Beefier skid site RedEye security camera

The RedEye covert security system introduced by Mi5 Security to New Zealand last year has been upgraded to make it more effective in the forests.

The system utilises a remote, wireless camera that takes a series of high quality still photographs day and night, and has already been successful in identifying thieves stealing fuel and breaking into equipment in at least one forest site in New Zealand and is believed to be deterring others.

Now the RedEye comes with a more robust, extreme weather-proof case that provides improved protection for the camera and is also less affected by vibration. The protective case includes an integrated infra-red light than enables the camera to take photographs in the dark at distances up to 5 metres – an optional infra-red spotlight that increases night-time visibility to 30 metres is also available.

Because it takes a series of still photos, the quality is much better than standard video surveillance cameras and the date and time is stamped onto each recorded image to assist police in tracking thieves and vandals.

RedEye can be set up in remote locations to record after-hours activity at skid sites and can be disguised to hide it from intruders (some have been hidden in hollowed-out logs or placed in steel drums).

The camera in the RedEye outdoor kit is powered by a rechargeable lithium battery that offers up to 22 weeks standby or it can be linked to a solar power charger. The 2GB card in the camera can store up to 65,000 images that are easily downloaded into a laptop computer. Mi5 says it is also working on a system that will enable the photos to be downloaded remotely.

The RedEye is also surprisingly affordable, with kits ranging from as little as $1195 plus GST. Mi5 Security recently established a distribution link with Renaissance Group, which distributes Apple computers, iPhones and iPods in this country. For more information see www.mi5.co.nz.

Published in NZ Logger, July 2009, Page 42