Overview

We have designed and built a mobile CCTV platform that is totally independent and can provide CCTV monitoring and recording from up to 13km away. The platform is trailer based, and uses wind and solar power. Recording is done using an on-board digital video recorder, and remote connectivity is via an Ethernet radio using either 2.4GHz or 5GHZ spectrum, depending on requirements.

The trailer uses a custom designed frame to house the batteries, and all equipment.

This trailer provides the ideal solution for easily recording and monitoring remote locations such as explosives dumps, refuelling sites, after hours at building sites or alternatively, providing security at public gatherings.

Trailer

The trailer is a standard size that can be towed by any 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive vehicle.  Hilux wheels and leaf-spring suspension are utilised for steady handling.

The 8 metre tall mast is comprised of high-strength alloy only 76mm in diameter, that is tethered to the ground by six stainless-steel guide wires, to ensure stability under wind loads.  Stabilising bars are also utilised for stability.

A 300kg winch is mounted to lift and lower the mast with little user effort.

All equipment is housed within tread-plate boxes that have gus-strut assisted lifting lids for easy access.

The mast folds away for transport leaving the trailer no larger than a small boat trailer.

The trailer is hot-dip galvanised to protect it from corrosion.

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Power

The trailer is available with either 12V or 24V DC power. In standard configuration this is obtained from a 400W wind turbine operating in tandem with two solar panels (120AH each) to supply 900AH of batteries.

The batteries are below the manual handling limit for one person removal should the need arise.

The wind turbine can be replaced with one up to 1kW in capacity and remain within the design limits of the trailer.

Higher capacity solar panels may be fitted, but the mounting frames will need minor modification for the increased physical size of the panels

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Connectivity

The trailer is equipped with Ethernet radios to allow remote monitoring and control of the cameras. We use Cisco branded equipment for its reliability, performance and security features.

The radios we use are Cisco 1310 or 1410 wireless bridges to give a range up to 13km depending on terrain. These radios operate in the licence free spectrum at 2.4GHz (1310) or 5.7GHz (1410). Before installation, we recommend carrying out a radio survey to ensure to radio spectrum is free of interference.

Once connected to your network, the viewing and control of the cameras can be done from any PC running the free NetVu Observer software. (We can of course restrict who has viewing and control access with setting in the TransVu). NetVu Observer is available from our Software Downloads page.

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Recording

The recording of CCTV footage and control of the PTZ camera uses the TransVu digital video recorder from Dedicated Micros.

TransVu is capable of multiplex recording up to 8 cameras at up to 25PPS global and 2 channels of audio seamlessly, whilst concurrently handling panic/system alarms, processing GPS positing data, transmitting positional co-ordinates via SMS and using intelligent power management.

Recording can be full time, between certain hours, or only when the cameras detect motion to give longer times. The TransVu can be configured to send emails in the event of an alarm such as low power or the cameras detecting motion. This will allow an operator to connect to the unit over the network (see above), and view live CCTV images if required.

The DVR will automatically overwrite the oldest recordings when the disk is full, meaning there is no need to change tapes, ever. If a recorded event is required to be kept, for example for training or as evidence, GROUP CCTV can download the footage and burn it to DVD.

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Cameras

The trailer can be equipped with up to seven fixed and one PTZ cameras, but will require additional solar panels for the additional current load. The standard configuration is for two fixed cameras and one PTZ dome camera.