How to Install a Wireless Surveillance System

Wireless surveillance systems are easier to install than hard-wired systems and offer more flexibility in positioning. Whereas many consumer-grade hard-wired surveillance cameras must be positioned on or near the recording device, wireless cameras can be put virtually anywhere within your home or business. Wireless cameras transmit radio signals to a receiver that is connected to the recording device. The only limitation is the range of the transmitter.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Assess vulnerable areas in rooms you want to monitor. Points of entry such as windows, doors, and exterior gates should be watched to prevent breaking and entering.

2. Diagram where your cameras should go in order to monitor the targets you have chosen. Determine how many cameras you need in your surveillance system.

3. Mount cameras in locations according to your diagram and the manufacturer's instructions. You can install cameras on the ceilings or the walls.

4. Place cameras on pieces of furniture or architectural elements with good vantage points of the room if you don't want to install them permanently.

5. Connect the receiver to a VCR, DVR or your computer, using the cable supplied. The receiver is the only hard-wired part of the system.

6. Turn on cameras and the receiver. Follow any instructions necessary to link the transmitters in the cameras to the receiver. Some systems have one receiver for all cameras, while others have multiple receivers.

7. Install software for video recording on your computer if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure high-value areas are within the line of sight of your surveillance cameras. For example, if you are monitoring a construction team in your home, the desk where you keep important financial documents is a good place to monitor.
• Broadcast video images live to your television or a separate monitor if you don't want to record them. Use this option with exterior cameras so you can see who is approaching your home while you remain inside.
• To save tape or digital space, buy motion-detector surveillance cameras and systems that only record when something moves into the frame.