Page 3: Package Contents, SkyIPCam777W
Package Contents
AirLink101 includes all the essentials for setting up the SkyIPCam777W. The IP camera itself is packaged along with the AC adapter, software and documentation, a Wi-Fi antenna, a GPIO block, and mounting screws. The kit also has some rubber feet to be placed on the bottom of the camera.
On the very bottom of the packaging, AirLink101 included the mounting bracket and an ethernet cable. We're happy that the kit includes an ethernet cable as some companies like to skimp on the little things. The mounting kit is used to mount the camera to a wall or other stationary flat surface. It will also sit nicely on a desk.
SkyIPCam777W
The IP camera in the SkyIPCam777W kit is a pan/tilt model with no zoom or auto focus support. The latter is a problem for people that need to see both long and far objects with the camera. There is a manual focus ring (like a pair of binoculars) that can be adjusted to bring the subject into focus. Depending on the distance, you'll be able to see most areas around the target subject. If something is too close or too far, they'll be out of focus. More expensive cameras have an auto focus to negate the need to manually setup the focus.
The SkyIPCam777W includes seven infrared (IR) LEDs to allow the camera to illuminate objects in the dark. This works for about 20 feet from the camera. If the subject is beyond that, the illumination loses its potency due to spread. Since these are IR lights, the subject will not be aware of their presence. You'll be able to use this "night vision" mode to grab images without the target being aware. Spying on people is a use for this camera, after all. We don't condone this use, though.
The kit includes an antenna for use with wireless networks. For people that are worried about security, the wired portion is the way to go. You really don't want to put cameras on the wireless network. If you do, make sure the network is fully secured using 802.11i security, commonly called WPA2.
The pan and tilt for the camera is very good. The camera can pan nearly 360 degrees around, but it won't be able to do a complete circle as there is a block to prevent it from turning too far. The tilt is good as well. The camera is able to point straight up and down far enough to provide an excellent view of the subject area. The lack of auto focus does leave a bit of wanting, though. The camera has such a good range of motion, yet you won't be able to see near and far objects at the same time.
You'll notice an USB port built into the camera. This serves a single purpose. You can only use an USB mass storage device for snapping pictures that the motion trigger produces. You aren't able to use it for videos. This is fine since the unit works with a few other storage devices like a FTP server or NAS.
The back of the unit contains the various ports and such for connectivity. The left button is a USB dismount button for safely removing the USB mass storage device. Continuing from the left is the ethernet port, the GPIO port, the wireless antenna, the DC power input, the reset button, and a speaker connection. The unit has a built-in microphone to capture audio and the software allows you to talk through the camera if you attach some powered speakers to it. It is an interesting feature that doesn't work that well, but it isn't needed for the majority of uses of this camera.
The bottom of the unit contains the labeling and the mounting screw holes. It can also be placed on any flat surface since the kit gives you four rubber feet if you are using it in this manner.
AirLink101 includes all the essentials for setting up the SkyIPCam777W. The IP camera itself is packaged along with the AC adapter, software and documentation, a Wi-Fi antenna, a GPIO block, and mounting screws. The kit also has some rubber feet to be placed on the bottom of the camera.
On the very bottom of the packaging, AirLink101 included the mounting bracket and an ethernet cable. We're happy that the kit includes an ethernet cable as some companies like to skimp on the little things. The mounting kit is used to mount the camera to a wall or other stationary flat surface. It will also sit nicely on a desk.
SkyIPCam777W
The IP camera in the SkyIPCam777W kit is a pan/tilt model with no zoom or auto focus support. The latter is a problem for people that need to see both long and far objects with the camera. There is a manual focus ring (like a pair of binoculars) that can be adjusted to bring the subject into focus. Depending on the distance, you'll be able to see most areas around the target subject. If something is too close or too far, they'll be out of focus. More expensive cameras have an auto focus to negate the need to manually setup the focus.
The SkyIPCam777W includes seven infrared (IR) LEDs to allow the camera to illuminate objects in the dark. This works for about 20 feet from the camera. If the subject is beyond that, the illumination loses its potency due to spread. Since these are IR lights, the subject will not be aware of their presence. You'll be able to use this "night vision" mode to grab images without the target being aware. Spying on people is a use for this camera, after all. We don't condone this use, though.
The kit includes an antenna for use with wireless networks. For people that are worried about security, the wired portion is the way to go. You really don't want to put cameras on the wireless network. If you do, make sure the network is fully secured using 802.11i security, commonly called WPA2.
The pan and tilt for the camera is very good. The camera can pan nearly 360 degrees around, but it won't be able to do a complete circle as there is a block to prevent it from turning too far. The tilt is good as well. The camera is able to point straight up and down far enough to provide an excellent view of the subject area. The lack of auto focus does leave a bit of wanting, though. The camera has such a good range of motion, yet you won't be able to see near and far objects at the same time.
You'll notice an USB port built into the camera. This serves a single purpose. You can only use an USB mass storage device for snapping pictures that the motion trigger produces. You aren't able to use it for videos. This is fine since the unit works with a few other storage devices like a FTP server or NAS.
The back of the unit contains the various ports and such for connectivity. The left button is a USB dismount button for safely removing the USB mass storage device. Continuing from the left is the ethernet port, the GPIO port, the wireless antenna, the DC power input, the reset button, and a speaker connection. The unit has a built-in microphone to capture audio and the software allows you to talk through the camera if you attach some powered speakers to it. It is an interesting feature that doesn't work that well, but it isn't needed for the majority of uses of this camera.
The bottom of the unit contains the labeling and the mounting screw holes. It can also be placed on any flat surface since the kit gives you four rubber feet if you are using it in this manner.