We are NOT in a low risk area.
CWD (our neighbors) have been broken into on a number of occasions with computers, printers, etc stolen. They have also had their trucks (parked in area) vandalized (wires cut, windows broke, etc.)
The guy who farms the space behind MFOL has had equipment stolen (old shovels, hoses, etc)
Cole has had batteries, motor and trailer stolen off the boat parked behind the container.
I have chased shady characters out from behind the building on several occassions.
I do NOT want to put $1000s of easily pawnable equipment (computers, tools, etc) into the space and have it broken into. We have not had problems yet - mostly because people dont know what we have... although there are rumors and I think people have tried to pry into the container already. When we start promoting more, all sorts of people will know (or think they know) what we have.
I believe, whatever we get needs to:
* operate with backup power
* use cell phone connection (so phone line loss/availability is not an issue - note we do not have a phone)
* cover the internal 4 room, perhaps internal container for motion
* capture high quality (res tbd) video
* not be subject to easy theft itself
Backup power requirement removes X10 style equipment from consideration, and adds issues to cameras.
Cameras should be sufficient resolution to identify people and vehicles without CSI magic resolution enhancement.
Off site access/storage of video is of strong interest. Access over storage in priority.
This means we need better network connection too. We cannot rely on CWD's internet access.
I was getting poor bandwidth yesterday at the space.
I do very much lean towards doing this ourselves -- especially after seeing a $7000 proposal for camera system (w/significant markup on cameras vs google shopping). There appears to be several FOSS solutions for video surveillance software. I know there are also a couple access control packages for hackerspaces... including RIFD badge access to building and tools. I havent seen support for FOSS/hackerspace alarm systems... but I havent looked yet.
At this point (for today) i have a price point for budgeting. This is enough for now as I need to get budget idea ready for Fryday meeting.