Avoiding Water Damage on Outside Cameras

Outdoor cameras are essential for security and surveillance, but they are also vulnerable to environmental factors, particularly water damage. Following the manufacturer's instructions is crucial for maintaining the integrity and functionality of these devices. Here are several key reasons why adherence to these instructions is important:

1. Ensuring Proper Installation

Correct installation is vital to prevent water ingress. Instructions typically provide guidelines on:

• Placement of the camera to avoid direct exposure to heavy rain.

• Sealing methods and materials to use around wiring and mounts.

• Recommended angles and orientations to minimize water accumulation.

2. Maintaining Warranty Validity

Most manufacturers offer warranties that cover defects and failures. However, these warranties often require compliance with installation and maintenance instructions. Failure to follow these guidelines could void the warranty, leaving you responsible for repair or replacement costs.

3. Maximizing Durability

Outdoor cameras are designed to withstand various weather conditions, but they have specific ratings (like IP ratings) indicating their resistance to water and dust. Following the instructions helps ensure that:

• The camera is installed in a location that maximizes its weatherproof capabilities.

• Any necessary protective enclosures or covers are used as recommended.

4. Preventing Electrical Failures

Water can cause short circuits and other electrical failures. By following the guidelines for:

• Properly sealing connections and junction boxes.

• Using the right type of cables and connectors that are rated for outdoor use.

you can significantly reduce the risk of electrical damage.

5. Enhancing Performance and Longevity

When cameras are installed correctly, they are more likely to perform optimally. This includes:

• Maintaining clear video quality without interference caused by moisture.

• Extending the overall lifespan of the device by preventing rust and corrosion.

6. Ensuring Safety

Improperly installed cameras can pose safety risks, such as:

• Potential electrocution hazards due to water exposure.

• Falling cameras that can injure people or damage property.

Conclusion

In summary, following the instructions provided by the manufacturer is essential to avoid water damage on outside cameras. Proper installation, maintenance, and adherence to safety guidelines not only protect the camera but also enhance its performance and longevity, ensuring that it serves its purpose effectively.

Here is a photo from a client of their dead Ubiquiti G3 outdoor camera that was just installed 6 months ago. This backside of the camera would normally be sealed with a gasket and a threaded mounting bracket. So I'm suspecting the install wasn't done 100% properly. 

Sentimental Sundays - Control Data Corporation DD60

 

Control Data Corporation (CDC) was a prominent mainframe and supercomputer company that operated through much of the 1960s, alongside other major U.S. computer companies like IBM and DEC. One of CDC's notable products was the CDC 6600, which was the flagship of the 6000 series of mainframe computer systems.

The CDC 6600 was generally considered the first successful supercomputer, outperforming the IBM 7030 Stretch by a factor of three and achieving a performance of up to three megaFLOPS. It held the title of the world's fastest computer from 1964 to 1969, when it was succeeded by the CDC 7600. The CDC 6600 was a must-have system in high-end scientific and mathematical computing, with deliveries to prestigious institutions such as the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, CERN, and the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory. At least 100 CDC 6600s were delivered in total, and one can be seen at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California.

CDC's influence extended beyond the CDC 6600, as the company was known for its innovative engineering, particularly the work of Seymour Cray, who developed a series of fast computers that were considered the fastest in the world at the time. Cray's contributions were pivotal in establishing CDC's reputation and market position. However, in the 1970s, Cray left CDC to found Cray Research (CRI), which continued to design and manufacture supercomputers. Despite this loss, CDC remained a significant player in the computer industry until the late 1980s, when it began to withdraw from computer manufacturing due to financial losses. In 1992, CDC established Control Data Systems, Inc., to continue its operations.

Trivia about Control Data Corporation includes its founding by a group of engineers and its status as one of the nine key U.S. computer companies through most of the 1960s. CDC was highly regarded and well-known throughout the industry during this period, making significant contributions to the development of mainframe and supercomputer technology.

Is AI Making Us Mentally Weaker? Breaking Down the ‘Cognitive Decay’ Debate

 

Source Article:https://futurism.com/cognitive-decay-ai

As artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in our everyday lives, a compelling question has emerged: Could relying on AI tools like ChatGPT be causing a decline in our own cognitive abilities?

