WeirsCAM Update

webmaster · 08-04-2005, 11:40 AM

I was at the pier yesterday working on the new WeirsCAM camera (anybody see me up on the roof?).

I was able to eliminate some of the specks that appeared in certain lighting conditions. The ones remaining are caused by pits and scratches on the small plexiglass window that the camera looks through on the enclosure. I will replace the plexiglass on a future visit.

I also did some experimenting with a different lens. After several tries I realized that the original wide-angle lens works best. I did do some tweaking of the focus and aperture and I think the lens is now at its optimum setting.

In the 6 weeks since the camera was installed I think I have improved the image quite a bit. It took a while to achieve a balance between the bright sky and dark water but I finally got the right balance. The colors and overall sharpness have also improved and the camera now working as I hoped it would.

For those of you still reading I have a reward for your interest. Since installing the new camera I have been quietly preparing for streaming video. It is now ready for the public and people reading this will be the first to use it. This will allow me to slowly bring it up while I watch for any problems. This is kind of a "beta" test so I may have to take it down again if problems arise. If you have trouble viewing it check the FAQ for some possible reasons or post a message here. Click here to view the new Motion WeirsCAM. I hope you enjoy it!

SIKSUKR · 08-04-2005, 12:33 PM

Thanks Don,I think I'm the first one to use it.I love it.Again,Your devotion to this website is priceless.Thank you!

JayDV · 08-04-2005, 12:33 PM

It figures, the first live look I get of the lake is a wet one. I have to tell you it is weird looking at the view and all of a sudden there is a rain drop there. Just like looking out the window!

Great job Don. It does make not being there a little easier. Now if only there was sound ...

Merrymeeting · 08-04-2005, 01:27 PM

Worked fine for me Don. Thanks!

SIKSUKR · 08-04-2005, 01:58 PM

Jaydv,when I first watched the video it had water also.It seems to have dried up now.

BroadHopper · 08-04-2005, 03:04 PM

Thanks Don, you are the greatest webmaster that I have ever known. No place like this forum to hang out.

Sounds? Sounds of what? Raggae music?

JayDV · 08-04-2005, 06:05 PM

Don -

I can't get enough of the live lake. I have to say again - Thanks for the time and effort you put in. My earlier, about the rain and the sounds, was in jest. I hoped that was obvious.

But now for the really BIG question. Will this camera view pick up the fireworks tomorrow nite (8/5) at 10:00? I saw the camera is always live, but it has been many years since I've been to the Weirs at night.

webmaster · 08-04-2005, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayDV

Will this camera view pick up the fireworks tomorrow nite (8/5) at 10:00?

Unless the fireworks are launched from FL1 I'm afraid they will be out of the camera's view. You may be able to see some anchored boats and the fireworks could light them up. I'll try to watch at 10.

If you enjoy video WebCams there are now 4 of them running at Weirs Beach!

Motion WeirsCAM
Proctor's Lakehouse Cottages Cam
Weirs Channel Cam
Abakee Cottages Cam

Pepper · 08-04-2005, 10:03 PM

Holy Cow! Streaming Video? This is over the top! I can't wait till daylight to try it out. Don, you are truly special. Always another treat up your sleeve!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Skip · 08-05-2005, 04:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pepper

...I can't wait till daylight to try it out...

Me too!

I've been up since 5:00 am waiting for the sun to rise so I can try the darn thing out!!!

Skip

Tom Cat · 08-05-2005, 06:44 AM

Looks great. Thanks for all you do to keep us all in touch with the Lake.

upthesaukee · 08-06-2005, 08:07 AM

Great Job, Webmaster Don!!!! Weirscam in Motion now has a link on my Links Address bar in Internet Explorer right along with Snake Eyes, Winn.com, Intellicast Radar, Weather.com, & Wolfeboro Online.

Nice clarity, streaming is not too slow nor too fast, and fun to watch. Thanks as always for all you do to improve our lives in and around the Lakes Region, and on this website.

Dave

Bear Lover · 08-06-2005, 11:31 AM

I just love streaming video. The Bear Cam has had it for a few weeks now, I love watching the boats go by on weekends.

http://www.bearisland.org/livecam.htm

I guess streaming video is the way a lot of CAMs are going to go in the future. Thank you for this wonderful idea!

Kman · 08-06-2005, 12:52 PM

The streaming video is a fun and useful feature.

Thank you for implementing it.

ces · 08-07-2005, 06:08 PM

How very neat!
Thanks Don!

