CCTV/Surveilance

I was thinking one of these cctv systems would be really handy to remotely check on your grow, even comes with a mobile app. So in real time you could check water levels (if your hydro), temps, humidity, heavy/falling buds that need tied up, yellow leaves, etc. Even has night vision!

They record onto a hard drive, which could be great for making grow time-lapses/grow journals or check back temps/humidity levels, etc, etc. If someone were from a climate which fluctuates severely, almost daily, this would be brilliant!

With certain models they have motion detection (which can be applied to specific cameras, and an alarm system which could be handy if anyone came to the entrance of a grow, or worse, entered it! Especially good if someone didn't live on the site of their grow.

However someone could be worried that the software and apps provided could be intercepted by the wrong people, or the developers of the software could have access to all the people's feeds who use it and pass your information onto the wrong people, as they could have your IP? Is that just being paranoid or a legitimate concern? Big brother scares me . Anyone have any views on this?

Yeah I used to have that, what you are describing are usually a couple different things though. There are apps that you can check your environmental levels with and can text you if things go outside your set parameters. But the camera stuff is different,mainly just for security/checking to make sure lights are on and what not.

Although I did use the cameras to make sure the watering system was working on days I wasnt there, I would put one of the irrigation tubes into a big mason jar with a ping pong ball in it and I would look at the cam after the watering time to make sure it was floating on top.

I think its tp link that has home automation kits that come with cameras thermostat, leak detectors and smart plugs and they can all be monitored and controlled by an app. Lots of people are using them. You can just have everything plugged into individual smart plugs and turn them on or off at will. U can even run them on a schedule. Great for vacations or remote areas. Pretty affordable too.

For security only, Amazon retails a very decent 4 camera, night vision, remote app viewing, motion-detection DVR system for $250. I think its even cheaper if you're happy to fit your own HD.

From experience I would say don't fall for features such as HD recording (takes up too much space), always go with motion-detection (nobody needs weeks of recorded nothing), and get ready to be drilling holes through walls for cable runs.

Yeah I put links in my original post for this cctv system:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Recorder-Pre-installed-Technology-1280x960-Water-Proof/dp/B00BPMGUEC/ref=sr_1_7?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1468654578&sr=1-7

Didn't realise links don't change colour on rollitup.

This particular system retails in the UK for £150. It comes with an app which allows you to monitor cameras from your phone or tablet. I've looked at some automation systems but they're a bit pricey

Not sure if this helps but I picked up 2 dropcams from Home Depot. 139 each and has an app. Check it any time

I been running my Annke (Amazon) 4cam DVR since I moved into my new place, and I love it. The app works nicely, I can monitor my grow, my entrances, and my kid's bedroom from anywhere. Dropped an HDMI splitter on the output, and now I can see the display in 5 places in the house. (only 3 in use so far, but hey)

I do plan to upgrade to the 8 cam system soon, and yes, running the cables is a fucking whore.... but given the pricing for options, its by far the best way to go.... The night vision infrared LEDs don't seem to bother my plants at all during night cycle either if you are wondering.

My in-room cam has saved the life of several plants, both from noticing "Oh shit I missed one!" (water went dry in bucket) and "Wheres the front one?" (Popped lid and toppled over)

One saved plant pays for the $150-200 system.

(I should point out, originally, we wanted a video baby monitor for the kids room. Its like $80-120 for one of those.... so $150 for 4 cams was a no-brainer, as I had spare hard drives around)