2018 Video Stream Is Up!

[Matt F.]

Location: Environmental Institute of Houston site on the University of Houston - Clear Lake campus
Housing: Troyer Vertical Gourd
Occupants: ASY Pair
Status as of today (4-5-18) - Leaf gathering

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBpj-HmX-JQ

[MichaelH]

Good deal ,I am also thinking of setting up a live stream have the camera ready to go in a gourd not sure the best way do it ,and what equipment I need without spending a bunch any info will help thanks

[BillieJR]

That video is so cool to see them at night like they are! Thanks so much for sharing! And good luck with your season

[Matt F.]

Good deal ,I am also thinking of setting up a live stream have the camera ready to go in a gourd not sure the best way do it ,and what equipment I need without spending a bunch any info will help thanks

Hi Michael,
What kind of camera do you have? - digital (which usually plug into a computer network cable), or analog (which usually use standard RCA connections yellow/white/red)

[Matt F.]

low 50s and windy - they're spending a lot of time inside today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBpj-HmX-JQ

[MichaelH]

I have a hawk eye hd camera converted to hdmi so I can watch it on my tv at the moment

[Matt F.]

The Hawk Eyes are great little cameras.
The main thing that's needed to get an analog camera like a Hawk Eye to stream to the internet, is getting that feed digitized and sent out via a computer network connection.
You mentioned you're using an HDMI adapter. If you have a computer that allows for HDMI input (unlike normal HDMI output for monitors), then you could use free software to take the HDMI-in signal, and distribute it out from your computer via the network.
Problem here is most computers don't natively have HDMI inputs, and to get that functionaltiy usually requires an aftermarket encoder "card" that plugs into the computer's motherboard. There may also be external "boxes" that can do the same thing, not sure though. I'm also unsure of the cost of going that route.
What we're doing, is using what's called a video encoder. There are some small, single channel encoders available for around $100.
These enoders take the analog video signal from the camera, and convert it to a digital, network based signal that ultilizes a normal network IP address. From this point, the only video hosting website I'm familiar with is YouTube.
You can either create a YouTube channel (free), or use an existing one if you already have one.
You submit the request to YouTube online, they evaluate and make sure you're a legit user in good standing. This process may take up to 24 hours. You then create the live feed on your channel, in which the process will generate a unique internet address, and key.
From there, you'll need to install a video distribution application on your home computer, which there are good free options there as well.
The video app will allow you to enter in the unique address and key, and then begin streaming.
The down side to this process, is the computer you're using to distribute the stream will have to stay on for the stream to be active.
Power down the computer, it kills the stream.

[philsergeant]

Good deal ,I am also thinking of setting up a live stream have the camera ready to go in a gourd not sure the best way do it ,and what equipment I need without spending a bunch any info will help thanks

Hi, I've just set up two cams, one outside on the top of my pole and one looking inside a gourd (which I randomly chose but was lucky enough to get my first egg in!!) They are both wireless cams and battery operated. The batteries last about a week... (I have the same cams indoors and they last about two weeks so they obviously don't enjoy the temp variations outdoors {heat}) The pictures are great and I just have to work out how to stream the images on the web. Yesterday I added a little solar panel to make sure I have constant power at the in-gourd one... don't want to miss anything... I just found out how to upload some photos, so I'll do that now

[philsergeant]

Here are a couple of Snaps from the Video

[philsergeant]

And Outside

[TheSmiths]

Nice, philsergeant. Is that a Hawkeye camera as well? Is the battery manufactured to go with the camera or did you adapt it yourself?

[philsergeant]

Nice, philsergeant. Is that a Hawkeye camera as well? Is the battery manufactured to go with the camera or did you adapt it yourself?

The Brand is ARLO (by Netgear), funnily enough their logo is a small bird. The batteries and all accessories come from them too. Check out their website

[BillieJR]

I'm really enjoying the cameras you all are sharing with us. Thanks!

[philsergeant]

I am going to withdraw my recommendation for Arlo Cameras.... after 2 weeks I have found that the batteries do not last long enough for this (or virtually any) application... You need change them after 3 or 4 days.

[Matt F.]

Update:
After a mass University of Houston internet outage this morning, it appears the old YouTube link doesn’t work.
We have a new static link, that won’t ever change (even if there’s another mass outage).
Here’s the new static link:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrHgd6 ... jAmTg/live