With the increasing popularity of the electronic security market, we see the importance of updating professionals who operate in this segment. With that in mind, we take this article to address a technology as functional as it is practical for consumers: speed dome cameras.

If you don’t already know these devices, know that everything is fine! Like all new technology, it goes through a time of popularization, in which the solution needs to be discovered by operators and, then, welcomed by the consuming public.

Our objective is precisely to facilitate the first stage, introducing this novelty in its list of products and services.

So, so that there is no doubt on the subject, we have gathered the main curiosities of the subject, explaining the technology of these cameras and detailing specifications such as image resolution , field of view, applicability and others. So, do not miss the chance to get ahead in your market and follow this reading!

Speed ​​dome technology

Visibility, agility and precision: roughly speaking, these are the three virtues that define the speed dome technology, which adds mobility and accuracy in the control of images. At first, we can understand the concept by analyzing its name, which unites two well-known terms in the segment: speed and dome, representing speed and dome, respectively.

Dome is a direct mention of the aesthetics and engineering solution used to accommodate the camera’s sensors, which are housed in a plastic or metallic housing that usually resembles the shape of an inverted dome and, therefore, a dome.

The term speed is a direct reference to the mobility of the sensor. Unlike a traditional camera, a speed dome is much more dynamic in its direction, allowing for more reliable intelligent monitoring and facilitating the identification of elements in the scene.

So, it is worth noting that these cameras are the sophistication of the PTZ system (Pan, Tilt, Zoom), precisely because they perform these maneuvers in a faster and more competent way than a conventional model. Now, know the main technical attributes available in a camera of this technology.

Mobility

The most characteristic detail of a speed dome is its mobile flexibility. Usually, models with this designation have an internal structure that allows them to be directed to any corner of the scene.

With this mechanical malleability, the device is able to perform 360 ° horizontal panoramic captures and vertical adjustments of up to 180 °, the important tilt movement.

Configurability

Another important detail about these cameras is their programming potential. Unlike simpler models, speed domes have robust software to program their monitoring routines, allowing operators to switch between automated or manual control profiles, such as tour and patrol.

In addition, it is worth remembering that we are talking about a “smart” device. With a robust memory, these cameras retain in their processing some quick commands, performing routines, framing, panning or the like with the agility of pressing a button.

Sensitivity

Roughly speaking, a conventional security camera in Chicago delivers honest performance in the monitoring operation, even though it has some delays in the input of the commands. For this reason, traditional models are perfectly suited to civil and residential projects, where there is no need for precision.

However, speed dome cameras were created precisely to offer surgical accuracy in remote monitoring. To this end, the manufacturers of these devices are betting on various concepts of hardware engineering, software and mechanics.

To achieve the perfect sensitivity in the control of the sensor, the first step in the development of this equipment is to bet on its integration potential, offering extensive interaction with various brands and models of the control table and third party software.

Thus, the device will be easily used by the client’s team, counting on the precision of joysticks, knobs and levers to work on the images.

But as you can see, this result is the result of inventiveness in the areas of software and hardware development, which are concerned with the interfaces and connection platforms between the final product and the consumer reality. In addition to this issue, manufacturers also pay special attention to the mechanical engineering of the product itself. Now understand why!

The operation of a speed dome camera

By now, you have understood that these cameras work wonders in the work of monitoring operators. But, after all, how is that possible? How are these devices so big – because, in fact, they are bigger than conventional cameras – manage to move with such agility and precision?

The answer lies inside speed dome cameras. Technically, this equipment is built with a robust mechanical complex, equipping its own engine with its various elements and working tracks. Ultimately, the system is connected to an electronic interface, which reads and triggers the commands sent by the operator to move the sensor.

With the integration of these steps, the engineering magic is done, in which the remote observer works on the images with the same responsiveness that would operate the camera of the smartphone itself, all fast, agile and immediate, free of gagging, delays or other situations.

In fact, this is where we can expand the operation of these devices a little more. In general, speed dome cameras can also be categorized by their degrees of technical sophistication, especially in the sensors that they equip inside the protection dome.

