Anyone have a "chickencam"?

[Scooter]

We have at least 2 geeks in the extended family who want us to set up an outside web cam to watch their hens (uncles, aunts, grannies etc. have all adopted one!).

Anyone have one set up? Can anyone recommend one? Or have any links to share?

Thanks

 

[michaelvcrowder]

i have a chicken cam. i can view it from any computer on the office network but have not figured out how to pipe it through my website yet. it is one of the items on my long list of too dos.
michael

 

[Scooter]

Michael

Hope you figure that part out - I'd love to see it. Is it outside? What kind of camera is it? I must admit I am getting more excited about this idea the more I think about it!!!

 

[Mareloo]

I have a web cam and have used Skype in the past. It is a great program!

You can change your settings to allow people (everybody or just a selected few) to view your cam without you having to sit at the computer and answer calls the whole day.

This is the only way I can think of without any hassles and it is free!

 

[michaelvcrowder]

scooter,
it is inside his pen which is located in the shop. i just pulled out the instruction manual for the camera and am going to try again to get it up and running.
michael

 

[Smitty's Farm]

I have been wanting to get a camera for the coop and run, but couldn't find one this summer. I've been to busy to continue the search, but it's on my wish list for x-mas.

Those of you that have one I have some questions. Is it just live or is there a recording device?

How much are the cameras, where did you purchase it, & what kind is it?

Thanks,
Kim

 

[Yonaton]

I 'could' put one in/near the coop I suppose, but I'm leaning more toward setting one up at the driveway entrance gate for security.

A webcam can be used, or a cheap digital camera that has a USB interface for downloading the pics to the computer.

15 feet is the maximum length a USB cord can have before data deterioration occurs, *but*, if you look around on the 'net, there are solutions to the length problem. There is even a wireless USB solution (unfortunately it's just far too expensive for someone like me living on a disability check). If I had the means, I would definitely go with the wireless USB solution and a decent webcam (or find a good but cheap digital camera on eBay...say something that has a broken LCD window but the camera still works, etc). If one can't afford the wireless solution, there are some that work up to 150 feet using two USB stations and Cat5 (or better) cable between them. That kind of solution can run between $125 and up, plus you have to figure out how to 'weatherproof' everything (which, if one has a good imagination wouldn't be too hard really).

There's a slightly more expensive way to go, and that's with an IP Camera (wireless or wired). There are many to choose from, some even have low-light/night vision (infrared lights on them) type works in them. You can even buy nice professional weatherproof cases for the camera.

The only thing I can't help anyone with is how to set up those USB things on a Microslop...I mean Microsoft OS.

If you run Linux, I can tell you the application to use right now and be up and running in the time it takes you to run your wire, put your camera where you want it, download the application/program, and run it.

 

[apbgv]

I have my puppy webcam set up through camstreams, its a free hosting site, simple to use. and best of all costs me nothing.

 

[arlee453]

I use camstreams.com also - my link is in my signature.

They have a free hosting service, and pretty good instructions for setting up the cam and broadcasting.

My current cam is a Microsoft 3000 web chat cam (i think about $50 at Walmart). I tried it outside, from under a sheltered location, but since it is meant for close range viewing, I couldn't get any decent shots with it of the chicken pen.

However, I have my eye on the Logitech/Wilife security outdoor cam setup - Santa, do you hear me?? - so I can put it outside and run the signal through the electrical lines in the house to the computer without having to run any more Cat5. That cam runs $250-300. http://www.wilife.com/Default.aspx Wilife is owned by Logitech.

 

[jubylives]

I have a wireless camera in my coop. I don't remember what brand it is bit I have it hooked up to a tv so I check on them. I'm now gonna check out this camstreams.com place. Maybe some fun can be had.

Jeremy