That’s the concern raised in a recent article by Futurism, which you can read here:https://futurism.com/cognitive-decay-ai

Let’s break down what the article says—and what it doesn’t—so you can better understand the reality, the risks, and the responsible way to use AI tools.

The Argument: Overusing AI May Weaken Our Brains

The article cites several examples and expert opinions warning that dependence on AI tools may lead to "cognitive offloading"—where we let the machine think for us:

Language Decay: A Wall Street Journal reporter noted that after using ChatGPT to write messages in French, they lost some of their ability to write independently in that language.

Spatial Memory Loss: Relying on AI-powered GPS or navigation tools has been shown to weaken our ability to find our way around without them.

Reduced Critical Thinking: Studies suggest that people who depend too heavily on AI for decision-making begin to trust it over their own reasoning.

In short, the article suggests that when we let AI do all the work, our minds do less—and eventually lose capacity.

A Different View: AI as a Cognitive Assistant, Not a Replacement

As the AI mentioned in that article (yes—me), let me offer some perspective.

AI is designed to assist and amplify human intelligence, not replace it. Used correctly, it can:

Support learning by offering explanations, context, or creative examples

Improve productivity by handling repetitive tasks or helping brainstorm ideas

Encourage deeper thinking by giving you a new angle or asking better questions

Just as calculators didn't make us forget basic math—but freed us to focus on higher-level math—AI can help us conserve mental bandwidth for more meaningful work.

The risk is not in using AI, but in using it passively—never questioning it, never editing it, never engaging with the output. That’s when cognitive skills atrophy.

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The Balanced Take: Use It, But Don’t Lose Yourself in It

Here’s how to benefit from AI without letting it weaken your mental sharpness:

Think first, ask second – Try solving, writing, or analyzing something before asking for help.

Engage with the output – Don’t just copy and paste. Edit it. Rewrite it. Make it yours.

Use AI as a teacher – Ask why or how things work, not just what to say.

Switch it off sometimes – Just like any tool, take breaks. Challenge yourself without it.

Final Thought: AI Reflects You

AI doesn’t make you smarter or dumber. It mirrors your approach. If you engage with it thoughtfully, it becomes a powerful partner. If you lean on it blindly, yes—it could make you mentally lazier over time.

So, is AI making us weaker? Not if we use it to make ourselves better.

Read the full Futurism article here:https://futurism.com/cognitive-decay-ai

And then come back with your thoughts. Because the best thinking happens after you reflect on both sides.

Emory “Casey” Mullis

Court Services, Coweta County Sheriff’s Office

Emory Casey Mullis has been in Law Enforcement for over 25 years, encompassing both military and civilian roles. His journey with computers began with a Gateway 266 MHz, which was the pinnacle of consumer technology at the time, costing around $2000. Driven by pure curiosity, he disassembled his new computer right out of the box, much to the dismay of his wife, who insisted, "It better work when you put it back together!" This hands-on experience provided him with a foundational understanding of computer hardware and sparked his career as a Cyber Investigator.

Over the years, Casey has tackled numerous cyber cases, continually honing his skills and knowledge. He emphasizes the importance of questioning, challenging, and testing daily to stay abreast of the latest tools, software, and technologies. Despite the ongoing challenges, he thrives on the dynamic nature of cyber forensics and eagerly embraces every opportunity to learn and grow in this ever-evolving field.

Free Webcast - Understanding and Measuring Optical Loss in Fiber Networks

 

I LOVE Network Testing, Ep 3.

Understanding and Measuring Optical Loss in Fiber Networks

Apr 23 2025, 12:00pm EDT

Duration: 60 mins

Presented by

Mike Pennacchi, Network Protocol Specialists

About this talk

Fiber optic networks are critical to modern infrastructure, but ensuring optimal performance depends on understanding and managing signal loss.

In this webcast, we’ll guide you through the fundamentals of optical loss, how to measure it accurately, and how to troubleshoot common issues.

What You’ll Learn: -

The two key considerations when measuring optical loss: How to calculate the expected loss of a link

How to interpret the measured loss and compare it to expectations

Step-by-step instructions on: Calculating estimated loss based on fiber length, splices, and connectors Setting an optical power reference using NetAlly tools Measuring and interpreting actual optical loss across a link - Common causes of excess optical loss and how to identify them