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Weather Station Hardware => Weather Web Cams => Topic started by: anchorageweather on October 11, 2006, 06:15:51 AM

Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: anchorageweather on October 11, 2006, 06:15:51 AM
Well everyone in this forum has really helped me get my station and website together, so, I guess my next step is a webcam. I was wondering if anyone might be able to recomend their favorite.  I really liked the one at MeekerWeather.com:

http://www.meekerweather.com/index.php?page=cam

but from looking around - Toshiba might have a replacement now for the IK-WB11A - but its kind of confusing.  Does anyone know about this?

The built in wireless antenna would be nice, but I am wondering if it has to be powered with a plug?

Are there any battery powered or solar powered webcams?

I guess I should look at ones that do well in low light too?!?  And what is the difference between waterproof, and water resistant?!?

Geez, there is so many options, it is hard to figure out :(
Title: Re: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: kray1000 on October 11, 2006, 06:43:16 AM
Quote from: "anchorageweather"
The built in wireless antenna would be nice, but I am wondering if it has to be powered with a plug?

Are there any battery powered or solar powered webcams?

I guess I should look at ones that do well in low light too?!?  And what is the difference between waterproof, and water resistant?!?


I'm not aware of any battery-powered or solar-powered webcams... so you'll need a plug to power any camera, although some are powered over ethernet, which can simplify installation.  And if you're looking at spending several hundred dollars, then definitely look at the low-light capabilities.  Water-resistant, I assume, means that it will keep water out, but if it's immersed in water, not so good.  Funny that many of those cameras should be operated in humidities no higher than 85 or 90 percent.  True?

While we're on the subject, here's one I found last night I was wondering about.  Anyone using one of these?

http://www.amazingcameras.com/Toshiba_Color_Weatherproof_145_Mega_Pixel_Wireless_Network_Came_p_28592.html
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: carterlake on October 11, 2006, 08:03:54 AM
What is your budget?

All answers stem from that.
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: anchorageweather on October 11, 2006, 08:12:49 AM
Quote from: "carterlake"
What is your budget?

All answers stem from that.


$600-700 for the whole set up
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: ncpilot on October 11, 2006, 11:37:01 AM
Wow, where do I start? I've been considering for a long time now how best to integrate my desire to have both weather cams and security cams... and have been researching and particularly following this forum:

http://www.cctvforum.com

The biggest drawback in my opinion with a "webcam" is that it is tethered to your PC--or to a PC anyway--via USB, which has distance limitations. There are USB to ethernet converters, but the cheapest I've seen is about $100.

But that's all moot if you plan on locating the camera outdoors. Then you'll be limited to selecting an analog camera with coax type connection--which requires a video input card of some sort for the computer, or a very expensive IP wireless.

As far as water resistant or proof--the camera should have an "IP" rating:
(sorry about all the text, I did a cut and paste from a website)

The IP Rating System
IP stands for Ingress Protection.
The rating’s first digit e.g. IP65 relates to the ingress protection against dust (6 means dust tight, see the table below).

The second digit e.g. IP65 relates to the ingress protection against water (5 means protected against water jets, see the table below)
 
 
Protection against solid objects
 
First Digit Description Definition
0 Non-protected No special protection.
1 Protected against solid objects greater than 50 mm A large surface of the body such as the hand (no protection against deliberate access). Solid objects exceeding 50mm in diameter.
2 Protected against solid objects greater than 12 mm Fingers or other objects not exceeding 80 mm in length. Solid objects exceeding 12 mm in diameter.
3 Protected against solid objects greater than 2.5 mm Tools, wires, etc of diameter or thickness greater than 2.5 mm. Solid objects exceeding 2.5 mm in diameter.
4 Protected against solid objects greater than 1.0 mm Wires or strips of thickness greater than 1.0 mm. Solid objects exceeding 1.0 mm in diameter.
5 Dust protected Ingress of dust is not totally prevented but dust does not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with satisfactory operation of the equipment.
6 Dust-tight No ingress of dust.
 
