(Part 2) Best surveillance housing & mounting brackets according to redditors

I made this guide because the selection for bags that actually fit the HTC Vive well are either poorly constructed, overpriced, or both. The only case actually intended for the Vive I could find was this overpriced monstrocity, and this, even more overpriced, even larger monstrocity. So I did some digging, tried out a few things, and made this guide.

Links to everything in this guide:

• AmazonBasics Backpack for SLR/DSLR Cameras and Accessories: $27
  
• Tenba 636-243 Tool Box 8: $38
  
• Case Logic TBC-409 DSLR Shoulder Bag: $23
  
• Giottos MH1304-110C Professional Mini Ball Head
  : $22
  
• Drop ceiling 1/4"-20 clamps: $3.50 (Note: Amazon is currently out of stock in black, but other colors are available.)
  
  Another accessory I didn't include in the guide because it isn't Vive-specific was this Case Logic case for $15. It's intended for Go Pro cameras, but I found that it fits a Logitech G502 Proteus Spectrum gaming mouse and a wireless XBox 360 controller perfectly, with room for a spare USB cable and a couple of thumb drives. I keep this second Case Logic case next to the other Case Logic bag in the guide, inside my Everki Titan backpack, which helps to provide a little extra padding for those exposed Vive controllers.

Well then...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Metal-Security-Housing-Bracket-Camera/dp/B006Z70X36/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500759032&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=BeElion%28TM%29+Metal+CCD+Security+Housing+Mount+Bracket

That's similar to my setup, I lose tracking now and then so I've ordered 2 of these.

I answered above in this thread with some thoughts on smart switches, the tl;dr is the Lutron Caseta is by far the most versatile option for converting a full house. Leviton has some good options if you want hardware switches in 3-way environments instead of utilizing the remotes from the Lutron system, but frankly the hardware switches from Leviton cost about the same as the remotes from Lutron and the Lutron is a lot easier to install and operate...

https://www.reddit.com/r/HomeKit/comments/d7r9ch/monthly_buying_megathread_ask_which_accessory_to/f1mskrn?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x

This goes doubly for ceiling fans, I adore their ceiling fan controllers. I have 4 of them, and in one room where I didn't have the wiring necessary to wire in a lutron fan controller I actually installed an insteon fan controller inside the fan housing and connected that to homekit via their insteon pro hub. Its a huge hassle, and the lutron wall fan controllers are a million times better but they do require neutral wiring in the wall.

Finally, for garage doors my reco is to go with the insignia universal garage door adapter and pair it with this magnetic sensor instead of the one included because its a hell of a lot better and will give you a more reliable sensor reading: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GUSNQW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

US Amazon.com white USD 10.99
https://www.amazon.com/Shappy-Security-Outdoor-Adjustable-Compatible/dp/B01NCQS2C7

This is what I use on my room scale setup, it all works flawlessly:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DMFB5OK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FPIMJEW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NCQS2C7/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And of course, the third sensor :)

Cheaper on Amazon uk (£1.80 with free delivery) but according to a review on Amazon fr they're not very good (screws loosened over time).

I just bought 3 of this one instead for even cheaper, the system looked a bit more secure to me and weights a little bit less (78g vs 99g). There is a good review on Amazon com and a bad one on Amazon uk. Not a big risk at 5,64 € for 3 of them.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZDK1QC4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_GhkXDb3PFK0XA

The Pro uses a lithium ion pack, i believe that is for the non pro model.

There is one where the LENS is covered. I have a few of these.

https://www.amazon.com/SEEKONE-Protective-Waterproof-Protection-Adjustable/dp/B07TMZ8PJ6/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia

But one of them on a roof in Manhattan, the USB connector still got wet and would not stay on I have soldered the 5V directly to fix.

Now, that one rocks back and forth a lot. I think the plastic where it pivots is wearing down from the wind/weather.

