cctv 2026 Upgrade evaluation

(Dome Version) Mockup of a New Surveillance Light Pole

1) It's going to be ugly.

2) I can't find anything (e.g. coupling, adapter, etc.) to put 2 3 inch od pipes together. Weld or get a different pole and bullhorn?

3) For $159.88 I can get 4 backup cameras and a backup 4 channel NVR.

4) For 389.98 I can get a name brand (Reolink) 8 Channel NVR and 4 cameras.

5) For $800.00 I can get get a 2 name brand (Reolink) 8 Channel NVRs and 8 cameras.

bullhorn: 3.00" OD, 2.746" ID
pole....: 3.00" OD, 2.872" ID

2026 Amazon Purchase February 24, 2026 - PoE Security Camera System $159.88

UPDATE: 3 of the 4 cameras filled up with water!

NVR with 500 GB hard drive, 4 cameras that can read license plates, and 4 network cables for only $159.88? Sign me up!"

500 GB hard drive ($50 value), 4 cameras (4 x $25 = $100 value), NVR ($125 value), CAT6 Cables (too short for my application) = $225 value) .

Brand: 5iktery

Security System Components: Complete surveillance system includes 4 outdoor/indoor cameras, 4K NVR recorder with pre-installed 500GB HDD for continuous recording

Smart Detection Technology: Advanced system features person, pet, and vehicle detection capabilities for enhanced security monitoring

Recording Capability: Professional-grade NVR system provides 24/7 continuous recording with high-quality video storage and playback

Power over Ethernet: PoE technology enables simplified installation with single cable solution for both power and data transmission

Video Quality: High-resolution 5MP cameras deliver crystal clear footage with superior detail and clarity in all lighting conditions

2026 Amazon Purchase March 3, 2026 - REOLINK PTZ Security Camera $189.99

Brand: REOLINK
Model: Tracmix POE
UID: 9527000KDQYU1LL9

The new NVR had lots of PTZ controls so I treated myself to a good PTZ camera.

DUAL VIEW ON ONE SCREEN: See exactly what's happening around your home with dual view on one screen. The 8mm telephoto lens captures close-up details, while the 2.8mm wide-angle lens brings a panoramic view.

AUTO TRACKING & 6X HYBRID ZOOM: The wide-angle PT lens tracks the target; while the telephoto lens zooms in to focus on details. The close-up view delivers 2MP or 4K views automatically. You can choose three different tracking modes to better suit your needs.

SMART DETECTION & PLAYBACK: The camera can detect and closely follow the movements of people, vehicles and pets. Besides, you can replay the saved videos, filter them by detection modes and control the timeline to quickly locate what you want to see. No subscription fee is needed.

INSTANT ALERTS: Once any suspicious motions are detected, spotlights and sirens will be triggered, and push/email notifications will be sent to your device. Feel safe all the time.

RELIABLE CONNECTION WITH PoE: Thanks to the PoE technology, this security camera can load 4K HD images in unparalleled stability. You can install the camera quickly and nicely with only one network cable. NOTE: IEEE802.3af PoE switch/PoE Injector/Reolink PoE NVR needed, not included. Please upgrade your Reolink NVR with Hw H3MB18/N2MB02/N3MB01 to the latest firmware version for dual-lens viewing on the monitor UI

Display and control the Cameras that came in the kit in a Browser

See me for login credentials. I can't find the info needed to add these cameras to the Reolink client.

the 4 cameras from the 5iktery kit connected to the 5iktery NVR:

the Reolink Trackmix camera connected to the 5iktery NVR:

Display and control the REOLINK PTZ Camera in the REOLINK client

I can't disply this camera in a web browser like the other cameras and I don't know why.

Reolink Client (can be found here)

Evaluation Setup - DVR and NVR

Evaluation Setup - Cameras

Evaluation Results - incomplete

Issues:

Next Step: If the budget allows I think I will purchase a Reolink 8 channel NVR with 4 POE cameras for under $500. This will create higher quality videos and provide for a backup NVR and cameras. Wow that's pretty pricey compared to what I've spent in the las 20 years on CCTV stuff.

Evaluation Notes (i.e., stuff I learned)

IPscanner/Advanced_IP_Scanner_2.5.4594.1.exe

can install or run both options give the oportunity to download and inatall Active X control/app C:/program Files/WebLocalPlayer

during the install/or run process it will throw an error that msvcp140.dll and/or msvcp140_1.dll can't be found I've search PCs for the dlls and copied them to all kind of places (I can't remember where) "The Internet" says to copy to C:/Windows/System32 regardless where you put it, it seems requires a restart

When the app starts up it says to start the control by executing this: C:/program Files/WebLocalPlayer/IPCLocalPlayer.exe

IPCamera Browser App

After WebLocalPlayer is installed, when you type a camera IP address (e.g., http://192.168.0.3) into the browser (e.g., Firefox) the IPCamera app pops up asking for camera credentials (Username and Password)

camera itself acts as a web server

When you type a CCTV camera's/dvr's/nvr's IP address into a web browser, the device itself acts as a web server, serving up a pre-installed web application (firmware) that the browser simply displays . The browser does not "decide" which app to use; rather, it makes an HTTP request to the camera/DVR/NVR , which sends back the HTML, JavaScript, or video stream tailored to that device.