 
Protection against liquids
 
Second Digit Description Definition
0 Non-protected No special protection.
1 Protected against dripping water Dripping water (vertically falling drops).
2 Protected against dripping water when tilted up to 15 degrees Vertically dripping water shall have no harmful effect when the enclosure is tilted at any angle up to 15 degrees from its normal position.
3 Protected against spraying water Water falling as spray at an angle up to 60 degrees from the vertical shall have no harmful effect.
4 Protected against splashing water Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect.
5 Protected against water jets Water projected from a nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect.
6 Protected against heavy seas Water from heavy seas or water projected in powerful jets shall not enter the enclosure in harmful quantities.
7 Protected against the effects of immersion Ingress of water in a harmful quantity shall not be possible when the enclosure is immersed in water under defined conditions of pressure and time.
8 Protected against submersion The equipment is suitable for continuous submersion in water under conditions, which shall be specified by the manufacturer.
 
Next, low light... How low? Nightime? I don't believe there's any webcam that will be good in low light, they're just not designed for it. Do you need infrared capabiilty at night? Is this just for amusement to see stuff at night? Or is it for low light during the day when overcast?

The color cams that are "day/night" and have built-in IR illuminators must make compromises (and these are the "bullet" type, or at least the analog type if not "bullet" shaped). Best low light viewing will be with a B&W camera, and then probably it would have to be in the 400+ TVL range (TV Lines of resolution).

Are you planning on having more than one camera? Do you want to access images remotely (live, realtime) via a different method than just looking at your weather page?

======================

I've got a ton of related links on my home computer, I'll post again later...

My idea, when I decide to bite the bullet, is to have a "full" CCTV system, get a video card, and build another computer for it (it's best to have a dedicated computer for full CCTV processing), and use analog cameras--a mix of outdoor and indoor.

BUt that's a ways off...
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: talbert1952 on October 11, 2006, 11:57:01 AM
Your webcam will be a significant point if interest for your website. My webcam pages are always near the top of the requested pages list for my site. If you are going to publish a webcam get a good one.

Check out the Toshiba IK-WB11A. It is in your price range and it has the features you are looking for. It is wireless but you still need to run power to it. I have been thinking about buying one and putting it at the top of my 60' tower. The biggest downside to this camera is the lack of optical zoom. If you want to see one in action visit http://www.meekerweather.com/

I had a bad experience with StarDot so I no longer recommend them.
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: anchorageweather on October 11, 2006, 12:18:45 PM
Quote from: "talbert1952"

Check out the Toshiba IK-WB11A. It is in your price range and it has the features you are looking for. It is wireless but you still need to run power to it. I have been thinking about buying one and putting it at the top of my 60' tower. The biggest downside to this camera is the lack of optical zoom. If you want to see one in action visit http://www.meekerweather.com/


Here is my question from my previous post (above):

"I really liked the one at MeekerWeather.com:

http://www.meekerweather.com/index.php?page=cam

but from looking around - Toshiba might have a replacement now for the IK-WB11A - but its kind of confusing. Does anyone know about this?"


Also, check out this bad boy:

http://webcam.courier-journal.com/

the live feed as great and the resolution is awesome!
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: anchorageweather on October 11, 2006, 12:21:29 PM
Quote from: "ncpilot"

Are you planning on having more than one camera? Do you want to access images remotely (live, realtime) via a different method than just looking at your weather page?


I think I am only going to set up one camera.  I don't think I will need/want to access it in another way than my weather page.  The live feeds are pretty neat though.
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: kray1000 on October 11, 2006, 12:38:53 PM
Quote from: "anchorageweather"
Also, check out this bad boy:

http://webcam.courier-journal.com/

the live feed as great and the resolution is awesome!


The CBS affiliate in Charlotte used to have one similar to this, but I couldn't find it last time I looked.  

Agreed, the zoom is impressive, but a quality outdoor PTZ (pan/tilt/zoom) camera might be out of the $600-$700 price range.

