Community Forums

fernsma · 04-25-2017, 01:25 PM

We are trying to figure out what we need to do to set up a security camera in our travel trailer to monitor our dogs while we are out. Has anyone had experience with the Guardzilla brand? I am thinking that we need one that we can access when we want to but not one that runs continuously. The more I read the more confused I get! Thanks for any help!

RobbieH · 04-25-2017, 01:48 PM

They all run constantly, or you'd have no way to access them. You might be able to get a cheap Foscam and set the frame rate to 1 fps so that it wouldn't overwhelm your RV or campgrounds website.

I've been knocking around ideas on how to do this too, because for a month or two we are going to split time between home and RV park, and want to be able to monitor the RV from home. I have a very elaborate system at home, but have been struggling on how to do even just one camera in the RV park.

fernsma · 04-25-2017, 02:05 PM

I guess I used the wrong explanation (I am still trying to figure all this stuff out). I know that the camera will be running constantly but I guess what I am trying to ask is if I want to check on the dogs from my phone, can I connect to the camera myself instead of having it constantly streaming data, which I gather (but am by no means sure of) uses up a lot of data. I'm not really interested in having a constant feed but want to be able to check in my little "angels" and on the temperature when I am gone. We aren't able to use our camper a lot but next week we are staying at a campground that we aren't familiar with and for some reason I get the feeling that they are really strict about dogs that bark. We've never had any complaints about the dogs barking while we are gone (which is only for a couple of hours at most) but I think I'd feel better just being able to check in once in a while. I hope this makes sense. Thanks for the quick response!

TechWriter · 04-25-2017, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobbieH

They all run constantly, or you'd have no way to access them. You might be able to get a cheap Foscam and set the frame rate to 1 fps so that it wouldn't overwhelm your RV or campgrounds website.

That's not true. Check out Dropcam or Simplicam.

I use three Simplicams -- one in my RV and two outside my park model. The RV uses a WiFi hotspot and the two park model cams run off a cable modem.

The park model cams are on constantly because a bought a data plan for them. So, in effect, these two cams are always streaming data.

However, my RV Simplicam just uses data only when you access it via a PC, iPhone, iPad, etc. So if you don't watch it continuously, data use is manageable.

Simplicams (and I would guess Dropcams too) are incredibly easy to set up and use.

RobbieH · 04-26-2017, 07:38 AM

Thank you for this, I have not heard of these before. I will look into them. I also have a Nest smoke/CO2 detector in the coach, and would like the ability to look and check on things if an alarm goes off.

EDIT - I know why I messed this up. I was thinking about how my camera would send data to my server for storage. I have a way to solve this, I have a server in my RV. I wasn't thinking straight, of course the data won't go across until you view it from your phone. Sorry for the confusion, it was a long day yesterday.

fernsma · 04-26-2017, 09:37 AM

LOL! My brain is scrambled from researching so many different kinds! We have decided on a Vimtag P1 (version 2) Now we have to check into getting a hot spot. Good grief...there is just too much information for this old gal. I think karma is getting me for teasing my mom about her technological abilities!

Thanks for responding!

redcolorado · 04-26-2017, 01:45 PM

I use an old smart phone without a sim card and a free AP. The AP I use is called At Home. Only requirement is you need WiFi at the RV.

RobbieH · 04-26-2017, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redcolorado

I use an old smart phone without a sim card and a free AP. The AP I use is called At Home. Only requirement is you need WiFi at the RV.

Manything will do that too. I had forgotten about it until you mentioned this.

https://www.cnet.com/products/manything-ios/review/

fernsma · 04-27-2017, 05:19 AM

Thanks for tip!

Pretz · 04-27-2017, 08:17 PM

Here's a couple of products to add further confusion before making a final decision.

https://canary.is/canary/?gclid=COXC...FYpcfgodehcCeg

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_s...d=QM4IMAWMPTQC

Ideal Sciences — Smart Sensor Technology

https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Temp...ces+temp+stick

fernsma · 04-28-2017, 10:11 AM

Thanks for the information. The camera came yesterday and I got it and the hot spot set up this morning. If it works at the camper like it does here I think it will be good.

Podivin · 04-28-2017, 10:26 AM

I use one of these at home.
I have it set to record when it senses movement.
It has a 'baby monitor' setting that it will record when it hears a loud-ish sound (I have that turned off).
You can connect to it at any time through your phone and see what it see. When connected this way you can also hear and be heard through a mic and speaker on the camera.
It does everything I needed at a reasonable price.
Set up was easy, the app on my phone is easy to also (Android).

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Jandringa · 05-02-2017, 08:40 AM

Piper or piper nv, video and temp alarms that you set the thresholds on and then it sends a text alert, also power outages because it has its own battery back up. Two way audio is nice to se if your dog that never barks when you are there is barking all the time, it also records the video and audio on there remote server with no monthly costs or fees. It has alarm functions but I done use it.

https://getpiper.com/uses/pets/

bruce91 · 05-02-2017, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobbieH

Manything will do that too. I had forgotten about it until you mentioned this.

https://www.cnet.com/products/manything-ios/review/

RobbieH,
Great app!! Thank you for your post.

We are an apple family with 2 iphone 6's a mac book pro and an iPad. The ipad will be used as base camera in the MH. Add to that we recently got the ZTE Mobley wifi from AT&T for $20 a month with unlimited data. I've been streaming netflix, amazon etc. to our smart TV's without a hic cup. This app should work just fine. We'll see on our next trip next week.

I just did a test at home. Loaded the manything app on my iphone and then went to anything.com on my mac book and was watching live what my phones camera was pointing at. Always wondered what our two girls were doing while we're away.