Webcam Installation

[TwoDogs]

I thought I would add my webcam experience so others may get some ideas. Photos at the end...

http://www.whiterockweather.com

Camera Enclosure --- PanVigor (they appear not to sell individual enclosures now but is the same as below)

http://cgi.ebay.ca/HEATER-BLOWER-OUTDOO ... 1c0ab2f996

USB Active Repeater Cable --- Purchase from Amazon.com Works really well and have not had any issues yet.

http://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-U026-0 ... 059&sr=8-1

Logitech Quickcam Pro 9000 --- Works well but there now is an updated model.

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Quickcam ... 02&sr=1-11

I used zip ties inside the enclosure to secure the camera to the mount. Seems to work very well with the heater for the winter and the fan for the summer. It has now been installed for over eight months.

The software I have been using is "Abelcam" which gives many options, all of which I have not used yet.

http://www.abelcam.com/index_htm

[TwoDogs]

Photos Continued...

[Jack10562]

Nicely done.
I would suggest securing the masts together with something a little more substantial than nylon zip ties.
Worm drive stainless steel hose clamps are relatively cheap and very strong.

http://www.amazon.com/Murray-Worm-Gear- ... 885&sr=1-3

[TwoDogs]

Thanks for the advice. The zip ties that are holding the two masts together are very strong and I have not had a problem as of yet with fifty mph winds. They would be easy to replace with worm gear clamps if need be as I have good access on my sundeck.

Hal

[Gina]

I was wondering about the fan. I see there are air vents behind the fan but can't see anywhere at the front of the enclosure where the warm air would escape.

Great enclosure, looks very posh

[TwoDogs]

Gina the fan pressurizes the case when the temp is high. The bug screen on the rear/bottom stops small insects from entry. I went outside and had a look at it but that didn't help with your question. I can't remember exactly how the airflow works other than it does work. I see they now have enclosures with a wiper blade for the glass. That would be cool.
When I first started thinking about a outside webcam the idea of building my own was quickly discarded with the features and price of this one.
I have thought about putting a older Sony video camera in the enclosure as then it would be of higher quality and zoom, etc. but that will be a summer project (maybe).

Hal

[Tau Bootis]

The zip ties that are holding the two masts together are very strong and I have not had a problem as of yet with fifty mph winds.

Hal

I have seen a lot of electricl installations where zip ties have been used and after few years they become brittle and snap so don't leave it too long.

Mark

[TwoDogs]

Thanks Mark,

I will replace them when the weather becomes a little better (warmer/drier).

Hal