Andrew's Webcam
This page is a protyping setup for checking code to be used in other web cam sites. If the office cam is on-line you'll see that it is located in a converted cellar which only has a small window and may be dark for most of the time.
The camera in use is a cheap Creative Webcam NX Pro connected via USB which then utilises Webcam32 to publish the images directly to the web either via FTP or by direct steaming.
The PCs used for these tests consist of an Evesham 64bit machine, a PIII 800MHz and an Athlon 500MHz machine all connected via ADSL. Image refresh is typically set to 5 seconds which dial up users should be able to resolve OK.
Carol's Webcam
Carol's office web cam is located two floors up, in her office, and is either looking out of the window at the garden, pointed at her desk or roaming around on a long lead. She doesn't often have it linked up so most of the time it is off-line! :o)
The camera in use is also a Creative Webcam NX Pro connected via a long USB cable and utilises the basic HP Webcam Monitor software that came with the camera to publish the images directly to the web. I have to say that seeing the two packages, side by side, I think Webcam32 seems to handle the image updating much smoother.
Carol's PC is a high end 32bit Athlon box with 1GB RAM, 320GB drives, and is connected via ADSL to the web. Image refresh is typically set to 5 seconds but its not the most reliable piece of software!
Eriador Cats Network Camera (Eriador Cats)
I recent bought an Axis 210 network camera which is used to monitor the cats activity around the house and enable our customers to view their kitten's progress. This is connected to the network utilising a long Cat5 cable which you can often see laid under the carpets etc.
I have to say that the Axis camera is relatively easy to set up, however it should be appreciated that it is primarily intended for fixed surveillance work rather than being a portable device. It is mounted on an old photographic tripod which is quite stable unless the kittens knock it over!
The unit is very light weight, consumes very little power, and so far has proved to be very reliable. I should think so for the price!
Just click on the image to display a popup view from the camera.