The other day I had both cameras fail and guessed it was the Access Point but after closer look it appears to be the cameras. Looking at the Amcrest IP cameras I'm wondering if the IP4M-1028B camera will fit the bill. A very important feature I must have is the ability to turn the IR lights on/off as this is in an observatory and the CCD cameras are very sensitive to IR light. Basically if I can control the lights and pan I'm golden. There's an access point in the control room and it would be a max of 20' from the cameras. The old Foscams worked for years without issue so I'm hoping these would do as good or better job. The Foscam cameras were indoor cameras but were sheltered.
Are there any screen shots of the controlling software? Is there a Windows program for these of is everything smart phone based? Thanks for any input.
Replacing 2 - Foscam FI8918W Cameras
Re: Replacing 2 - Foscam FI8918W Cameras
Hello and welcome to the Forum...
Yes there is some Windows based program that you can use. Amcrest Surveillance Pro, and IE with a Plug in. I use the Chrome App most of the time from my PC...
While I don't have that Camera my older camera does have Smart IR and seeing I have played around with it before just leaving my Night Time Color. I would have it off if I so choose even before picking full night color. So I would guess that the newer ones would have same or better ability to control the IR.
So then there is one thing I am or might be confused about you Mention Pan? If you don't have these connected to a Motor for pan then this camera isn't going to do what you want... This camera I think is a 4mp 2.8mm Fixed lens camera. I know there are mounts out there that could offer movements so maybe your connecting to one. If not and want Pan need to find a camera with Pan as a option...
Yes there is some Windows based program that you can use. Amcrest Surveillance Pro, and IE with a Plug in. I use the Chrome App most of the time from my PC...
While I don't have that Camera my older camera does have Smart IR and seeing I have played around with it before just leaving my Night Time Color. I would have it off if I so choose even before picking full night color. So I would guess that the newer ones would have same or better ability to control the IR.
So then there is one thing I am or might be confused about you Mention Pan? If you don't have these connected to a Motor for pan then this camera isn't going to do what you want... This camera I think is a 4mp 2.8mm Fixed lens camera. I know there are mounts out there that could offer movements so maybe your connecting to one. If not and want Pan need to find a camera with Pan as a option...
Be Safe.
Re: Replacing 2 - Foscam FI8918W Cameras
We used to have an observatory with a 5M dome. I did the technical work for automation, CCD imaging, remote access, etc. Your post reminds me of those days... I don't know how big your observatory is, but perhaps the IP2m-841 would work for you. I believe 2M would be better for your use. Compared to the IP4M-1028, it has better low light capability, pan/tilt, and if its 10M IR distance isn't enough, it has a button on the Live PC screen that controls an external alarm that could be used to turn the observatory white lights on/off with a little DIY work. IP2m-841 Working Environment -10°C~+45°C, Less than 95%RH. I don't use this camera, bur below is a link to the IP2M-841 User Manual.sreilly24590 wrote: The other day I had both cameras fail and guessed it was the Access Point but after closer look it appears to be the cameras. Looking at the Amcrest IP cameras I'm wondering if the IP4M-1028B camera will fit the bill. A very important feature I must have is the ability to turn the IR lights on/off as this is in an observatory and the CCD cameras are very sensitive to IR light. Basically if I can control the lights and pan I'm golden. There's an access point in the control room and it would be a max of 20' from the cameras. The old Foscams worked for years without issue so I'm hoping these would do as good or better job. The Foscam cameras were indoor cameras but were sheltered.
Are there any screen shots of the controlling software? Is there a Windows program for these of is everything smart phone based? Thanks for any input.
https://support.amcrest.com/hc/en-us/ar ... -IP2M-841-
Using the PC IE Amcrest UI, page 73 shows the Live screen, and page 81 shows the Night Vision setting where you can turn the IR light on/off. Day & Night setting there can be left at factory defaults.
Probably not needed, but two higher end Amcrest cameras are IP2M-846 and IP2M-866.
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sreilly24590
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Fri Sep 20, 2019 10:35 am
Re: Replacing 2 - Foscam FI8918W Cameras
Thanks for the replies. Looks like I'm on the right track. I did manage to get of the cameras somewhat functional by hard wire CAT5 but it needs replacing and the camera Jack7 mentioned seems to fit the bill.