Web Apps

IPCamera app - installed by WebLocalPlayer used by the 5IKTERY security kit cameras
Reolink Client app - installed by reolink_client_04025927df1623502271f3de.exe download used by Reolink devices (e.g., TrackMix POE Camera)
Zosi Smart App - installed by AVSS2.2.4 download used by Zosi DVRs and cameras

Amazon Purchase

Pole Assembly

Amazon Purchase

Ebay Purchase

Amazon Purchase

Amazon Purchase

Information - shielded vs unshielded

Shopping - 1,000 ft cat 6 shielded

Shopping - 1,000 ft cat 6 unshielded

Shopping

Shopping/looking

17 in. 90-Degree Quad Bullhorn Mounting Bracket Tenon Adapter for Round Outdoor Pole Lights

It is precisely tailored to fit 2-3/8 inch O.D. tenons or light pole tops.

Compatible with poles up to 2.5" in diameter

J&H LED Model # JH-1QBH90-54C

Shopping/looking

CK4 4 Light Crossarm, 4@180 Top, Wood Pole Mount $1,135.00

Other examples are on pages that request "contact for a quote" = very expensive!

Shopping/looking at desiccant

Shopping/looking at cool RJ45 Termination Plugs

Shopping/looking at cool RJ45 Termination Plugs

Shopping/looking at cool RJ45 Termination Plugs

Information - IP Rating

For enclosures, the typical waterproof IP ratings are IP67, IP66, and IP65 enclosures. The chart below gives the specifics of what these ratings mean and how they are measured.

Shopping/looking

3-30-2026 Amazon Purchase - Fancy Rj45 Plug $31.15

AMPCOM STP RJ45 Connector CAT6A Tool-Free Ethernet Field Termination plugs

The robust metal foreign trade of zinc alloy provides excellent shielding and the solid wire allows for better heat dissipation

Ethernet field terminal for easier installation without crimping tools, also available for T568A or T568B cabling

POE+ and POE++ compliant, supporting shielded 22AWG to 24AWG Ethernet cables with diameters greater than 7 to 8.5 mm

Package: Zinc-Alloy CAT6A Tool-Free Ethernet Field Termination Modular Plug -12 Pack

3-30-2026 Amazon Purchase - 3 Tier Rolling Cart $39.99

HOOBRO Industrial Printer Stand with Charging Station, 3-Tier Printer Table,

Rolling Printer Cart with Adjustable Shelf and Hook,

Rustic Brown and Black BF28UPS01

3-30-2026 Amazon Purchase - 100 Zip Tie Saddles $8.59

50 pieces 21.5 x 15 x 9mm and 50 piece 15 x 9.5 x 7mm Cable Tie Saddle Base Anchor for Securing Cables Wires Cords

3-30-2026 Amazon Purchase - REOLINK NVR and Camera Kit $389.99

Brand: REOLINK
Device Name: NVR
Model: RLN8-410
Hardware Version: N7MB01
UID: 9527000K1GZHEMTO
IP: 192.168.0.128
Connection Type: DHCP

Brand: REOLINK
Device Name: B500A
Model: B500
UID: unknown for kit cams
IP: 172.16.25.2:9000

Brand: REOLINK
Device Name: B500B
Model: B500
UID: unknown for kit cams
IP: 172.16.25.4:9000

Brand: REOLINK
Device Name: B500C
Model: B500
UID: unknown for kit cams
IP: 172.16.25.5:9000

Brand: REOLINK
Device Name: B500BK1
Model: B500
UID: unknown for kit cams
IP: 172.16.25.7:9000

Brand: REOLINK
Device Name: B500A
Model: B500
UID: unknown for kit cams
IP: 172.16.25.2:9000

REOLINK 5MP Security PoE Camera, Surveillance Outdoor Indoor, Human/Vehicle/Pet Detection, 100ft IR Night Vision, Work with Smart Home, Support 512GB SD Card, Time-Lapse, RLC-510A(Black)

Smart Person/Animal/Vehicle Detection – Smart PoE IP cameras can identify people, animals, and vehicles, minimizing unwanted alerts such as those triggered by animals or shadows. Cameras can also be configured to specify the type of detection when sending alerts to you. Know what happened simply by glancing at the lock screen.

