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Installing a IP Security Camera – dbPower VA039K

Home, Technology

I’ve always wanted a security camera at my front door to avoid answering my door for gas marketeers, mormon and jehovah witness missionaries, and process servers for photo radar tickets.  I purchased a dBPower VA039K on ebay for $40 USD  which is similar to models offered by Foscam and Wansview.

Initial connection needs to be wired ethernet to configure the wireless and this can be done through a web interface.  You should assign the camera a static IP address (check your router for ranges of valid addresses).  On my router, the default starting number for the last octet in the IP address is 100 for DHCP.  2-99 could be used for static addresses.

One important setup tip is to change the default password.  There are websites that broadcast IP camera videos from unsecured cameras that haven’t changed from their default passwords.  Check out insecam.org

There is a CD provided with some apps including one to find your camera’s IP address.  In order to view video from your browser, you need to install another app as well.  With a Android tablet or smartphone, there is an app on the CD.  The app is APCamera and available on the Google Play Store.

If you want to be able to view your camera from outside your local network, there are instructions to set up DDNS (Dynamic DNS).

I installed the camera high up by my front door and drilled a hole to pass the wire.  Since the wire was permanently connected to the camera and had a fairly large dongle for ethernet, I had to cut it to pass the wire through the wall.  I reattached only the power and ground wires to the AC adapter plugged in to the other side of the wall since I no longer needed the wired ethernet after initial setup.

The camera has software motion sensitivity and I set it up to email a picture on detection.  Experimenting with the sensitivity, I found the lowest setting worked the best in not producing too many false triggers.  It does trigger on shadows however.

The color reproduction is a bit off for the camera but it does the job for the price.  It also features IR illumination for night time.

 

 

Slow speeds with Linksys N300 E900 Router

Technology

I contacted my ISP complaining of slow speeds with my internet connection.  I ran the test at speedtest.net and got 20Mbps download and 0.04Mbps upload.  The support representative at my ISP suggested I plug my PC into the modem directly bypassing my router and to run the test again.  The results this time were 100Mbps download and 10Mbps upload.  Guess I couldn’t blame my ISP for the slow speeds.

Searching some Linksys forums showed others with the same router (Linksy E900) had slow traffic issues.  I checked if there was any newer firmware than my 2013 version and I found a Jan 2015 version 1.06 which can be downloaded from here.  I updated the firmware but had trouble connecting to my modem afterward so did a factory reset  by holding down reset button for 10 seconds.  This update seemed to do the trick and brought my speeds pretty close to what was achievable.  Hopefully the new firmware will be a bit more stable since I did lose connections once in awhile before (requiring me to unplug the router to reset it).  One change in the updated firmware that affected me was the inability to use a network name starting with a number which was allowed before.  Since I had to change my network name,  I had to reconfigure all my devices connected to it.

Setting up VOIP service with Vitelity

Technology

If you are in the US, you can take advantage of Google voice for a free VOIP number.  Canadian numbers are currently not supported.  Though ISPs, Vonage, MagicJack and Comwave are some more well known options, I use Vitelity.  They are more focused towards wholesalers and resellers but don’t turn away single customers.

You can use a softphone on your smartphone (I use Zoiper), PC app (I’ve used X-Lite previously on a laptop) or an Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) to connect to standalone phone.  I use a Sipura/Linksys SPA1001.

I was paying $2.75 US per month for a Canadian local phone number (Direct Inward Dial DID) and get free voice mail (recorded in WAV format and emailed to me and also transcribed to text), free caller ID, and SMS support (I use the Xabber app on my tablet, approx 5 cents/msg).  While preparing this blog post, I noted their posted rate is now $1.49/month.  I contacted them and should now be charged the lower rate.

Calls are 1.4 cents per minute for North America and they have an unlimited plan for $8/month.

They have setup instruction for a few devices on their website though it may not be easy for those that aren’t technically inclined.

