Using a surveillance system and CCTV cameras to monitor manufacturing process

CCTV Camera Pros was recently contacted by a customer that wanted to use a video surveillance system with CCTV cameras to monitor manufacturing processes. Here are the questions the customer had:

I am trying to design a monitoring setup for machinery in out shop and would like some help if at all possible. I have several machines i would like to add cameras to for the operators so they can monitor the rear of the machines to monitor moving axis of the machine without having them leave the front of the machine. I do not need to have the video recorded just monitored. The maximum distance from the camera would be 4-5 meters say 15ft max the minimum would be maybe 2-3 ft. I would like to be able to pan/tilt and maybe zoom if possible. I know this is a odd request but if you could help i would appreciate it.

CCTV Camera Pros response:

Thank You for contacting CCTV Camera Pros. It is not really an odd request. We get requests fairly often to use surveillance systems and CCTV cameras to monitor manufacturing and other factory processes. Here are two options for you. If you would like a camera that can pan, tilt, and zoom, here are the parts that you need:

https://www.cctvcamerapros.com/Pan-Tilt-Zoom-Security-Camera-p/ptz-d10x.htm

https://www.cctvcamerapros.com/PTZ-Camera-Controller-p/ck-983321.htm

https://www.cctvcamerapros.com/LCD-BNC-Monitors-s/438.htm (any monitor on this page)

If you choose to go with a fixed camera (non-PTZ), then this is the one I would recommend. Note that you do not need the controller with this camera because there is no PTZ:

https://www.cctvcamerapros.com/Box-Security-Camera-p/pro-680dn.htm

With either camera, you can use one of these cables to run the video and power to the camera:

https://www.cctvcamerapros.com/Surveillance-Camera-Cables-p/50vp.htm

If you go with the PTZ camera, you also need another 2 wires to run the RS-485 controls from the camera to the joystick. You can use a single pair out of a CAT-5 cable for this or a standard 18/2 power cable.

Please let me know if you have any additional questions.