Putting a web cam at Gerstle Cove

[renpirate]

A group of us have been examining the idea of putting a web cam at Gerstle Cove at Salt Point State Park in Sonoma County. I sopke with the head ranger and they are very enthusiastic about the idea. We are currently trying to work out the details of how to get it done. They don't have DSL available out there and only have one phone line. It looks like we would have to have a second line installed, pay for a monltly dial up account, get the camera and install it. The initial estimate is that it will cost about $1000 for the camera, setup and the first year of service. We are batting around the idea of a fundraiser to get the money. If people are interested in this endeavor, you can go to www.northcoastdivers.org to find out more details. This is also where the cam would be hosted.

 

[Humuhumunukunukuapua'a]

Great idea!

 

[otay!]

How is wireless coverage in the area? You can buy relatively inexpensive routers that have card slots for wireless broadband.

Example - http://www.netgear.com/products/details/MBR814XUC.php

 

[Humuhumunukunukuapua'a]

I seriously doubt there's much in the way of wireless or even cel phone coverage out there. I could be wrong, but the Mendo coast is certainly spotty coverage at best.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

I seriously doubt there's much in the way of wireless or even cel phone coverage out there. I could be wrong, but the Mendo coast is certainly spotty coverage at best.

No actually I can get reception if I stand at the west edge of the parking lot at Gerstle. Maybe we could place a small pedestal or tower there for the cell unit?

ZKY

 

[D_O_H]

You'll have to show me where that sweet spot is - I've never been able to get my cell to work at Gerstle.

Might some kind of satellite based connection be cheaper and more effective? Having the webcam on dial-up (especially spotty cell dial-up) sounds like trouble.

 

[renpirate]

I talked with the head ranger again today and have some new info. The dial up will be a problem, because they are out of lines. This leaves us with the option of satellite. The dish and equipment would cost $300-$500. This would be on top of the cost of the camera. They might be able to swing at least part of the monthly internet cost. I'm thinking it would still be in the $1000 range for the whole thing.

Setup cost fundraising ideas:

1. A raffle (ZKY has already offered one of his plates)
2. A BBQ
3. Donations from businesses and individuals

Some ideas for monthly maintenence are:

1. Charge for access to the cam
2. Find sponsors to pay for a month at a time

How about we setup a committee to explore the options and price out the equipment?

 

[Ben_ca]

How much would the monthly fees be?

 

[renpirate]

How much would the monthly fees be?

I am not sure, but I am thinking it will be in the $50-$70 range.

 

[mweitz]

I'd be careful with Satellite. With the high winds, and clouds I would expect a lot of problems with it, plus it is expensive (though you could resell it to campers and visitors). How about using an existing phone line (like the conditions line) to upload a photo hourly? I'm sure some of the cameras have an option to do something like that, anyone know?

I'm a network kind of guy, so could help with routers / networks / wiring and that type of stuff and have some gear around.

EDIT: I also have some dial-up accounts we could use.

Mark