Resolved Logitech C270 Web Cam Issue

Hi all,

Is it possible operate this device without installing proprietary software from Logitech?

Windows 7 installed drivers for the device, and there are no exclamation marks in the device manager. You can find the web cam listed in Devices and Printers, but about all you can do from there is adjust sound settings and look at the device / driver properties.

Does Windows 7 offer some kind of built-in tool to operate web cams with?

Thanks.

 

Like most extra features and tools in Windows, they provide "basic" support which is just fine for most users. So Windows provides basic webcam support that can be used to get the webcam going. But if you want extra features, you need to add 3rd party software.

 

You can put a VW engine in a tank and it may make it move but not very good. Best to get the drivers and program features for your web cam from Logitech.

 

One heck of a transmission though!

 

I installed the web cam software from Logitech, although I disabled unnecessary startup services via CCleaner's Tools options.

Are these USB cameras good for video surveillance, or would I be better off with something else? It would be nice to have something to monitor the front & back doors, but I would need a heck of a long USB cord to accomplish that - unless there are wireless webcams available.

 

Only you can answer that. But it seems to me if the resulting image is clear enough for a positive ID, then they are good for surveillance.

 

The images are not too bad, but I'm not sure if it's feasible to run a 30' to 50' USB extension cable. The signal might degrade, and I'm not even sure if they make USB cables that long.

I've heard of some web cams with Cat 5 connections that could withstand a long cable run, but would I have to install a second Ethernet card, or could I just plug it into the modem?

 

Neither. If the camera supports Ethernet, you would connect it to your network, that is, the router or a switch, not the modem.

A quick Bing Google search shows USB cable length maximum recommended is 5 meters for USB 2.0 for full speed data transfer. Maximum length for USB 3.0 is not specified, but 3 meters max for USB 3.0 is the general recommendation for maximum throughput.

 

My modem is actually a router / switch too.

Do people still use dedicated modems anymore? Our local ISPs do not offer anything like that that I'm aware of, course, I guess someone could purchase their own third-party dedicated modem, but that would seem redundant for the average home user when they can buy a modem / router combo instead.

 

I am not a mind reader. You did not say you have an integrated network device.

And BTW, your modem is a separate device that just happens to share a mainboard, case and power supply with your router and a Ethernet switch (and maybe WAP - wireless access point too) - integrated but separate network devices.

I do not use and do not recommend using what ISPs provide. They either cost too much upfront, or you rent it ending up paying many times more than if you purchased one yourself. Plus many are modified for easy remote access by ISP tech support. I don't want that.

The problem with integrated devices is the same as it has always been with integrated devices - if one part dies, you have to replace all.

Most users still use a separate modem but that will likely change as more "new" users signup for broadband.

 

Thanks for the electronics lesson.

I can see where it makes sense to have separate components. Much like having separate components in a Hi-Fi setup. When a CD player goes bad, you don't have to replace the whole system.

 

It is exactly like having separate components in a HiFi setup!

There are certainly some down sides to separates with costs being the biggest. Separate chassis and cases, separate mainboards and separate power supplies add a great deal to the costs. Separate devices means separate interconnections (lots more cables possible connections). And more devices means more shelf space is consumed, as well as more electricity to run it all, and more heat is generated by more devices.

But there are certainly some compelling reasons for separates too. First is no compromises in quality. Each device can be the best in its class. If you don't want or need a feature, don't buy it. For example, if you don't need a FM tuner, don't buy one. A system with separate components can be upgraded piecemeal instead of all at once. And of course, if one device fails, the rest keep running.

BTW, this same integrated vs separates applies (in part) to PCs vs notebooks too - thus another reason I don't like notebooks.

 

AT&T has been generous to me, in that they've kept me up to date with new modems, and modem / router combinations for free (I'm a long-time customer). I do have a D-Link switch, but I disconnected it after I received my AT&T-branded Netgear Wireless modem / router with four Ethernet ports.

But I doubt if any of these (except the switch) will work if I ever decided to switch ISPs. I guess that's where the retail purchased equipment has a distinct edge.

 

Well, worked for them for 35 years and all I got from them was a check every month and hasn't increased one red cent since 1989 when I retired from them after 35 years.

Got a watch for my 25 year anniversary with them. They asked me what I wanted inscribed on the back of it and I said nothing. They asked me why not. I asked them if they ever tried to hock anything with that **** on it. They said no. I told them that the value went down real low. Would rather have the $$$.

 

I hear they're not the company they used to be according to a retired long-time friend. BellSouth changed for the worse after AT&T (and eventually, SBC-Yahoo) bought them out.