Some issues and tips

  • My SPA1001 has only one telephone port.  I thought I would be able to split it to two phones like a regular phone line but it doesn’t seem to have enough drive to do this.  If you want to use two phones, find an adapter with two ports.  I also had to update the firmware so that I could modify the daylight savings time dates that were changed in 2005.  I updated to version 3.1.19(SE) which allowed me to change the Daylight Savings Rule (under Advanced->Regional) to start=3/2/7;end=11/1/7;save=1
  • You can improve voice quality by making sure your router prioritizes voice packets.  This can typically be set in the QoS (Quality of Service) settings.
  • I had problems once when I replace my modem with a D-Link DIR-601.  I had to return it since it seemed to be blocking VOIP traffic.  No issues with my current Linksys E900.
  • Vitelity lets you create sub accounts for multiple devices.  I created separate sub accounts for my ATA and smartphone app.  You can set your DID to ring the sub accounts you want.
  • I’ve had issues dialing 1-800 numbers with the message “The number is not available from your calling area”.  I’ve had to open two trouble tickets but I think this is finally solved.  I can also use Google Voice for outgoing calls if this happens again.
  • For SMS, vitelity was recommending an app called S.MS but it is no longer at the Google Play store.  Since it uses a standard XMPP protocol, I used Xabber instead. There is a weird error when I start where it says “No Contacts” but if I go into the menu and select my account, it is fine.

Shipping from the US as an ebay seller in Canada

ebay, Home

With Canada Post’s high rates for parcel shipping, you may be tempted to cross to the US and ship USPS if you live near the border.  If you do this, be aware that bringing goods across the border that have been sold is considered a commercial entry and you are subject to a $10.75 user fee.  If carrying commercial goods, your car is considered a commercial vehicle and you can NOT use the Nexus lane.

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1281

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5095-eng.html#a04_1

If you have personal items you would like to ship with USPS, Priority Post service offers 2-day, tracked delivery and free boxes.  First class mail also has free tracking.  Though prepaid online postage is cheaper, it is not available to Canadians.  USPS does not allow non-US payments and Paypal’s USPS label no longer works.  Postal calculators can be found on the USPS website.

If you are in the Greater Toronto Area, Chitchat’s Express offers US shipping service.  Books To The Border may offer a similar service in Greater Vancouver but their website is seriously lacking information.

My Experiences with Ebay

ebay, Home

I’ve been an ebay member since 2000 both buying and selling.  Initially, I saw the emergence of digital music and digital video recording that would make CD’s and magnetic tape obsolete so I sold off my CD collection (mainly purchased from Columbia House), CD player and tape cassette player.

I was able to upgrade to newer digital cameras (selling my older ones) a few times before settling on one.  Selling older technology, especially electronics and computing equipment, allows you to get some value back offsetting the price of a newer model.  Hold on to it too long and most of its value will be gone.

I was scammed once on satellite cards where I purchased two and ebay insurance at the time only covered your individual purchases up to $200 with a $25 deductible so I lost $50.  Ebay/Paypal now covers your entire purchase with no deductible.

I almost lost several hundred on a new camera that I arranged “off-ebay”.   The seller had good feedback selling mainly video games but was recently listing higher price electronic items.   After I sent the seller a postal money order, I noticed a wave of negative feedback on her account.  Luckily, she returned my money order.

I got caught buying “high density RAM” which is a bit of a scam since this memory isn’t readily available and has high incompatibility with most computers.  I had to contact the BBB in the seller’s state in order to get the seller to give me a partial refund after I returned the item.

Fairly recently, I sold an unused gift card which I sent out as an email.  Electronic versions of gift cards are actually prohibited on ebay and I should have sent it out by tracked post.  The gift card was promptly used and about a month later a chargeback was issued by the credit card company indicating it was an unauthorized purchase.  I got automated emails from Paypal indicating they were fighting the chargeback for about a month until the final email said they were unsuccessful.  I phoned Paypal’s customer support and the agent credited all my past Paypal fees until the amount I lost was zeroed out.

Gift cards are a big source of scams for both buyers and sellers.  Shoplifters will return items without a receipt, and are given store credit which they will try to sell.  Paypal requires tracking information for any item purchased, so “items not received” disputes will always go to the buyer without that information.  When returning items, always use a tracked service as well.  I usually don’t bother with low value items.

Currently, ebay has no listing fees but takes a 10% commission on the final value INCLUDING postage.  Sellers used to take advantage by listing items with a low selling price and jacked up shipping fee.  Paypal fees are 2.9% plus 30 cents.

