating systems.
Try VLC for Mac i think that will play H264
VLC was my first go too. Normally good at playing obscure file types. But no luck.
is this a subscription based app or 100% free to use going forward?
@deanperry978 free app ( and free windows desktop software too ) , you can even change it to your own server as well
Nice add-on. I am still on the search for a good dash cam.
But I do have a question. Can you disable it easy if you enter countries with stricter camera laws like Sweden?
Even if the risk for getting in that kind of trouble is close to zero.
Yeah, I showed In the video. You could add a simple 12 V switch. I added a toggle switch to turn off the entire system i wanted too.
What specific dash cam laws are there in Sweden?
@@MispronouncedAdventures The main one are that you can't film any public place (streets sidewalks parks et cetera without permit) where the public can enter, unless you are driving the vehicle. But the police doesn't enforce this even if they see some cameras. Too much work for something that aren't that invasive of privacy. You can film as much as you want anyways in public with a handheld camera. So keep doing what you do. Great content by the way. (Y)
@LarsDahlin makes sentence to a degree, and also reasonable options for how you can film in public or with dash cams
Is this all 12v?
Yes. I show a power test of how much energy it uses later on in the video.
Spiders love IR and heat of the cameras use spiderEx spray and they don’t come back
I’ve not heard of that before. I’ll look it up!
Does anybody know what people, me included, can do with their NEOS cameras now that the company has terminated the app and support ? Its such a shame as I have two monitoring the doors on my van... or had!
I’m currently looking into alternatives or ways to keep them working. As I like them and it would be paid to have to buy new cameras
How easy is it to get footage onto your pc in a readable format? Our dvr isnt the same brand and its awful, slow, clunky and takes hours just to export 4 10 min clips
Just caught up to your part on exporting. I hate how the footage is encrypted? I just want one that will store the video on the SSD the same way a dashcam does… surely someone mmakes one?
Yeah, it’s basically a pain to get the footage usable when it was written directly to an SD card. It was physically quick to remove the SD card and put it in a computer, but you have to use their own software to access it.
Spiders are such a pain with roof racks, I can clean off all the webs and spiders and a day later they will all be back
I find it’s only a specific time of year when the spiders on the roof rack are really active personally..
nice but i bit of spray paint will soon disable that ..
The same with any camera system. You need really long arms given my roof rack is nearly 3m off the ground. Might look quite obvious up to no good of using a ladder to spray paint camera system. Or it might be quite obvious in the van if you’re to me if you’re outside spray painting my cameras, I might consider moving.
are you still selling the van or keeping it for another winter?
With my general timeline with current work commitments. It will do another winter. The hopefully the new van in the spring. Then gives me all summer to build a new van getting ready for the next winter.
Not as quick as I would hoped, but you can probably imagine it’s quite an expensive purchase !
that makes sense, will be a game changer when you get 4wd, will be time to head into the montains and find real trouble lol @@MispronouncedAdventures
Were you able to capture the motorhome number plate resulting in a claim ... If not what is the point in all that expense ?
Usually not worth a claim due to insurance excess
@@A-Nobody Yes I agree BUT did the cameras catch the number plate
Specifically for that incident no but that’s because for some reason all the export files were 480P, as I had just put the system in later on I learnt those settings were wrong and it should’ve been 1080 P where I would’ve been able to pull the numberplate. In the Case of the motorhome incident, my front dash cam would’ve caught the numberplate.
I see why you would say what’s the point if you don’t catch on a plate you’ve just got a nice set of videos of an accident. Although for me the main purpose of the system is to be able to view what’s going on outside at a park up opposed to specifically capturing accidents but yes either are important.
Does this system need a SIM card?
No this one is the model without a SIM card. Its Internet connection is via the RJ45 port or WiFi.
Or if you don’t want to use the remote access at all, you don’t need to do any of that
What's the benefits of using this with bespoke connections for cameras, when you can get poe cameras for much cheaper? Just appears to be more camper tax
It wouldn’t be a “camper tax” because the item is never designed for camper vans. Is designed and aimed at fleet and bus CCTV & management systems. I’m just using it in a camper context.
I can’t really see POE cameras for much cheaper either. A quick check on Amazon for POV cameras have some ranging from an average of £40-£60 per camera. I’m sure there are a few which are cheaper and definitely a lot which are more expensive. What’s the average style of this camera is significantly cheaper. That’s before you add an eight channel DVR and screen. Additionally, most POE cameras are designed for a domestic environment generally are bulky and less discreet, not designed for a vehicle for. Some might be happier with that, but I like having the different styles of camera and some of them to be discreeter than others.
The option for vehicle based POE cameras seem to be extremely limited at the moment ( that I can find ) nothing against using that style or building my own bespoke system if I could get the type of cameras I want for a system I could work with.
Thought you were getting a new van ?
Oh I am, but a new van doesn’t happen that fast! ( for me at least ) Also quite a few of the upgrades I’ve done over the last year like the camera system and the rebuilding of the bed for the bike rack are testing out things which are gonna be put into the new van
Dont use Pla for the mounts . below 5C it gets brittle . in the artic weather they will shatter with simple vibration . do your self a favour and make from metal
I didn’t, I show in the video the mounts I’m printing for prototypes are PLA because it’s quick and easy. Later on, I mentioned the final results sre ASA. Due to the UV resistance and being generally stronger.
@@MispronouncedAdventures I Thought u said that but I also thought if you didnt know the pla downside id let you know . other than that good setup
looking camera setup shame about their software.
Yeah, hardware is very happy, software could be significantly better, but at least you don’t interact with the software that much
try VLC player to play the .h264 files
No luck with the VLC tried that as well. That’s usually my first port of call for obscure video types
@@MispronouncedAdventures vlc can be found in finicky about dvr video.
I used to have to play cctv as part of my last job.
Try this:
Vlc, tools > preferences > show all settings (bottom left), Demuxers > h264 video Demuxer.
You will need to change back to auto after using this setting.
Thank you. All the best. 👍🚐😎
Thank you
After watching this and seeing the interface of this I’ll stick to Eufycam/Wyze cams or something consumer grade. The interface seems pretty garbage 🫠
I agree many of the internal options are consumer grade and because of that have sleek interfaces. Most of the DVR system specifically for vehicles don’t seem to have nice User interfaces.
Internally, I use Neo smart cams as mentioned in the video, but they’re actually going off-line in November which is such a shame
@@MispronouncedAdventures Also have Neos smart cam, have added it to the tinyCam app which is working ok atm, and will see if it continues to work once November comes
Can the Eufy or Wyze system be powered off 12v DC? Looking for a simple solution that I can hardwire instead of depending on power bank.
My Neos smart cam was a copy of a Wyze and just powered via micro usb. So you should be able to power it.