Wireless transmitters have been used in law enforcement for many years. This is where we got our start. They allow you to install what would otherwise be an unworkable video setup. There are a number of configurations out there, some being better than others. We use only 2.4 Ghz transmitters and receivers in our systems. Before we cover why, let's look at the others.
FM VIDEO SYSTEMS are, by the industry, considered to be novelty cameras or sending units. While these sometimes boast distances of 700 feet, the reality is they're lucky to transmit from the living room to the dining room. They are basically a mini broadcast system sending a signal to your TV on a frequency generally between 2 channels. They were designed to be tuned in on older TV's that used a dial to tune in the UHF channels. The theory was that putting it between two channels would allow the unit to not be overrun by local TV channels which would do so on the primary channel. I've played with these systems trying everything from old TVs to external antennas. I never got more than 25 feet on a supposed 700 foot model.
900 Mhz SYSTEMS can be found at both the professional level and novelty. Like your cordless phone, they broadcast what is known as an omni-directional signal, everywhere, all the time. While the professional systems have adequate strength, they are controlled by the FCC and require special licenses to operate and come with a price tag out of reach of the public. Recently, companies have begun to market low powered systems, not strong enough to require FCC licensing. Because this signal is spread everywhere, the reduced output enables these units ineffective at penetrating obstacles or distances. Like the FM units, they are little more than novelty toys.
MICROWAVE operates on a directional signal. The signal is sent from the transmitter to the receiver in a narrow band. Because of this, the long range capabilities are very good. Microwave systems are expensive and generally used by the media and other industries requiring extended range. They are not cost effective for consumer use.
2.4 GHz SYSTEM (Our Wireless Barn Camera
System) are as close to microwave on the frequency
spectrum as the average consumer can get. They primarily
operate on a directional format although you will see
omni-directional systems from time to time. The use of the
directional signal allows for a concentrated effective signal
that penetrates objects well. As covered on the products
section, masonry and sheet metal will greatly reduce or stop the
signal and should be considered when designing a system.
The transmitter and receiver are both IP66 rated weatherproof
and can be placed outdoors to avoid metal or masonry obstacles.
Our standard unit is rated at 1000 feet line of sight. We
recommend keeping this under 500 fee unless you're placing both
the transmitter and receiver outside. The Extended range
unit is effective out to 3000 fee line of sight. At the
extended distances, external receiver placement may be required.
As mentioned, we sell two power ranges of transmitters / receivers. Both are rated with the words "line of sight". This is an industry rating to gauge signal strength. The units do not need a clear line of sight to operate. Simply, the strength and optimum distance is the basis for the rating. They will work out to the distances listed with no barriers. There are too many variables to give precise distances passing through different types of construction. The more the signal must penetrate, the less the distance you will achieve.
The receiver for the 2.4 Ghz connects via an RCA line to the video input of your TV or VCR. If you have an older television and don't wish to incorporate a VCR, an RF converter can be purchased at your local electronics store (i.e. Radio Shack or Wal-Mart). This will facilitate the RCA connection into an older TV for under $30.
WIRELESS NETWORK BARN SYSTEM. This
system may be either 2.4 or 5.8 Ghz. It operates as a point
to point bridge independent of your Wifi. This allow us to
place a control unit in the barn that over the point to point
bridge will connect directly to your router at the house.
Again, this does not need your Wi-Fi. Think of it as an
invisible Ethernet line connected to the barn. It is rated
at 3 miles Line of Sight. The digital transmission is not
prone to interference. This setup allows for the use of
Analog and High Definition Cameras. Because this
system is network based, it does not display on your TV unless you
connect a computer to the TV and use it as a large monitor.
This point to point as the ability operate on your local network
saving you data on your phone and Internet Service when you are at
home. Using a computer or smartphone app away from home
would use data on both.
A word of caution. Many sites (unfortunately some geared at foaling) are offering standard 3 b systems and tagging them with an extended range reading and prices. They are simply short range models with a larger antenna. It may squeak out couple extra feet, but it's nothing like a true 6db system which is actually rated at 15 miles line of sight. For the same money, you can have a true crisp picture when you need it without the worry of distances.
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