- Why isn't this line moving?
- If your friends jumped off a bridge would you?
- If a tree falls in the forest does it make a noise?
- If I say something and my wife's not there to hear it, am I still wrong?
- Are you going to eat that?
Do you have a wireless camera?
No we don't carry wireless cameras; for a host of reasons.
- "Wireless" cameras still need a wire. While they transmit the audio and video signals wirelessly, the camera still needs power. That means running a very unsafe, 110 V extension cord out to the camera. Our cable carries 9 volts. Our insurance carrier said "no way," when we first looked at wireless cameras. And, forget about using battery packs. The best we could find lasted less than a day. It takes lots of juice to push audio and video signals through the air.
- Wireless cameras in our price range (<$100) are very unreliable. Although most say they are good for 300', there better not be any trees, powerlines, metal buildings, walls, etc. in the way because you're going to get interference.
- Speaking of interference, the final reason we haven't, and won't, go wireless is interference from home wireless phones and computer networks. We bought one of our competitors (now out of business) wireless setups several years ago. The instructions said that "if you experience interference on the television, turn off any wireless telephones and computer networks in the home." Telephones, networks, and wireless cams all transmit at the same frequency.
The Hawk Eye is a color camera, but I'm not seeing any in my birdhouse?
Although the Hawk Eye is a color cam, the brightness and intensity of that color depends on the amount of incadescent, or natural light reaching the camera. The size of the birdhouse entrance, whether the house is made of light or dark wood, and brightness of the sun (dawn, noon, dusk, overcast) will influence color intensity. In most cases the color inside a birdhouse will be rather muted. Full color capability is achieved when the Hawk Eye is used outside around birdbaths, feeders, etc.
Can I use the Hawk Eye on my computer? And, can I stream the video onto the Internet?
Most computers now have RCA (audio- and video-in) ports into which you can plug your Hawk Eye Nature Cam. Make certain these are "in" ports. In and Out RCA ports look the same . . .little colored holes in the side (yellow is video, white and red are audio). You have to make sure yours are "In". If your computer has RCA In ports, it will also have the necessary capturing and editing software. Check your Programs file. Windows comes packaged with MS MovieMaker, a good, but basic editing package, but there are other programs that different manufacturers bundle with their particular machines.
If your computer doesn't have RCA In ports, you'll have to buy an adapter into which you plug the Hawk Eye, and then plug the adapter into the computer's USB port. The one I like best is the Dazzle, made by Pinnacle http://www.pinnaclesys.com/Home+Video . Great capturing, editing, and DVD burning capabilities.
All of the above is for getting signals into the computer. From there you can either save it as a file, edit it, and then simply add an html link to your web site so people can click on the file and see that day's highlights. This is probably the easiest, and least expensive way to go, but, obviously, isn't real time. Visitors to your site will only see highlights of what happened the day before.
Now, if you want to stream live, real-time video (none of this still photos that refresh ever 30 seconds stuff) you'll have to pay for it. We did it a couple years ago with 'our' Screech owls, and literally had thousands of hits, from as far away as China, across the U.S. and on to Germany. It does cost, but it's well worth it. A great video/audio streaming company is www.audiovideoweb.com . There is a learning curve doing this, but it's fairly easy. Audio Video Web has great customer support, and it is a tremendous way to get visitors to your site and keep them coming back.
Go to www.audiovideoweb.com and click on the "Content Delivery" tab at the top. From this select "Live Webcasting." There are three payment options. I learned the hard -- and expensive way -- that Option 3 is the best. Click on the "rates" button on Option 3. You'll see that this option offers unlimited bandwidth, but limits you on the number of people who can log in at one time. Because you want to stream real time, live action, you need to select the 300 kb option at the bottom of the page. There you'll see you have different options for allowing three, 10, and so on listeners to log on at one time. Three listeners at a time will probably suffice, but if you want to splurge, go for 10. Just ask viewers to limit the time they are on.
AudioVideo Web has great tech support and can walk you through the setup. You'll have to download their free encoding software into your computer. Do this, and hook up the camera and make sure everything is working -- you have a video and audio signal on the software's viewing screen, BEFORE you sign up and pay them.
One of our customers, Alison C. in Charlotte, NC, has discovered a FREE video streaming service at www.camstream.com.
She says: I’m using camstreams.com. It’s free and some of the broadcasters appear to have been with them for quite a while so there are a lot of satisfied customers.
As for set up, the encoder (software needed as a bridge between your computer and Camstream) downloaded and installed without a problem. The difficulty I had was finding out that my IP address was assigned dynamically through the cable modem and essentially firewalled. I had to change my IP address to a static one then do a port forward so my broadcast stream could get out through my cable modem.