The first and most common segmentation is speed. Here, models that move by the largest angle in the shortest period of time are divided. As an example, we highlight:

  • the high speed dome, shifting the image by 360 ° in just one second, that is, a complete turn;
  • those of average speed, reaching up to 60 ° per second, requiring 6 seconds for a complete lap;
  • Low speed ones, which by their average of up to 18 ° / s require about 20 seconds for a total lap.

But, it is worth noting that the speed of travel is the only characteristic linked to the sophistication of the mechanical assembly. The other attributes, such as zoom, resolution and visibility in ultra low light environments, still depend on the technical sophistication of the sensor responsible for capturing the images.

Even so, we highlight the main configurations of this market, usually composed of cameras with magnification modules that vary between 10x and 36x zoom.

The concept and operation of the PTZ system

Now, we turn to a technology mentioned at the beginning of this article, the PTZ system. Although it is a topic familiar to professionals with more experience in the market, it is worth making a brief comment about the technology, refreshing everyone’s memory and introducing the concept to those who are in the beginning of their careers.

The acronym itself is a direct reference to the three basic functions of the system:

  • Pan, the movement of laterality;
  • Tilt, the vertical angulations movement;
  • Zoom, the readjustment of the lenses to enlarge the image.

Together, these actions expand the monitoring power of a camera, which in the absence of this would be doomed to observe only the scene for which it was installed.

Although this material highlights the speed dome cameras, it is worth remembering that today, PTZ technology has an absolute presence in the market, appearing even in the smallest and simplest devices, common in smart home security projects .

In a way, this is possible due to the low weight of conventional cameras, which can be moved with a small electric motor.

The differences between fixed and speed dome

So, we reached an important point in the discussion of the theme, especially for the formulation of projects that are functional to the client’s needs. After all, what is the difference between fixed and speed dome cameras? As you are already well aware of the capabilities of the second model, we will now explain a little more about the first.

Fixed is an English term that refers to the idea of ​​fixation, in which a device is stationary, immobile. More specifically, we are talking about the immobility of the camera sensor, and not the position in which it is installed in the project environment. In this sense, a fixed camera is one that has no PTZ function – or when it does, it is only zoom.

These are precisely those cameras that we mentioned in the previous example, which are required to observe the same image configured at the time of installation. But then, at this point you may be asking yourself: why would anyone install a fixed dome, with so many mobility limitations?

Well, this is where you should remember that every bonus has its burden. Most of the time, speed dome cameras are larger, precisely to house the mechanical components responsible for the movements. Thus, speed domes end up being a less attractive solution for customers looking for discretion.

Another point to consider is that in addition to the reduced size of the fixed models, these cameras also usually equip a film over the domes, making it difficult to see the sensor, as well as the direction in which it is pointing.

In terms of image quality, there is no way to make an efficient comparison. After all, both alternatives are found on the market, equipping the simplest sensors with the most sophisticated ones.

However, one factor to be considered is the difference in cost, in which speed models are more expensive, both in purchase and maintenance, due to the greater number of parts and complexity of the systems. But in addition to these occasional differences, we need to be objective: they serve different audiences!

Normally, fixed cameras are applied indoors, where good positioning already guarantees complete visibility of the scene. The speeds serve to meet the need for a complementary angle of vision, seeing everything around you.

The 8 steps for installing speed dome cameras

Now, the most practical moment of this material arrives, being a fundamental topic for the specialist in CCTV installation . In addition, it is worth noting that this section is necessary precisely because of the differences in the size and weight of this equipment, which require additional steps for a secure and consistent fixation. Follow!

  1. Positioning decision

The first and most important step, especially if you want to deliver the full potential of the device to your customer’s hands. Due to their panoramic and vertical capabilities, speed dome are usually installed in high environments, over 5 meters high.

  1. Use of safety equipment

The good old PPE. As with any risky installation, you need to be properly protected with a helmet with a jugular, gloves, three-point belt and protective boot. Thus, you avoid injuries or fatalities during your work.

  1. Planning

Since, most likely, you will perform this installation at a high point, it is essential that you plan all your steps, organizing parts, processes and assemblies while you are still on the floor.

