DIY: Homemade Infrared Home Security
Setting up your own infrared home security system is not difficult. You need a webcam, a free piece of software, a connection to the Internet and a few other things that you can find around your home. Put them together and you have a high-tech security system that can see people even when it's dark out.
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Things You'll Need
- Webcam
- Glue
- Screwdriver
- Piece of film negative
- Home security monitoring software
Instructions
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Take apart your webcam by prying it open with a flat-head screwdriver.
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2
Find the charged couple device (CCD) that sits behind the lens. It will be square and will have a red-colored piece of glass sitting on top of it. This is the infrared filter and will need to be removed.
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3
Gently pry the infrared filter off of the CCD and replace it with the black film negative strips. You will need to use a spot of craft glue to make it stick. Wait about 20 to 30 minutes for it to dry.
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4
Put your webcam back together by using the glue. Wait 20 to 30 minutes for it to dry.
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Take photos with your infrared camera. You should now be able to see in complete darkness with your webcam. The picture will be washed out and in black and white, but it should be visible.
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Set up your webcam in the area that you wish to guard. Make sure that the webcam is steady and that you get a clear picture of the area.
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Go to HomeCamera.com, register, download and install the software. Once installed, the program will walk you through the setup wizard that will help you to configure it. You will need to name the camera, and when you come to the window that says “Enable Motion Detection” click on the check box. Enter a valid email address and phone number where you can receive text messages.
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Monitor your cameras. Any time someone walks by the camera, you will get a text message or email that your camera has been activated. When you log in to the HomeCamera website you will see the recording.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit web camera isolated on white background image by Anatoly Tiplyashin from Fotolia.com
