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The Graveyard - Products No Longer Supported => IP Cameras => DCS-932L => Topic started by: sandyeggoboy on December 07, 2011, 11:55:07 AM

Title: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: sandyeggoboy on December 07, 2011, 11:55:07 AM: Hello, i want to install my cam outside of my house, just under the roof, so i was wondering if anyone knows if this cam is OK to install this way? has anyone installed it otside? My reason is becuase i need to wath the back door areea with out capturing the reflection of the window glass.
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: oberkc on December 08, 2011, 03:14:44 AM: I guess we will find out together. Mine is outside. I made a box (open bottom and front) to shield the camera from the direct weather exposre. I notice camera temperature ratings are for no lower than freezing.
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: amandasmith on December 08, 2011, 03:19:17 AM: With the DCS-932L set up, the easiest way to test out is via the mydlink webpage and log in using your email address and the password you set up. If everything is working well you should now be able to see your live camera feed as seen below. One thing to note, if you are accessing your mydlink webpage from outside your network and you have UPnP disabled on your router, you will only be able to see the camera feed in 60 second increments
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: JavaLawyer on December 08, 2011, 04:40:21 AM: I suspect the camera is not rated for outdoor use. Excluding direct contact with water, I would think that humidity and condensation will play the largest role in impacting the life/usability of the camera.

Are you concerned with daytime reflectivity or the IR illuminator reflecting at night? For daytime reflectivity, you can try placing a patch of non-reflective tape on the glass to cover the camera field-of-view. To deal with nighttime reflectivity (due to the IR illuminator), you can purchase an external IR illuminator and cover the DCS-932L on-board IR illuminator with electrical tape.
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: oberkc on December 08, 2011, 06:25:36 AM: Quote
I suspect the camera is not rated for outdoor use.

It is not, for sure.
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: JavaLawyer on December 08, 2011, 07:17:06 AM: Quote from: oberkc on December 08, 2011, 06:25:36 AM
It is not, for sure.

I know that just from looking at the casing, but without seeing an "explicit" statement from D-Link stating as much (in either the manual or specs), I'm avoiding making an unequivocal statement. ;D
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: oberkc on December 08, 2011, 01:44:52 PM: I agree. I based this statement off the operating specs i saw on the web page. I also believe the box specified indoor use.
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: pigl3t on December 12, 2011, 02:51:33 AM: Hey. Just like oberkc i was thinking to build a box with only front open and see what happens. I`m mostly worried about humidity and frost.
oberkc, let me know how your DCS handles outside. What`s the temperature range in your area?
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: oberkc on December 12, 2011, 03:53:21 AM: I am in Ohio. Temperature extremes are -10 to 98 type numbers. Last couple of nights saw temperatures below 20.
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: pigl3t on December 12, 2011, 04:17:28 AM: Thanks for the info. About the same climate as here. How long have you been keeping it outside? i assume it`s still working :).
Can`t wait to install mine also. I was thinking to place it in an open face Thermocole box..
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: oberkc on December 12, 2011, 07:35:36 AM: I am new to IP cameras. This is the first winter. Still working.
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: JavaLawyer on December 12, 2011, 07:43:40 AM: Quote from: oberkc on December 12, 2011, 07:35:36 AM
I am new to IP cameras. This is the first winter. Still working.

Not knowing how this camera will operate when exposed to the elements, I would be concerned with the spring thaw, condensation, possible shorts, and corrosion. ???
We'll find out net year... :-\
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: oberkc on December 12, 2011, 09:42:19 AM: Quote
Not knowing how this camera will operate when exposed to the elements, I would be concerned with the spring thaw, condensation, possible shorts, and corrosion.

Agreed. I believe the consequences are more long-term. While they will work in the cold, they may not last very long.

Condensation is probably not an issue, to me. My experience suggests that this is more from sudden shifts in environment, such as sudden movements from outside to in, or vice versa, resulting in devices where their temperature is greatly different from the ambient environment. However, humidity is equally a problem.

I am not sure that I intend to keep mine outside. I am still exprimenting around with different devices and placement, both inside and out. Besides environment, I am finding other reasons that I prefer the -932 inside...specifically, the range (or lack) of the night vision. I find that the -932 simply lacks enough range to be useful outslide, in my application. I have just installed a Foscam exterior camera and find it performs much better outside. I expect that I will end up moving the DLinc -932 inside and replacing it with something better for the outside. This is all still a work in progress.
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: macortim on January 15, 2012, 08:49:58 AM: I do have a few cameras looking out windows from the inside. But with the inherent problems of the IR (and the glare from the sun) and windows I have placed four DCS-932L cameras outside of my house. The cameras outside are all "protected" from the elements by the overhangs of the porch and patio where they are located. They have been operating since October. No problems yet.

