Cheap old cell phone coop cam

[Bio cryo guy]

I was looking into buying a camera for my chicken coop, and was quickly discouraged by the price. I looked into cellphone apps that turn an unused phone into a WiFi camera, and thought to give it a try. Currently I'm trying out the Alfred app, and am satisfied I can now check in any time I want. The setup isn't perfect, and the video feed definitely leaves a lot of room for improvement. There is a paid version of the app that provides HD quality video, but I don't see the need for that kind of detail at this time. Has anyone else tried a setup similar to this before, and are there other apps you've tried that you like?

I attached (hopefully) a screenshot from when I was watching the live video feed. You can see it's quite grainy, but I'm working on improving WiFi reception in the area to get a better picture.

 

[Mixed flock enthusiast]

I was looking into buying a camera for my chicken coop, and was quickly discouraged by the price. I looked into cellphone apps that turn an unused phone into a WiFi camera, and thought to give it a try. Currently I'm trying out the Albert app, and am satisfied I can now check in any time I want. The setup isn't perfect, and the video feed definitely leaves a lot of room for improvement. There is a paid version of the app that provides HD quality video, but I don't see the need for that kind of detail at this time. Has anyone else tried a setup similar to this before, and are there other apps you've tried that you like?

I attached (hopefully) a screenshot from when I was watching the live video feed. You can see it's quite grainy, but I'm working on improving WiFi reception in the area to get a better picture.

What a cool idea!!! Now I just need an old, functioning cell phone! It looks like decent resolution to me, though it only looked like a still picture? Was it actually video with no changes?

 

[Bio cryo guy]

I was watching them on video with my cell phone at work, and took that picture (screenshot) to show my niece. You can also use motion activation to take video recordings, and record about 30 second short videos to save as well with the free app. I believe you can do more with the paid app. Tonight I'm going to try out the night mode and see if I can see more than a black rectangle...

 

[Kiki]

This is too neat.
I had no idea there were apps for this.

I'm looking for this Albert app right now. Thanks!

 

[Bio cryo guy]

I am such a goof! I always proofread, but Albert didn't catch me... The app is called Alfred. I apologize sincerely! I hope you were able to figure out my mistake! I hope editing works the way I think it does, and I corrected my mistake.

 

[Kiki]

Is this home security one correct?

 

[Bio cryo guy]

Try Alfred camera.

 

[Kiki]

Try Alfred camera.

I think this is it.

 

[trumpeting_angel]

It seems the resolution is good enough to get a reasonable picture of what's going on. Like, is there a disturbance, predator, or fight club?

 

[Bio cryo guy]

Yes, that's it! I had to go look at the actual Google store pic.