GSM Security Camera with MMS & Email

Unlike conventional security and surveillance equipment, this surveillance device is battery operated and requires just 8 x AA batteries. This ensures optimal placement wherever required without the need for wires or power. Storage is via an internal SD memory card, but a built-in GSM modem (SIM Cam) also allows time and date stamped images to be sent directly to a mobile phone or email account, delivering instantaneous notification of any unwarranted intrusions as they happen. All you need is a mobile SIM card, even a pre paid is fine. The SIM must have GPRS/MMS and date enabled which is important when ordering your SIM card.

GSM MMS Cam also features
total weatherproof casing
camouflaged casing ideal for attaching to a tree or bush (adjustable strap supplied)
a compact profile
inbuilt 12-24m Infra-Red IR for night vision recording
inbuilt mini 1" colour LCD monitor for instant playback and menu set-up
inbuilt SD memory card from 2-8GB to store between 2000 to 8000 time and date stamped 3-5 megapixel pictures
Can take video if preferred when motion is detected
Wireless remote control for easy setup
Scheduled or motion activated recording

How does it work?
It's quite easily actually.  Many people have problems with unwelcome intruders, prowlers and theft whether it be fuel, shed tools, graffiti, bush dumping and so on meaning the the list is pretty much endless.  More often than not there could be a suspect but Police are powerless to assist or charge any person unless there is some type of proof and this is where the GSM MMS Cam could be just what you need.

This is not your ordinary security surveillance camera.  GSM MMS Cam is unique for a number of reasons and apart from being totally battery operated, the picture quality is amazing. See the top of this page in the heading Brief Description and just below the User Manuals is an actual picture from the camera.  Note the high resolution quality, time & date stamp etc.  If you cannot download the image for any reason just send me an email request.  GSM MMS Cam can be set to take 3 to 5 megapixel colour pictures which are sensational but it doesn't end there.  if you prefer, this camera can take video as it detects motion rather than still pictures, it can serve a dual purpose.  Wan't more.....it even records high quality audio!!  No installation required all DIY, easy as can be.  Are you with me so far, sounds interesting and could be just what you were looking for right?? What about warranty.... Yes 12 months is included as well.  Need more convincing then read on.

The GSM MMS Cam can be mounted anywhere and being a weatherproof with camouflaged casing, ideally a tree is the best option as it becomes blended or hidden amongst the tree foliage and trunk.

Can GSM MMS CAM Record at Night?
Absolutely, the built in IR (Infra Red) is one of the primary functions of this camera. At night or in low light, the GSM Cam detects light level.  In low light it will auto switch from colour to B/W mode and it will do that for 2 reasons.  Firstly, B/W photography is much clearer at night or in low light compared to colour.  Secondly,  because this camera has built in IR illuminators for night vision, colour cannot see IR but B/W can. The end result is high quality night vision still shot or video recording as motion is detected.

Some of our customers have concerns, specially at night, and suspect that an intruder will see the IR LED's illuminate thus compromising the camera location. To simply explain, IR or Infra Red is not like a camera flash or anything like it.  IR is similar to a "dull red glow" which only lasts for split second allowing the camera to take pictures.  In other words if the intruder is not looking directly at the camera, the IR will not be seen.  IR does not attract peripheral vision as such, so seeing the camera side on, even with IR illuminated, will not necesarily attract attention.

If not convinced then we do have another option.  Any security camera used at night will require illumination of some sort, otherwise the camera is completely in the dark.  Let's assume for one moment that our GSM MMS Cam is mounted on a tree facing the front gate to your property.  You need to know if any person is either hanging around the gate and/or trespassing onto your property.  If you are concerned for any reason that the camera will be seen, the best option is to divert attention.  Hidden Camera Surveillance is able to supply an optional mini solar powered & motion activated bright LED light.  Again no cabling or power required but a light such as this could be mounted anywhere near the gate.  As someone approaches the gate, the light will illuminate and at the same time, the intruders eyes will be drawn toward the light but the GSM Cam will be taking pictures in the background as motion has been detected at the gate.   

This LED Light will thus serve two purposes. The GSM Cam will more than likely be taking colour pictures rather than B/W as the light is significantly assisting the camera to see at night and no IR would be required.  All attention is therefore drawn AWAY from the camera as such.  It's possible that the intruder may damage the LED light but for $150.00 it's a small price to pay. In the mean time the GSM cam will have done its job and recorded the intruder anyway.  As a consequence, the bright lights will have no doubt startled the intruder so he/she will do one of two things...walk away or go ahead anyway with the LED light on.  It's perhaps unlikely that an intruder would have a desire to damage the light because in doing so attention may potentilally be directed to the culprit.

