Alert Security Systems

[st8kout]

I was about to return it to Amazon because it could not find the camera unless I wired it directly using a power injector I also ordered. I even put both powerline modules and the router on the same outlet and it still would not connect. Just on a hunch I reversed the modules and the camera suddenly came to life and showed up on my computer. Looks like only one of the modules supplies the 48 volts needed to the camera.

I'm assuming either one should provide the 48 volts, or if not they should be marked as such to avoid the frustration I experienced. It looks like the box I got was repackaged because only some of the pieces were in plastic bags. Other small pieces were loose in the box, and only one of the modules had the plastic film protecting the finish. I'm guessing someone else returned it because they didn't try reversing the modules like I did and could not get it to work.

So my question is, can I, should I, return the other module for a replacement in case it craps out too? Or will I need to return the whole thing and start over?

Overall, it's a great system and once I found the problem everything works as advertised. I thought I remember reading that it had to all be on the same circuit breaker but I have yet to find an outlet anywhere in the house where it doesn't work. I've tried every room and it fires right up.

The only thing I can find fault with is the IR light lighting up at night and making the camera stand out for the bad guys to find. Of course, if you mount it high enough you should be able to get a good face shot of them trying to get to it. Btw, with an iphone you can take screen shots of the video by pressing the home and on/off button at the same time, in case the email pic isn't good enough for evidence. In the daytime the IR light is not lit so the camera is not as obvious. Just put it with some other items on a shelf or whatever. I don't think it's a good idea to post those Logitech stickers telling everyone you have ip cameras. If they have half a brain they will simply cut your internet cable, adding insult to injury when you get the repair bill from your cable company, unless you happen to have underground cables.

[UselessS]

Tha Master kit includes two HomePlug modules...one to connect to the router ( so does not have a need for PoE...and you only need one of these for multiple cameras ), and the other is for the camera ( HomePlug + PoE ).  The included doc/sheet should show that...maybe it was missing ?  More info is on the support page http://www.logitech.com/en-us/support/video-security-systems/alert-750n-indoor-master-system

As for hiding vs. advertising the security cameras, there are valid pros/cons to each side of that argument...half the people are on one side, and half on the other <g>  If a thief knows it is there, he may simply avoid that house.  If a knowledgeable thief is determined to get in that house, he could likely get around whatever system is in place...just another form of electronic warfare <g>

[st8kout]

You are correct sir. I just now noticed that they are indeed marked by the plug as to which one connects to the router and which one the camera. Normally I read instructions but I didn't this time because I had already read so much about this system before buying. Many apologies.

I do plan to hard wire the camera eventually with my TP-Link power injector, but wanted to test out the powerline modules in the meantime.

One more question. The iphone app worked great yesterday but today it shows the camera offline. Is it because the server is down or what? I can see the camera on my computer monitor.

As for the warning stickers, if you have a system such as ADT that can tell when the line has been cut then yeah, let the bad guys know you have security. But for those with their internet cable dangling from the eve of the house within easy reach of a pair of wire cutters I still think you are better off not letting them know. I just moved into a house where the cable is underground so no real worries about that here.

Friends keep telling me I think too much like a thief but after you've had a break-in like I've had it works for me. They totally trashed the whole house. Pulled everything out of every cabinet and threw it on the floor. They got in through the only window I didn't secure, but because I use double cylinder deadbolts on every door, they had to crawl back out the same window, keeping them from stealing large items like my tv and desktop computer. Gotta think like a criminal to keep from becoming a victim.

[UselessS]

I just checked the web ( alert.logitech.com ) and my Alert Android app...so should be up...I can't speak for iPhone app.

[st8kout]

Hmm, mine is still showing offline.

[st8kout]

Been using it for about a week now and it's performing like a champ. I'm using the suction cup on a rear window overlooking my pool. After cleaning the glass with alcohol inside and out I find the infrared reflection not too bad at night and can see the immediate area outside well enough, although not as well as if it was outside of course. The camera lens is right up against the glass to minimize the refection. The IR does penetrate the glass for several feet. Picture goes mostly black when I turn the IR off.

I was tempted to mount it outside under the patio roof but the camera gets pretty warm as it is while inside. Add in the Nevada summer heat and that would probably kill it is a short time. Heat + electronics = dead gadget. It's really dry here so moisture would not be a problem. Their idea of rain is if you can count maybe 5 drops on the ground, 10 drops and it's a severe downpour

It does work in any room of the house using the powerline modules, but hard wiring using a power injector works much better.

Except for email alerts from birds stopping by for a drink from the pool it's a great system.