April 5, 2013
The meeting was called to order at 7:43 p.m. by President Chuck Horner. See Lola Hunter at the ticket table, for raffle tickets, door prize tickets, and 3" x 5" cards to write questions for discussion/answers at the end of the Meeting. Tonight's door prize is a Vivitar 5.1 MP camcorder. It's a really pretty, shiny red.
Chuck introduced visitor Victoria Stump.
Diane George announced that Castro Valley Library is looking for someone to teach an Excel class. Call the library directly for more information.
We need volunteers to help coordinate programs and also to help organize publicity. Please let a member of the Executive Committee know if you're interested or just want more information.
There are no SIG announcements
Presentation:
Member Don Odle gave a presentation on installing Camera Monitoring Systems. Chuck explained the cameras installed in the child care room and that he's hoping to install one more on the property that he can monitor from his phone.
Back to our program now in progress: Don noted that he's using 640 x 480 cameras, which gives a somewhat fuzzy, but usable image. The cameras he uses have night vision. The camera has pre-sets that let the user go back to previous settings. The system is accessible anywhere in the world with internet access. The cameras themselves have WiFi connection to Don's home network.
x-Finity offers an add-on service that functions like this do-it-yourself system, for $25 per month. Don's only cost was the four cameras he installed. You can use any router. The cameras have bi-directional audio. If you set up e-mail notifications to get an alert or start recording via a central computer if you want this added function. A computer is not needed for running the basic system. A wireless router is, as is AC power for the camera(s).
The cameras Don is using are Foscam F18910W Pan & Tilt IP/Network Camera with Two-way Audio. The cameras come with extensive installation instructions which walk the user carefully through connecting to a number of brands of routers. Another option is to connect using Open DNS. In addition, signal boosters can be added to the system if you have a camera that is located somewhere in your house that does not get a good WiFi signal.
Window glass reflects IR, so the night vision feature is usable only outside or from a location that looks outside without a window. If you use a browser without Active X, the feature set is limited.
X-10 Corporation now puts together a package containing a router and two cameras. It's more expensive and slightly more convenient than assembling the components yourself.
Don noted that he is using a desktop clean-up tool called Advanced System Care, from IObit. This is an easy way to monitor computer health. IObit also puts out Smart Defrag. Both are free downloads.
Chuck welcomed long-time member Lamont Shadowens and his friend Robert Mitch, who drove.
After the break there were several announcements. Sally Holt found an internet offer from TigerDirect for a 1 TB Hard Drive and Total Defense Premium bundle for $35.
Bud Gallagher noted that Comcast has doubled its wired internet speed for users of newer modems.
Chuck recounted Bud's challenges in installing Windows 8. Diane George said that she has upgraded 2 systems and performed a clean install on another with no problems.
Chuck acknowledged the attendees and the fellowship of PCC.
Drawings took place after the break. Congratulations to our winners.
Thank you to George Kornbluth for taking care of refreshments.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:19 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bayle Emlein, Secretary
