How to Use a Webcam As a Remote Security Camera
A webcam is designed to stream video. While it does not contain all of the added features you would find in a camcorder, it can be used as a remote security camera to monitor a location of your choosing. You will need to wirelessly connect the webcam to your computer. A USB wireless transmission kit can join together the webcam to the computer at distances that are not possible using a USB cable. You can get the kit from an electronics store or from a computer store. Neither the webcam nor the computer will be physically modified to work with the USB wireless transmission kit.
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Things You'll Need
- USB wireless transmitter
- Transmitter power supply
- USB wireless receiver
- Receiver power supply
- USB cable, 6 feet
Instructions
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1
Decide where you want to place the webcam; typical locations would be facing a door or window in a part of a home where someone could enter without being seen. Place the webcam on a flat surface. For example, use a table so that the lens on the front of the webcam faces toward the area to be watched.
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2
Place the USB wireless transmitter next to the webcam. Plug the transmitter power supply power cord into an outlet. Plug the power port of the power supply into the transmitter power port. Plug the end of the USB cable that is attached to the webcam into the USB input, or one of the USB inputs, on the transmitter.
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3
Angle the antenna on the transmitter, if there is one, so that it faces in the general direction of where the computer is located.
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4
Place the USB wireless receiver next to the computer. Plug the receiver power supply power cord into an outlet. Plug the power port of the power supply into the receiver power port. Insert one end of a USB cable into the USB receiver USB output. Insert the other end of the USB cable into a USB port on the computer.
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5
Angle the antenna on the receiver, if there is one, so that it faces in the general direction of where the transmitter is located. You can now use the software that worked with the webcam when it was directly connected to the computer to view the video from your remote security camera.
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Tips & Warnings
Cell phones, microwaves and wireless home networks can all potentially interfere with the signal from a USB transmitter.