Canada Post fees are currently pretty high making it tough for Canadian sellers to compete with US sellers using USPS.  US sellers find it tough to compete with Asian sellers selling some items for $1 or $2 including shipping.

I have bought quite a few items from Asian sellers including electronics cables, cell phone accessories and electronic components.  It is cheaper and more convenient than being in a market in Shanghai or Hong Kong.  Delivery ranges typically from 2-8 weeks.  There is no tax or duty if the declared value of the item is less than $20 CAD.

For low value and large items, I now get rid of my junk listing on Craigslist and use ebay only for unique, more specialty items.

 

 

 

Protect your privacy with a VPN – Cloudnymous reviewed

Technology

In Jan of 2015, the Canadian government enacted a new law targeting illegal downloaders.  See one article here.

Under the provision, copyright holders — such as movie studios — send a notice to ISPs to inform them about alleged infringements. The ISP, in turn, is required by law to forward that notice onto the customer. But the ISP isn’t allowed to reveal the identity of the person to the copyright holder without a court order.

If you want to protect your privacy, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service.  Initially used a secure way for mobile workers to connect to their office networks, this technology is now commonly used to protect privacy.  By privately connecting to a server in another part of the world, your internet traffic will be routed to that server and will appear to originate from that location.  As long as that service does not log your IP address, you can use the internet with a fair amount of anonymity.

Though privateinternetaccess.com is one recommended company that provides this service, I use cloudnymous.com since it is pay per use.  You can select a server based on location and the rates vary depending on its location (either daily, monthly or per gB).  A typical daily rate is 15 cents.

Cloudnymous uses the openvpn protocol and provides an app which shows a map of the world with the servers pinpointed.  There a few free servers that you can try before committing to buy credit.

Though only some servers officially support P2P, I’ve found as long as you have the .torrent file downloaded, P2P will work.  Switching servers if speeds are slow can also help.   I’ve also had some connections disconnect so I would wait to see if you have a steady connection before walking away.  With Vuze, you can bind the program to a connection but I’ve found the connection name may change each time.

VPN’s can also be used to view websites that restrict video based on your location though they could be blocked.  There are proxy services such as Hola and Proxfree that could be used to bypass geo restrictions.  Proxies don’t encrypt your connection to the server like a VPN and typically only work with HTTP (web browser) traffic.

Update Mar 2016 – I notice servers disappearing and went to the cloudynmous website to discover they were shutting down by the end of the month.  Looks like I need to find another provider.  Private Tunnel charges by the GB and has an unlimited plan for $30/yr.

 

cloudy

Flight and travel deals from Vancouver

Travel

If you are looking for travel deals from YVR, check out the website yvrdeals.com  They also have a pretty active Facebook page.  If you sign up for their newsletter, you will get maybe one or two email blasts a month but the Facebook page is more active.

I was able to book a return flight from YVR-HKG (connection in SEA)  last year for $440 CAD taxes and fees all in.  The ticket was booked through Flighthub which has terrible customer service and a sneaky shopping cart.  I got charged an extra $20 for a purchase guarantee which was an option selected by default with no pricing associated with it in the cart.  The final total did not show up until AFTER I submitted my credit card info.  I did phone the next day and had the charge reversed grudgingly but otherwise, the eticket issued was fine and checked out ok on the Delta website.  The purchase guarantee was a $20 extra charge for the option of cancelling flights within 24 hrs though most airlines allow this without an extra fee.  The bonus was that I also got skymiles for the flights, even though the flight was heavily discounted.

I actually wanted to go to BKK so booked my own connection on AirAsia.   I paid $265 CAD return from HKG.  I also planned  a side trip to Chiang Mai for a couple of days with a cheap flight on Nok Air $61 CAD return from BKK.  I should have planned it better since there is a direct flight on AirAsia from Chiang Mai to Hong Kong which may have saved me a bit of time and money.

