Astak CM-818C2 2.4GHz Security Surveillance Camera Set

by Astak

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 13 x 5 x 15 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0015E4CFY
• Item model number: CM-818C2
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #36 in Electronics > Security & Surveillance > Complete Surveillance Systems
• Date first available at Amazon.com: March 5, 2008

Product Description

A set of two wireless cameras – weatherproof and durable, for outdoor or indoor use. Built-in 12 infrared LED lights enables you to view up to 20 feet (7 meters) at night or in low-light settings. Includes a receiver and remote control. CMOS wireless security camera set (2 cameras)Weatherproof (Indoor/Outdoor)Night Vision ( with 12 IR LEDs, night vision range : 20 feet)Clear color image (380 TV line resolution)Wireless receiver supports up to 4 cameras Remote control included Built-in microphone and switchable channel

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Waaay better than the Swann I replaced, June 3, 2010

By 

ebirm (Nebraska) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Astak CM-818C2 2.4GHz Security Surveillance Camera Set (Electronics)

Length:: 0:17 Mins

I live in a 2nd story apartment and installed a Swann 2.4GHz wireless that I picked up from the local hardware store about a year ago. I installed it after scaring off some would-be car thief's. I decided to replace it because one of my receivers went out and I replaced it with the standard Astak 2.4GHz wireless receiver. I was impressed with the receiver (w/remote) and so I thought I'd give these cameras a try (the Swann was very choppy and I had to mess with the brightness controls in the software I use, a lot). I use the second receiver to hook to the TV in my living room. The cameras and receiver are in the same location as when I was using the Swann.

These cameras are way better than the Swann. The video that comes with this review was taken from my PC (I wire it through a Roxio RCA to USB connector) and use a freeware program to capture it (Debut). There are three walls between my computer and the cameras.

Others post about bad reception because of wireless routers. I don't use one, but there are several that appear in my wireless network list on my Windows PC. To be fair, they could have changed their routers after I installed the Swann a year ago.

Downside: The audio is choppy and has static. I don't use the audio; I didn't use the audio with the Swann, either. This is the reason for my "low" marks. Also, in the manual I discovered that in low light the cameras will switch to black and white. However, as you can see from the video, the b/w hasn't switched on. There is a big flood light in my parking lot which may be the reason. Color 24/7. Judge for yourself.

Tip: you may need to adjust the antenna on the receiver to get the lowest amount of static. I've found that moving it about 20 degrees at a time lets you see the difference.

Well worth the money. I hope this helps.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good camera, great price...but know your environment., October 5, 2009

By 

CJ (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Astak CM-818C2 2.4GHz Security Surveillance Camera Set (Electronics)

This is a decent set of cameras at a good price, especially compared to similar brands. I found the cameras to be weatherproof, solid, and easy to use.

Due to no fault of their own, I would HIGHLY recommend you buy the wired version if you live in an urban area and/or near too many wireless access points. This is the primary reason behind the degradation in signal & video that cause many reviewers of wireless cams to wrongly give 1 star ratings to what are actually decent products. You can download the free tool, Netstumbler, and use it on a laptop to see how many access points are in your neighborhood.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars surveillance for home, October 6, 2009

By 

J. Graham (Sacramento, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Astak CM-818C2 2.4GHz Security Surveillance Camera Set (Electronics)

I purchased this to add on to my current system, which has 2 cameras from astak. Works great like the others. It is very easy to install. I keep one extra camera on the ready for when we go for overnights or vacations because it is so convenient = the receiver plugs into any A/V port (there is always a TV wherever we go, or owe can use our portable DVD player). We have a few reception problems because of several wireless devices (phone, router), but not too bad. It would be nice if the channel could be changed on the cameras to improve reception - however, hasn't hindered our use of it so far. The picture is still clear enough. The color aspect is not significant...depends on how you use it. We monitor our kids with it. Great product overall. I highly recommend it over a baby monitor any day.