An outdoor camera, if it's mounted on or close to your house, need not be wireless nor analog.  Here's an example of my Stardot...
http://70.188.16.84:18080/canvas03.jpg

Tom, just curious what happened with Stardot, in case I ever have a problem...
Title: Re: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: kray1000 on October 11, 2006, 12:49:37 PM
Quote from: "anchorageweather"
Toshiba might have a replacement now for the IK-WB11A - but its kind of confusing.  Does anyone know about this?


Looks like the IK-WB15A is replacing the now-discontinued IK-WB11A...

http://www.apexsecuritysolutions.com/network_cameras/Toshiba_ik-wb15a.htm

Might be an option if you're willing to live with the 2.6 "zoom", and it's good to -4°F (something else to watch for)...

-----------------------------
EDIT:  Some of the specs listed for this camera...
Operating Temperature: 14 to 122 °F
Operating Humidity: 30% to 90% non-condensing
Weight: 23 ounces
Working Temperature: -4° to 122° F

What's the difference between operating temperature and working temperature?
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: talbert1952 on October 11, 2006, 06:23:36 PM
Quote from: "kray1000"


Tom, just curious what happened with Stardot, in case I ever have a problem...
My Express 6 network video server has a problem with "image hopping". Any time the high resolution mode is used the image intermittently "hops" up and down a few pixels each time the image updates. You can really see it in my time lapse movies. Everything works fine in the medium and low res modes.

StarDot sent a new server which did the same thing. They finally told me it had to be in my camera setup. Everything worked fine on my Spectra8 capture card but I checked everything anyway and didn't find any problems. Finally I hooked the server to a high quality TV waveform generator and problem was still there.

After several months of emails and phone calls they finally admitted there is a firmware bug in the Express 6 that affects about 1% of users. All of the affected users are using the high res mode. They obviously knew this all along as I was not the only user experiencing the problem.

They told me they were sorry but the bug wasn't going to be fixed because there weren't enough people complaining about it to justify the cost. Also, because I bought it from one of their dealers and the return period had long expired, the only thing they would do was send me another broken server. The hassles of getting into a legal battle with them just weren't worth it.

Other than the very annoying "hopping" it works fine. I will keep using it until I can replace all of my analog cameras with netcams.
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: talbert1952 on October 11, 2006, 06:32:15 PM
Quote from: "anchorageweather"

Here is my question from my previous post (above):

"I really liked the one at MeekerWeather.com:

http://www.meekerweather.com/index.php?page=cam

but from looking around - Toshiba might have a replacement now for the IK-WB11A - but its kind of confusing. Does anyone know about this?"



Sorry. I guess I was in the middle of composing when you posted your reply. I plan to do some research on the replacement camera. I would like to see a live feed before I take the plunge.
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: kray1000 on October 11, 2006, 07:03:47 PM
Quote from: talbert1952
Other than the very annoying "hopping" it works fine. I will keep using it until I can replace all of my analog cameras with netcams.

That's a shame, considering how much they charge for their cameras and especially their servers.  Geez...  :evil:   It certainly wouldn't kill them to take your server in on trade.
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: carterlake on October 11, 2006, 07:29:10 PM
You guys want to play "one up" on good webcams...

Dan in Browns Valley, CA has it:

http://bvwx.com:8080/

Camera is: http://www.webcamstore.com/consumer/product.php?systemid=487 (Yes, I could save money by flying first class, renting a car, and stealing it off the top of his house.  :lol: )

You can watch ants crawling on a rock, 75 yards from his house.
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: capeweather on October 11, 2006, 08:14:49 PM
So far I have purchased three of the 3com homeconnects on ebay for relatively cheap and am extremely happy with the quality of the image. I don't have them hooked up at the moment but am planning on doing it sometime in the near future. If you want to get an idea of how well the image quality is from a cheap cam take a look at this url. They do very well at night.

http://www.lorickweather.net/lorickam.htm
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: kray1000 on October 12, 2006, 01:32:28 AM
Quote from: "carterlake"
You guys want to play "one up" on good webcams...

