Wireless HD webcam

[KarlS]

I have a big problem deciding on the right webcam, maily because it has to be Wi-Fi (there is NO way I can install a USB cable) and I'm not happy with the maximum resolution of 640x480 pixel that the D-Link and Linksys wireless webcams deliver ... and I'm kind of budget challanged. I don't need streaming video, I will only use still photos anyway, maybe updated every 10 minutes as are my weather data. Does anyone have a suggestion?

[beteljuice]

... there is NO way I can install a USB cable

Please expand - even a wireless set-up will be connected to your PC, unless you mean you want a Wireless IP cam.

[KarlS]

Sorry if I was a bit unclear in my first message, but this will be my first web cam and I'm not yet familiar with all the terminology, products and programs available.

The camera will be installed inside (!) right under the gable of my house looking south. Four feet overhang should give me enough protection so the camera lens is shielded from direct sunlight. Power for the device is available at the selected location. Check out a demo picture I made with a regular digital camera here.

The camera will be about 10m and 2 floors above the PC running my Cumulus software. I have a log home, so the floors are made out of wood, which gives no problem for the wireless signal. However, with a log home you have no way to change the installed wiring – ever. (At least not without unsightly cables running on top of the walls and major protest from my wife).

I was thinking of running a program like Yawcam to grab the images and upload them to my web site, or even use the Cumulus FTP module to do the uploading. Hope this clarifies my first post ...

[beteljuice]

WEBcams at the lower range are USB devices, so it is easy to use something like YAWCAM to handle the grab 'n' send side of things; however you don't want any wiring to install.

So ..... the easiest option (assuming you already have a wireless router) is to do an Ebay search on "wireless IP cam" (you can even get pan and tilt models) - these are usually the bog standard 640px format unless you spend serious money.

You could use a 'real' CCTV camera, some good 'used' stuff around at the moment, but for your purposes you would have to add a wireless video transmitter / receiver and a USB => video capture module. The better CCTVs are more configurable in their settings (web cams are pretty much automatic with a few basic things you can tweak) and will give a slightly better resolution.

[gemini06720]

Karl, I have been using a wireless (as ... a camera NOT connected to a computer via any wire) for the past years - it is an older (but very reliable) Panasonic BL-C30A Network Camera.

The images generated by the camera are processed and then uploaded by ImageSalsa (an older shareware) - I tried the newer releases of image processing software (including Yawcam) and I did not find them flexible enough to replace the good old reliable ImageSalsa.

I also use MovieSalsa (from the same designers) to produce a time-lapse movie.

Have a look at my WebCam WebCam page on my home server.

Should you want additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at my personal (below, in signature) e-mail address.

[seabreeze3]

Karl,

Just to add to Ray's post, (I check his site all the time since I have a boat in Maple Bay), there are a few things you will need to consider when going wireless with a weathercam. I have been trying all different sorts of cameras and configurations and have learned much which I can only hope to share.

1. If you buy a typical wireless security camera (assuming you'll be going weatherproof) you'll need an interface from the receiver to your computer. That will run you extra loonies to the tune of about $70 above whatever the cam and receiver costs.

2. Beware - analog security cams have a serious flaw: If you are running a wireless home computer network the image transmitted to the camera will suffer from interference and become seriously degraded. No amount of electronic fiddling will prevent it.

3. The solution to (2) above is to go digital. If you don't have a home wireless network and don't plan on one in the future, then the analog 2.4 gHz camera will likely serve your needs.

4. If you do have a wireless home network then the solution to (1) and (2) above is to pick up a wireless IP camera. I believe Ray mentioned a particular brand, although it is not weatherproof and would have to be mounted indoors or need weather protection.

5. Given all that, you can pick up an IP camera which connects directly with your home wireless network for about $100 at one of the big box stores in, say, Kamloops or Pr George. You would then have to encase it somehow. That can be accomplished with a PVC device box or large drain pipe, some plexiglass and, because you are in Bridge Lake, some form of internal heat and airflow to prevent the plexi from fogging/icing/condensing etc.