Taking this issue one step further, Hidden Camera Surveillance also supplies another optional device called Wireless Gate Alert.  All battery and solar powered so if a person of vehicle breakes through an invisible photo-electric beam (up to 50m length) the Wireless Gate Alert will send a signal to a receiver several hundred metres away (can be several ks with larger antennas) which will "beep beep" to warn the property owner that an intrusion has been encountered.  Could be worth keeping in mind.

From what distance can the GSM Cam pick up motion?
The size of the moving object is a factor but generally speaking about 10m or so is the rule.  Motion detection sensitivity can be adjusted accordingly. The camera lens is a wide angle 80 degrees so the further away one is from the camera, the smaller the person will be. This where recording in such high resolution 3-5MP is paramount and makes such a difference. A vehicle is much larger and therefore more motion activation distance could be expected.

If on the other hand a small dog or cat moved near the GSM Camera, it would need to be closer than 10m to trigger motion.  There are no external triggers available with this camera however, if you are looking for a security camera with even more advanced features and functions, including motion detection up to 80m from the camera, look no further than our patented Solar Cameras.

Can the GSM MMS Cam Record a Vehicle Number Plate at Night?
The GSM Cam is not an NPR or Number Plate Recognition camera as such.  By day that would not be a problem although vehicle speed could play a role in picture clarity.  In some instances, if a vehicle is stationary at night and the camera is aimed at the rear of the car, it may be possible, although with headlights aimed into the camera lens at night, the simple answer is there are no guarantees.  If you require  a proper CCTV surveillance camera with NPR technology then please contact our office for further information.  An NPR camera does not function in the same capacity as our GSM MMS Cam.

How long will the batteries last?
Many customers ask the same question.  Battery quality will play a significant role in recording duration however, using 8 x AA Energizer type batteries will keep the camera functioning for about 2 months before needing replacement.  On the other hand, if using the more costly albeit more powerful rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries, one could expect double or tripple the life of standard batteries.  Think of the GSM Cam more or less like a mobile phone.  If your phone is on but not taking any calls, battery life could be 2 or perhaps 3 days before needing  recharge.  if you are taking calls then battery life capacity is shortened. 

The same applies with the GSM MMS Cam.  If the camera is picking up motion, recording and sending those pictures via GSM MMS to your mobile phone and/or email then battery will life will be reduced all of which needs to be taken into consideration.  In this regard it is rather difficult to predict battery life.  The number of activations, picture quality, video or photos, recording frequency etc will all play a role in battery life duration.

Remember, if normal power is available, the GSM MMS Cam can be connected to a power point in which case the internal batteries will take over if normal power is disrupted. You only need a 6V power pack. 

How fast Can the camera record?
Within 1 second of motion being detected the GSM Cam will take its first picture or video.  By pre-programming this security camera with your supplied wireless remote control, users can select how many seconds to wait before taking a second and then 3rd picture regardless of motion.  After taking 2 or 3 pictures, the GSM Cam will re-arm itself (takes about 10 seconds) and if motion continues it will go through the same pre-defined sequence until such time as motion stops.  In other words the user has the option to determine recording speed once motion is detected. 

Can GSM MMS Cam send pictures to my Mobile Phone or Email Account?
Most certainly and yes it's one of the best features of this security camera.   You have the choice whether to use the feature or not. If you don't need the remote access feature, the GSM MMS Cam will still record when motion is detected so it's up to you to decide if the MMS SMS feature is needed.  if you don't need that feature at all but need a camera to record only when motion is detected, we suggest you look more toward our Portable Cam which is almost half the cost.

Assuming you do require the SMS MMS & Email function, basically all that is required is a SIM card offered by Telstra or Optus.  A cheap SIM card will offer about 10 MMS pictures per day for one month, sent to any mobile phone with MMS enabled.  It's important that your receiving mobile phone has MMS enabled in order to accept motion activated pictures directly from the GSM MMS Cam. 
SIM cards also have a data option which basically means that pictures can be sent MMS but can also be directed to any email address that you nominate.  The GSM Cam can send pictures to your mobile AND/OR your email inbox. Some of the larger SIM packages (say $50.00 per month) will offer the ability to send many thousands of MMS pictures and email without exceeding SIM card limits. 
If not sure which SIM best suits your needs please discuss with our office.  A good rule of thumb is test the status and mobile signal strength in the same area you propose to install our GSM MMS Cam and if you have even reasonable reception, there should not be any problem. In most instances even a poor signal strength is OK because SMS is a small packet data, unlike a mobile call where drop-out is common due to poor reception.  SMS is different and in most instances will still function quite well even if signal strength is poor.