Dan in Browns Valley, CA has it:

http://bvwx.com:8080/

Camera is: http://www.webcamstore.com/consumer/product.php?systemid=487 (Yes, I could save money by flying first class, renting a car, and stealing it off the top of his house.  :lol: )

You can watch ants crawling on a rock, 75 yards from his house.


Ok...

Here's one you can use to count the hairs on their legs, but no pan or tilt... just zoom...

http://www.samsung-security.com/Portals/0/GVIProductImages/348/SCC-C4307_Spec_Sheet.pdf
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: up10ad N9RJH on October 12, 2006, 09:20:09 AM
The VCM-091 Toshiba looks exactly like my IK-WB11A and has almost the same feature set.  The resolution is the same, and I can't find any information about it on Toshiba's site that would tell me what is different.  However, this is typical of what I have found with Toshiba's web information as well as documentation.

I really like the Canon VB-C50iR Network Camera, the one used at the Courier-Journal.  It looks like it may also be the one Dan uses at Browns Valley Weather since they have the same interface.

In my area it is extremely important to have a weather-tolerant cam, and the Toshiba is rated to -4.  I don't know the difference between operating temp and working temp, but I can tell you we regularly get temps down to -10 and -20 and the cam never has any noticeable problems.  It may be partially because our humidity levels when it is that cold are usually near 15%, avoiding condensation which might cause a problem.

I'm going to have to look into the Canon VB-C50iR, I really like it!
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: ncpilot on October 12, 2006, 11:07:06 AM
I guess the point I was trying to make in my post was that you have a choice between a single weather resistant net cam costing around $500 or more (have you checked prices on the new Toshiba?), versus a video input board for the computer, plus several analog cameras, roughly the same price, but more cameras, more options.

Sure, you have to run cable to each camera, but no matter which type, you still have to run power--so you're always running at least one set of wire to each camera...

Re: Canon VB-C50iR -- you do know that this is at minimum about a $1200 camera (at discount prices)?

You did say you wanted to put this camera outside?

You can get a decent bullet cam in the $100 range that will most likely be way more "weather proof" than any net cam less than $500+.

I don't believe the 3Com Homeconnects are weather proof or resistant?

Plus, you say now you only want one camera, but once you've got one up and running, you may find that it would be either fun or useful to have a few more--easily done with a video input card and analog cams...

All that being said, I have a couple of wireless network cams... had them for a few years...

http://home.earthlink.net/~marcpilot1/livecam/  
 
(don't kill my bandwidth please)

and another one inside my house... they're fun, but if I'm serious about higher quality images, multiple images, outdoor location, and versatility--I'll go with wired analog and video card...
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: racenet on October 12, 2006, 12:22:54 PM
I have been using a bullet-cam for the past several years with great success. It is out in the weather 24/7 with temps down in the -30's and it keeps on ticking. Granted, the image quality isn't all that great compared to all the high end stuff out there, but it allows seeing what's going on outside and it didn't break the bank. Just put it on the wall outside, ran the power/video cable to the computer and plugged it in. All for under $150.  :wink:


Bob
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: talbert1952 on October 12, 2006, 10:00:36 PM
I really hate we lost all the excellent discussions about web cams on Gary's old forum. There was some really good stuff there.

If you go analog get a CCD camera that has at least 480 horizontal lines of resolution. With a decent capture card the camera should produce excellent quality 320x240 images. Bullet cams are OK but I prefer cameras with auto iris lenses because they handle bright light much better. My system has both.

My network camera experience is limited to the StarDot video server and the Axis 211 network cam. I prefer the network video server over capture cards for analog cameras.