I used same brand as Joel but different style. They also have them in black but I got these as would blend with my wall more. Wall Mounts I Used!

or this https://www.amazon.com/Panavise-863W-T-Bar-Ceiling-Cream/dp/B000U8I676/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1481391047&sr=8-2-fkmr1&keywords=drop+ceiling+clamp+with+1%2F4+20

and https://www.amazon.com/PANOVO-Universal-Camera-Accessory-Mount/dp/B017B9N0NG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1481391185&sr=8-2&keywords=1%2F4+20+mini+ball+head

it will clamp right to the drop ceiling.

https://www.amazon.com/SEEKONE-Protective-Weatherproof-Anti-Scratch-Adjustable/dp/B07ZSZB55M/ref=pd_ybh_a_2?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=V09NPNQXA7WE5ZQ2WSH9&th=1

I mounted one outside with this piece off Amazon...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07H346DRX?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

It’s been 2 months and it’s holding up so far.

I built a similar controller using the [GarHAge project](https://github.com/marthoc/GarHAge). Like yours, my garage is a simple 'push button to do something' type. I used [these overhead door sensors from Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00V57QGRI) to detect whether the door is open or closed.

I have 2 automations concerning the garage doors: the recommended [check status on start up](https://github.com/marthoc/GarHAge#hass-automation-workaround) script, and then an automation that send an alert to our phones if the garage door has been open for more than 5 minutes. It's not a "smart" automation, so it will go off if I'm out working in the garage with the door open, but it lets us catch when the door bounces back open after the cat sneaks out.

Just finished similar project. At first I tried placing a small magnet on the chain with sensor physically mounted on the opener. Bad idea - the magnet kept falling.

Ended up with this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00V57QGRI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1.

A bit expensive but very reliable and looks great. It also solved the open / close issues as the sensor is "on" when the door is 2" or less from the floor - really closed.

I used these sensors for my garage last year and have been really happy with them. Running then back to a raspberry pi running some custom Python software I've written.

This is my oculus room setup. Most of the details are with the photo, but basically 7' wide x 10' deep room with sensors wall mounted 56' apart. My center is the back left corner of the mat. Right sensor tilted down to all better chair game tracking for things like "I expect you to die". When my back sensor gets here I think it will be perfect. This is more than enough room for any oculus game and any Steam game I have tried. Here is the link to the wall mounts I used...highly recommend them: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000IDBXBO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I used these as it worked with my setup. https://www.amazon.com/Potter-Amseco-ODC-59A-Overhead-Switch/dp/B000GUSNQW/ref=mp_s_a_1_13?crid=1QV6K3GF45HYY&keywords=wired+garage+door+sensor&qid=1556336767&s=gateway&sprefix=wired+garage+door+&sr=8-13

They need to wire into the iSmartgate unit (not the gate/garage motor) so if that’s in your garage you’d need to run wiring back to your garage to supoort it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000X23I22/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I ordered these; that thing you linked to was huge!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DW8G22H

I am using a mimo lite like this: http://www.fortrezz.com/shop/mimo-lite

I have it paired with a wired contact sensor similar to:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GUSNQW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


It has been rock solid so far. Prior to this I had a MyQ and had several cases of phantom notifications that the door had opened or closed when it didn't. I also had a couple cases where it opened randomly. It became too unreliable to know what was real and what was fake.

I like the idea of the wired sensor because I don't have to worry about batteries or anything, and I also like that it is actually wired to the opener itself. It has proven, at least in my experience, to be way more reliable than the MyQ. It also integrates with all my other devices in smartthings.

Same, I've been using this product. It costs more, but works well. Had it outside for some time now with a pan. It is under an awning, so YMMV

This is it

It's doing really good, I installed it about a month ago. No issues with heat, here in houston it's been like 103° I have an outdoor cover from Amazon

Wyze Cam Wall Mount, Wyze Camera... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SK24B84?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Wyze Cam Wall Mount Cover for Wyzecam Ismart Spot, 360 Degrees Protective Adjustable Indoor and Outdoor Wall and Ceiling Mount with Case for Wyze 1080p by, 3 Pack, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DW8G22H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_uQzpDbQM36QVX

I use these. I mount the cams under the eves, and haven’t had an issue. I live in upstate NY. (Nowhere near the city).

