Suggestions for an Observatory Security Cameras

[thunderchildobs]

I am looking for a security / web camera to monitor my observatory / telescope.
A WiFi option would be ideal, as I do not want to have cables.

Do the cameras with IR leds "to see in the dark" affect imaging?

It would be handy if the software can save still images and ftp them to website.

Thanks

Brendan

[el_draco]

Try a "trail camera"

http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC 0.H0.Xtrail+camera&_nkw=trail+camera&_sacat=0

IR motion sensing still or video. The IR is supposed to be invisible but the local possums eyeball it all the time.

Rom

[DavidTrap]

I bought a Foscam recently. link (http://store.mangocam.com/All-Foscam-Indoor-IP-Cameras/Foscam-FI8910W-Wireless-IP-Camera-Indoor-Pan-Tilt-Black-Infrared-Cut-Filter-2yr-Warranty)

I used it last night to keep an eye on my scope in the observatory at Leyburn while I sat in the caravan next door (laziness personified). All controlled via webpage - the IR can be turned on and off, and it pans and tilts around.

Has cable and WIFI - you need to plug it in to configure the wifi, and obviously it needs power too.

DT

[mswhin63]

The effect of imaging is dependant on where your camera is pointing. Keep it well away from the lens or shroud of the scope to avoid any IR LEDS lighting getting into your telescope.

[OICURMT]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Contraves-EOTS-Cinetheodolite-Telescope-Missile-Tracker/230449918884? :question: (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Contraves-EOTS-Cinetheodolite-Telescope-Missile-Tracker/230449918884?)

Sorry.. couldn't resist :lol:


On a serious note... try http://infrared.com/

Some of their models can detect human heat at 1000 metres.

OIC!

[Paul Haese]

I have these installed in my observatories.

They are independent of computer, have their own web interface and can be connected remotely. Really great piece of kit. Top camera is the one I have.

http://www.jaycar.com.au/productResults.asp?MID=5&SSUBID=973&SUBCATID=1035&keyform=CAT2

[thunderchildobs]

Thanks for the replies.




Paul,

Do you know if you can access the camera / images remotely from a tablet running windows 8.1?

Brendan

[Paul Haese]

I can access mine with my ipad remotely. You need the know the IP address (ie where internet connection is held) and then do port forwarding from your modem to the camera.

Those won't do live video on a tablet but will do an image which is all I need.

[DavidTrap]

Foscam does live video via a tablet.

[Paul Haese]

Apparently there are apps for the camera I recommended too via the apps store or google.

[thunderchildobs]

I bought the one Paul suggested from Jaycar.

After downloading some active x drivers, the XP and Vista machines can connect to the camera. The win 8.1 tablet can move the camera, but is not displaying an image.

Not sure if I'll worry about going full remote at this stage.

Brendan

[Paul Haese]

Press snap shot to get an updated image. It will open in another window.