CCTV

Feb 1, 1998 12:00 PM, AC&SSI Staff

A remote surveillance system is assisting the officers of New Scotland Yard in their fight against crime. The system, which comprises a JVC compact digital camera, a laptop computer and a global system for mobile telephone communications, is being tested by London's Metropolitan Police force, and, if successful, could be introduced throughout London, according to the London Press Service. The system enables officers to covertly capture video images of suspected criminals or criminal activity and send the images to the main police bulletin board via modem. Sergeant Paul Maddocks of the New Scotland Yard crime policy unit commented that the system could be important to intelligence-led policing, reports the London Press Service.

Self-supporting camera towers add strength and versatility to security and surveillance systems, according to manufacturer PiRod Inc., Plymouth, Ind. Completely fabricated tower sections have no bolted assemblies and are stacked together using PiRod's "pin and cup" leg connections. The towers are designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 125mph while holding as many as two cameras and one 6-foot sidearm bracket, says the maker. The towers are available in heights ranging from 10 to 50 feet as well as in custom heights. All towers are equipped with a top camera mounting plate, mounting struts for a camera box, a lightning rod and ground kit, a standing ledge, anchor bolts, and a full-size anchor bolt template. Optional accessories include an additional set of box-mounting struts, a safety climb device with cable, hardware with belt, a 6-foot sidearm camera mounting assembly, a pipe mount for a 2-foot microwave dish and anti-climb materials.

The SpeKtrum exit sign covert camera is a CCD camera built into a functioning exit sign that is powerful enough to allow clear vision in an unlit room or hallway, says maker Vision Quest Inc., Springfield, Mo. The camera is available in black-and-white or color. The black-and-white model EXB1305PHA features a 5mm pinhole lens, 420 TV lines of horizontal resolution, 0.1 lux, auto electronic shutter control and includes audio. The color model EXC1337PH uses a 3.7mm pinhole lens, 300 lines of horizontal resolution and 5 lux. Both models are powered from the exit sign.

The Colorsentry PI-865C PIR detector color camera is designed for discreet surveillance, according to manufacturer CCTV Corp., South Hackensack, N.J. It features more than 325 lines of resolution, a sensitivity of 0.4 lux, a built-in electronic shutter, and through-the-lens white balance for true color rendition in all lighting conditions, says the maker. The camera comes with a 3.6 or 5.5mm lens and a 12v DC power module.

Two new monitor shelves feature 16-inch centers for secure wall mounting and a front retainer lip and optional safety straps to secure monitors in place, according to maker Winsted Corp., Minneapolis. Model 11082 holds up to three 9-inch monitors and is 33 inches wide; model 11081 holds one monitor and is 17 inches wide. Both models are 18 inches deep. The shelves also feature an adjustable tilting tray and a pearl-gray, baked-enamel finish.

The KPT811X 12-in-1 Pinhole Lens Kit permits assembly of 12 different covert pinhole lens combinations. >From Visual Methods, Westwood, N.J., the kit is compatible with most C or CS mount 1/2-, 1/3- or 1/4-inch format monochrome and color CCD cameras. The lenses are rated at f/2 and have an adjustable manual iris. Lens combinations that can be assembled from the kit include: straight pinhole lenses with focal lengths of 8, 11, 16 or 22mm; right angle with 8, 11, 16 or 22mm; straight sprinkler head with 11 or 22mm; and right-angle sprinkler head with 11 or 22mm.

The V100 bullet-resistant, all-weather surveillance camera can withstand assault from a 9mm handgun or a 12-gauge shotgun, according to maker Silent Witness, Surrey, British Columbia. Measuring 5x3.5 inches, the V100 meets UL 752 requirements for bullet-resistant equipment. It is enclosed in a marine-grade, aluminum enclosure and comes assembled and tested with a color or monochrome camera, lens, enclosure and universal mounting hardware.

The TV-100 Micro-Cam miniature audio/video surveillance system from STA Products, Farmingdale, N.Y., contains a black-and-white CCD camera with wide-angle lens and a built-in condenser microphone, both with a range of 45 feet. A 45-foot cable enables plug-and-play connection to a television or video recorder and carries 9 volts. A phono jack power supply connector and AC adapter are included.

The VST10CAplus receiver and transmitter from Vision Systems, Hingham, Mass., has been enhanced with improved image update rate; "alarm type" at the transmitter; receiver special options menu, including date format, intercom options and an intercom delay period; alarm beeper timeout; a push-to-talk option; and additional telemetry station support.

Self-lowering surveillance camera poles offer access to cameras used to monitor parking lots, perimeter fences, entrance gates and other remote areas, according to manufacturer Millerbernd Manufacturing Co., Winsted, Minn. The poles are made of continuously tapered, octagonal steel shafts that are vertically seam-welded. And because the shafts are counterweighted, one person can lower a camera to the ground in minutes, using an internal, hand-powered winch, says the maker. Poles are available in heights of 25 to 50 feet.

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