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Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2014 23:55:13 GMT
Well after a few weeks of fiddling, tweaking and general testing, (messing about) my meteor capture system is now in full operation.
It is a two camera system using Watec 910HX/RC mono cameras. Both cams are in cctv housings mounted at gutter level on my house in an attempt to avoid the glaring street light at the bottom of my garden. Initially they were mounted on an aluminium pole above the gutter level, but were effected by wind too much so I had to relocate them to a more stable fixing.
Camera 1 is paired with a Computar 2.6mm F1.0 lens and faces South to Southwest. I have yet to ascertain the exact fov, but will do as soon as I can see stars not cloud. Camera 2 is paired with a computer 6mm f0.8 lens and faces NNW. I may be able to align nearer to NW when the council fit shields to the streetlight if it provides better coverage.
Both cctv housings have 24v heaters and are powered by a single 24v transformer. So far the heaters have cleared the flat glass windows of dew with ease. Raindrops needs a wipe off first.
I have installed a 240v photocell which switches on the power to the system at dusk and cuts the power just after dawn. Image capture times will be controlled by the time settings in the UFO Capture software. Testing has shown that the system switches on about 1/2hr before stars are visible and switches off when it is almost light outside so I may have to adjust the capture times as required.
Now that the cams are operational, I'm hoping to contribute some useful data to the meteor networks. I just need some clear skies.
NNW cam on left. S to SW cam on right. The black shield on the front corner of the right cam masks the glare from the streetlight.
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Post by Dragon Man on Nov 20, 2014 7:23:21 GMT
Well done Allan. All you need is clear skies (we all hope for that).
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Post by Rick in NWArk on Nov 21, 2014 3:25:35 GMT
This looks fantastic Allan, thanks for sharing -- I've learned a lot from your posts!
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Post by johnno on Nov 21, 2014 15:12:54 GMT
Allan how about trying to get a hold of a casing with the wiper blade on
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Post by Rick in NWArk on Nov 21, 2014 19:20:35 GMT
I have some security bullet cams that have Sony HAD (or HAD II) CCDs that I got for a different hobby. They have a zoom/focus lens (but you have to disassemble the case to adjust) but I dont know the specs. I may mount one on a tripod to see what I may get pointing at the sky.
I am wondering if a DVR is better or a PC that has multiple capture cards in it.
I have big trees, so I only have certain "holes" in the sky that I can go after.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 21, 2014 20:01:49 GMT
I've not seen any housings with wipers on John but I suspect it would be visible in the fov, and as I removed the glass and fixed it outside on the front, the wiper would probably get in the way. My heaters are doing a fine job of removing dew and light rain, but heavy raindrops need a wipe off. But then again, when it is raining you can't see the meteors anyway.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 21, 2014 20:04:07 GMT
The only way to find out how good they will perform, is to try them Rick. There have been several bullet cams used by guys on here that have given very good views. Some of them make excellent finder cams.
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Post by johnno on Nov 21, 2014 22:33:26 GMT
They had them at my old workplace and the wiper was off to the side of the casing away from the FOV and controlled from the security lodge, I don't think you would find these on the bay unless they were used one's, they were big lump's
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Post by davy on Nov 22, 2014 1:05:00 GMT
hi rick..i use a four channel dvr for my cameras..and can link my monitor av feed to my laptop..you can record four channels and then play back/record via your computer to capture stills ect..frees up your computer using a dvr..davy
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Post by Rick in NWArk on Nov 22, 2014 6:25:55 GMT
Thanks guys... that's what I'm thinking is just give this a shot. Simple DVRs arent too expensive.
Until I can find that land in a dark site, I'm not going to be able to take full advantage of my all-sky cam due to my trees.
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Post by davy on Nov 22, 2014 10:49:31 GMT
Hi rick..why not go down the road of a portable all sky camera..I know you go out with your kit.. im eventually going to get mine up and running. .lol.
my idea is to run it all from a large plastic toolbox.. Three cameras fitted to a stand..all samsung cameras.shotgun cable..to three utc controllers..12v dc cctv dvr .1.5tb hard drive.with remote control and mouse control..fitting this Inside the toolbox...12v monitor this will have its stand removed and fitted to the inside the toolbox lid..will run it from a golfcart battery fitted inside tool box..tool box will have a charge socket fitted to charge the battery or to boost the power from the car battery ect..self contained set up and protected with the toolbox and easy to transport..set it up and leave it and use your scopes.
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Post by davy on Nov 22, 2014 11:12:51 GMT
Hi allan..drastic idea I have for your rain prob on your camera..might not be so mental when I give my reason..the photos of your set up suggests they may gather water at the lens, but I take it you will have a drain hole..I was thinking what about fitting a perspect shield on a hindge moved out the way by a solonoid..reason being the windows of my flat are constantly needing cleaned because if a builders yard and recycling depot throwing dirt into the air and getting trapped in rain and leaving wave dust patterns on my window..the shield cabe tipped to clear rain and keep camera a bit cleaner..simple electric circuit.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 23, 2014 12:08:26 GMT
Hi Davy, I have no builders yards near me. . Only real prob is birds perching on the cams. One of the benefits of moving he glass window onto the front of the housing is that the rain does not collect in the recess anymore. An added benefit is that there is now a 5mm gap between my 2.6mm lens and the window, allowing better air flow for demisting. Previously with the glass window inside the housing, my lens was touching the glass and restricting the airflow.
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Post by Dragon Man on Nov 23, 2014 12:46:01 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Nov 23, 2014 13:01:14 GMT
Neat idea Ken. I'm sure I could fabricate something quite easily.
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Post by Dragon Man on Nov 23, 2014 13:44:00 GMT
Maybe silicon some Cactus needles on top
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Post by davy on Nov 23, 2014 16:25:33 GMT
Machine gun maybe lol
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scopemobile
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home town/country: Glasgow/Scotland
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Post by scopemobile on Nov 23, 2014 17:58:56 GMT
here's the man that will sort out your bird problems,----you tube,---wee coak sparrah,--duncan macrae. john.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 23, 2014 18:12:37 GMT
Try one of those owl decoys to ward off birds. They work, but depend on the type of birds you have an issue with.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 23, 2014 21:03:29 GMT
Problem solved....I lashed a cat to the roof.
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