Stunning HD Display – This poe security camera system displays at a 2560 × 1920 HD resolution, providing users with crystal-clear footage both during the day and at night.

Plug and Play PoE System – The home security camera system includes four 60 ft CAT5 network cables, allowing for easy installation and setup. After connecting the security cameras to the NVR ports, recording and live views can be accessed within seconds via an HDMI monitor.

Stable Connection and Digital Signal – Unlike CCTV DVR systems, this wired security camera system‘s video will not lose quality or be degraded by faulty cables. A strong digital signal maintains a 5 MP high-definition image via 330 ft CAT6 or 270 ft CAT5 Ethernet cables. Users will never have to worry about signal degradation from coaxial cables or analog cameras within 100 ft.

HDD Storage and Remote Playback – With a pre-installed 2TB HDD, videos can be recorded and stored for ten days without overwriting. Users can add one additional external 8TB HDD via the camera’s e-SATA port. With the free Reolink app, all videos can be played back through your smart device anywhere, anytime.

3-30-2026 Amazon Purchase - Backup Bullet Camera $46.74

Brand: REOLINK
Model: IP CAMERA Model RLC-510A
UID: 9527000J2P217L36

REOLINK 5MP Security PoE Camera, Surveillance Outdoor Indoor, Human/Vehicle/Pet Detection, 100ft IR Night Vision, Work with Smart Home, Support 512GB SD Card, Time-Lapse, RLC-510A(Black)

SMART PERSON/VEHICLE/ANIMAL DETECTION: Say goodbye to unwanted alarms. With advanced person/vehicle/animal detection, the camera identifies genuine threats using cutting-edge algorithms, providing you with ultimate peace of mind. Animal detection is supported if your camera's firmware is updated to the latest version.

Exceptional 5MP Super HD: Boasting a high resolution of 2560x1920 at 25FPS, with nearly 5 million pixels, RLC-510A security IP cam can capture crystal clear video with fine details. With the built-in microphone, it also picks up ambient sound for an extra layer of security.

PoE Faster Installation: This POE IP security camera uses a single Ethernet cable to transmit both data and power. Simplified wiring means easier and clean installation. Plug-and-Play reliable connection for DIY enthusiasts.

Free App and Remote Access: the 5mp poe security cameras can live stream to your TV in real-time using simple voice-activated commands. Rich feature and functions in Reolink free apps for iPhone, Android, Windows PC, Mac with no subscription fee, intuitive and easy to navigate with your Reolink PoE security camera systems.

IP67 Waterproof for Outdoor/Indoor Use: The metal housing and body make this outdoor PoE camera waterproof. It works perfectly both inside and outside your house, in any harsh weather conditions.

3-31-2026 Polos Tire Shop - Pole Mod

Modified the pole to fit onto the bullhorn. The shop has a collection of old trucks in the parking lot.

4-3-2026 Camera PoleCable Length Calculation

To Do as of 4-3-2026:

To Do - acquire a Zosi DVR with direct Wi-Fi connectivity Capability:

Several Zosi DVR models support direct Wi-Fi connectivity via a USB Wi-Fi dongle, allowing the DVR to connect to a router wirelessly for remote viewing. These systems generally require a specific USB Wi-Fi module based on the Ralink RT5370 or RT3070 chipset to function properly.

According to Zosi, the following DVR models (and often their variants) are compatible with the USB Wi-Fi adapter:

4-Channel Series: ZR04ZN, ZR04ZM, ZR04FN, ZR04FM, ZR04CN, ZR04CM, ZR04VN, ZR04VM

8-Channel Series: ZR08ZN, ZR08ZM, ZR08FN, ZR08FM, ZR08JM, ZR08JN, ZR08BN, ZR08BM, ZR08CN, ZR08CM, ZR08MN, ZR08WN, ZR08VN, ZR08VM, ZR08VU, ZR08AU, ZR08AR, ZR16ZK

Other: Many H.265+ 5MP Lite and 1080p DVR kits also support this feature.

Specific USB Wi-Fi Module

The recommended dongle must be compatible with the Ralink RT5370 chipset, which works with Zosi's Linux kernel 2.6 or higher, supporting speeds up to 150 Mbps. Recommended Module: Ralink RT5370 or RT3070 USB WiFi Adapter. Features: Integrated antenna, 802.11b/g/n, USB 2.0

Replace "Bird" DRV - with ZOSI DVR serial

Replace "Bird" DRV - with ZOSI DVR

Replace "Bird" DRV - with ZOSI WIFI Adapter

Replace "Bird" DRV - with ZOSI WIFI Adapter discovered