Help Needed Im New To This!

[Doktor Jon]

I think IT system are similar to cctv, they cost an awful lot and clients dont always understand what they do, what they need or what they can cost to maintain. I will will consider this in my approach.

Eoghan,

In general terms, there is one fundamental difference between IT and CCTV, and that is clients will freely admit when they know nothing about Networks, but as everyone watches television, most clients think they know a bit about what pictures should look like banghead

It is relatively easy to learn how to plug togethor various bits of CCTV equipment to deliver pictures, but making sure the images and indeed the system structure is exactly what is required, is quite honestly, a whole different ball game.

That and having to with a client because they want to do one thing, which may be the least appropriate technique for their needs, means it's rarely dull installing video surveillance gear, but it can be very rewarding if it comes good in the end.

I'd suggest if you can set aside a small sum to buy some decent toys for you to play with, then spend some serious time reading up on the subject, then hopefully, at least you'll begin to grasp what is and isn't easily achievable.

As the others have already suggested, be prepared to come unstuck on occassions, and try not to take on anything too ambitious until you've got a reasonable amount of practical experience under your belt.

Oh, and whatever the manufacturers promise in terms of 'state of the art' performance for their equipment, don't be surprised if you mistakenly get taken in by some of the creative marketing speak ... there's a lot of it about

Good luck!

[eoghanfla]

Eoghan,

In general terms, there is one fundamental difference between IT and CCTV, and that is clients will freely admit when they know nothing about Networks, but as everyone watches television, most clients think they know a bit about what pictures should look like banghead

It is relatively easy to learn how to plug togethor various bits of CCTV equipment to deliver pictures, but making sure the images and indeed the system structure is exactly what is required, is quite honestly, a whole different ball game.

That and having to with a client because they want to do one thing, which may be the least appropriate technique for their needs, means it's rarely dull installing video surveillance gear, but it can be very rewarding if it comes good in the end.

I'd suggest if you can set aside a small sum to buy some decent toys for you to play with, then spend some serious time reading up on the subject, then hopefully, at least you'll begin to grasp what is and isn't easily achievable.

As the others have already suggested, be prepared to come unstuck on occassions, and try not to take on anything too ambitious until you've got a reasonable amount of practical experience under your belt.

Oh, and whatever the manufacturers promise in terms of 'state of the art' performance for their equipment, don't be surprised if you mistakenly get taken in by some of the creative marketing speak ... there's a lot of it about

Good luck!

hey dok,

I can imagine the picture watching people could be difficult alright, as you say with networks even the IT guys who configure after dont give a **** what when or where once you've tput in enough sockets and done all the dirty work.!! Im probably stuck doing these two contracts but i dont think there too complex, basically a dvr, outdoor cam and 7 dome cams..

When you say toys what exactly do you mean???? Im visiting the supplier next week to immerse myself in product and im spending night after night online reading! And i do get where your coming from with the supllier bull, its very similar in the computing game. From what im reading i see a lot o dvr's offer very similar things just some have smoother gears and back end software..??

Thanks guys

Fla

BTW, I think its important to note i like to specialise so i hope to do this in cctv too, i see a lot of guys do fire/burgular alarms as well, im hoping to find a niche where i operate. Ive already developed my own DVR's in the past for drain cctv companies, they have one of the only fully digital DVD formatted systems in the country, I may introduce this technology into my work, hard to explain sorry i know this prob doesnt make sense!!!

[Guest anguscanplay]

BTW, I think its important to note i like to specialise so i hope to do this in cctv too, i see a lot of guys do fire/burgular alarms as well, im hoping to find a niche where i operate. Ive already developed my own DVR's in the past for drain cctv companies, they have one of the only fully digital DVD formatted systems in the country, I may introduce this technology into my work, hard to explain sorry i know this prob doesnt make sense!!!

so your dropping the IT stuff then ? try to stop thinking like an IT guy if you want to be good at the cctv , they really arnt similar , sure its running cables but the initial system design has to include so much more to achieve a workable result, if your just going to be basing it on product spec sheets your likely to come unstuck. Does the NSI operate over there , they have an approved installer scheme and its always worth looking at their minimun standards for installation etc to see how things should be done

Angus

[eoghanfla]

so your dropping the IT stuff then ? try to stop thinking like an IT guy if you want to be good at the cctv , they really arnt similar , sure its running cables but the initial system design has to include so much more to achieve a workable result, if your just going to be basing it on product spec sheets your likely to come unstuck. Does the NSI operate over there , they have an approved installer scheme and its always worth looking at their minimun standards for installation etc to see how things should be done

Angus

Hey Angus,

I dont think you can just stop thinking a certain way, Im practised in IT and and Im sure you know IT not just sticking a bunch of computers together either, its very complex and the customers need very different packages. My main thing is IT and I do put my heart into it and try to do a good job. I just think I can do the same with cctv as most of the guys in my area are not very liked. Im in this to make an jonest living not to take on fort knox as my first job. Im sure nobody on this forum was perfect first time out. We have the psa here like ye're nsi but no there is NO course, thats why im on here soaking up all ye're advice because it seems unless i want to study fire alarms and all the rest for 6 months 400 miles away I have no other option but to learn this the hard way. Im no idiot, ive studied the law regarding the cctv stuff Im trained in health and safety, IT, have done electrical experienced and built buildings. I think my experience in all these sectors will be valuable. And as I say I'll start small, the other guys in my town have ten to 20 yeas on me I dont have the luxury to catch up but I learn fast and feel i have the gadget passion and love for technology that ye all seem to have.. My options are limited but I can pick and choose my clients so I could always stick to the more basic spec dvrs and the like for a period of a year or 2, im in no rush here im only 28..!!!

