Common Questions - (NOTE: This website is unfinished, but is expected to be launched Sept. 11, 2009) Special consideration should be given to whether the Spy Rocks or Trees are the appropriate home security system to purchase if they will be installed in an area that experiences heavy snowfall since it's possible the camera hole(s) and line of sight can be obstructed in a particular model if the snow depth rises to their level without being manually cleared away as needed. Where are the pre-drilled holes located on the Spy Rocks, Trees?Our Spy Rocks are 50-60 lb. replicas of 800-1,000 lb. real boulders which, in nature, are often one-half to two-thirds below ground. The hidden spy camera holes in the Spy Rocks and Spy Trees are generally pre-drilled at the highest possible, least visible point in the boulder or tree stump. When viewing the models available in our collection, the Spy Rocks and Spy Trees that have a "Hidden Camera Optional" icon next to them will also indicate the typical height of where the hole is pre-drilled on that particular style. Spy Tree model ST12 has the highest hidden camera hole of all the rocks and tree stumps at approx. 20" high while the average height of the surveillance camera holes in our Spy Rock models is 9". Why isn't every rock "Hidden Camera Optional"?Although all of our artificial rocks are exact replicas of real boulders and each of them are attractive, lifelike landscape accents, not every model has the overall height and shape profile to be an effective hidden camera-equipped home security surveillance system platform. Do the wireless cameras require power?While the cameras are designed to send a wireless video direct from the Spy Rock or Tree up to 330 feet away with a clear line of sight to a TV, video cassette recorder (VCR) or digital video recorder (DVR), power is still required to be delivered to each camera to function. This is why one of our key installation tips encourages placement of the Spy Rock or Tree in a location that's convenient to an electrical source or outlet such as a patio, garage or other structure. Since they're manufactured overseas, each camera package includes two 8V power AC adapters to be compatible in the United States. To test the cameras during the initial set-up only, customers usually connect a standard 100-foot, 110V extension cord (plugged into a 110V electrical outlet) into the pronged end of the adapter while the other end is plugged into the camera. After they have set-up the cameras and ensured the wireless transmission to the receiver, they normally hire a licensed handyman or electrician--after approving an estimate--to properly trench and run conduit and wiring to each Spy Rock and Tree--or at least to their general vicinity--so power can be easily accessed. Are the cameras equipped to capture audio?Yes, the cameras can normally capture and transmit quality sound from up to 20 feet away when installed on a building or structure, however the built-in microphone is located in the rear of each camera which--in our application--is concealed inside the hollow of the Spy Rock or Tree, therefore restricting its ability. Most surveillance experts agree that the primary purpose of outdoor security cameras is to record images--rather than sound--since, if the subjects being taped are close enough to the cameras for their voices to be clearly heard, there's a likelihood they will also be close enough to see the device and attempt to disable it, even if located high and out of reach. Furthermore, according to United States federal laws (Title 18, Section 2512), audio should not be used in a "surreptitious manner" which broadly includes all covert or hidden cameras except when used by law enforcement agencies. Is there an on/off switch? Will the cameras draw power when off?Yes, the receiver has a power ON/OFF button. LED so power usage is minima (200mA or about 200/1000 of an amp when ON or 800mA when OFF, compared to a clock radio which draws about 20/1000 of an amp). Will the cameras work in extreme temperatures?The cameras are weatherproof and designed for outdoor usage in temperatures ranging from 14 Fahrenheit to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. What are the cameras' night vision capabilities?Each camera has a built-in infrared light which automatically activates at night or in dark areas for true 24-hour surveillance capabilities (the displayed picture will be in monochrome black & white--not color-- when in night vision mode) with an effective range of approx. 23 feet. Can additional security cameras be added to this system?The two-channel receiver allows only up to two wireless camera connections. Although other systems can accommodate three or more cameras, they operate on crowded 2.4GHz (EXPLAIN). Complex home security systems with 4, 8 and 16 wired and wireless surveillance cameras costing up to several thousand dollars are readily available on the market, but the vast majority of our customers are do-it-yourself (DIY) homeowners who feel the Spy Rock and Tree hidden camera packages we offer adequately meet their security needs...with the added benefit of enhancing their landscaping. Can images from both cameras be displayed simultaneously?The receiver with each package supports up to two cameras, but only images from one camera at a time will display on the screen at one time. This can be adjusted, however, when setting up the receiver preferences. Simply ensure the channel mode control is switched from "M" (or manual mode) to "L" (or channel scan mode) so that both channels--one per camera--take five-second turns with their camera angle view displayed and recorded in a continuous, looped format. When do customers typically turn their home security system on?Ensuring that a home security system effectively serves its purpose--and your investment--requires getting in the habit of properly and regularly using it. The home security cameras included in our packages are designed to be hassle-free and easy-to-use so that the system doesn't become a chore, but rather a simple step that becomes part of a customer's everyday routine when going to bed, leaving to do errands for an hour, or going out of town for the weekend. Locking all the doors....closing the drapes....turning off the stereo...checking the litterbox...and turning your home security receiver ON will be just another item on the checklist when put into practice! How long can the camera images be recorded?Depends on Can we watch the video images on the Internet?The ability to Can we customize the rocks, trees for a different camera system?We don't recommend it for a variety of reasons, but we understand many individuals and companies who are enthusiastic about creating home security systems are resourceful and enjoy a do-it-yourself approach to their installation(s). If a customer has purchased a security camera system elsewhere and wants to use our hidden camera-friendly products, they could conceivably order from the "Hidden Camera Optional" models in our standard collection one or more individual cast stone rocks and trees without pre-drilled holes. Once they receive their order, holes can be drilled with mason bits, carefully enlarged to fit the camera diameter by hand with a round or half-round metal "bastard file," and touched up with our stain (which should be specifically requested in the "Message" field during the online ordering process). Important Note: We are unable to offer any assistance or recommendations to customers choosing to drill or cut holes in our Spy Rock or Spy Tree camouflaged home security products including what equipment to use or not use, how to ensure a snug fit of their camera in the holes they create, etc. Also, by customizing our rocks and tree stumps in any way whatsoever, customers understand--and agree--that our warranty is immediately rendered null and void due to our inability to guarantee the results or final appearance of such workmanship or the effect it might have on the durability or structural integrity of our products. What else do we need to make our home security system complete?Deterence with signs. Don't spread the word about the system you have. When partnered with an in-home system Any tips on where or how to install the Spy Rocks, Trees?Groupings, clear line of site, faced back towards area, don't position towards sun rise or sunset, since the cameras require power, installing the Spy Rock or Tree as close to an outlet as possible (i.e., garage, outdoor patio). night vision has effective range of 23 feet. Customer support for cameras |
