Weather Station Hardware > Weather Web Cams
Ok, now for the webcam
anchorageweather:
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 :(
kray1000:
--- 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?!?
--- End quote ---
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
carterlake:
What is your budget?
All answers stem from that.
anchorageweather:
--- Quote from: "carterlake" ---What is your budget?
All answers stem from that.
--- End quote ---
$600-700 for the whole set up
ncpilot:
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...
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