6. To get around the obvious work involved in (5) above, the solution would be to go with something pre-manufactured. Until recently, that was a very expensive proposition ... however, I have discovered this little gem. It's Chinese made, but everyone I've discussed this with who uses them says they're reliable and solid. The price is US, but right now that may be less of a concern than in the past. The weakness seems to be the software, but aside from the initial set-up, you don't have to use it.

7. I'm still in the trial stages of my weathercam so I have nothing to demonstrate yet, but software is another part of the formula. Ray's suggestion is the best I've come across so far.

Since you're in Bridge Lake it might be worth talking to The Weatherman, Jorge Kachelmann who is also a resident there for parts of the year. (Well, at least he was. I understand he may be entangled in a legal matter in Germany at the moment.) In any case, given the size of the network he's running in the Cariboo/Southern Interior of BC, he may be able to put you onto some used and usable equipment.

Once I'm finished trialling my system and can offer it publicly I'll post complete details on the hardware/software composition.

[PaulMy]

Hello Seabreeze3,
Thank you for your excellent information and it has intrigued me to look at wireless to improve my webcam view. So all I would need is that little gem and get ImageSalsa (is that still available) instead of Yawcam and I'd be ready? Sounds too simple but then my lack of knowledge will make it challenging.

p.s. never been in your area except Nanaimo for a brief visit September 2008 but hope to get to Victoria in May for a Niece's wedding.

Paul

[seabreeze3]

Actually, Paul, ImageSalsa is production ware now. It's available in a demo version for free with the full version costing somewhere under $50. It's sold through Ambient which is, (I think), related to Wunderground.

The truth is, going IP digital wireless is just about as easy as I described. A couple of things to beware of:

1. When setting up a camera for the first time, if a connection is available, do it wired before going wireless.
2. Set up port forwarding.

Cheers
Dave

[PaulMy]

Thanks again Dave,

Paul

[gemini06720]

... however, I have discovered this little gem. It's Chinese made, but everyone I've discussed this with who uses them says they're reliable and solid.

Dave may I recommend that you look at the Foscam FI8905W Wireless Outdoor IP Camera Waterproof, not that I have one (although I am really tempted to get one) but because it has better wireless security encryption (ie: WEP & WPA & WPA2). It is, as expected, a little bit more expensive (149.95$ CA).

[steve]

Dave may I recommend that you look at the Foscam FI8905W Wireless Outdoor IP Camera Waterproof, not that I have one (although I am really tempted to get one) but because it has better wireless security encryption (ie: WEP & WPA & WPA2). It is, as expected, a little bit more expensive (149.95$ CA).

Hmmm, that does look interesting. They're available in the UK for the equivalent of $100 CA. I'm quite tempted myself.

[nking]

I've also been looking at this item (Foscam FI8905W) as it looks very good, I'm hesitant as looks can be deceiving and I’m looking for reassurance from actual users of the product here in the UK. The picture quality and how well it reacts to brightness/contrast changes in the sky are all important so, if someone has this product or knows of real UK user reviews I would be grateful for a response.

[gemini06720]

Dave may I recommend that you look at the Foscam FI8905W Wireless Outdoor IP Camera Waterproof, not that I have one (although I am really tempted to get one) but because it has better wireless security encryption (ie: WEP & WPA & WPA2). It is, as expected, a little bit more expensive (149.95$ CA).

Hmmm, that does look interesting. They're available in the UK for the equivalent of $100 CA. I'm quite tempted myself.

Indeed, and for the price, one gets a pretty decent camera in a 'weatherproof outdoor water-proof enclosure' - might not be high definition imaging buth then, the price is also not 'HD"...

[seabreeze3]

The price is certainly attractive and I've spoken with some users who claim they are very reliable, if not a bit bulky. Apparently they do a fully sufficient job.

I have been advised not to buy one of these from either EBay or Amazon because of the "knockoffs" and imitations. In fact, Foscam voids the warranty if you buy it from either of those two sites.

[Gina]

Strange! I have always found Amazon to be very good. I've bought lots of goods from them.