How to Make a Simple Security Camera

How to Make a Simple Security Camera How to Make a Simple Security Camera Closed-circuit television (CCTV) is the most common example of video cameras used to transmit signals to a specific set and on a limited set of monitors. But the device is pretty expensive for domestic use and also the required set up is huge and much complex which cannot be adapted to your domestic requirements. So the simplest option to make a security camera is to convert the existing camera on your PC or webcam into a motion-detecting and recording security camera. This will serve a number of security purposes without incurring any additional cost for securing your home. It will capture the picture of any intruder to your house and even of those people using your compound as a shortcut for crossing the road. You can also catch someone using the PC without your knowledge. So there is no need of installing any additional spyware or toolbar on your PC.

Required Tools

• A PC running preferably on Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP
• A webcam
• An open source and free webcam utility Dorgem

Instructions

1. Before starting this process ensure that your webcam is already installed. If you are using an old model and do not have the installed CD then you have option but to download the drivers from some webcam vendors.

2. Download and install Dorgem through a straight forward process by clicking on the Next button a number of times.

3. Launch Dorgem and add your Webcam by selecting from the Camera selection drop-down list.

4. See the current view of your webcam by clicking on the Preview button and adjust the camera face physically to face the area you want it to monitor.

5. Adjust the settings like Brightness and Contrast by clicking on the Source button. When you have checked and are happy with the results, click OK.

6. Click on the Option button and place a check in the box named Use motion detection. There are some models of webcams which requires Dorgem to “reconnect” after a certain period if it detects no motions. Set the reconnecting time at 5 minutes or higher as it will otherwise result in taking a lot of pictures.

7. After setting the motion detection click on OK, return to the main Dorgem window. Now you have to create a profile which is referred as Storage events by Dorgem. Create an event by clicking on the Store settings button. Choose File and click on OK.

8. Enter a Name for this event and check the Enable checkbox. If you want the images to be captured closely together then set an interval of 1 or 2 seconds. But you have to set the interval a bit higher if you are expecting a lot of motion which can be detected by the camera. However, you have option to modify the settings in future so you can experiment.

9. Click on the button appearing next to Filename field. Now you have to set the folder where your images will be saved. Also you have to decide the actual filename for each of the images. Ensure that you set each file name as unique otherwise Dorgem will overwrite the old picture with new ones. If you want to add a time-stamp to your image then enter the characters %g. If you want to add current year then use %G in the file name.

10. Click on the Close button and return to the main Dorgem window.

11. Now you can check how your security camera is working simply by waving your hands in front of the camera or just by throwing something in front of it. If the setting is done correctly then it will take some photos and save in the folder specified by you. You can simply open the folder and view the photos.