If you live in an apartment, then that means that in all probability your car is going to be left out in the open, with nothing protecting it except a carport. What apartment complexes call "covered parking." If your car is in the "covered parking," then it’s still pretty much at the mercy of the elements, including those elements who would love to get their hands on your car stereo, or whatever else of value you might have hiding in the car. So for this How2, we’re going to show you how to set up your own ParkingCam. This is a fairly easy system to set up, so we’ll jump right in.

For this How2, you’re going to have several choices, and it’s up to you which options you decide on. XCam2, WideEye, InstantOn are wireless cameras. So it's easy to scan between the cameras in a multi-camera setup. The NightWatch and Anaconda are wired cameras.

One option is VCR Commander along with the XCam2. VCR Commander will only start your VCR recording when it senses motion, so that the minute anyone, or anything gets near the car the VCR will automatically begin recording. Other options are the XCam2 WideEye, or the NightOwl or the Anaconda. The basic difference between the last two is the NightOwl sees in black and white, while the Anaconda sees in color. The VCR Commander II has a built-in chime that will go off in the "home" mode, or it will record in the "away" mode. If you prefer not to use VCR Commander, you can use an EagleEye Motion Sensor instead. In which case, you’ll also want to make sure you have the Remote Chime on hand.

The first thing you want to do is determine which camera you prefer to use.

Then you want to decide where you’re going to put your camera.

If you’ve got a carport, then you could nestle the camera up in the corner so that it has a broader view of the car. If you prefer, you can place the camera on any one of the poles coming down from the carport. Or, if the carport is too far away from the apartment (the range of the camera is 100 feet), then you could place your camera on the side of the building and set it to watch over the carport area. This will also work if you don’t have a carport and your car is left out in the open. Also, make sure that the camera sees under the carport.

Next, make sure you have a way to get power to the camera. If you're using a wireless camera you need to place the camera within 20 feet of an AC power outlet. If you’re using the Anaconda or NightOwl (wired cameras), you’ll need to place them within 100 feet of your TV or VCR.

For remote, true wireless applications you can purchase a battery pack for the wireless cameras (XCam2, WideEye, InstantON), but this means you’ll have to keep an eye on the batteries, which will give you a life of about four hours. The other option is to find an outlet close by and use the power supply.

On the power supply of the XCam2 WideEye, set the address to A1.

If you’re using the EagleEye motion sensors, then set the motion sensor where it will have the best range. Set them about 5½ feet above the ground and no more than 40 feet away from the car for best reception.

If you’re not using VCR Commander, (and even if you are) you may want to set up a Remote Chime by the bed where you can hear it if someone gets too close to the car.

Set the  House/Unit code to A-2, then set the Chime to trigger on A-2.

Note: in a multi-camera setup you may want to set the motion sensor and camera to the same code, that way when motion is detected the camera will automatically scan.

Once everything is set up outside, it’s time to set things up indoors.

Hook up the Wireless Video Receiver to the VCR, and set the camera to Channel A, and the addressable power supply to address A-1

Then on the Video Receiver, set the receiver to Channel A.

Set the remote chime in your bedroom near your bed where you will be able to hear it if it goes off.

You’re now set to go. While you’re watching television, or sleeping, if someone comes a prowling, you’ve got the jump on them. All you have to do is turn on your television set, switch it over to A/V mode, then watch the live action from your camera(s).

We’d like to remind you at this point, that trying to apprehend a criminal is not a very good idea. If someone does try and break into your car, it’s best to call the police rather than go after them yourself. Nothing is more unpredictable than a startled criminal. After all, you’ve got their mug on tape. Once the police get there, they can take a copy of the tape and track down the suspect that way, and you’re safe.

Also keep in mind that small animals like to snuggle up on the hood of the car where it’s warm on chilly nights. So don’t panic if the chime goes off. It could be a cat looking to warm up, or a squirrel taking a shortcut across the hood of the car on his way home. That’s why you want to check with the VCR first, so that you know what you’re dealing with.

And one more reminder. For apartment applications, there may be issues running an outdoor surveillance camera with the management. If you live in an apartment, and are placing the camera outside the apartment you might want to seek permission from the manager or the apartment’s owner. However, if you place the camera inside the apartment and face it out the window to watch the parking lot then there is no need to check.

That’s it for today’s How2. If you have anything you would like to see done, let us know, and we’ll use your ideas for our next How2.

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