NVR Camera Installation Under Vinyl Soffit 

Thanks Stephen, good luck with your installation.

Fly OnaWall no problem. I really don’t post DYI stuff but when I was looking for videos for my install I noticed nobody had a video quite what I was looking for. Good luck to you if you are going to do an install.

Thanks for the reply. I ended up using a 1" spade bit that was large enough to accommodate the outdoor CAT V connectors.

JBA swoll maybe do the hole before putting the wood piece?

I agree, James L, in the comments, mentioned "to use a 3/4" blocking as a spacer so when you tighten the screws it doesn't collapse the vinyl." Good luck with your install!

@@jbaswoll3221 .. Thanks and thanks for the tip. 👍😎👍

What is a 3/4 inch blocking? Also what do hollow tubes do?

@@redfirewolf4186 .. If the screw goes through the tube then it won't (shouldn't) go in any further. So determine a flush length for the tubes and the vinyl or aluminum soffit won't pucker in. The blocking is something under the 2x4 to extend to the soffit (touching it); I'd think about treated lumber at that point from water getting trapped in-between.

Thanks for the comments. Regarding the NVR I chose to install it inside the house in the living room b/c the attic location was not a convenient location to access if I needed to. The cables that came with the network camera were 100' a piece so I had plenty of CAT 5 cable. I agree it would be a easier install in the attic but there are some things to consider such as accessing the NVR to pull videos if you can't access it through your network or "cloud". The other consideration is going to be the heat in the attic, you'll probably want to read the technical specs on the NVR to see what the heat ranges are that it can handle. Ideally you do want the NVR out of site in case someone does break in and decides to take it. However this NVR comes with free "cloud" storage for a week, so I'm not as concerned with theft of the NVR. Also, verify your distance with CAT 5/6 runs... i think it has limitations of 328 feet. Good luck with you install, and if you end up choosing a location, please share.

When installing my system I installed the NVR in a centrally located room WITH an AC vent. I advise against putting the NVR in the attic, as during the summer the heat from the sun all day and lack of AC and heat the NVR produces could easily damage the NVR and/or the HDD inside. Both normally have operating temps and an attic is normally above those permitters. I ran all wires from the cameras down a wall into the centrally located closet where the NVR is installed (you could also run through ceiling if easier than wall).

You can probably find them at any hardware store. They're just fiberglass rods. Here is a link from Amazon.... www.amazon.com/Fiberglass-Running-Cable-Coaxial-Electrical/dp/B07519CLJX/ref=asc_df_B07519CLJX/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=216506979975&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6565951128894687717&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027834&hvtargid=pla-362775615011&psc=1

Harbor Freight $9 www.harborfreight.com/3-16-inch-x-33-ft-fiberglass-wire-running-kit-65326.html

How d it go? Doing mine next weekend

@@scottb_02 How did your install go?

@@scottb_02 how'd your install go pal

Jake, I do not, this video is from my parent's house. I remember before this installation that there were no DIY videos that I was looking for so that is why I made this one..... just to give people an idea and maybe save them some time. I imagine anybody can advertise themselves on the side but then you may also have to set up the NVR so it can be accessed from mobile devices in the "cloud". There are also many WIFI devices that are becoming more popular as well b/c of convenience so this can also limit how many decide to go with a hard wired security system.

The maximum length for CATV is typically 100 meters (just over 300 feet). I would assume each camera company has their own specifics regarding length. The one I installed was POE (power over ethernet) and didn't require any additional power requirements to the camera. Most bundle purchases will provide the cable which should be more than enough to work with. The house in this video is around 2500 living space and had plenty of cable to work with (came with five 300 feet rolls).

I think it would take more effort and I also don’t have the tools to cut larger holes in brick. It would probably look good though. You would also have to consider direct sunlight on the camera. Since this is under vinyl I won’t have to worry about any glare and maintenance cleaning of the lens.