At first I was a little worried about someone seeing the one on the front patio and just taking it. I have had at least four people come to the front door and not even notice it. One person even was looking towards the ceiling and didn't notice it. It is located behind them. I didn't really try to hide it other than placing it in the least conspicuous spot. I would like to change the color of the camera and the base. Obviously painting the base isn't going to damage it. Does anyone think that painting the camera enclosure would have any negative effects (heat dissipation)?
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: oberkc on January 16, 2012, 08:35:23 AM: My guess is negligible, unless in direct sun.
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: JavaLawyer on January 18, 2012, 05:38:25 AM: If you're intent on painting the camera, you may want to consider carefully and meticulously masking all seams, vents, and exposed components and using spray paint (rather than brush-on paint).
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: fuz on January 18, 2012, 07:23:30 PM: Mine hangs out my window and experienced -10 degree windchill. I forgot to bring it in but it worked the whole night. If we get a heavy rain, I bring it in.
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: peterd on January 19, 2012, 11:07:07 AM: I've been tempted to try it outdoors but doubt I will after coming across the following DCS-932L specs:

Operation Temperature
32°F to 140°F (0°C to 40°C)
Humidity
20-80% RH Non-Condensing
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: mrsr71 on January 28, 2012, 08:38:00 AM: Quote from: macortim on January 15, 2012, 08:49:58 AM
I didn't really try to hide it other than placing it in the least conspicuous spot.

I'm going to install one at my front door. If I may ask, where did you plug it in? Did you use the porch light in some fashion for power?

Thanks...
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: macortim on February 04, 2012, 07:22:07 PM: I have an extension cord running along the woodwork down to an outlet where the outdoor lighting is also plugged in. It looks like I can't add a photo on the forum to show you so I will try and figure out another way to show you.
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: JavaLawyer on February 05, 2012, 07:46:01 AM: Quote from: macortim on February 04, 2012, 07:22:07 PM
...It looks like I can't add a photo on the forum to show you so I will try and figure out another way to show you.

You can post images with the following code, but you'll have to reference the image location from another image hosting site.

Code: [Select]
[img]http://image_location/image[/img]
(http://www.dlink.pt/cs/Satellite?blobcol=urldata&blobkey=filevalue&blobtable=MungoBlobs&blobwhere=dlink_logo_main.gif&ssbinary=true)
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: ssfan1 on February 09, 2012, 04:51:19 PM: For what it's worth, I have 5 cameras mounted outside under 12" roof overhangs. Living in Michigan the temperature far exceeds the lowest recommended operating temperatures. They have been there for about 4 months now with zero effect on the cameras or feeds.

I did purchase 2 year extended warranties @ $10 each camera as added insurance ;)

Power requirements come via plugs I added under the overhangs from attic access.
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: hackztor on February 12, 2012, 09:50:15 PM: Ive had mine out for over a year now during summer/winter in Arizona. It is shielded from adverse weather by my walls (its on my porch). So far so good. Dlink really needs to get into the outside market for cameras too. So far I am loving to 932l and cannot wait for the 942l.
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: JavaLawyer on September 24, 2012, 08:57:45 AM: DCS-930L In the Rain (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qLa7kKiIR0)
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: bosscrab on September 26, 2012, 08:09:46 AM: I have had a DCS-932L mounted outside for a little over one year. It is mounted under an awning. Still works great.
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: JavaLawyer on September 26, 2012, 10:13:49 AM: Quote from: bosscrab on September 26, 2012, 08:09:46 AM
I have had a DCS-932L mounted outside for a little over one year. It is mounted under an awning. Still works great.

Since the camera isn't fully sealed, I would be concerned with condensation and corrosion developing over the long term. . . especially in temperate/humid climates.
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: Pnavajo on May 05, 2013, 12:27:49 AM: Hi all,
I got a 932l and I'm wondering will I mount it under an eve. I live in Ireland so the weather isn't that bad, just a bit of rain :). Anyway can anyone who has this outside tell me how its getting on? I know this post is old.

Thanks
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: JavaLawyer on May 31, 2013, 07:37:29 AM: Quote from: Pnavajo on May 05, 2013, 12:27:49 AM
Hi all,
I got a 932l and I'm wondering will I mount it under an eve. I live in Ireland so the weather isn't that bad, just a bit of rain :). Anyway can anyone who has this outside tell me how its getting on? I know this post is old.

Thanks

As long as the camera is close enough to the router to maintain a strong wireless signal you should be fine from a connectivity perspective. I would be concerned about the potential damage from long term exposure to humidity and large temperature fluctuations, as this camera is not marketed for outdoors.
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: Pnavajo on June 02, 2013, 04:21:51 AM: Quote from: JavaLawyer on May 31, 2013, 07:37:29 AM
As long as the camera is close enough to the router to maintain a strong wireless signal you should be fine from a connectivity perspective. I would be concerned about the potential damage from long term exposure to humidity and large temperature fluctuations, as this camera is not marketed for outdoors.