Colleen

webmaster · 09-08-2005, 08:16 PM

I returned to the Lake today to replace the old plexiglas window on the WeirsCAM camera enclosure with a piece of glass. It was amazing to see how scratched and scuffed up the plexiglas was considering nothing really touches it except water, ice and an occasional bug.

The glass has much better clarity than the plexiglas and has really improved the overall image. This was an unexpected bonus since I was just trying to eliminate the scratch marks that showed in certain lighting conditions.

There are still a few small, faint triangle shaped marks that can be seen at times. These may be a problem with the camera itself and I'm going to contact the camera manufacturer about it.

I hope you enjoy the improved image.

Don

Eric Austin · 09-08-2005, 08:32 PM

I check the WeirsCAM and Anchor Marine CAM periodically, everyday. Great job!!!

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be at the lake everyday, even though I'm not...

Again, thank you very much for the views!!! Excellent job!!!

Take care,
Eric

Pepper · 09-08-2005, 09:39 PM

Holy Cow!
That's incredible what a difference a piece of glass made! Big, Huge,
WOW!

Rattlesnake Gal · 09-09-2005, 06:50 AM

Fantastic Don! Thank you.
The cam makes being away from the lake a bit more tolerable.

You had some lovely weather to be at the lake too!
RG

trfour · 09-09-2005, 07:21 PM

Thank you Don,.. More and More better, every day, from 2002. A great pleasure for me, under Don's Captainship, to contribute and be a part.

Hall of Fame, " Absolutely " !

T.

upthesaukee · 09-10-2005, 11:11 AM

I know how good things can get...everytime I clean my glasses

.

Looks great, Don.

08-04-2005, 11:40 AM	#1
webmaster Moderator Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 2,445 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 454 Thanked 3,778 Times in 834 Posts	WeirsCAM Update I was at the pier yesterday working on the new WeirsCAM camera (anybody see me up on the roof?). I was able to eliminate some of the specks that appeared in certain lighting conditions. The ones remaining are caused by pits and scratches on the small plexiglass window that the camera looks through on the enclosure. I will replace the plexiglass on a future visit. I also did some experimenting with a different lens. After several tries I realized that the original wide-angle lens works best. I did do some tweaking of the focus and aperture and I think the lens is now at its optimum setting. In the 6 weeks since the camera was installed I think I have improved the image quite a bit. It took a while to achieve a balance between the bright sky and dark water but I finally got the right balance. The colors and overall sharpness have also improved and the camera now working as I hoped it would. For those of you still reading I have a reward for your interest. Since installing the new camera I have been quietly preparing for streaming video. It is now ready for the public and people reading this will be the first to use it. This will allow me to slowly bring it up while I watch for any problems. This is kind of a "beta" test so I may have to take it down again if problems arise. If you have trouble viewing it check the FAQ for some possible reasons or post a message here. Click here to view the new Motion WeirsCAM. I hope you enjoy it!

08-04-2005, 12:33 PM	#2
SIKSUKR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,075 Thanks: 215 Thanked 903 Times in 509 Posts	WoW !!!! Thanks Don,I think I'm the first one to use it.I love it.Again,Your devotion to this website is priceless.Thank you! __________________ SIKSUKR

08-04-2005, 12:33 PM	#3
JayDV Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Fairfield, CT & island vacation Posts: 97 Thanks: 8 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Looking Good!!! It figures, the first live look I get of the lake is a wet one. I have to tell you it is weird looking at the view and all of a sudden there is a rain drop there. Just like looking out the window! Great job Don. It does make not being there a little easier. Now if only there was sound ...

08-04-2005, 01:58 PM	#5
SIKSUKR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,075 Thanks: 215 Thanked 903 Times in 509 Posts	Jaydv,when I first watched the video it had water also.It seems to have dried up now. __________________ SIKSUKR

08-04-2005, 03:04 PM	#6
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,562 Thanks: 3,180 Thanked 1,098 Times in 791 Posts	Thanks Don, you are the greatest webmaster that I have ever known. No place like this forum to hang out. Sounds? Sounds of what? Raggae music? __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

08-04-2005, 01:27 PM	#4
Merrymeeting Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Merrymeeting Lake, New Durham Posts: 2,226 Thanks: 302 Thanked 799 Times in 368 Posts	Worked fine for me Don. Thanks!

08-04-2005, 06:05 PM	#7
JayDV Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Fairfield, CT & island vacation Posts: 97 Thanks: 8 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	This is a lot of fun to watch Don - I can't get enough of the live lake. I have to say again - Thanks for the time and effort you put in. My earlier, about the rain and the sounds, was in jest. I hoped that was obvious. But now for the really BIG question. Will this camera view pick up the fireworks tomorrow nite (8/5) at 10:00? I saw the camera is always live, but it has been many years since I've been to the Weirs at night.