When I started I didn’t know much about video streaming, but was able to follow the help instructions to set it all up. However, it may not be for everyone. A quick test of minimal comprehension would be to ask if you’ve ever checked your IPconfig setting through the command prompt window. If you haven't a clue, this may not be for you.
This free version of Camstreams allows up to 15 viewers, but each viewer pulls a 64K bit stream and the total service only allows a total of 500K so if all 15 did get on at the same time they would pull 500/15, which would degrade the image.
Another nice feature is the chat – works great.
How far way does the Hawk Eye focus?
With a few twists of the Hawk Eye's lens (be sure to loosen the little set screw beneath the lens . . . no need to retighten) you can literally see your finger prints from 1/8" away. A couple of twists the other way and you are out to infinity.
More importantly, is the depth of field. From only a few inches away, the entire object (birds in our case) will be in focus. In a typical birdhouse the camera may be anywhere from 3-12 inches above a bird's head, but yet all of the bird and the eggs it is sitting on are in focus.
One other point . . . because the Hawk Eye has a wide angle lens, the apparent size of the object gets very small with distance from the camera. It is therefore best to get the camera as close as possible to the bird feeder, bath, or whatever you are watching.
Will the Hawk Eye work in the cold?
Many of our customers live in northern Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Maine and regularly use the camera throughout the year. On of our Canadian customers used it to video flying squirrels when it was -16 below zero.
The manufacturer recommends leaving the camera on all the time, as the minute amount of heat it generates helps prevent any cold damage. As of February 2008 we've had two cameras running 24/7 for four years.
Bear in mind that your Hawk Eye is a piece of electronics, so the more shelter you can give it, the better. A small board, or piece of plastic over the top will go a long way in extending its life.
Can I extend the Hawk Eye beyond its 100 feet of cable?
Yes, the Hawk Eye can be extended out at least 1000 feet, by daisy-chaining a series of
our 100' extension cables, which we offer for sale.
How difficult is it to hook up the Hawk Eye cams?
It really couldn't be easier. Simply hang the birdhouse, or attach the Hawk Eye to a
post overlooking a feeder; run the cable into the house, plug the audio and video plugs
into the appropriate RCA jacks (video-in and audio-in) in the back of the TV. Plug in the
power and sit back and enjoy.
Here are the complete Hawk Eye mounting instructions in .pdf
How do I get the cord into the house?
I'm a great one for drilling holes. Just drill through the nearest wall, and run the cord
through. Of course you must be sure to avoid any electrical wires or water pipes, and be
sure to calk the hole shut.
Your spouse isn't too keen on that idea? OK, then run the cord under a door. Most have a
1/4 "+ gap between the floor and door, which is sealed with a flexible plastic or
rubber weather strip. Most doors will easily close with the cord running beneath them.
That won't work? How about through a loose fitting window jam?
That won't work? Do you have a sliding door? There's quite a gap between the sliding part
of the door and the permanent, non-sliding side. This is sealed by a rubber gasket or flap
through which the camera cord can easily be pushed. Make sure the cord is then attached to
the floor or baseboard so that it does not fall into the track the door slides in.
Is it safe to use my credit card?
You bet. We wouldn't let you if it wasn't. We have taken every precaution to make your
transactions secure. Our Internet site is built on the VeriSign(tm) system which utilizes
industry-standard security measures, including SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). Nevertheless,
if you prefer, we also offer you the option of submitting your order by telephone or fax
at the numbers below.
All account information submitted to us is safely isolated from unauthorized Internet
access.
Sales Tax
How about this for a bonus! Oregon is about the only state in the Union that doesn't have
a sales tax -- our loss, your gain -- so don't worry about having some hidden tax tacked
onto your order.
How can I pay for my order?
The fastest way is to whip out the ol' Visa or Master card. We also accept checks and
money orders. Orders paid by check cannot be processed until the funds have been verified.
If you are sending a check, please send it to the name and address given below.
What if I need to return my
order?
We can't imagine why you'd want to, unless you happened to get a half dozen as gifts, but,
for whatever reason, you may return an item in its original condition for a refund or
credit within 30 days of receiving. Shipping charges can only be refunded if the return is
due to our error. All returns must be accompanied by the packing slip. After a return has
been received, it will take a week or two to process. If using a credit card, refunds will
be credited to your account. If paying by check or money order, a refund check will be
mailed to you. We suggest using UPS or insured Parcel Post for your protection.
What if you don't have all of the items in stock?
If an item you ordered is out of stock, it will be back-ordered automatically. We will do
our best to keep you apprised of your order status.
What is your privacy policy?
Simply put, we will not sell, trade, or rent ANY of your personal information to
others.
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