SSI serves security installing contractors providing systems and services; surveillance, access control, biometrics, fire alarm and home control/automation. Coverage in commercial and residential product applications, designs, techniques, operations.
Issue link: https://securitysales.epubxp.com/i/166764
MUNICIPAL VIDEO SURVEILLANCE (far left) A wireless radio mounted atop at light pole transmits high-defnition images from a 2-megapixel Sentry360 pan/tilt/ zoom (p/t/z) dome camera back to police headquarters. (immediate left) Digital Networks Group of Aliso Viejo, Calif., provided a custom-built 80TB fle server by Seneca that stores data for up to two years. Video from the four-camera solution is streamed, recorded and managed with the Ocularis video management system (VMS) by OnSSI. PHOTOS: KELLY BRACKEN drew a little bit too much to meet our needs. So, we went with a Canon p/t/z that uses a lot lower wattage, which allowed us to use a smaller solar panel system," he says. Completing the installation in January, Cox also provided the police department's head-end equipment for the system, including a seven-foot equipment rack and the server. He custom built an 80TB f le server by Seneca that stores data for up to two years. Cox also selected the Ocularis video management system (VMS) by OnSSI for streaming, recording and managing the video. Ofcers can view video feeds on a large wall-mounted screen in the command center; plus, in a separate workplace, the ofcer in charge can view and manipulate the cameras from a desktop PC monitor. "We can monitor the cameras in real-time, but they more for the purpose of reviewing video after a crime and look to see if the car drove through an intersection," Starks says. "Te video plays extremely smoothly and we have the ability to zoom in to retrieve license plates from both live and recorded feeds." 1,080p resolution and 30x zoom. But Cox had his work cut out for him to fnd a camera with a lower power draw to match with the solar unit. Te photovoltaic system he installed comprises a solar panel mounted in a southerly direction. Te panel is wired to a series of four car batteries. When the sun is not shining, the batteries kick in. "Te batteries power a 110-volt inverter. So we go from a 12-volt system back out to a 110volt system," Cox explains. "Te 110-volt system powers our cameras and wireless radio, as well as the blowers and housing and everything." Although the Fluidmesh wireless radios use very low-voltage PoE, the additional power draw of the Sentry360 camera forced Cox to conduct an extensive search for a diferent model in order to meet the limits of the solar panel system. "We had to go with a very low-wattage camera. Te Sentry360 Rodney Bosch is Managing Editor of SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION. He can be contacted at rodney.bosch@securitysales.com or (310) 533-2426. 3 KEYS TO PLAYING IN THE MUNICIPAL VIDEO SURVEILLANCE MARKET T here are many variables unique to working with municipalities, including law enforcement agencies, when it comes to winning video surveillance projects. Here are three important factors to consider. FUNDING A big challenge in working with municipalities and law enforcement is funding. The most successful integrators have a very indepth understanding of all the purchasing vehicles available and provide not only guidance on the technology but also on how to get grants and funding for the project. In the past fve years, federal funding has been shrinking dramatically so it is becoming harder and harder to get large grants. This is forcing many municipalities to put projects on hold and postpone them or to fnd more cost-effective solutions. INTEROPERABILITY A signifcant aspect of working with municipalities and law enforcement is interoperability. Any integrator that wants to be successful should have a very in-depth understanding of all the technologies and tools available today to assist a police depart- 96 / SECURITYSALES.COM / SEPTEMBER 2013 ment in addressing interoperability. Wireless networks are a key component of the interoperability challenge as they provide a common platform that can be used to connect multiple agencies and assets together. There is an ongoing desire in being able to access and share information with other departments and other counties in a seamless way. A standalone video surveillance system is not going to cut it anymore. DUE DILLIGENCE When deploying a wireless mesh network for municipalities, an integrator should direct particular attention at what assets are made available to them to mount the equipment. Increasingly, integrators are getting into trouble because they have not conducted the right due diligence in understanding who owned the physical infrastructure and wasting months to get permission to use it. Light poles, buildings, and traffc lights may be owned by different authorities that may or may not be involved or even aware of a project making the process very costly and time consuming. — Cosimo Malesci, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Fluidmesh Networks