Wireless Web Camera Options?

kevinvee asks: "I am trying to find a suitable wireless web camera for broadcasting video streams from various sites around the university where I work, including buildings currently under construction which can be far from both network and electrical outlets. Besides the x10 packages, however, my search is coming up rather empty. Things we have to consider are the maximum distance from transmitter to receiver; power source, and if battery-powered, the average battery life; video quality; additional necessary hardware and software; outdoor/indoor capabilities; and weather resistance. I'm sure there are also other things to consider which we haven't thought of yet. Has anyone else tackled similar projects? What hardware did you attempt to use and what experiences did you have with it?"

Comments

Axis cam plus Cisco 350 Workgroup Bridge?

[Mordant]

Should work just fine:

http://www.axis.com/products/cam_2100/index.htm

and

http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/cc/pd/witc/ao35 0a p/prodlit/a350b_ds.htm

Re:Axis cam plus Cisco 350 Workgroup Bridge?

[linuxwrangler]

Or another linux-powered web-cam: http://www.stardot-tech.com/netcam/index.html. Just add 802.11 and an antenna and you should be fine except for power. Most buildings - even ones under construction - have some power. If not, a deep-discharge RV battery should run one for a long time. Or add a solar panel if you have enough light. I think the stardot is used at the north pole but they have the whole setup rigged to wake up and send a picture via satellite phone periodically to reduce power consumption. The poster did not mention the one BIG consideration: budget. This is an easy problem with sufficient application of $$$.