I am using the Axis 211 for my Sky Cam. So far I am pleased with the performance. The 211 has resolution similar to a 500+ horizontal line analog camera. It has excellent low light performance. It will produce a decent 480x360 image and 640x480 isn't bad. The 211 has Power Over Ethernet (POE) capability which works quite well. Only one CAT5 cable run to the camera is needed. The 211 comes with a decent F1.0 3 to 8mm varifocal lens.

If I could have only one camera I would go with a quality network camera.
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: up10ad N9RJH on October 22, 2006, 11:35:38 PM
Well, I said that I liked the Canon VB-C50i cam that Dan in Browns Valley, CA has mounted on top of his house, and after playing with a handful of them at other locations I just had to get one!

I'm still working on getting it integrated into my site, but it seems to be working pretty well.  It certainly doesn't have the low-light capability of the Toshiba, but during daylight you can zoom in on the deer in the yard and see the ticks!  The link is prominent on my main page if you care to take a peek during daylight hours.  Suggestions and comments are welcome.
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: katlon on October 23, 2006, 06:26:12 AM
I didn't know much about web cameras when I started looking for one as a security camera. The below link is the one I bought after a little bit of research.

http://www.dlink.com/products/?sec=0&pid=411

This one hooks up to your wireless router and can be configured to your network and with the supplied software the camera can be controlled from anywhere in the world as long as you can get an internet access.
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: talbert1952 on October 23, 2006, 08:04:20 AM
Quote from: "katlon"
I didn't know much about web cameras when I started looking for one as a security camera. The below link is the one I bought after a little bit of research.

http://www.dlink.com/products/?sec=0&pid=411


The specs for the imager used in the camera are not shown on the specification sheet. Do you know what type of imager is used (CCD, CMOS), the imager size and the number of effective pixels?
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: anchorageweather on October 23, 2006, 08:47:24 AM
Quote from: "k6dyc"
Well, I said that I liked the Canon VB-C50i cam that Dan in Browns Valley, CA has mounted on top of his house, and after playing with a handful of them at other locations I just had to get one!

I'm still working on getting it integrated into my site, but it seems to be working pretty well.  It certainly doesn't have the low-light capability of the Toshiba, but during daylight you can zoom in on the deer in the yard and see the ticks!  The link is prominent on my main page if you care to take a peek during daylight hours.  Suggestions and comments are welcome.


Wow, I still can't get over how good your Toshiba works at night.  I think thats a great cam for a website.  It always has a picture (even in the middle of the night) - which I think is great for visitiors.  Do you have any problems with sun glare with the Toshiba?
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: up10ad N9RJH on October 23, 2006, 11:26:07 AM
Quote from: "anchorageweather"
Do you have any problems with sun glare with the Toshiba?

The main issues with the Toshiba are the poor pan, tilt and zoom and the lack of optical zoom.  Sun glare isn't a problem as long as it doesn't get pointed too far west (left), I have to watch it to make sure no one leaves it pointed that way.  I may just lock it in one position now that I have the Canon.
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: racenet on October 23, 2006, 12:45:22 PM
Quote from: "k6dyc"
Well, I said that I liked the Canon VB-C50i cam that Dan in Browns Valley, CA has mounted on top of his house, and after playing with a handful of them at other locations I just had to get one!


Rick,

Have been checking out the camera and had a few questions.

1: What comes with the camera itself? Housing?
2: What type of housing are you using with it?
3: Is this rated as an outdoor camera? Couldn't find that in the specs.

The zoom on this is fantastic!


Bob
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: up10ad N9RJH on October 23, 2006, 03:01:34 PM
Bob,

As you know, the cam is the Canon VB-C50iR (reverse, it mounts upside-down).  The cam itself is an indoor rig and needs an heated/cooled housing if located outdoors.  Seems most of the places that sell the cam also sell the housing.  I got mine from http://www.nuspectra.com, they have a picture of both the cam and housing on their home page.  The housing has a blower and heater for -20, and takes a 24v AC power lead.  It has a bui9lt-in circuit to convert the 24vAC to 12v DC for the camera.  I ran just a single CAT5 cable using 4 wires for the Ethernet and two others for the 24V.  It is a bit pricey (OK, its actually shamefully pricey!), but I couldn't resist.  

