What is the best direction to “point” or “aim” a weather camera?
Out the window works best. :lol:
But serioiusly, a weather cam is my next step. What are you using? I was looking for one that will interface directly to my wireless network so I don’t have to run a cable back to the router. I picked up a linksys WVC11B at Radio Shack but after reading reviews that it is poor with outside light and also low light, I am returning it unopened.
That’s funny Richard 
Depending on the direction I need to point the camera I will either use a very good kodak USB camera or have to go hunting for a wired camera if the direction is not good. The usb camera can be pointed toward the SE only but I believe to avoid direct sunlight and get the prevailing direction of the weather fronts I need to point it toward the NE. Any suggestions on good cameras.
Greg,
I’ve found that pointing to the N to NE works best as that is away from the direct sunlight-through a CLEAN window has worked ok for me. I used to point to the SW to West and the sun’s afternoon glare would cause a lost of image at times.
I use the Logitech QuickCam
http://www.nextag.com/Logitech_Quickcam_Web_USB~2276797z0znzzz1zzusb_network_camerazmainz2-htm
Its been running for the last 2 1/2 years without a snag and even with Brian’s… uh… well updates 
I use a Netcam from Star-Dot Technologies. It is mounted on the roof with an old antenna rotor. It is pointed NE most of the time as the sun setting with the glare off of the ocean took out one camera already. A costly lesson, but one you never forget.
Hooked up my (really) old Creative Web Blaster a couple of weeks ago and have it pointed South. Most of the storms here come from the south or south-west. The Web Blaster is USB and that limits where I can put it.
Is anyone using a 802.11 wireless web cam? I thought about going that route but not sure WD would retain all the same functions if the web cam is not connected to the computer running WD.
Dan
I’ve got 2 webcams both facing South ( southern hemisphere )
http://www.gorgecreekorchards.com.au/webcam.htm
http://www.gorgecreekorchards.com.au/webcam2.htm
The last one is fitted with a birds eye lens.
Cyclone
Nice view Cyclone.
I really need a new web cam. Had a forest fire one hill over from me and directly in the center of my cam view and I couldn’t see the smoke or the CDF planes circling over my house.
I found a couple wireless webcams on the internet, but the price tag for the ones I like is over $300. Found a nice one by D-Link that has tilt/zoom/pan and is 802.11b…but ouch on the price tag.
Thanks for the peek at the southern hemisphere.
Dan
I’ve been looking at the DLink DCS 1000W, it’s wireless, doesn’t have tilt/pan but does have a c-mount lens and it can usually be found for < $200.
What is the best direction to "point" or "aim" a weather camera?I am using a Logitech
I am using a ToUcam Fun Philips cam
I am using a D-link DCS-900w wireless LAN camera. I have a program that goes and gets image from camera at certain intervals. If you bypass the junk software that comes with it works pretty good. I also have it connected to a timer so that it can be turned off at night and then back on in the mornings. It needs a power cycle to be refreshed so that is how I accomplish that. I have a repeatter on my network so I can put the wireless cam about anywhere in my two story house. It needs good lighting and doesn’t work well under low light. I want to get some more and kind of create my own home security system or multiple weather views. The higher end models DCS-1000w and DCS-2100+ are something I have been looking at. The program I use is writtern in python language in case anyone has a D-link cam and wants to try it.
Hi Doo567,
I also have a D-link DCS-900w and would love to try your program…
You’re right, the software that comes with the camera is a bit weak…
My e-mail is [email protected]
Thanks!!
I couldn’t talk myself into spending $300+ for a camera so I decided to try an X-10 wireless camera with tilt & pan. I have been wanting to start an X-10 network anyways and the price is more reasonable.
Dan
so I decided to try an X-10 wireless camera with tilt & pan.
I’ve not looked at the cameras classed as X-10 recently, but I did buy one at a ‘special price’ a couple of years ago. The image quality was poor, mainly due to very small lens causing a lot of image distortion. The camera video is sent using a standard video sender (X-10 is far too slow for video). My camera didn’t use X-10 at all, but it wasn’t pan/tilt, so I’d guess that X-10 signals are probably being used for those functions.
Thanks for that info. The camera was cheap enough that if I can’t use it for a weather cam I will use it for my security system.
I’m still looking for a 802.11 wireless color webcam with pan/tilt/zoom and night vision.
Dan
I'm still looking for a 802.11 wireless color webcam with pan/tilt/zoom and night vision.
…and an auto-iris for outdoor use and waterproof and runs from a single AA battery for 5 years and all for less than
I am going to mount the X-10 camera in a home-made waterproof housing, and, use a small battery and solar panel…totally wireless. I expect cost for the whole thing to be under $100US (including the camera). I don’t know if the X-10 has an auto-iris or not
What are you using for a water proof housing? My d-link looks out a window, but since it is wireless I would love to use it outside.
Has anyone used any of the Radio Shack Video Security systems? I’d Relly like to set up a video/weather camera but not sure what direction to go…?
Thanx
Drmwalkr