Remote Monitoring

[Hurricane]

Hi Hurricane

Did you ever monitor what data usage these things (or your openvpn connection) actually use? I'm thinking of a PAYG 365 day sim for occasional netflix and running camera etc.. but no point doing it if it just chews the data up.. I can get 24gb over 365days for just under $100aud (50GBP) so not expensive - but rather not be topping up every month.

I was actually going to tether my nokia to the asus router as my phone plan is 15gb per month - but for some reason neither nokias work via usb tethering to the Router (my other phones did)..

Steve

If you set it up properly, it uses very little data.
I have a dedicated Vodafone (monthly contract) - Data Only.
I set the camera up to send an email and video when it gets triggered.
So, under normal circumstances it doesn't use any data.
Occasionally, I log into it - move the camera etc.
It occasionally sends a false alarm - mainly when the sun is shining and shadows move causing the camera to trigger.
By occasionally, I mean once a month ish.

 

[5teve]

Thanks Hurricane

Is this now set up using the VPN as originally or by just using the p2p connection that the camera uses via escam? I can imagine if not streaming and just emailing / notifying that motion has been detected, overheads would be low, but if the VPN is active the overheads would be a fair bit higher?

Steve

 

[TonyR123]

I also set my camera to SD (rather than HD). Again uses less data.

 

[Hurricane]

Thanks Hurricane

Is this now set up using the VPN as originally or by just using the p2p connection that the camera uses via escam? I can imagine if not streaming and just emailing / notifying that motion has been detected, overheads would be low, but if the VPN is active the overheads would be a fair bit higher?

Steve

I do use my private VPN connection but this only really gets use when I connect to the camera using a browser (i.e. connect to an internal IP address inside my LAN).
But using an app on my phone, the VPN isn't necessary.
There are several protocols inside the camera and it might be using p2p - I can't remember.
Importantly, though, no (or very little - well, certainly not enough to measure) data is transmitted until the alarm is triggered.
All you need is an "always on" internet connection.
Your worry about data usage is unfounded.

 

[Hurricane]

I also set my camera to SD (rather than HD). Again uses less data.

Really not necessary - see my comment above.
Only reduce the resolution if you are using it all the time.
As a security device - the data usage is virtually nothing.

 

[asteven221]

The easy solution if all you want is a position monitor.
Is to buy or reuse an old mobile phone.
Stick in a PAYG SIM and with the appropriate anchor app, get it to SMS to you if it moves.
I appreciate that doesn't monitor all the other criteria that the OP has set up but it does answer your query for a very cost effective price.

I have been using one of these for a number of years.
It also monitors the shore power - just stick a PAYG SIM card in (£5) and plug it in.
One like this:-

I don't know if they are still available but I found this with a quick search - this is the exact model that I have:-

https://pressreleases.responsesourc...ntrolled-power-socket-manage-power-using-any/

I got one of these too following info on this forum. I can say it works brilliantly. A great purchase and tells me instantly if the power is cut off at the boat and restored, or the temperature drops to a preset level. Other alerts include a rapid increase in temperature and if the phone signal level drops.

 

[TwoHooter]

We have been using this one for the last 2 years:
https://www.solwise.co.uk/telecoms-sms-envirotxt.html