Thanks for the reply!
I have this mounted outside at the moment, I ran a cat5 cable and a power cable through the attic to the camera. It's up 2 days now. Just have to wait and see how it gets on :)
I might upload a photo later to show it under the eve.

Thanks.
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: Notworried on June 08, 2013, 01:27:30 PM: I have a 930L and a 932L mounted outside under an overhang for 3 months now. No issues other than occasional signal drop. A wider field of view is definitely in order. Here is a view.

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/415093/20130608_151828_00.jpg)
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: JavaLawyer on June 11, 2013, 12:07:11 PM: Quote from: Notworried on June 08, 2013, 01:27:30 PM
. . .A wider field of view is definitely in order. Here is a view.

I tested a wide angle lens attachment I had from a Flip camera. The lens increased the field of view by approximately 10-15 degrees or so.
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: oberkc on September 03, 2013, 11:22:20 AM: I had my first DCS-932 failure. This was a camera mounted outside the house, under eves. Location is west-central ohio. I don't know if this is weather related, but the camera went through a few winters, then failed during a summer. The camera, itself, felt warm when I went to investigate.

I have not tried any corrective action. Perhaps it will work once it cools down, or if I perform some type of reset.
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: JavaLawyer on September 03, 2013, 11:35:15 AM: Quote from: oberkc on September 03, 2013, 11:22:20 AM
I had my first DCS-932 failure. This was a camera mounted outside the house, under eves. Location is west-central ohio. I don't know if this is weather related, but the camera went through a few winters, then failed during a summer. The camera, itself, felt warm when I went to investigate.

I have not tried any corrective action. Perhaps it will work once it cools down, or if I perform some type of reset.

The DCS-932L is not rated for outdoor use. Humidity and other environmental factors may be the cause for this failure, particularly if you are in a temperate climate with large seasonal fluctuations. You can try physically removing the power cord for a while and let the unit cool (as you suggested). If the unit fails to power-up, perform a factory reset: while the DCS-932L is powered-up, using a paperclip, press and hold the recessed reset button on the rear of the unit for > 8 seconds. This procedure will restore the DCS-932L to the factory default settings, so you'll have to reconfigure the camera the same way as when you first purchased the unit.
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: oberkc on September 04, 2013, 03:55:24 AM: Quote
The DCS-932L is not rated for outdoor use.

Yes, I know. That was the point of this entire thread...folks wondering if it can be used outside (despite the ratings). Of course, I cannot say whether being outside was the cause of the failure in this particular case. At the time, operating conditions were well within the specified range, but it could have been the culmination of thermal cycling or corrosion, or something. The device appears as new from the outside.

Thanks for the tips for trying to bring it back to life.
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: JavaLawyer on September 04, 2013, 04:33:15 AM: Quote from: oberkc on September 04, 2013, 03:55:24 AM
Yes, I know. That was the point of this entire thread...folks wondering if it can be used outside (despite the ratings). Of course, I cannot say whether being outside was the cause of the failure in this particular case. At the time, operating conditions were well within the specified range, but it could have been the culmination of thermal cycling or corrosion, or something. The device appears as new from the outside.

Thanks for the tips for trying to bring it back to life.

Please post back after you've tried a factory reset -- or other rehabilitative measures. ;)
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: oberkc on September 06, 2013, 01:36:02 PM: New power supply. Cooled off. Factory reset.

Seriously dead.
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: JavaLawyer on September 11, 2013, 06:11:29 AM: Quote from: oberkc on September 06, 2013, 01:36:02 PM
New power supply. Cooled off. Factory reset.

Seriously dead.

I'm sorry to hear about your loss. My condolences. :'(
At least you got several seasons from the camera while outdoors. Living in the Northeast, I'm not sure my DCS-932L would stand up to years of outdoor use with the wide variation of temperature and humidity.
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: oberkc on September 12, 2013, 04:12:32 AM: The camera was ready for replacement anyhow. While it may have "worked" outside for a few years, I found it functionally inadequate. It was fine in the daytime, but the IR emitters were simply not strong enough to be of any use during nights in the outside environment.

One of my cameras is a foscam. It is clunky large, and the image quality is not very good (colorwise, that is), but it is rated for exterior use, and it is quite useful at night. I may try another one in place of the failed DCS-932.

I don't see myself spending hundreds of dollars for an IP camera, so I will be stuck with the bargain versions for now.
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: RYAT3 on September 12, 2013, 04:37:45 AM: The dcs 2230 is very good in low light.
Newegg has some ir illuminators assembled with power supply.
The 60 ft one gets up to 130f indoors after 10 minutes.
Kind of like a spotlight almost..a little strong at 25ft indoors with 5222l irs.