  1. Coupling and initial cabling

Still on the ground, you must adjust the camera’s cabling, passing the wires through the bracket that comes with the device. After passing the cables, fix the parts with an electric screwdriver at the junction point of these components – in this case, the camera body and its support.

If you are going to use an additional support – for fixing to posts, for example -, perform the same steps, passing the cabling and fixing the parts with the aid of the screwdriver.

  1. Finalization of supports and cables

When using a universal holder, it is interesting that you complement the fixation with a Bandit tape. In addition, the cable connection can also be protected in areas of high humidity with the use of a 2mm heat-shrinkable tape, which after vulcanization ensures maximum cable protection.

  1. Drilling

It is time to go up to the point of installation. In the use of scaffolding, the importance of the three-point belt is reinforced, ensuring its fixation during the climb. Once at the appropriate point, you must drill the surface.

Of course, the higher the installation point, the greater the camera’s field of view, having seen its wide PTZ capabilities. After opening the main hole in the pole, you can pass the guide wire, which will later help the passage of the other cables.

  1. Connecting the cables and securing the camera

After the cabling has passed and with the camera elevated, it is time to join the device cables, connecting the passive Balun to the green network cable and the others for the camera’s power, connected to the source down there.

Once the connections are made, it is worth testing the stiffness of these joints, ensuring that everything is well fixed for the completion of the finish. It is also interesting to complement your installation with sealing techniques, preventing water access.

Even so, you can improve the project with the arrangement of the cable itself, leaving it in a U-shape, stimulating the drainage of water in any circumstance and avoiding accumulation. The fixing of the camera is no secret, just adjust and fix the Bandit tapes around the pole.

  1. Connection to the DVR and final programming

After installing on the street, you can return to the monitoring room and work on the camera setup. Here, you can connect the cabling to the DVR device , observing the necessary conditions for this. Then, just initialize the device to check the first images captured.

The 6 main benefits of a speed dome camera

In time, we can also analyze the greatest advantages that these devices offer for your customer’s operations. Overall, we see 6 benefits, which are particularly better on this model than on any other technology. Take a look!

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  1. Quality

Because they are slightly more expensive models than conventional cameras, speed domes are easily found with the best sensors on the market, manufactured by renowned brands in the audiovisual segment – Sony, for example. So you can expect good image quality, balancing high resolution with good visibility.

  1. Durability

Most of the time, mechanical components are constructed from metal alloys, precisely to withstand the stress of their functions and friction. Because of this, speed dome cameras are usually surrounded by a large amount of materials and protective layers, ensuring the isolation of essential components and extending their useful life in the long run.

  1. Flexibility

Although there are simpler cameras with pan, tilt and zoom capabilities, it is with speed dome that these functions really stand out. With these devices, operators have complete control over the scene, examining everything within the wide range of lens possibilities – 360 ° horizontal and up to 180 ° vertical.

  1. Zoom

This is a complementary benefit to the previous one, but the speed dome zoom deserves a special mention. After all, this is the main feature that makes technology so demanded in the public and private sector, allowing the inspection of signs, faces and situations in rich detail, without giving up operational agility.

  1. Cost-effective

Even though it is a comparatively more expensive device than the fixed dome, the speeds deliver something far beyond its price line, offering professional level monitoring for any environment that equips them. In addition, the robust construction prevents mechanical components from wearing out easily, making this equipment low maintenance.

  1. Installation cost

For the consumer, the installation of these devices is not so much more expensive than that of conventional models. After all, not many specific materials are used, with the only additional difficulty being the escalation and dangerousness of a very high position.

Other than that, you can offer a fair and consistent cost, without worrying about getting away from the consumer.

The appropriate situations for the application of speed dome technology

Mostly in open environments, with a large flow of people, cars and other elements on the scene. We say this not because they cannot be used indoors, but because it would not make sense, being a real waste of resources.

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After all, speed domes have all the mobile and optical agility to monitor details in low and high light. Because of this, it makes no sense to use this equipment inside a store, as it would attract attention, without even using its full potential.

In broad and external environments, the story changes. Operators can work synchronously with agents in the field, responding to requests to inspect certain vehicles, suspects and similar situations, all done with the agility and precision of surgical monitoring.