Test both Telstra and/or Optus to determine which is the stronger signal.  Signal strength will reveal which of the two major Mobile providers (Telstra or Optus) is best suited to your needs.  The antenna supplied with the GSM MMS Cam is also more powerful than a conventional mobile phone and needs to be taken into consideration.

Assuming that you don't want the camera to send constant motion activated pictures to your mobile phone or email address but you do need to know what is happening, the GSM Cam has provision for what we call "Daily Reporting"  A daily report simply means the GSM Cam will at a time you choose daily (say 5.00pm) SMS to you the last picture taken during the day plus a mini report detailing how many pictures were taken during the past 24 hours. This will provide the user with an oversight of what happened over a period of 24 hours without the constant SMS MMS alerts.  Its the cheapest SIM card option as well.

Some users will prefer to be notified of any movement, specially in areas where there should not be any activity.  Provided the camera is in GSM range then there is no problem.  In fact GSM Cam can send MMS pictures up to 4 mobile phones and 4 email accounts simultaneously.  We think this security surveillance camera is special and extremely cost effective for what it can.

Can I View Recorded Pictures Direct from the GSM MMS Camera?
Yes of course.  The GSM Cam as depicted above has a built in mini weather proof colour LCD monitor.  By default the monitor is OFF until such time as the user needs to playback recording. The GSM Cam is also supplied with a wireless remote control.  Carry with you or conceal inside the camera for later use.  If the user prefers to use a password to see pictures and access the menu, it can be set to do so.  To view pictures or video saved to the internal SD card, aim the remote control at the camera and press ok and the last picture taken will be depicted.  From that point its simply a matter of scrolling backward or forward as you choose to see as many images as you like.  Each picture is time and date stamped so you know exactly when it was taken.

Can I remove the internal SD memory card and replay pictures on my Computer?
Once again the answer is yes.  Before removing the SD card from the camera, we recommend the camera be switched off.  Remove the SD memory card, perhaps replace it with a fresh SD card, switch the camera back on and lock it up.  Its a good idea to change the batteries at the same time and only takes a few seconds.

When you return to your home/office, slot the SD card into your PC.  Many modern computers nowdays have an SD memory card slot however, if your computer does not have that feature, we can provide an optional USB SD memory card reader, approx $25.00 or purchase supply your own.  Either way its just a simple matter of inserting the SD card into the reader, connect the reader into the PC USB interface and open.  To look at your pictures there are various options from which to choose. Remember the pictures are all JPEG so its no different to connecting your home digital camera to your PC. 

A 2GB SD card can store approximately 2000 high resolution megapixel pictures but an 8 GB SD can store 4 x that amount.  When you therefore open the SD card on your PC there will be hundreds if not thousands of small thumbnail images to see.  By clicking on any thumbnail, the larger recorded picture will be displayed.  There is no need to remove the images from the SD card, just save whatever pictures your need to retain to a file on your computer. Drop and drag to a file is quickest method. 

When next you return to the GSM Cam, remove the used SD card and replace it with the fresh card in a recycling fashion.  The GSM Cam can be set to stop recording when the SD card is full or Recycle which basically means when the card is full, it won't delete the memory but auto return to the very first picture and slowly begin to overwrite.  There is no need to constantly check recordings.  Just check if your know there has been an incident as GSM Cam will just keep on recording until you say stop.

Who needs a Wireless Security Camera with GSM/GPRS?

This surveillance security camera is ideal for any outdoor security need.  It can also be used indoors although it could look a little out of place inside but can do the job anyway.  Pre Program to GSM Cam to send you the last picture it captured at a certain time of each day along with a brief 24 hour report.  That you have the peace of mind to at least know your loved ones are OK.  

We hear stories of people entering garages, sheds, storage areas (locked or unlocked) areas where valuable items and tools ar kept.  There are just so many applications for a security tool such as this.  Here is another application.  What about monitoring water levels, water troughs for cattle and the like.  If  the GSM Camera is aimed at water level indicator, a daily report would send you an MMS picture so you can see in an instant the exact water level at that time. 

Is someone coming into your shed at night, knocking of fuel, spare parts, tools or just plain snooping around.  The you ought to know about it....immediately.