Quote from: oberkc on September 12, 2013, 04:12:32 AM
The camera was ready for replacement anyhow. While it may have "worked" outside for a few years, I found it functionally inadequate. It was fine in the daytime, but the IR emitters were simply not strong enough to be of any use during nights in the outside environment.

One of my cameras is a foscam. It is clunky large, and the image quality is not very good (colorwise, that is), but it is rated for exterior use, and it is quite useful at night. I may try another one in place of the failed DCS-932.

I don't see myself spending hundreds of dollars for an IP camera, so I will be stuck with the bargain versions for now.
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: oberkc on September 12, 2013, 06:55:27 AM: Thanks RYAT3 for the suggestion. I actually find the -932 good for low light conditions, so long that you don't ask for too much range (such as for indoor use within about 10ft or so). While the -2230 may have better range, I will probably opt for a camera that is actually rated for outdoor use if possible. Using the -932 outside was admittedly an experiment, and I would prefer not replacing them every 2 or 3 years if possible. I note that the -2230 has the same environmental ratings as the -932.

The IR illuminator is certainly something that I should consider.
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: kah00na on January 25, 2014, 03:33:12 PM: I just installed my DCS-930L outside. I put tape over the ethernet jack to keep water and dust out of it. Then I put hot glue around where the front and back covers meet and around where the lens touches the front cover. Then I attached the power cord and put hot glue around it to keep water and dust out of it too. It is mounted up under an eave of the house so it should avoid most of the rain and snow.
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: jwwilson45 on March 21, 2014, 04:59:19 PM: I searched all over looking for an enclosure that the DCS will cameras fit in without much success. I did come across an enclosure made for the Exxis cameras that fit perfectly, and was able to get two but cannot find any more.

While talking with a friend that also wants to mount the cameras outside, he said he was going to mount his camera in a 4" piece of PVC pipe. That got me to thinking. I went to The Home Depot and while wandering through plumbing department I came up with an enclosure that will protect the camera.

I have built two of these enclosures so far using a 4" PVC threaded cap, male adapter (sewer clean out) and a 4" to 3" reducing bushing. The network cable and power wire are ran into a 2" plastic box mounted on the house and then I use plastic water tight conduit from the box to the housing. You can use a hole saw to drill a 3/4" hole into the male adapter and use PVC cement to attach the water tight fitting.

I did build a Lexan cover that fit inside the reducing bushing but it reflected too much of the IR back and makes the image very fuzzy.

I live in Florida and we have humidity...I left the front open.

Everything is common stuff at Lowes or Home Depot and cost less than $15.00. I purchased several mounting arms off Amazon for about $8.00 each.

Trying to figure how to insert photos...(http://)
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: JavaLawyer on March 21, 2014, 05:07:10 PM: Quote from: jwwilson45 on March 21, 2014, 04:59:19 PM
. . . . Trying to figure how to insert photos...(http://)

D-Link Forum - Adding Screenshots In A Post (http://forums.dlink.com/index.php?topic=58120.0)
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: hardhittinz on June 07, 2014, 12:08:59 PM: i recently installed a 932L outside the building where my wife works and its been great so far and made it through a few t-storms without missing a beat,id be happy to get a couple years out if it at least as the cam isn't that expensive..Id like to have the 2332L outdoor cam but for the price i can get 4 or 5 932L's so I'm gonna go with this and see how long it last,day and night video is great..
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: sip06pp on June 15, 2014, 03:57:54 AM: i setup 2 DCS 932L Outside 2 weeks ago with WiFi and power from porch light power line. Cameras under Veranta roofs.

All great so far.
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: hardhittinz on June 17, 2014, 03:18:55 PM: sweet sip i also stole power from the porch light and my cam isn't under a eve or anything and has been rained on a lot since install and running like a champ still no issues since installed..
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: JavaLawyer on June 18, 2014, 12:13:21 PM: I posted this some time ago: DCS-930L In the Rain (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qLa7kKiIR0)
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: hseus on June 21, 2014, 09:32:22 AM: I have 2 932's and 2 942's just under the soffet of various buildings. I live in Northern Canada, they have lasted through the whole winter (-40 with regular 1-2 foot snowfalls) without any problems. Still have them going now and they have already been through some pretty bad rainstorms. None of them are exposed to direct sunlight or water/snow, so as long as you can keep them sheltered well enough I think they should be okay.
Title: Re: can i install my DCS-932L outside?
Post by: RickALO on June 26, 2014, 07:01:12 AM: I found a great "enclosure that is perfect fit for 9xx size cams.... Glad food storage container (just cut open a portion of the bottom for power cord access. http://www.glad.com/food-storage/containers/designer-series-medium-rectangle/ (http://www.glad.com/food-storage/containers/designer-series-medium-rectangle/)