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Security and Camera Monitoring Systems

Discussion in 'Electronics' started by DOCKMASTER, Jul 16, 2020.

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  1. DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    Looking for some feedback and recommendations for monitoring cameras and possibly alarms. I did a search for this and found minimal info. I posted on this before but had multiple subjects and didn't get a lot of detail so thought I would post again. When I had the boat torn apart for the Repower we pulled camera cables from the E/R to the bridge and installed 4 E/R cameras. We just connected the cameras to my existing SIMRAD NSS12's. What we found is because I have gen 1 NSS screens each screen will only support 2 cameras. So for now we have two cameras on one screen and 2 on another.
    What I would really like to do is have the four cameras on a separate dedicated monitor in the overhead console and not be tied into the Simrad system at all. I would also like the ability to view cameras remotely on my phone, tablet or computer. If possible, potentially adding some additional cameras for the cockpit and maybe salon. Finally, remote monitoring of bilge alarms and fire alarms would be a plus but not essential.
    I'm looking at the GOST system but it seems like perhaps way more capability then I need? Maybe not? Any other recommendations or input on the GOST system? My Simrads will not support any remote monitoring so I have to something stand alone.
  2. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Have you considered a Ring or Night Owl system for cameras?
  3. Alzira II

    Alzira II Member

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    Everything these days on the NMEA 2k network is so interchangeable and all talks to one another. It seems like someone could make a NMEA box that could be upgraded to support exactly what you are asking for with the option of a cellular or satellite chip that could broadcast this data. I know there is the ghost system and maybe this is more like what I am describing than I realize but it seems not. I am also looking for something similar and I have not seems anything really comprehensive. There is no reason to have to have Nest or ring cameras on one system then have separate wired cameras for chart plotter type feeds.

    I am a little busy the next couple years anyone care to develop this.
  4. rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    Again, I've implemented a Lorex security DVD linked to numerous cameras located throughout the ER, Salon, etc. The Lorex DVD is set up to do most everything you want from it, and it can scroll through the cameras and display on most any display. You might need a converter to get the signal aligned with your Simrads, but it certainly will HDMI or VGA or S10 to another display. It will also ethernet to your network and allow access though your vessel wifi.
  5. DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    Thanks. I'll look into the Lorex. I don't need or really want it to interface with my Simrads so that's not an issue.
  6. rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    That's the only hard part, that interface. It has an HDMI output that should feed into your monitor. It has an ethernet port which will link to your network hub. It's easy to set up.
  7. rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    Also, for inside of the boat, to avoid the obtrusive and unsightly equipment, I implemented something like this which just plugged right into the system in lieu of the very large wired cameras. Lots of options out there.
  8. Alzira II

    Alzira II Member

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    That is certainly a good solution for cameras and remote feed. Now if it could tie in with a thermostat control and bilge alarm and GPS tracking.
  9. rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    Lol, put a camera on them. I have a system aboard that I’ve never connected. Actually forgot about it. I need to look that up. Will post it, too.
  10. DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    After much consideration I decided to go with the GOST system. The additional monitoring capability and SAT tracking is appealing. They were good to work with and I liked having a packaged system all set to do what I want. We are currently installing the system.
  11. olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    Based on our experiences, I believe you'll be very happy with GOST.
  12. DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    We are still installing the GOST system. I gave up on the season early due to COVID and so we are taking our time on the install. So far we are very impressed with the system and equally important, the support from GOST. We are installing more functionality then what I originally planned mainly because the system supports it. We will have 4 engine room cameras, a salon camera, and a cockpit camera that looks aft and will cover the door into the salon. All cameras are viewable on a monitor on the bridge or remotely via phone or computer. We will also have alarms for high water, fire/smoke as well as house battery bank voltage and amperage draw. Lastly, we will monitor entry points to the interior of the boat (door, escape hatch, engine room, etc) as well as boat location. All of the remote monitoring is available when a cell signal is present or via satellite.
  13. DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    The GOST system is installed and active. Very happy with the results thus far. It’s great to be able to be at my house or office in another state and pull up the cameras on the boat in Alaska. All the system monitoring is great and really gives me piece of mind.
  14. olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    I think you will be. We've used them for 6 years and using for the boat we're currently building.
  15. rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    Critical failure. Low power alert followed by complete system shutdown and loss. Returned to the boat, found no issues anywhere other than within the GOST system itself. Transformer has both AC in and DC out. Power inside to the circuit boards. Backup battery seems low in power, only 11.4v showing with no system load. My guess, the circuits have stopped sending power through to the unit within the circuitry, and the DC voltage dropped a to a point where the system shut down.

    No one home at GOST nor with the tech that did the install. You'd think at these prices and reputation value there would be a 24/7 on call tech.
  16. DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    What a bummer! My Tech was just complaining the other day about not being able to reach GOST either. Seems like they pretty much shut down entirely once COVID hit. I hope they don’t fold.

    Pleas let us know how you make out with your system repairs and if you are able to get service from them.
  17. rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    Sent the email to GOST Friday night. Received a text back from my installer Saturday morning advising he needed to get with GOST this morning. Received an email from GOST Sunday night late requesting that I call them Monday to discuss, and I responded to please call me first thing Monday morning. I'm going to try to call them shortly.
  18. rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    My install tech spoke with GOST this morning. They sorted out a belief that the issue is with the power transformer, that it is failing when under load despite displaying DC current when tested under no load conditions. While I measured 12v DC output under no load, I was not able to find power on the board inside with that transformer reconnected. Perhaps they're right. A new power supply is being shipped to the boat today.
  19. gr8trn

    gr8trn Senior Member

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    Just to add to DockMasters original question: I have no personal experience other than reading and educating myself on such matters. I have not decided to install such a system. I have come to think that the folks at BRNKL boat security and monitoring are doing this pretty well.