Unfortunately, the very day I put it up, my T1 Internet feed started taking CRC and frame errors, and we're are working on it today.

[edited to fix link, thanks Don.]
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: W3DRM on October 23, 2006, 05:24:37 PM
Rick,

That should be "http://www.nuspectra.com/"...
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: racenet on October 23, 2006, 10:27:27 PM
Rick,

Thanks for the info. Took a look at the site you mentioned. Yeah, quite a price tag. I can understand the tag on the camera, but the housing, damn!
Ah well, I guess if you are going to take the plunge, at that point, it really doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things.

By spring, I plan on installing such a camera and I know which one it will be. Just gotta love the fantastic zoom!  :wink:  


Bob
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: kray1000 on October 24, 2006, 02:13:23 AM
Quote from: racenet
Thanks for the info. Took a look at the site you mentioned. Yeah, quite a price tag. I can understand the tag on the camera, but the housing, damn!
Ah well, I guess if you are going to take the plunge, at that point, it really doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things.

By spring, I plan on installing such a camera and I know which one it will be. Just gotta love the fantastic zoom!

I was thinking about waiting for spring as well.  I agree on the enclosure price tag, especially since you can get a network PTZ camera like this, with 27x optical zoom, controllable via the internet, INCLUDING the heat/fan enclosure, for $999...
http://www.gadspot.com/product_info.php?products_id=67&osCsid=b3d9983bc828891e18ea687062e722bf (http://www.gadspot.com/product_info.php?products_id=67&osCsid=b3d9983bc828891e18ea687062e722bf)

The documentation on the website is a little weak, but I was able to find an installation manual, which answered some of my questions (careful here if you're low on memory)...
http://www.roanokevalleyweather.com/archive/IPSpeedDomeHWInstGuide.pdf (http://www.roanokevalleyweather.com/archive/IPSpeedDomeHWInstGuide.pdf)

I couldn't find any live examples of this camera, and they're buried pretty deep in the search engines, which makes me a little nervous.  I don't know how friendly the user interface is.  According to the installation guide, it is rated for operation between -40C and +50C.  The enclosure is metal.  The low-light performance looks to be about the same as the Canon VB-C50iR we're all drooling about.

Anyone ever seen or heard about this camera?

Kevin
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: up10ad N9RJH on October 24, 2006, 08:23:43 AM
Quote from: "kray1000"
Anyone ever seen or heard about this camera?

Kevin,

I looked around a bit and you are right, there isn't much on it at all.  The manual doesn't instill confidence for me either :?  The Canon's strongest feature, aside from the zoom, is the strength of the software and firmware. It's very well documented.
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: talbert1952 on October 24, 2006, 07:43:35 PM
Quote from: "kray1000"
I was thinking about waiting for spring as well.  I agree on the enclosure price tag, especially since you can get a network PTZ camera like this, with 27x optical zoom, controllable via the internet, INCLUDING the heat/fan enclosure, for $999...
http://www.gadspot.com/product_info.php?products_id=67&osCsid=b3d9983bc828891e18ea687062e722bf

The documentation on the website is a little weak, but I was able to find an installation manual, which answered some of my questions (careful here if you're low on memory)...
http://www.roanokevalleyweather.com/IPSpeedDomeHWInstGuide.pdf

I couldn't find any live examples of this camera, and they're buried pretty deep in the search engines, which makes me a little nervous.  I don't know how friendly the user interface is.  According to the installation guide, it is rated for operation between -40C and +50C.  The enclosure is metal.  The low-light performance looks to be about the same as the Canon VB-C50iR we're all drooling about.

Anyone ever seen or heard about this camera?

Kevin

There is one thing that stands out when I look at the specs for this camera. It appears the camera only supports MPEG4 streaming. You need MJPEG if you plan to use Image Salsa.
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: racenet on October 24, 2006, 08:47:43 PM
Rick,

How well does the Canon work with ImageSalsa?


