Can I Use the PG9944 Outdoors?

Yes, you can use the PG9944 outdoors. The PG9944 features a weather-resistant design that allows it to be used outdoor. This PowerG Image Sensor offers IR night vision so that you can properly identify any individuals in images that are produced at night, or whenever there is little light.

If you intend to use any security equipment outdoors, then it is important to make sure that it is suitable for use in an outdoor environment. Most security equipment is susceptible to damage from exposure to liquids, dust, extreme temperatures, and heavy sunlight. Fortunately, the DSC PG9944 is certified for safe use outdoors. It will not become damaged from being exposed to rain, snow, dust, heavy sunlight or typical outdoor temperatures. However, the device should not be fully submerged in liquid. It should also not be exposed to temperatures outside its listed operating temperature range (-40°F to 158°F).

As an outdoor image sensor, the DSC PG9944 can capture clear images during any time of the day. This includes at night when there is little lighting available. This is thanks to the sensor's IR night vision. Its IR night vision range is listed at approximately 33 feet. But please be aware that poor visibility due to conditions like fog or heavy rainfall may make it temporarily impossible for adequate images to be produced. This is not the fault of the camera, but rather due to poor visibility that makes it impossible to see anything beyond a few feet. However, these extreme weather conditions should be very rare in most areas and climates.

When the associated system goes into alarm, the PG9944 will capture ten (10) consecutive images and send them to the panel. Some panels, like the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, will support local viewing. The images may be strung-together so that they appear as a stop-motion video. However, they are still individual images. The first image of the ten produced will be forwarded by the panel to the Alarm.com platform, provided that the panel is properly set up for use with the service and the "Panel Camera Images" feature is enabled on the account. The user can view the image sent to Alarm.com under the "Panel Camera" section.

You must also have the Panel Camera Alarm Image Uploads feature enabled on your Alarm.com account from the customer website. You can enable this feature by logging into your Alarm.com account using a web browser, choosing the Automation section, and enabling the feature. In the picture below, you can see that the feature is properly enabled.

Note: If you do not require a PowerG Image Sensor for use in an outdoor environment, you might also consider the DSC PG9934P. That image sensor is available at a lower cost than the PG9944, but it can only be used indoors.