A security camera is only as good as where you point it. This guide walks you through choosing the right locations, picking between wired and wireless models, pairing your camera with the Altstec app, and getting clean alerts from day one.
1. Choosing the Right Locations
Start with entry points — front and back doors, ground-floor windows, and the driveway or garage. For the widest useful coverage, mount cameras 8–10 feet high and angle them slightly downward to capture faces rather than the tops of heads.
- Cover every entry point before adding cameras for "nice to have" areas.
- Avoid pointing cameras directly at bright light sources (windows, streetlights) — this causes glare and washes out night vision.
- Keep an eye on package-delivery areas if you shop online often.
2. Wired vs Wireless
Wireless cameras (like the Wireless WiFi Camera) are the fastest to install — no drilling, no running cables — and are ideal for renters or quick setups. Wired cameras offer more reliable uptime and aren't dependent on battery levels, making them a better fit for permanent installations covering critical entry points.
3. Pairing With the Altstec App
- Open the Altstec app and tap Add Device from the Home Monitoring tab.
- Scan the QR code printed on the back of your camera.
- Connect the camera to your home WiFi network when prompted.
- Give the camera a name (e.g. "Front Door") so alerts are easy to identify.
- Assign the camera to a Zone if you're using multiple cameras across a property.
4. Optimizing Night Vision & Motion Zones
Once paired, open the camera's settings to draw custom motion detection zones — this prevents false alerts from passing cars or trees swaying in the wind. For night vision, test your camera after dark and adjust the infrared sensitivity if faces appear overexposed.
5. Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Camera won't connect to WiFi: Move your router closer during setup, then reposition the camera afterward — initial pairing needs a stronger signal than steady-state streaming.
- Too many notifications: Narrow your motion zones and increase the motion sensitivity threshold in the camera settings.
- Blurry night footage: Clean the lens and check that the camera isn't behind glass, which can reflect infrared light back into the sensor.
Once your first camera is live, head to the Shop to add motion sensors for rooms and hallways, or read our guide on optimizing your Safety Network to make sure the right people get notified.