CCTV

[chieflittlehorse]

I would like to learn more about CCTV. I have catalogs and viewed a few websites on the matter but not much else.

I've been looking for some classes in the Los Angeles area but haven't found any yet.

If anyone knows where I can learn about CCTV, let me know.

There is a class on computer networking basics and fiber optics but don't know if this is the route to go.

CLH

[MBI]

Talk to your wholesale supplier where you get your locksmithing materials. The place where I get most of my stuff regularly sponsors classes given by manufacturers. They frequently have factory certification classes covering many of their product lines, including CCTV.

Are you still in L.A.? Intermountain has a warehouse there. Their annual expo for that location is in March. I just checked their website, they have a half-day class on CCTV basics for just $40, and a whole bunch of classes on other topics.

[xeo]

Before you waste money on a course... try searching YouTube. YouTube can be a great visual learning tool. There are all kinds of free courses and "for dummies" videos you can find on almost any subject. Between YouTube and Wikipedia I've learned an incredible amount of information.

[jeffmoss26]

Networking is certainly good to know. Most DVRs are put on the network these days, and people want to access them from home.
Most of what I learned was just by doing it. The distributors and manufacturers are a big help.

[gnarus8429]

Jeff is right. Almost every CCTV system now involves networking on some level. When I first started doing video work it was all analog: High grade multiplex VCRs, cameras, power supply, and enough wire to hook them up. Simple. Now almost everything is IP video based, hard drives, and offsite back ups. Networking is always a major concern when working over the companies (for whom your working) network. I did a covert system for a credit card company and they wanted me to set it up over their network so that the bosses could view it off site and at their desks. I asked how many much money came through their system everyday, they said lots. I advised that I did not want to screw with a network that transferred lots of money. I did however assist their IT guy to get it done. Don't take on that liability on systems that if disturbed will make you civilly liable in the future. The sky is the limit with this new technology and you have to learn it these days. All the training that I have gotten has been from law enforcement sources but have worked with private companies in the past. I learned a great deal working with those companies and would suggest that you do an apprenticeship or work part time for someone who does it everyday. I learn much more effectively doing the work rather than reading about doing the work.

I'm doing some work with android phones, converted to IP cameras, to set up a secure independent wi-fi network for quick to deploy surveillance systems now. An old android phone with IP webcam installed is a great way to get started with this stuff. Just look up "android IP webcam" on youtube and set one up. You can look at the videos and setup either a simple or complex system. Fun to mess with and you will learn something about IP cameras as well. You can also find IP cameras for cheap on ebay now. They aren't the best quality but they do teach you the principles of setting one up.

[chieflittlehorse]

Thanks... I received a lot of good advice from you guys.

I just want to dabble into it right now and if it's something I enjoy doing, maybe get into it more.

Just don't want to be a "Jack of all trades, master of none!" Mastering the locksmith trade is a life-time endeavor, but a Jack of all trades, we must become too.