slowrider Posted October 3, 2010 Share Posted October 3, 2010 (edited) Our hens have been such great fun since we got them and they all have their own personalities. So what do Rick, Rudy and Ray get up to when we are not around. Yes I know, they are hens. The answer was to install a couple of Web Cams. These are the new wireless type that do not need a computer to be on for you to view them from anywhere on the internet. This being my first venture into Wireless web cams I decided to go with two different types. I have a BT Home Hub Wireless Router both are connected to this. Y-Cam Bullet http://www.y-cam.com/y-cam-bullet The Bullet is fully waterproof and was mounted to the garage roof for an external view of the Cube Run. This was the easiest of the two to set up and comes with an excellent manual and configuration software. Hen cam 1 by Slowrider2010, on Flickr Foscam FI8908W http://www.foscam.com/Products_List.asp?id=128 This web cam can rotate and is controlled from the internet via a web interface. It allows you to move the camera so you can see every part of the run. Unlike the Y-Cam Bullet this camera is not waterproof, so I had to build a simple wooden box to keep it dry. The camera is suspended from the Cube Run roof in the corner. The Foscam was a little more difficult to set up to view from the internet, but if you follow the instructions then you should be fine. Hen Cam 2 by Slowrider2010, on Flickr Hen Cam 2 -2 by Slowrider2010, on Flickr Hen Cam 2 Box by Slowrider2010, on Flickr You do not need any special software to view either web cam. You can view the images from your home computer as well, you do need to use your home computer to set up the cameras, but once done it does not have to be on to access the web cams from the internet. Both cameras also have infer red, so you can also get a good picture, although black and white, at night. Both cameras also have microphones so you can also hear what is going on. And by adding a speaker with an amplifier, not supplied, you could even talk to them! Although wireless, bother cameras require power, so care should be taken. Both Web Cams have transformers so mains power does not go directly the Web Cams, so only low voltage goes to the camera in the Run, so there is no danger to the hens at all. That said you do need to have mains power within easy reach. For us this was simple as the Run is positioned next to a shed with power. Both manufactures also have iPhone Apps as well, so you can view your hens from anywhere. I have iPhone Apps for both cameras and they work very well. The Foscam App can even control the Web Cam so you have full access to control its movement so you can see what they are getting up to. Both cameras allow access passwords for security and gust accounts can be given out to friends. Next step is to set up a Web Site with live video feed, but I need to look into that. Both Web Cams can be purchased from Amazon and eBay. Edited October 4, 2010 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted October 3, 2010 Share Posted October 3, 2010 Wow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stehaggan Posted October 3, 2010 Share Posted October 3, 2010 I want to set something up like this but my chickens are on my allotment so i have no computer there. Any ideas? it looks really good btw Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dizzy-Deb Posted October 4, 2010 Share Posted October 4, 2010 Oh Wow thats fabulous I have so got to get me a set up like that. Going to look into it futher. Love it love it love it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mercedes55 Posted October 4, 2010 Share Posted October 4, 2010 I want one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slowrider Posted October 4, 2010 Author Share Posted October 4, 2010 I want to set something up like this but my chickens are on my allotment so i have no computer there. Any ideas? it looks really good You will have two problems. First power; you may be able to use car batteries to provide the power and use a simple voltage regulator available from somewhere like Maplin Electronics, but some work would need to be done experimenting with power consumption and how long the batteries would last. Plus you would have to lug them around all the time. I assume that a nice solar panel or windmill would just make this project too expensive, plus the local riff raff would probably pinch them one dark night. Second problem is a wifi connection, you would need to be within range of a connection for it to work well. You would need a Laptop to set things up initially. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted October 4, 2010 Share Posted October 4, 2010 Very slick Where did you buy your kit? The Foscam link looks like it is a Chinese site Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slowrider Posted October 4, 2010 Author Share Posted October 4, 2010 Looks like they prefer the old Glug to the Super Glug. Hen Cam 2 - 3 by Slowrider2010, on Flickr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slowrider Posted October 4, 2010 Author Share Posted October 4, 2010 (edited) Very slick Where did you buy your kit? The Foscam link looks like it is a Chinese site The Web Cam is made in China, but they are for sale at many places in the UK including Amazon and eBay. Just make sure you check it is an original Foscam and not a copy Edited October 4, 2010 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted October 4, 2010 Share Posted October 4, 2010 Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slowrider Posted October 4, 2010 Author Share Posted October 4, 2010 For those that are interested, a screen shot of the working iPhone App for the Foscam. It also has a landscape view and this view fills out to 100% of the screen. You do need a good 3G connection, or WiFi, on the iPhone otherwise it can have problems connecting and updating. Hen Cam 2 from iPhone App by Slowrider2010, on Flickr Have fun, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MummyHen Posted October 4, 2010 Share Posted October 4, 2010 Ian This is just brilliant - I've just ordered (thanks for the info) the Foscam, The Y-Cam is a tad too expensive at the moment but if the Foscam one goes OK then I'll definately look at the Y-CAM for next month. I can look at my chickys when I'm out on my I-phone - its just getting better. I may come back to you if I have any setup issues - I work in IT but I'm not technical Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slowrider Posted October 4, 2010 Author Share Posted October 4, 2010 This is just brilliant - I've just ordered (thanks for the info) the Foscam, The Y-Cam is a tad too expensive at the moment but if the Foscam one goes OK then I'll definately look at the Y-CAM for next month. I can look at my chickys when I'm out on my I-phone - its just getting better. I may come back to you if I have any setup issues - I work in IT but I'm not technical Sounds like you have the people to get it running if you encounter any problems. If there is a Krispy Kreme doughnuts on your way into work then I would stop off there for a Big Box selection. I hate the things, but all the IT people I have ever worked worked with love them and would walk over hot coals to get to them But yes, if you have problems let me know and I will do my best to help. Re iPhone : If you search on the App Store for Y-Cam and Foscam you wll find the Apps to download. Remember to check it is a real foscam and not a copy, the web cam and box should have the Foscam branding. Have fun, Ian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MummyHen Posted October 6, 2010 Share Posted October 6, 2010 My camera arrived today..... watch this space Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MummyHen Posted October 7, 2010 Share Posted October 7, 2010 After a few false starts - all to do with the lack of wireless range on my router my Sidcup Hen Cam is up and running - a few final modifications may be required - thanks to OH for fixing it to the WIR Here are some stills Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted November 15, 2010 Share Posted November 15, 2010 do either of you have friends with other phones to see which ones work with it? brilliant post by the way useful info. and great quality stills Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slowrider Posted November 28, 2010 Author Share Posted November 28, 2010 Hi, sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Both cameras have iPhone Apps. So no problem if you have one. Not sure about Blackberry or Android. If you have one of these then have a look on there up stores. But I have accessed both via the web browser on my IPhone as well. So in theory any Smart or feature phone with a web browser should work. Both companies have good customer service, so you could ask them. Ian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
