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[JavaLawyer]

Could I trouble you to test your DCS-932L camera with the new firmware to see if it false triggers an email when the mode automatically changes from day to night, or night to day? (My cameras are at a remote location, or I'd just try it myself)

My settings:
Motion Detection...
Motion Detection: ENABLED
Sensitivity: 50%

Email...
Enable the emailing of images to an email account
Motion Detection
E-mail attached with 6 frames... Frame interval 1 second

Day/Night Mode Settings
AUTO

The current firmware triggers an email when the Day/Night mode changes... I have confirmed this because the first 3 images will be in one mode, and the second 3 in the other mode.

Many thanks,

Can someone please test this set of conditions for this user?

[JavaLawyer]

. . . The problem is a weakness of using a consumer grade camera. The hardware and software system reflects its price point in the marketplace. In other words, you get what you pay for. You cant expect a Hyundai to run at Daytona or Laguna track speeds.

Although I don't think it addresses this issue, the new DCS-933L corrects many of the shortcomings of the DCS-932L. 

[JavaLawyer]

As I understand it the 933L is an extension of the 932L rather than a replacement. It adds a core function of being a WIFI repeater. It may or may not have fixed the deficiencies cited in the 932L. Have you tried the 933L yourself and verified it fixes all? Regardless, the 932L will still be marketed to unsuspecting consumers.

No I haven't personally tested the product yet.  I believe the DCS-933L also has motion detection on a schedule (which could help avoid many of the day/night transition email issues), and sound detection as well.

[JavaLawyer]

I'm not contesting your argument, but am rather trying to find solutions within the framework of what's currently available. I wholly agree that adding motion detection on a schedule or excluding day/night transitions would benefit all DCS-932L (and other cloud camera) owners.

[JavaLawyer]

I see. IMO the whole day/night mode change is overblown. What's the big deal with getting an extra email anyway. I would rather have it. What if a prowler aimed a flashlight into the dog house we are all guarding? If it bothers one so much and the reason is data changes then you need to get an unlimited plan. The risk/reward ratio calls for it.

That's precisely a point I've previously made. Disabling motion detection during the transition period would create a security gap (i.e. lapse in coverage) large enough for someone to sneak by. As you aptly pointed out, someone can exploit the security gap by triggering a motion detection event.

[colinnhunt]

I've considered both the subject of a 15 second "security gap", and the extra emails created by the false triggers during the changeover between day and night modes... Just my own opinion of course... I have 3 cameras located at a remote location (cabin 460 Km from home). You'd have to have incredibly bad luck to have an intruder pass in front of the camera during the changeover, even I don't have luck that bad!

The false emails ARE a hassle simply because they have to be checked, I can't just assume there're false and ignore them. The best case scenario is 3 in the morning and 3 at night, but often the cams will switch back & forth a couple of times before settling down, so I can easily get 6 or 8 emails every morning & evening.

I guess I just don't see this as a big deal to solve, if Dlink wanted to.

[RYAT3]

That's precisely a point I've previously made. Disabling motion detection during the transition period would create a security gap (i.e. lapse in coverage) large enough for someone to sneak by. As you aptly pointed out, someone can exploit the security gap by triggering a motion detection event.

user configurable of course would be acceptable.

[colinnhunt]

I've updated my cams to the newest firmware (1.06), and the false trigger problem continues. Rather disappointing, since I was told by a level 3 support tech at Dlink in February that v 1.06 would solve the problem.

I wonder what issues this firmware update actually does address...

[colinnhunt]

Christopher Dorner entered a log cabin at a remote location. Could have happened to your cabin during the 15 minute timeout break you are not worried about. The outcome was a smoldering cabin when SWAT torched it like a marshmallow. Your cabin would have less likelyhood of being occupied by an intruder and spared from a BBQ had you set up email to alert you at all times.

The "timeout" feature I was hoping to see was 15 seconds... not 15 minutes. In fact, I've determined that it could be as short as 4 seconds, and still prevent the false alarms.

Think about it... an intruder would have to be incredibly lucky, he'd have to pass the camera's range during the very brief timeout, and then not pass it again as he goes about his business.

The point is that this problem could easily be solved, if Dlink had any interest.

[colinnhunt]

Just a follow-up on this issue...

I have been testing a Foscam F18909W, this is quite similar to the 932L (at less than half the price). It does NOT suffer from the false email trigger at the day/night mode change.

Again... Dlink could solve this.