As for the observatory I've set up a number of these for universities and personal uses working with a friend that owns Optical Guidance Systems just outside of Philadelphia. All have had some form of IP camera for visual inspection needs and to help trouble shoot if needed. Some have had simple webcams and remote lights but my roll off roof observatory with the warm room is seldom occupied unless it's maintenance work related. It's totally automated using ACP Expert with focusing, pointing and plate solving, weather/cloud sensors, a list of targets with full imaging parameters, roof control and so on. Long gone are the days of sitting up all night babysitting these systems although I do get text messages when something goes awry and that sometimes happens. I still sometimes remote in to troubleshoot these systems but am mostly retired at this point running my observatory at home and a friends imaging system at SRO in California. Those indeed were some days though and a big change for this retired HVAC tech. Of course my specialty was design build zoning systems for home, business, and industry, of course computer programmable and remotely accessed if needed.
Thanks again,
Steve
As for the observatory I've set up a number of these for universities and personal uses working with a friend that owns Optical Guidance Systems just outside of Philadelphia. All have had some form of IP camera for visual inspection needs and to help trouble shoot if needed. Some have had simple webcams and remote lights but my roll off roof observatory with the warm room is seldom occupied unless it's maintenance work related. It's totally automated using ACP Expert with focusing, pointing and plate solving, weather/cloud sensors, a list of targets with full imaging parameters, roof control and so on. Long gone are the days of sitting up all night babysitting these systems although I do get text messages when something goes awry and that sometimes happens. I still sometimes remote in to troubleshoot these systems but am mostly retired at this point running my observatory at home and a friends imaging system at SRO in California. Those indeed were some days though and a big change for this retired HVAC tech. Of course my specialty was design build zoning systems for home, business, and industry, of course computer programmable and remotely accessed if needed.
Thanks again,
Steve
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sreilly24590
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Fri Sep 20, 2019 10:35 am
Re: Replacing 2 - Foscam FI8918W Cameras
So I should have followed up earlier but I did get the IP2M-841B camera and I do have it working on the Windows 7 computer (desktop) in the observatory warm room. Using the web interface after updating the firmware I now only have access through Chrome and if I don't want/need audio, Firefox. I can no longer access using IE11 and am guessing due to ActiveX.
The only way I've seen to toggle on/off the IR lights is to go each time into camera setup, manually change the IR settings and save. Is there possibly a hot key, shortcut, or maybe better app that allows easier on/off IR control. The purpose of the camera is for visual use when I need to make sure there is roof clearance or visually troubleshoot an issue. I have no circumstance where I need or want it constantly on. The CCD Camera used is very sensitive to near IR light and having them on during imaging sessions is destructive to the camera data. With the Foscam cameras it was two icons on the app to simply toggle the IR. Any other software compatible that may have this feature?
The only way I've seen to toggle on/off the IR lights is to go each time into camera setup, manually change the IR settings and save. Is there possibly a hot key, shortcut, or maybe better app that allows easier on/off IR control. The purpose of the camera is for visual use when I need to make sure there is roof clearance or visually troubleshoot an issue. I have no circumstance where I need or want it constantly on. The CCD Camera used is very sensitive to near IR light and having them on during imaging sessions is destructive to the camera data. With the Foscam cameras it was two icons on the app to simply toggle the IR. Any other software compatible that may have this feature?
Re: Replacing 2 - Foscam FI8918W Cameras
I enjoyed reading your earlier post describing your observatory, etc.
On android or IOS, you could use Amcrest View Pro app which on the live view screen will have a moon icon to turn IR on/off. It will also have icons for two way audio and pan/tilt.
Another good android app is Tinycam Pro which can control the same things.
I don't know of another Windows program to do it but one may exist.
On android or IOS, you could use Amcrest View Pro app which on the live view screen will have a moon icon to turn IR on/off. It will also have icons for two way audio and pan/tilt.
Another good android app is Tinycam Pro which can control the same things.
I don't know of another Windows program to do it but one may exist.
Re: Replacing 2 - Foscam FI8918W Cameras
@ sreilly24590
Here is an alternate Windows program to view cam, turn IR on/off, and pan/tilt. Very simple to use after set up. Start program and cam live view comes up. Two quick clicks to turn IR on. Four quick clicks to turn IR off.
https://www.ipcent.com/mobile/ipcentcom
Pro version required ($4). I've had the Pro version for a year but had to check out IR set up. If you decide you want to try it, I'll describe best way to set up cam and IR.
Here is an alternate Windows program to view cam, turn IR on/off, and pan/tilt. Very simple to use after set up. Start program and cam live view comes up. Two quick clicks to turn IR on. Four quick clicks to turn IR off.
https://www.ipcent.com/mobile/ipcentcom
Pro version required ($4). I've had the Pro version for a year but had to check out IR set up. If you decide you want to try it, I'll describe best way to set up cam and IR.