Hawking Net-Vision HNC230G Wireless-G Network Camera

by Hawking Technology

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.1 x 4.3 inches ; 2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0007POML6
• Item model number: HNC230G
• Average Customer Review: 2.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #26,523 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: July 7, 2004

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The Net-Vision HNC230G Wireless-G Network Camera is a high performance stand-alone camera that enables remote monitoring, surveillance, and viewing of live video from both within your local area network (LAN) and from outside the network via the Internet.

Unlike "web cameras," which require an attached PC for operation, the HNC230G connects directly to the network and has its own IP address, thereby allowing users to access the video from anywhere on the network, as well as from anywhere in the world via web-based remote access.

The HNC230G supports both the 802.11b/g wireless standard and the 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet standard. As a result, the camera can stream high-quality live video at up to 30 frames per second. Installation of the camera is hassle-free with the Quick Setup Wizard utility. Also included with the camera are security and other convenient features, as well as a management and control software application for playback, recording, and more. The versatile and compact HNC230G offers a broad array of applications and can be used to monitor your home, office, and other critical locations.

Features

• Remote monitoring, surveillance, and live video
• 802.11b/g wireless connectivity--no wires!
• LAN or Internet access using a standard web browser
• Independent IP Address allows the HNC230G to be accessed from anywhere in the world via the Internet.
• Stream live video at up to 30 fps wirelessly or via 10/100Mbps Ethernet connection

What's in the Box
Net-Vision HNC230G Wireless 802.11b/g Network Camera; CD with easy-installation, quick setup wizard and utilities; quick installation guide; DC power adapter; external wireless antenna; camera stand/mounting kit

Product Description

Hawking Technologies (HNC230G) Hawking Technologies Network Camera Wireless G or 10/100Mbps wired co

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars OK, but needs work..., July 18, 2005

By 

A Sea Shell (Raleigh, NC USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hawking Net-Vision HNC230G Wireless-G Network Camera (Electronics)

I recently purchased this camera for use to monitor my Mom at home when I am away. So far, I am only able to get the camera working as advertised when it is directly wired to my WRT54G Linksys router. If I disconnect the Ethernet network cable it still manages to hold on to the wireless connection. If however, I power the camera down and power it back up again wireless, many strange things begin to happen, like the admin password is no longer valid (but the same password works OK, if running wired.) ...and yes, I have DHCP on the camera disabled. The user's guide mentions several features in the next firmware release. The current firmware version that came installed on the camera is V1.29 hopefully the newer version will be available soon!? Also, the "automatic" white balance does not seem to work indoors and everything has a green cast to it with no way to adjust the white balance given the software it comes with. It also seems to have a very limited range when working wireless. It is only about 25 ft. or so away from the Linksys box (due to my network cable issue from before) but it reports a "Low" signal strength, I have other wireless devices that work just fine on the other side of the house. All in all, for the feature set and the price, the camera works just OK. I am using it now by mounting the camera wired on the wall, powered up and disconnecting the network cable until the next power outage, or the power adapter gets kicked out of the wall and I have to reconnect the network cable again.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Fuzzy Wuzzy wuz a HNC230G, August 28, 2005

By 

Robert Salita "Software Developer" (CHI PAR PHX SYD PDX CLD NKC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hawking Net-Vision HNC230G Wireless-G Network Camera (Electronics)

Very good value, rather flawed image.

Love the price point. Image is disappointing though. Focus is always fuzzy wuzzy. Focus ring is very difficult to turn. White balance and contrast are not good. No image adjustments are offered.

The wireless feature works as expected. Just make sure the SSID is being broadcasted.

Software installation is pretty good although the applications need polishing. Exposing the camera to the internet needs a near expert with routers. A HostedVideo.com coupon for free internet video service is included. The features are inviting. The website doesn't list the HNC230G as a supported camera. The website is cumbersome to subscribe. It requires too much personal information. I hope to report on service quality later.

This review is based on version 1.29 firmware. No update is available at this time.

Comparing this model to the predecessor model (HNC320W), the predecessor has better white balance, better software control over the imagae. The HNC230G has better software installation.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not for the faint of heart!, May 12, 2006

By 

William C. Ruff "billruff" (Plymouth, Mn United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hawking Net-Vision HNC230G Wireless-G Network Camera (Electronics)

The picture quality is mediocre at best.
The camera setup for your LAN is ok, if you know how to operate your router and WEP settings.
It still took me several tries and I know what I'm doing.

Now to get it so you can monitor outside your LAN over the internet! Good Luck!
First, most ISP use a dynamic IP system which means every so often your DSL/Cable modem IP address will change and you won't be able to get to your camera.

OK, even afer I solved all of those problems, the connection to the camera goes up and down for no reason. At times I can't access the camera over the internet for no reason.

Overall, this seems to be a rather unstable internet camera. Even over the LAN it drops the connection a lot, picture quality is sub-average and getting it to monitor over the internet is a graduate course in Internet networking.

I don't know if all internet cameras suffer from these symptoms....but this one is a stinker.