Huawei Ascend Y330 Y530 Budget Android Smartphone Review and Tips

Android, Technology

If you are looking for a budget smartphone, consider the Huawei Ascend Y330 (discontinued) or Y530.  Huawei (pronounced waa-way) is a large telecom company in China.  These phones are available on pay-as-you go plans in Canada on GSM networks like Rogers (7-11 Speakout and Petro Canada), Bell, and Virgin Mobile .  The phones are easily unlocked online (search ebay for huawei unlock).  Regular retail price is around $90 but these phones have been on sale for as low as $45.  Keep your eyes on the flyers for Visions, Superstore or Best Buy if looking for a deal.

Both of these models are similar and the main differences are that the Y330 has a 4″ display with Android 4.2 while the Y530 is slightly larger at 4.5″ with Android 4.3.  Both models feature  dual -processor cores,  512MB RAM ,  4GB storage, GPS, Bluetooth and FM radio.  Cameras on both models are pretty crappy.  An earbud/microphone (which also doubles as the FM antenna) are included.

With both the limited RAM and storage, you have to be careful not to have too many apps stored or running in the background.

To optimize memory, here are a few tips.

  1. Buy a microSD flash memory.  16GB or 32GB can be found relatively cheaply and can expand the storage on you smartphone.  Under Settings->Storage, change the Default storage location to SD card and when transferring files like pictures, video and music, store these on SD card.  Make sure apps that save files like your camera are set to store to SD card as well.  Under Settings->Manage Apps, you can select an app and it may be possible to Move the app to SD card.
  2. Disable bloatware.  The Bell/Virgin Mobile branded Huawei Y530 has a lot of bloatware that can’t be uninstalled but can be disabled under Setting->Manage Apps.
  3. Don’t install too many apps.  Even if you have installed an SD card, most apps can only run from installed memory.  An app like Facebook is a known memory hog and could bog down your phone considerably.
  4. For GPS, I used the paid GPS Navigation and Maps app since it works offline without requiring a data connection.  Since the maps are fairly large, I make sure they are saved onto my SD card.  I also use the GPS Status app since there is no built in app for GPS.

To conserve battery life, turn off wifi, gps and bluetooth unless you are using that feature.   At home, I have a tablet running gmail so don’t need wifi running on my phone.   If you are travelling and using your phone as a gps, put the phone in airplane mode which will shut off the cellular radio.

If you need more performance in a smartphone, consider the Moto G which has 1GB RAM and a quad-core processor but will be quite a price jump from the Huawei models.

 

 

Online ordering from the US to Canada

Home

In my first experience with online ordering, I purchased some car parts which were shipped UPS.  On delivery there was a large bill for taxes and brokerage fees.

Another time, I used an online logistics company that received the order, processed the paperwork and forwarded the package to me.  I actually wanted to do a return when I received the item and it was easier at that time just to resell it on ebay.

Canada Revenue Agency requires taxes be collected for declared values over $20 CAD and couriers are notorious for high charges for handling.  Express services tend to waive brokerage fees and if shipped USPS, Canada Post’s charge is a flat $9.95.  http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/postal-postale/duty-droits-eng.html

Make sure your seller accurately indicates the value of the item on the declaration form the amount that you paid.  If they lazily declare some higher value, your taxes will be calculated on that higher amount.  You can submit for a refund if this happens.  The instructions are usually on the back of the declaration form.

Courier Brokerage Fees for Canada

Here are links to their fees – Note that this is for clearance only and does not include duties and taxes.

  • UPS
  • DHL – Link indicates a flat fee of $10.50 is charged PLUS a $4.25 transaction fee
  • Fedex – free clearance for Priority

Clearing Customs Yourself

One way to get around brokerage fees is to clear customs yourself which involves a lot of running around.  It may easier to request them to ship USPS and pay the $10.  Here are the steps if you want to try it and live near the airport.

  1. Ask the shipper to mark “Customer will clear customs” on the outside of the package.  Make sure they have your phone number and email.  You may want to contact the courier directly once you get the waybill number and ask them to hold it for self-clearance.
  2. When the package arrives, you will need to grab the paperwork from their depot.  The courier should provide an address.  In metro Vancouver, the depots are all located by the airport.
  3. Take the paperwork to the CRA office usually nearby and pay the necessary taxes.  Take the receipt back to the depot and they will release your package.  In Richmond BC, the tax office is in the blue building on Miller Rd beside Tim Hortons.
  4. There is a chance the courier will ignore the instructions and do the brokerage themselves anyways.

