Asante Securenet Voyager II Network Camera (99-00831)

First off, this is a wireless IP cam, but I was unable to connect this cam to either of my wireless networks with or without security. Interestingly, their youtube instructional video shows them connecting without encryption, but I tried disabling it on one of my routers and still was not able to connect. I've had no trouble connecting other wireless IP Cameras and other wireless devices and even positioned the cam several feet from the routers and still couldn't get it to connect. The antenna comes attached and I couldn't seen anything visibly wrong with it. Their web software could see my wireless networks and I'm confident I programmed the cam correctly, it just did not work. Wired worked fine, but that's obviously not the point of this cam.I was also not able to get the cam to pan/tilt using their web browser software. It's obvious the motor works fine because it moves when you turn it on. It pans quickly too so I'm sure if it was actually controllable it would be a nice feature. The camera is firmware upgrade-able but I already had a later version than what was on their web site (v2.10 versus 2.08).Finally, I could have possibly forgiven the first two failures if the image quality was superior, but sadly it also is nothing to brag about. The main reason I wanted this cam was for its higher def capability, and while it can do up to 1280x1024 (1024x768 with audio), the focal length is too zoomed in and the cam requires too much light to prevent a grainy picture. A cheap webcam will run circles around this cam's image quality.So in conclusion, back to the drawing board on this cam. It needs a wider angle higher quality lens, the wireless connectivity is a complete failure (most likely the cam I got was just defective), and their web remote control software needs work. On the positive side, it is an attractive looking camera and seems well built, but this thing needs work.

I have used these Asante cameras for about two years now in our factory in Florida. Out of the 10, I have in use, I have had only one that fail to rotate but the rest of the camera still operates. The picture quantity and the audio is excellent. The high humidity of the factory and the dust doesn't seem to effect the cameras. I even had one outside for a construction project for about 2 months and It actually survived two moderate rain showers. I fully expected that this camera would be history but it continue to operate.I recently purchase 3 additional cameras and I noticed that the new ones where improved with the provided software and allow the camera to rotate by clicking the screen in the software. The new cameras have a firmware version 11 that would probably provide the additional function to the older cameras if it was available for download. Seems that the last version on the website is version 8 from 2010 though.Although these are IP cameras I use them remotely by connecting them to a local computer at the cameras location and then connecting to that computer with Go to My Pc. This functions just like I was sitting in the factory at the computer and only uses a fraction of the band width on the internet connection. I even have excellent audio.I am sure that there are better cameras for a higher price but for the money, these are excellent cameras. The software is decent also. I do wish they had a wider angle lends and POE. Finding an outlet for the transformer or running a power cord to that location compromises the installation and available locations. I recently bought a 12 volt power supply to run power to the cameras that are not near outlets. I will have to cut of the transformer and splice into the power cord though. I also have two of the Voyager 1 non-rotational cameras. These are equally as good but for the price difference of 30 dollars the voyager 2 is the was to go. I have not used the external speaker function but will be trying this in the near future.One odd thing about these cameras is that the lens rotates and allows it to be focused. I would prefer if it was factory focused, because it is easy to over look and the camera can be slightly out of focus without realizing it. It you are still using VGA cameras, you will love the HD detail that these cameras provide.

I use two of these in unheated enclosures to monitor animals. Network setup is easy, but I recommend giving it a static IP rather than a DHCP addressed assigned by your router since it's generally a bad thing for any type of server to potentially move its address around. I initially connect via wire to the router, log in with the default credentials, set the static IP I want for the wireless connection, then drop the wired connection.Great picture considering the price point, but my main complaint is that they tend to hang every few days during cold weather (< 35 degrees F), requiring a power-cycle.

I have owned over a dozen security cams. Currently I have both the Voyager I and II. The II has a better picture but does not perform as well in the dark. Do not plan on any of these cameras working really well in the dark unless your subject is 5 feet away. The pan and tilt works really well. The audio is a bit choppy. The embedded web browser only works with IE. Because I have a number of these cameras it was difficult to view all cams at the same time. So I download this software [...]. This give you many more features than the web browser on the cam. This software has many advanced features and might be a bit much for the inexperienced person, but I really recommend it.Overall I like the camera. I would buy it again. It requires a decent amount of networking knowledge to setup. With the blue iris software these are really good!Pros-Good picture-wireless works great (even with encryption)-Pan and tilt works good-1280 x 1024 image (most cams are only 640 x480)Cons-embedded web browser software is poor. Works but needs updating-audio is poor-poor night vision (all cams have poor night vision unless they have powerfull IR lights, just make sure you have light around your subject area at night)