Web Cam Installers

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by WhatTheTom

I'm looking to help out a local business set one of these up to stream live on their website. Do the cameras come with software to do this? If not, does anyone know of an inexpensive solution? Thanks for your help.

You generally don't want to use that approach...

Most IP cameras can support a limited number of simultaneous connections. It varies, but it's usually on the order of about 5 to 20. Each connection/stream is using bandwidth from the camera and the Internet connection at the business as well.

It's not that it can't be done, but that it's really not something you'd want to do in a typical case. Usually when you *do* support live streaming in that kind of environment, you do it with a re-broadcasting server in a datacenter. The camera sends 1 stream to the broadcasting server, and that server can then produce dozens or hundreds of duplicate streams, and you are using better resources to do so.

The site that is hosting Dan's cameras is something that I put together for the kinds of purposes you're talking about. The cameras upload images at some interval, and the server produces a few things:
1) A catalog of uploaded images, going back 3-6 months typically
2) A static link to the latest image, so that on a webpage you can embed a static link and my server handles keeping that link updated with the latest image. There are also provisions that allow you to adjust the time(s) the image is updated publicly, so for example you could stop serving new images from 8PM to 9AM if you only wanted it during "business hours".
3) There is also a function to create time-lapse movies of the collected images
4) I can pull local weather data and embed that (along with pretty much any other text info) in the orange bar you see at the top of the image. It processes the uploaded image and then adds this to the top of it.
5) It keeps the public away from your private camera so that you don't end up with pranksters trying to hack the camera, change settings, or flood it with excessive connections.

[Cobalt]

Thanks brk-Int for all the valuable information.

Which camera did you select for this application?

Thanks again,

Cobalt

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by Cobalt

Thanks brk-Int for all the valuable information.

Which camera did you select for this application?

Thanks again,

Cobalt

It's a no-brand camera actually...

[Blue Thunder]

Originally Posted by brk-lnt

You generally don't want to use that approach...

Most IP cameras can support a limited number of simultaneous connections. It varies, but it's usually on the order of about 5 to 20. Each connection/stream is using bandwidth from the camera and the Internet connection at the business as well.

It's not that it can't be done, but that it's really not something you'd want to do in a typical case. Usually when you *do* support live streaming in that kind of environment, you do it with a re-broadcasting server in a datacenter. The camera sends 1 stream to the broadcasting server, and that server can then produce dozens or hundreds of duplicate streams, and you are using better resources to do so.

The site that is hosting Dan's cameras is something that I put together for the kinds of purposes you're talking about. The cameras upload images at some interval, and the server produces a few things:
1) A catalog of uploaded images, going back 3-6 months typically
2) A static link to the latest image, so that on a webpage you can embed a static link and my server handles keeping that link updated with the latest image. There are also provisions that allow you to adjust the time(s) the image is updated publicly, so for example you could stop serving new images from 8PM to 9AM if you only wanted it during "business hours".
3) There is also a function to create time-lapse movies of the collected images
4) I can pull local weather data and embed that (along with pretty much any other text info) in the orange bar you see at the top of the image. It processes the uploaded image and then adds this to the top of it.
5) It keeps the public away from your private camera so that you don't end up with pranksters trying to hack the camera, change settings, or flood it with excessive connections.

Brk-lnt,
If I may indulge a little bit, is there a way to maintain a static IP address without having to pay the premium price for it? The biggest problem I have with my TrendNet IP cam is the fact that the IP changes very often... sometimes multiple times a week. The cam sends me an email telling me the WAN IP has changed but the folks I'm sharing the cam with have to constantly change their devices to view it. FYI, its a Fairpoint dsl line. Thanks.

BT

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by Blue Thunder

Brk-lnt,
If I may indulge a little bit, is there a way to maintain a static IP address without having to pay the premium price for it? The biggest problem I have with my TrendNet IP cam is the fact that the IP changes very often... sometimes multiple times a week. The cam sends me an email telling me the WAN IP has changed but the folks I'm sharing the cam with have to constantly change their devices to view it. FYI, its a Fairpoint dsl line. Thanks.