Sorry for slow reply. I'm primarily in Canada so I found these the best:

https://www.amazon.ca/Bracket-COOWUFAN-Weather-Protective-Adjustable/dp/B07T3WXZV1/ref=sr_1_11?keywords=wyze+cam&qid=1565131300&s=gateway&sr=8-11

They seal up very well. I was finding with some of the others I would have to add some silicone caulking to keep it fully waterproof.

I️ was looking into this as well, I️ ended up using the mounts from my arlo security camera system. MUCH cheaper and they work great. They screw right into the port in the back. I️ even cut out felt discs and put them between the wall and the mount to dampen vibration into the wall. Just make sure you anchor it properly. I️ attached the ones I used below.

Security Wall Mount- Adjustable Indoor/Outdoor Mount Comptaible With Arlo, Arlo Pro, Arlo Pro 2 and Other Compatible Models — by Dropcessories (2 Pack, White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I985WRK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_mc0bAbKZHM7AK

First pick up one of these Wyze Cam Pans. They work great and actively turn to watch motion.

Wyze Cam Pan 1080p Pan/Tilt/Zoom Wi-Fi Indoor Smart Home Camera with Night Vision, 2-Way Audio, Person Detection, Works with Alexa & the Google Assistant https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DGR98VQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_aQlnDbVAC42DP

Then you can also get one of these to hide it and mount it outside.

Wyze Cam Pan Protective Case with Wall Mount Bracket, Weather Proof Adjustable for Indoor and Outdoor Anti-Sun Glare and UV Protection Very Easy to Install (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GCYF2T8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_rRlnDb3D7RDDZ

At least you'll have a notification when motion is detected at your front door.

Next thing, get an alarm system so if they break in it informs the cops who are right down the road.

I just used security camera mounts that came with some IP cameras and hard mounted to ceiling, but they can be found for pretty cheap online, and are even cheaper shipped from China on Ebay. For two sensors in a round room you will have best luck with them facing each other from opposite sides, higher (6-8 feet), and angled down. If you have three then you would spread them each by 120 degrees flux capacitor style.

A circular room of the right size would be awesome. I recently got a circular rug that is ~7 feet in diameter that I put in the middle of my 14x12ft play space. The rug is pretty thick (~0.5"+) so now I can always recenter my self just by feeling the orientation of the rug edge and taking a couple steps back inward. I've been thinking about how I want to modify my boundaries in Rift and WMR to take advantage of the new setup.

I bought one of these and used Velcro adhesive strips
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B006Z70X36?ref_=pe_1365641_54848841
Solid so far! Going to put a sticky cable holder underneath as backup just incase

You can use any standard 1/4" camera mount. There's not really any shortage of options and styles.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000X23I22/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A15ZKQC/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009AOWF50/

Anyone try these?

https://www.amazon.com/VideoSecu-Adjustable-Security-Brackets-Surveillance/dp/B000IDBXBO/ref=pd_cp_23_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=JMGQNPX89RY99N0DF9PD


Or These

https://www.amazon.com/VideoSecu-Adjustable-Installation-Surveillance-1SG/dp/B001D49TU4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1481039147&sr=8-3&keywords=ceiling+mount+camera

I have a wyze cam with an aftermarket outdoor case/mount and it has been doing great...now it is tucked in right next to my garage door so not exposed directly to the elements but it works. They are also dirt cheap and work great.

Mount
Wyze Cam Mount, 2018 Upgrated Weather Proof 360 Degree Protective Adjustable Indoor and Outdoor Mount Cover Case for Wyze Camera (White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H346DRX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_eom1Cb56NSVZK

Edit: words are hard

Get something like this like me and you are good to go:
Wyze Cam Wall Mount, Caremoo... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SPT8YV3?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

You have to screw this into the wall though. Why not just pay 8 bucks for a verstile camera mount that also screws into wall? https://www.amazon.com/VideoSecu-Ceiling-Bracket-Camera-Adjustable/dp/B000X23I22/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1482849868&sr=8-11&keywords=wall+camera+mount