Thinking about getting a Cheap IR web cam...

[UlteriorModem]

I am thinking about getting a cheap Web Camera to monitor my scopes position and movements remotely.

One thing I wondered about is if I get one with infra red 'night vision' capability could the IR possibly interfere with the imaging?

Also if you have any recommendations as to a decent cam, less than 30 bucks, please point me the way

[SkyHiker]

I have a YI night vision webcam that works very well. I think it's this kind, not a 4 pack:

PS: I watch it from my Droid, I don't know if Windows is supported, probably but better check.

[UlteriorModem]

That looks linteresting but the 4 pack price kind of blows my budget. Although the 'indoor' rating is a bit concerning. I can see it being out in a Dewey night.

This looks interesting.

[UlteriorModem]

Here is another of interest. This one IP66 rated albeit more expensive.

[SkyHiker]

Here's a single one for 25 bucks



There must be many that will work but my experience with it is great and I like using it with my droid so I can look at it while working from my laptop.

BTW I doubt if it works with batteries, but I have power out there already so not a problem for me.

[UlteriorModem]

Cool thanks, it's still 'indoor' rated.

I assume yours in inside your observatory? Mine would be outside in the environment.

[SkyHiker]

Cool thanks, it's still 'indoor' rated.

I assume yours in inside your observatory? Mine would be outside in the environment.

I wish I had one! Nope for that money I can take the risk. You would be surprised about how resistant some electronics is against water, a while ago I pulled my USB stick through washer and dryer, it was spic and span and still worked fine!

[pakarinen]

Doesn't the Wyze 3 do low light for cheap?

[JayTee]

Groovy 2 and I use the wyze cam V3. Very inexpensive and available on Amazon. I own three of these now because they're so inexpensive. @Groovy2 has posted a number of meteor and other videos from this camera, and I posted an aurora video from this camera, check it out.

[UlteriorModem]

Cool but 'wired' is out of the question.

[JayTee]

Cool but 'wired' is out of the question.

The image is wireless. It still needs a power cord though.

[dcrowson]

To answer your question, IR will be problematic for imaging. Your filters are probably IR-blocking but you might still see some. Your guide camera typically doesn't have a filter so it will be heavily impacted by IR.

I would get something that could be turned on and off. Some allow for turning off just the IR. When we setup our remote observatory 6-7 years ago, we just bought a cheap set of security cameras with a DVR. Having a remote power switch, we just turn off the power to the cameras X minutes after opening the roof. If someone needs to see something, they can turn them on temporarily.

You'll probably find that the camera(s) are good for checking the roof but you might never use it to look at your equipment.

Dan

[UlteriorModem]

I just want something to watch slews, meridian flips etc. that and when it stops tracking, hits the limit switches, a cable snag etc.

Save me from having to go all the way out there to look.

[SkyHiker]

To answer your question, IR will be problematic for imaging. Your filters are probably IR-blocking but you might still see some. Your guide camera typically doesn't have a filter so it will be heavily impacted by IR.

I would get something that could be turned on and off. Some allow for turning off just the IR. When we setup our remote observatory 6-7 years ago, we just bought a cheap set of security cameras with a DVR. Having a remote power switch, we just turn off the power to the cameras X minutes after opening the roof. If someone needs to see something, they can turn them on temporarily.

You'll probably find that the camera(s) are good for checking the roof but you might never use it to look at your equipment.

Dan

I have not noticed any problems with the IR light. If you make sure the OTA is pointed away from the webcam, there is no way the IR light will interfere. I leave it on all night. And yes, it is very reassuring to be able to look at the mount when doing a meridian flip without going outside.

[Groovy2]

Wyze Cam V3 -

can turn off/On IR illuminator with phone app - app works well -
V3 has Night Vision mode - cam Sees pretty good in really dark -No IR used -

USB powered - I use power bank - will operate all night -
Live View watch on phone Wifi- works good - range is about 100ft -
Live View and TimeLapse - both can be recorded same time and recorded to SD card -
cam also has Mic so you can hear sound if needed

Im Sure V3 will do what you need -

i have 5 of these cameras

[dcrowson]

To answer your question, IR will be problematic for imaging. Your filters are probably IR-blocking but you might still see some. Your guide camera typically doesn't have a filter so it will be heavily impacted by IR.

I would get something that could be turned on and off. Some allow for turning off just the IR. When we setup our remote observatory 6-7 years ago, we just bought a cheap set of security cameras with a DVR. Having a remote power switch, we just turn off the power to the cameras X minutes after opening the roof. If someone needs to see something, they can turn them on temporarily.

You'll probably find that the camera(s) are good for checking the roof but you might never use it to look at your equipment.

Dan

I have not noticed any problems with the IR light. If you make sure the OTA is pointed away from the webcam, there is no way the IR light will interfere. I leave it on all night. And yes, it is very reassuring to be able to look at the mount when doing a meridian flip without going outside.

Lucky for you. I can immediately see when one of my observatory partners turns on the cameras. My oag camera loses stars. I can also see the effects in the normal images... Do keep in mind that we have about six of these cameras pointed at different things so there's almost always one pointing near a scope.

[KathyNS]

I use standard visible-light webcams. If I am going to take the risk of ruining an image, I might as well go whole-hog and just turn the lights on. I wouldn't do it during a session unless something was seriously wrong, so there's a good chance there is no viable image to ruin.

[UlteriorModem]

I went ahead and ordered the 'fancy' one with pan tilt zoom features and IP66 rated. I am hoping if it is mounted down low the IR (if turned on) wont interfere with imaging. But really only plan on turning it on during slews, centers, and flips.



It is supposed to arrive today but is also supposed to rain today and the next day or two. But will report back with results once I get it set up and running.

Thanks!