BT

Short answer: No.

But you really don't need a *static* IP, so much as you need a reliable way to access your camera remotely.

This is where DynDNS (based in Manchester, NH ) or similar services come in. They have a way to keep track of your current dynamic IP address, and then update a static hostname with whatever your current IP is.

So, you setup an account at Dyn (they do still have free accounts, but you have to hunt a little to find it), and you get a hostname like BlueThunder.dyn.org and then depending on your exact router and/or camera setup, you configure a bit of client software to update Dyn whenever your public IP changes.

It might sound a tad complex, but it's pretty easy and once you do it, it should be set-and-forget.

If you're less concerned with live views, and only want to see relatively-current static shots, I have a service I've built that makes it so you don't have to rely on any of this, just configure your camera to throw images at my server (note that most, but not all, IP cameras have a "snapshot" feature).

Let me know if you need more info.

[Rusty]

I have a D-Link camera and they make it easy to setup and use their free dynamic feature. Just sign up for their free service and it works good.

They also have drop a down window that shows DynDNS.org as a server to use.

I have a DCS-942L and it works real well with live streaming and snapshots.

I set it to detect motion and get an email telling me if I have a video or snapshot, depending on how I have it setup.

[Blue Thunder]

Originally Posted by brk-lnt

Short answer: No.

But you really don't need a *static* IP, so much as you need a reliable way to access your camera remotely.

This is where DynDNS (based in Manchester, NH ) or similar services come in. They have a way to keep track of your current dynamic IP address, and then update a static hostname with whatever your current IP is.

So, you setup an account at Dyn (they do still have free accounts, but you have to hunt a little to find it), and you get a hostname like BlueThunder.dyn.org and then depending on your exact router and/or camera setup, you configure a bit of client software to update Dyn whenever your public IP changes.

It might sound a tad complex, but it's pretty easy and once you do it, it should be set-and-forget.

If you're less concerned with live views, and only want to see relatively-current static shots, I have a service I've built that makes it so you don't have to rely on any of this, just configure your camera to throw images at my server (note that most, but not all, IP cameras have a "snapshot" feature).

Let me know if you need more info.

THANKS so much. I have that dyn feature in my setup software. I really want the live streaming video though...it makes me feel like I am there. Dammit..I'm so spoiled...and selfish...and...

BT

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by Blue Thunder

THANKS so much. I have that dyn feature in my setup software. I really want the live streaming video though...it makes me feel like I am there. Dammit..I'm so spoiled...and selfish...and...

BT

First world problems dude. I'd play my violin for you, but I left it in the Bentley that I just parked for the winter.

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by Blue Thunder

Brk-lnt,
If I may indulge a little bit, is there a way to maintain a static IP address without having to pay the premium price for it? The biggest problem I have with my TrendNet IP cam is the fact that the IP changes very often... sometimes multiple times a week. The cam sends me an email telling me the WAN IP has changed but the folks I'm sharing the cam with have to constantly change their devices to view it. FYI, its a Fairpoint dsl line. Thanks.

BT

Fairpoint is a rip off with their static IP charge at $30.00 per month!! I needed a static IP for my security system at my home in Chester and Granite State Telephone only charged me $10.00 per month.

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

Fairpoint is a rip off with their static IP charge at $30.00 per month!! I needed a static IP for my security system at my home in Chester and Granite State Telephone only charged me $10.00 per month.

I think they are using pricing that is intended to discourage demand. For a company like Fairpoint they'd rather just keep everything dynamic, it gives them more ability to change and restructure their network over time.

As a point of reference, I have a full class C of public IP's at one of my datacenter locations. That is 255 IP addresses. I pay $20/mo. for the whole thing

In reality, all IP prices are really just made up, the top level costs to actual ISP's are practically zero.