Package Receiving

The easiest way to receive packages if you live near the border is to use package receiving services in border towns.  You have to declare your purchases crossing back into Canada but typically, they won’t make you pay for small amounts.  It also depends on how busy they are, though technically you are required to pay taxes on all imports.  Exemptions only kick in after absences of more than 24 hours.  These services are great for buying from sellers that will only ship to the US.  Amazon US will also ship to third party addresses.  You also have exemption if you are away for more than 24 hours.  See here.

Receiving services I’ve used before include

Point Roberts

TSB Shipping – Directly beside the post office.  You will need to register to receive USPS packages.

Blaine

Most services require a yearly fee.  Here are some that don’t.

Blaine Enterprises – No registration required and no notifications. $3 for small packages. Not great hours – 9 to 5 weekdays and mornings on Saturdays. Friendly but a bit disorganized without the pre-registration. I’ve had to go in the back and search for my package a few times. Two week free hold and they take large packages for a slightly higher fee.

247parcel – Recently expanded out into a much larger building with more lockers. Open 24/7 as the name suggests with automated lockers. Free SMS and/or email notification. Free registration. $3 for small packages. One week free hold. Need to prepay online.

5dpackages – Newest and cheapest service. Only $2/small package. Open late til 9pm and weekends. Free email and/or SMS notification and registration. Free 30 day hold. Have used many times with no problems. Use the referral code here for free $5 credit (I get credit as well, win-win). https://5dpackages.com/?r=5536WN

Installing a Honeywell Lynx L5000 Wireless Monitored Alarm over a VOIP connection

Home

To save on my home insurance, I decided to install a monitored home alarm system.  For a simpler install, I decided on a wireless Lynx system with components readily available on ebay and lots of tutorials online including youtube.  A traditional wired alarm system usually has a control panel with a processor board inside with wires to all the sensors, keypads, and a connection to a hard-wired phone line.   The Lynx system combines the alarm processor and keypad into one unit with wireless sensors.  Batteries on the sensors are supposed to last 5-7 years.

For the Lynx system, there are a few models available

L5000 – first generation, 4.7″ touch screen, no wifi option, no 3G/4G module option – discontinued?

L5100 – Added features include Z-Wave (home automation control) option, wifi module option, Total Connect (requires monthly subscription for browser/app control)

L5200/L5210 – Added video viewing,  Lynx Connect app,  and upgradeable firmware

L7000 – same as L5200 with 7″ touchscreen and phone line monitoring no longer supported

Though internet monitoring (either wired or wifi) sounds great on paper, my discounted monitoring company will charge extra for this ($8-$10).

With these options, I decided on the L5000 since I don’t need home automation and wanted to use my VOIP line.  The main reason for my alarm is to save money on my home insurance and I’m not protecting a gold vault in my house.

Setting up the system and adding sensors is fairly simple following guides online.  You need to run power from an outlet (low voltage through an included AC adapter) and then telephone wire to your phone line.   I was going to add an AC outlet high up in a closet but it was simpler to just go through the wall to a pre-existing bedroom outlet on the other side of the wall.   I purchased a door sensor for the front door, infrared motion sensor for the hallway and a smoke detector (now I have two).   I also purchased a key fob but didn’t use it since I didn’t want to load up my key chain with a second fob.   I later added a flood sensor for the water heater in the basement and second door sensor for the sliding door.  One thing I was confused about was I thought my alarm model didn’t have the option to timeout the display but it does.

For VOIP, there could be a lot of problems connecting to the modem in the alarm.  To maximize my chances for success, I set my ATA adapter to use the G711u codec (less compression than G729) .  For your router, you want to prioritize voice packets (do this if you have VOIP).  For my Linksys E900 router, under Applications & Gaming->QoS, I made sure WMM Support was Enabled, Internet Access Priority is Enabled and added a Voice Device, entered my ATA adapter’s mac address and set the priority to high.

The Monitoring Center came by to configure and test my system and collect payment.  They charge $10/month for basic monitoring with 6-month signing bonus and $100 activation fee.