08-04-2005, 10:03 PM	#9
Pepper Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Laconia, NH Posts: 1,284 Thanks: 409 Thanked 155 Times in 40 Posts	Wow! Holy Cow! Streaming Video? This is over the top! I can't wait till daylight to try it out. Don, you are truly special. Always another treat up your sleeve! Thank you, thank you, thank you! __________________ Never waste time lamenting what was. Simply celebrate what is!

08-05-2005, 06:44 AM	#11
Tom Cat Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Melrose, Ma Posts: 13 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Worked for me Looks great. Thanks for all you do to keep us all in touch with the Lake. __________________ Tom Cat

08-06-2005, 08:07 AM	#12
upthesaukee Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 5,593 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 2,444 Thanked 1,977 Times in 1,078 Posts	Great Job, Webmaster Don!!!! Weirscam in Motion now has a link on my Links Address bar in Internet Explorer right along with Snake Eyes, Winn.com, Intellicast Radar, Weather.com, & Wolfeboro Online. Nice clarity, streaming is not too slow nor too fast, and fun to watch. Thanks as always for all you do to improve our lives in and around the Lakes Region, and on this website. Dave __________________ I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!!

08-06-2005, 11:31 AM	#13
Bear Lover Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 96 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	BearCam and WeirsCam I just love streaming video. The Bear Cam has had it for a few weeks now, I love watching the boats go by on weekends. http://www.bearisland.org/livecam.htm I guess streaming video is the way a lot of CAMs are going to go in the future. Thank you for this wonderful idea!

08-06-2005, 12:52 PM	#14
Kman Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 13 Thanks: 0 Thanked 23 Times in 1 Post	The streaming video is a fun and useful feature. Thank you for implementing it.

08-07-2005, 06:08 PM	#15
ces Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Meredith Posts: 19 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Wowee! How very neat! Thanks Don! Colleen

09-08-2005, 08:16 PM	#16
webmaster Moderator Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 2,445 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 454 Thanked 3,778 Times in 834 Posts	Another Update I returned to the Lake today to replace the old plexiglas window on the WeirsCAM camera enclosure with a piece of glass. It was amazing to see how scratched and scuffed up the plexiglas was considering nothing really touches it except water, ice and an occasional bug. The glass has much better clarity than the plexiglas and has really improved the overall image. This was an unexpected bonus since I was just trying to eliminate the scratch marks that showed in certain lighting conditions. There are still a few small, faint triangle shaped marks that can be seen at times. These may be a problem with the camera itself and I'm going to contact the camera manufacturer about it. I hope you enjoy the improved image. Don

09-08-2005, 08:32 PM	#17
Eric Austin Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 146 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	WeirsCAM I check the WeirsCAM and Anchor Marine CAM periodically, everyday. Great job!!! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be at the lake everyday, even though I'm not... Again, thank you very much for the views!!! Excellent job!!! Take care, Eric

09-08-2005, 09:39 PM	#18
Pepper Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Laconia, NH Posts: 1,284 Thanks: 409 Thanked 155 Times in 40 Posts	Holy Cow! Holy Cow! That's incredible what a difference a piece of glass made! Big, Huge, WOW! __________________ Never waste time lamenting what was. Simply celebrate what is!

09-09-2005, 06:50 AM	#19
Rattlesnake Gal Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Central NH Posts: 5,252 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 1,451 Thanked 1,349 Times in 475 Posts	Wow Is Right, Pepper! Fantastic Don! Thank you. The cam makes being away from the lake a bit more tolerable. You had some lovely weather to be at the lake too! RG

09-09-2005, 07:21 PM	#20
trfour Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Lakes, Central NH. and Dallas/Fort Worth TX. Posts: 3,694 Blog Entries: 3 Thanks: 3,069 Thanked 472 Times in 236 Posts	From another of Don's Troops! Thank you Don,.. More and More better, every day, from 2002. A great pleasure for me, under Don's Captainship, to contribute and be a part. Hall of Fame, " Absolutely " ! T. __________________ *trfour* Always Remember, The Best Safety Device In The Boat, or on a PWC Snowmobile etc., Is YOU! Safe sledding tips and much more; http://www.snowmobile.org/snowmobiling-safety.html

09-10-2005, 11:11 AM	#21
upthesaukee Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 5,593 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 2,444 Thanked 1,977 Times in 1,078 Posts	I know how good things can get...everytime I clean my glasses . Looks great, Don. __________________ I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!!

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