[codeman671]

I did go with a static IP at the island, it was less than $30 although that is what they originally quoted me. Packaged with my land line and the higher speed DSL than basic (7MB I think) it was not bad. I had a lot of problems with my system installer from day one, and finally said to hell with it and went static to cut down on headaches.

Everything finally works. It has been a long road...

[Blue Thunder]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

Fairpoint is a rip off with their static IP charge at $30.00 per month!! I needed a static IP for my security system at my home in Chester and Granite State Telephone only charged me $10.00 per month.

Agreed, but that is $30 additional to the dsl fee of $30. At this point, I don't have a camera view for the winter months because I refuse to pay the ridiculous fee that fairpoint wants. My last day on the island was last Friday and my live streaming cam view went bye-bye. It just plain sucks....

BT

[WhatTheTom]

Originally Posted by brk-lnt

You generally don't want to use that approach...

Most IP cameras can support a limited number of simultaneous connections. It varies, but it's usually on the order of about 5 to 20. Each connection/stream is using bandwidth from the camera and the Internet connection at the business as well.

It's not that it can't be done, but that it's really not something you'd want to do in a typical case. Usually when you *do* support live streaming in that kind of environment, you do it with a re-broadcasting server in a datacenter. The camera sends 1 stream to the broadcasting server, and that server can then produce dozens or hundreds of duplicate streams, and you are using better resources to do so.

The site that is hosting Dan's cameras is something that I put together for the kinds of purposes you're talking about. The cameras upload images at some interval, and the server produces a few things:
1) A catalog of uploaded images, going back 3-6 months typically
2) A static link to the latest image, so that on a webpage you can embed a static link and my server handles keeping that link updated with the latest image. There are also provisions that allow you to adjust the time(s) the image is updated publicly, so for example you could stop serving new images from 8PM to 9AM if you only wanted it during "business hours".
3) There is also a function to create time-lapse movies of the collected images
4) I can pull local weather data and embed that (along with pretty much any other text info) in the orange bar you see at the top of the image. It processes the uploaded image and then adds this to the top of it.
5) It keeps the public away from your private camera so that you don't end up with pranksters trying to hack the camera, change settings, or flood it with excessive connections.

Thanks for the help!

Looks like a cheap solution is out of the question. They want something similar to what Gunstock uses (http://www.usrelay.com/) with the 24/7 live feed. A lot of the web cameras around the area are picture based and/or super laggy. If you know of anything similar that is up to par with what Gunstock uses I'm open for suggestions. Again, thanks for the response!

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by WhatTheTom

Thanks for the help!

Looks like a cheap solution is out of the question. They want something similar to what Gunstock uses (http://www.usrelay.com/) with the 24/7 live feed. A lot of the web cameras around the area are picture based and/or super laggy. If you know of anything similar that is up to par with what Gunstock uses I'm open for suggestions. Again, thanks for the response!

US Relay is actually my friends company

PM me with what you think they're willing to spend/what it's worth to them and I'll see what I can do.

[Chaselady]

We have 2 Foscam cameras we are trying to set up with no luck whatsoever. I would be willing to pay someone to come and do it!

[WhatTheTom]

Originally Posted by brk-lnt

US Relay is actually my friends company

PM me with what you think they're willing to spend/what it's worth to them and I'll see what I can do.

Great! PM sent!

[Skooter]

We are also working on trying to get a Foscam camera working. It seems that if you are running Apple computers, it has significant changes. We could hook up the camera and access it (i.e. move the lens around), but could not get quicktime to produce any video. There is some type of error on quicktime that needs a change to the configuration because the camera needs an HTTP format, but the current version of quicktime does not seem to allow an easy re-set. It also has problems hitting the wifi router since the software that comes with the camera does not work with apple equipment (apple router). We may have found a solution on line, but wondered if anyone else experienced the same challenges and had other solutions.

Any advice/direction would be appreciated.