Saying all that if you came to me and asked about networks and the like I'd be as tough, I hate 80% of the computer networks I see, there sloppy, badly designed and use the cheapest of **** to install and get out of the clients way. Im a pain when it comes to perfection and keeping the customer happy, I think this could work in cctv. I need to diversify and maybe this is they way to go. At least Im over here and not on ye're patch!!

Oh and no Ill never drop the IT stuff its good money and nobody in my area does it...

Fla

[ian.cant]

Try these people here, expensive courses but invaluable in your situation.

[Guest anguscanplay]

BTW, I think its important to note i like to specialise so i hope to do this in cctv too, i see a lot of guys do fire/burgular alarms as well, im hoping to find a niche where i operate. Ive already developed my own DVR's in the past for drain cctv companies, they have one of the only fully digital DVD formatted systems in the country, I may introduce this technology into my work, hard to explain sorry i know this prob doesnt make sense!!!

Hey Angus,

Oh and no Ill never drop the IT stuff its good money and nobody in my area does it...

Fla

i was been sarcastic you called the people who did two disciplines but your mixing and matching yourself

afaik CCTV is covered in the security installer section of the rules over there so you`ll need to be registered

[Guest anguscanplay]

i was been sarcastic you called the people who did two disciplines but your mixing and matching yourself

afaik CCTV is covered in the security installer section of the rules over there so you`ll need to be registered

irish security registeration

[eoghanfla]

irish security registeration

firstly dude i was saying it in the manner that i only want to do cctv i dont want to do cctv, alarms, fire alarms, door access and IT. Ive no problem ppl doin more than one job, u have to these days to make a living. On your second point, there is NO registration or licensing set up for cctv installers, ive already contacted those people you mentioned they have no idea when this sector of the business will be licensed. The alarm side is done but they couldnt answer why the other sector wasnt done yet. I have done my homework on this, my solicitor is doing there bit an all.. I may be new to cctv but im not new to business..

Fla

[Guest Dave the alarm man]

Ive no problem ppl doin more than one job, u have to these days to make a living.

having a bit of dig in the uk the jobs that I see whilst out & about are mainly the cheapest & nastist kit just throw in, I assume its the same in the republic, we all know there less hassle & more money in cctv than alarms, but I would assume IT is leagues ahead of any of the security trades in the respect of money? also with IT don't computer get ripped out & renewed every 3 - 5 years ? I get cleints bitching when I can't get any lims to extend their existing alarm into that 1/4 million pound extension to the factory or moaning about cost of replacement vcr's as they can get one for thirty quid down argos

Going back to the topic off cctv stick to branded name big korean or jap firms that do decent kit for senseable money, DVR's as before or DM or the other leading "security" brands

there is NO registration or licensing set up for cctv installers, ive already contacted those people you mentioned they have no idea when this sector of the business will be licensed.

Most of us are uk based here, behind every scheme their is a schemer sooner or later the scope of the PSA will encompass cctv, I understand NI have a draft of their PSA from august last year, my personnal opinion is compulsory licensing levels the playing field & must be better than the voluntary regulation of NSI & SSAIB memebership

[eoghanfla]

having a bit of dig in the uk the jobs that I see whilst out & about are mainly the cheapest & nastist kit just throw in, I assume its the same in the republic, we all know there less hassle & more money in cctv than alarms, but I would assume IT is leagues ahead of any of the security trades in the respect of money? also with IT don't computer get ripped out & renewed every 3 - 5 years ? I get cleints bitching when I can't get any lims to extend their existing alarm into that 1/4 million pound extension to the factory or moaning about cost of replacement vcr's as they can get one for thirty quid down argos

Going back to the topic off cctv stick to branded name big korean or jap firms that do decent kit for senseable money, DVR's as before or DM or the other leading "security" brands

Most of us are uk based here, behind every scheme their is a schemer sooner or later the scope of the PSA will encompass cctv, I understand NI have a draft of their PSA from august last year, my personnal opinion is compulsory licensing levels the playing field & must be better than the voluntary regulation of NSI & SSAIB memebership

Hey dude,

Totally agree with you. Most companies have IT budjets and its usualy quite big. Also the main difference between IT and security is the IT system will make them money as in the tills or pc's for taking orders, where as cctv is there to protect them or catch scum bags!!!! So its an expense with no real positive unlike networking up loads of pc's for a sales office, so ya i can imagine when ppl spend money on security they feel if they could do it cheaper and easier thats better..

Im looking forward to the licensing scheme here, you will have no choice but to license and comply here so it should get rid of tax fraudsters and the cheap and nasties. We should have a good scheme in by 2008. The DVR's im being offered are by Ganz/omputar, nobody had a great opinion about them but we'll check em out anyways..

I almost feel from what im reading here there seems to be a disliking to IT stuff and ppl??? Is that unfair or is there merit????

Fla