Len Polidori I did not. The cameras were maneuverable in all directions and also had a “reverse” feature if you did need to use it.

Hi Randy, I wouldn't be concerned with 200 lbs. I would be more concerned about not stepping on the joists since they are approximately 2" in width. My patio in the back has a swing supported by two joist and can easily support 500 lbs.

You'll be totally fine bro, just don't step anywhere else lol.

They hold roofs up with a foot of snow, 200 lb isn't anything to them.

8inu1 I’m not too sure. I’d imagine somewhere between $200-$300.

@@jbaswoll3221 Ok. I just finished my install. Wasnt as hard as I thought. Thx for sharing.

Tom Tan In the attic there are wires that you can look for to help you such as coax cable or the electrical romex cable (should either be white or yellow color - these cables are for your receptacles). I drilled a new hole since i had to pull six CAT5/6 cable through the hole. In the attic I found the existing coax and romex cable and drilled a new hole right next to it. Prior to doing so at ground use a stud finder to have a better idea where the studs are so know how much space you have to work with and which side to drill from the attic. I hope this helps... please reply if you need more clarification or more questions.

@@jbaswoll3221 So when determining where to put the hole for the NVR inside the house I should use a stud finder up the wall to be sure I don't run into a 2x4 brace along the route that would stop the wire from being pulled? If I'm terminating in the basement then I'd need to do that on the first floor as well I guess. Maybe I'll just find a place on the first floor to put this and run the hookup to my monitor/TV to the basement!

@@RichardRuth depending on where you live (residential codes) and how high your wall is, there may be a fire block somewhere in the middle of the wall that you plan on pulling the cable through. I would go ahead and use a stud finder to determine if there is one installed. If you have one they are are typically installed horizontally at the same elevation throughout. A fire block that transitions to your basement shouldn't be too hard to drill through as long as your bit is long enough to penetrate through all the wood.

thanks Sheba6779, good luck with you install if you are planning one.

There wasn’t any additional boxes required. As the base of the camera all came from the manufacturer. Unless you are referring to something else?

@@jbaswoll3221 I'm referring to the outlet box you installed in the drywall and pulled the cat 5 through

partywelter I see. I ended up using what they call “brush wall plate”. Since there was a lot of cable this was the easiest way to manage it and still keep it neat. The outlet box is a “low voltage mounting bracket”. Hope this helps.

@@jbaswoll3221 thanks!

Thanks Scott for letting me know. I am surprised that you recognized my video clips from the first few seconds of EyeCube's video. Although EyeCube should have at least asked me, I am not concerned that they used parts of my video. Hopefully you find the right camera system that works best for you.

@@jbaswoll3221 I have been trying to figure out a good way to remove my aluminum soffit to do what you did. I saw their ad then searched RU-vid and came across your video.

Joe Cronin Show these are POE (powered over Ethernet). The NVR Ethernet ports provides the power required to operate the cameras.

I believe this setup with 6 POE cameras with NVR was around $700 a couple of years ago. Prices have dropped since then so you should be able to find better deals.

Hi Emily, yes these are POE. Nothing fancy but gives my parents peace of mind when they are at home and away.

I'm not sure to be honest, but I would suspect about $50 an hour. Maybe a few hundred sounds reasonable. Also have to consider any material that would need to be purchased.

Well, anywhere from 200 to 300. If you are comfortable on a ladder do it yourself!

My handyman who was here to replace some damaged fascia said he would do it for 350. My security system cost just under 200 so I passed...for now anyway.

Much appreciated

Considering he's the home owner it doesn't matter

@@MCOGroupNews that and the fact that an electrician wants huge sums to do this work!

Considering those are powered by ethernet there's no electrical connections to be made except power at the DVR to the wall.

Yeah! Make it easy for them to steal that too!

you sir have won the award for the dumbest comment i have read today.. next time you feel the need to type.. just don't. literally no clue what you are talking about