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by Skooter

We are also working on trying to get a Foscam camera working. It seems that if you are running Apple computers, it has significant changes. We could hook up the camera and access it (i.e. move the lens around), but could not get quicktime to produce any video. There is some type of error on quicktime that needs a change to the configuration because the camera needs an HTTP format, but the current version of quicktime does not seem to allow an easy re-set. It also has problems hitting the wifi router since the software that comes with the camera does not work with apple equipment (apple router). We may have found a solution on line, but wondered if anyone else experienced the same challenges and had other solutions.

Any advice/direction would be appreciated.

Wifi is wifi. It'll work with an Airport/Airport Extreme, provided the other settings are correct.

Not sure about controlling it via quicktime though. I was able to see BIS's Foscam and configure it on my Apple MacBook Air (didn't try any of the PTZ controls though).

[Bear Island South]

Originally Posted by Skooter

We are also working on trying to get a Foscam camera working. It seems that if you are running Apple computers, it has significant changes. We could hook up the camera and access it (i.e. move the lens around), but could not get quicktime to produce any video. There is some type of error on quicktime that needs a change to the configuration because the camera needs an HTTP format, but the current version of quicktime does not seem to allow an easy re-set. It also has problems hitting the wifi router since the software that comes with the camera does not work with apple equipment (apple router). We may have found a solution on line, but wondered if anyone else experienced the same challenges and had other solutions.

Any advice/direction would be appreciated.

I don't use Apple so I am not in the same situation. I have 2 Foscam wireless IP cameras and they both work fine for me. The only challange I had was getting them to work remotely over the internet, once I figured out the port forwarding everything fell into place. You need to access your router to change these settings. I used the software that comes with the camera to login from a PC and IP Cam Viewer on my Android phone.

[Bear Island South]

The web cams come in hand especially when you can't be there for the sunrise, this is from one of the Foscams the image is not the best quality but you get the picture.

[Rusty]

Beautiful snap shot! Thanks for posting.

[Bear Island South]

We went out to the Island yesterday and took down the Christmas tree...the wildlife was the first to notice it was missing.
Thank you Island Services for getting us out there.

[Diver1111]

I have cams in my house here in Exeter and as part of the set-up to enable remote viewing from any PC, laptop etc. the techie (in Florida who sold me the gear) hooked me up with DynDNS in Manchester. This DynDNS purchase came about when this techie told me I would need a router for remote viewing (he suggested a Cisco/Linksys E1200-short money at Staples). Apparently the Westell modem I have from Fairpoint wasn't enough.

Don't quote me here but I have a paid account with DynDNS for "dynamic" vs. "static" service, and I bought one year of this service for $20. Fairpoint wanted a body part-it was absurd. A really stupid number.

Configuring these cams for remote access was also a bear-took hours with my (now paid) tech on the phone then a conference call with Fairpoint. In the end it worked out but what an exercise..........and expense...just for remote access.

As it is now my remote access is down; The tech in Florida now doesn't respond to my calls or emails (at all). I asked a guy here in Exeter who charges more than my proctologist for tech support, what might be the trouble...he thought among other reasons a power failure. Yes we had one maybe 8-9 days ago. And my proctologist, like Captain Kirk, has boldly gone where no man has gone before.

Fairpoint told me a few days ago it's not them either. The logged on to my PC here at home while on the phone and looked around-I must say the tech didn't mumble-she seemed to know exactly what she was talking about and we looked at many aspects of the configuration and she saw nothing out of place.

DynDNS says it's not them either (I go to their site to log on for remote access and their site never loads-that's how I first noticed I have no remote access). Cams work fine when viewed at the DVR though.

I have emailed brk-Int for help. You have to love the Winni Forum. Wow what a resource.

[Island Girl]

I can login to my webcam remotely using a westell modem/router and dynamic dns from TZO. It was an easy setup. I pay about $25 per year.

There is a setting in my cam for dynamic dns and I just make an entry in there and bada bing!

Usually when I cannot quickly an issue, I reboot everything... Including DSL. Did you try that?