Bob
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: up10ad N9RJH on October 24, 2006, 11:06:40 PM
Bob,  I haven't tried to hook it into IS yet, I guess I'll have to see if the MPEG4 is an issue.  I'll let you know in a day or so once I can test a bit with it.  If nothing else, I can hook it in the same way I did the Toshiba, using the IS Graphics tab and entering a source URL to get a single snapshot from the cam.  I have the URL to get a snapshot so it should be fine.
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: racenet on October 25, 2006, 01:40:30 PM
Thanks Rick. Will be very interested in how it all works together.
Look forward to your report.  :wink:


Bob
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: talbert1952 on October 25, 2006, 08:01:07 PM
Most of the netcams I have investigated produce both MPEG4 and MJPEG. The StarDot appears to be MJPEG only. Several of the lower end cameras are MPEG4 only. My Axis 211 cameras have both feeds.

MPEG4 is nice for high frame rate streaming to a video player over a LAN. MJPEG typically uses an applet which requests JPEG still images from the camera's built-in webserver and displays them sequentially in the web browser. The MPEG4 video from my Axis 211 is highly compressed for low bandwidth. Regardless of the MPEG4 compression setting the 211's MPEG4 image quality is poorer than the MJPEG image.
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: up10ad N9RJH on October 29, 2006, 11:00:21 PM
Quote from: "racenet"
How well does the Canon work with ImageSalsa?

Bob,  it works fine, you just have to use it as a Source URL link just like most IP cams, including my Toshiba.  I tested it and everything fell right in place.  I elected not to create an overlay of the Canon image because it gets moved all over the place all day long by visitors using the PTZ looking for deer.  No reason for me to have both static images with the overlay details.[/quote]
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: racenet on October 30, 2006, 12:26:35 AM
Thanks for the update Rick. Glad to hear that it works well with IS.

Really looking forward to spring now!  :wink:


Bob
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: ncpilot on October 30, 2006, 09:02:49 AM
"We don't dial 911"

 :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

I like it!
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: up10ad N9RJH on October 30, 2006, 09:26:51 AM
Quote from: "ncpilot"
"We don't dial 911"
 :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  I like it!


We get a lot of hunters from all over this time of year, and a significant number of them seem to have no problem driving down a 1/4 mile long private driveway to 'scout' for deer.  Usually they won't actually shoot them because they don't have a tag for this specific area, but they do come looking.  That's the only drawback of the new cam, it has the potential to attract a fringe element I'd rather not have around.  Then again, some folks might think of me as 'fringe element"  \:D/
Title: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: weatheroz on November 07, 2006, 05:42:20 AM
Quote from: "carterlake"
You guys want to play "one up" on good webcams...

Dan in Browns Valley, CA has it:

http://bvwx.com:8080/

Camera is: http://www.webcamstore.com/consumer/product.php?systemid=487 (Yes, I could save money by flying first class, renting a car, and stealing it off the top of his house.  :lol: )

You can watch ants crawling on a rock, 75 yards from his house.


Yeah, same for me it'd be cheaper to fly from here to the USA first class, hire a limo to drive me there to steal it too ! ;)

http://www.shopbot.com.au/p-16992.html to see what they cost over here !
Title: Re: Ok, now for the webcam
Post by: up10ad N9RJH on November 07, 2006, 08:18:29 AM
Hey Oz, it may be a pricey toy but you have to admit, the zoom is amazing.  8)  It doesn't have wireless or POE (power over ethernet) capabilities so I had to get two Belkin Ethernet over Powerline adapters (EOP) to send the Ethernet signal out to the front porch through the house wiring.  Then just a single short CAT5 cable with 4-wire Ethernet and 2-wire 24v from the power recepticle to the cam.  It is running great so far. [-o< The neat thing is, now I have network access at every power plug in the house, barn and everywhere else on the property!  Oz, You've got a great view from your cam, you gotta get one somehow.  :P