Solar webcam diagram
We are going to start excavation on our renovation project, 78 Main St next week. So, in preparation we got a hold of an outdoor webcam and put together a system to power the camera, a wireless router and a datalogging computer with the hopes that we can capture some of the interesting parts of this renovation in pictures.
On the left is the diagram that I drew up of the devices and solar power system. Basically we have a 20W solar panel connected to a small charge controller, which charges a sealed 12V battery with a capacity of about 44amp-hours.
This will be used to power the webcam, which we mounted on a nearby structure pointed at the construction area. The output of the camera goes to a wireless router so a nearby computer (with wireless connectivity) can grab the pictures every 30 seconds (or so) and make them available an FTP server.
So here are some pictures of the mounting:
 Mounting Solar module |
 Programming FTP server |
 Final Webcam Setup |
I know it looks like Kent is doing all the work, but that’s just because I was holding the camera.
And here is what a picture from the webcam. It is pointed at the back of the house where we are going to excavate for the solar hot water tank and the garage. Yeah, its pretty messy right now. And you can see the holes in the foundation where our mason is currently working:
back yard
Soon I’ll figure out how to post new pictures on a regular basis or create a little movie of the stills like time-lapse photography. Stay tuned.
I’m eager to see this webcam up and running!
Hi Ted,
There are some stills in the later blogs, which show that this is a nice high-def camera… but we aren’t going to be able to do live feed because there is no internet access at the house yet.
Great pictures at your website!!
Kim