Using the XCam2 with a remote so that you can see pictures over the net, or watch them on their television screen whenever anything happens, has been a favorite of our customers. So much so that we're constantly asked, "How can I do this with more than one camera?" Well, we're going to show you.

We're going to use the four-camera setup here, but you can use however many cameras you wish, up to 16 maximum (but groups of 4 work best). Also, keep in mind that you will need a motion sensor for each camera in order to have them operate independently of each other.

For this project you'll need the XCam2 (VK49AS) or the XCam2 WideEye (XX13A), the Wireless Receiver (VK30A), either a Hawkeye Motion Sensor (MS13A) or an EagleEye Motion Sensor (MS14A), and an X10 Transceiver (RR501 or TM751). And with that, we're ready to begin.

                  

First things first. Let's start with the cameras.

The first thing you'll need to do is set up the camera to the receiver. So first set the receiver's address, i.e. A-B-C-D. This address is located on the bottom of the receiver under the word "Channel." Now set your camera's address to match, either A-B-C-D. You'll find the address just off to the left of your camera's lens, under the small rubber plug. A is closest to the antenna, and D is furthest away. The easiest way to set these is to use a paper clip.

         

Next, you need to set the address on your XCam2 Power Supply. You'll want to set it up so that it looks something like this: A-1; A-2; A-3; A-4. (A is just a logical start. These numbers are set on the dials of the power supply. Some of you may prefer to use any of the other letters. The only thing to remember here is to make sure that the letters all match and the numbers are all lined up sequentially.)

Now plug your transceiver into an AC outlet. Make sure that the house code on your transceiver is set to the same code as the cameras and motion sensors.

Now it's time to hook up the receivers to your TV or VCR.

To display the action on your TV, use the coaxial "To TV" output on the receiver. Then set the "TV Channel" switch on the underside to either 3 or 4. If you prefer to record the action, use the "Video Out" to send the images to your VCR (or another input). You do not need to set the channel switch when doing this. NOTE: You must choose between TV or VCR. You cannot use both outputs.

At this point you'll want to make sure your antennas face the receivers. A small matter we know, but sometimes the littlest things can cause the biggest problems.

Now the motion sensors.

Next, we will want to set up the motion sensors. For this, you will need one motion detector for each camera. You'll want to set the motion sensors in the same area as the camera, but be sure and place it so that the motion will most likely be across the field of view of the camera, rather than toward the motion sensor.

How you set up the motion sensors will depend on the motion sensors you're using, i.e. EagleEye or HawkEye. In various other How2s, we show you the process of setting up the motion sensors. But whichever motion sensor you're using, make sure that it matches the address of the camera it's scheduled to run. For a How2 on setting up your motion sensor, refer to the How2 entitled "Detecting the Mail," and "How to Set Up Your Indoor Motion Detector." For viewing your pictures over the net, then refer to the "Ring Your Doorbell at Work" article.

You're now ready to access any camera you want, as soon as your motion sensor detects any kind of motion. When movement is detected by the motion sensor, it will turn that camera on, and turn the other cameras off. This means that you will be able to see through the camera that has detected the motion.

But remember, as one of our Wacky Warning Label contest winners noted; "X10 cameras will show all action being viewed by the camera when connected to a monitor."

Now go out there and be a star.

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