[Hidden-tech] Motion-detectors, camera suggestions, safety

[Chris Hoogendyk]

Perhaps also of interest -- http://www.bensoftware.com/ss/

I've played with that a bit, and it worked quite nicely. I could access 
the built in camera on a computer in a server room across campus. It has 
software capabilities for motion detection and can initiate capture to a 
remote server based on motion. Somewhere on their site I recall seeing 
some references for digital security cameras that could tie into the 
computer and thus be used by this software.


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Chris Hoogendyk

-
   O__  ---- Systems Administrator
  c/ /'_ --- Biology & Geology Departments
 (*) \(*) -- 140 Morrill Science Center
~~~~~~~~~~ - University of Massachusetts, Amherst 

<hoogendyk at bio.umass.edu>

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Erdös 4



nestor at fuzzy-math.com wrote:
> Why not combine the two and use motion-activated photo/video.  If you  
> already have a canon camera, this can be accomplished via the  
> alternate firmware package called CHDK.  With CHDK installed(does not  
> replace your original firmware, and is easily uninstalled), you can  
> load scripts which will detect motion and snap shots or videos.  You  
> may want to consider IR illumination for "night vision"  which will  
> not be visible to the intruder, or pair this with motion activated  
> lighting. You also have the option of purchasing a camera suited to  
> CCTV and security applications and hooking it to a vcr, DVR, or  
> computer.  Some security DVRs have motion detection, but you could  
> also record at a low framerate and get hours of footage out of a few  
> gigs of storage.
>
>
> On Dec 30, 2009, at 10:01 AM, Owen Freeman-Daniels wrote:
>   
>> In light of the recent fires that have taken place in Northampton  
>> that are suspected arson, there has been much chatter about the  
>> installation of motion-detecting flood lights on the porches and  
>> homes of Northampton residents. Another suggestion has been the use  
>> of video cameras running during the night. Some are talking about  
>> positioning them inside their homes looking outward, others are  
>> talking about setting them up on their properties looking into the  
>> street.
>>
>> Does anyone at Hidden-Tech have suggestions for a good video camera  
>> useful for these types of purposes?  Outdoor ones might need some  
>> durability to withstand the elements. I also have heard about a  
>> video camera that only turns on when it detects motion-- I wonder  
>> how well those work or if anyone has had experience with them.   
>> Another matter to consider is the duration of a recording-- possibly  
>> 6+ hours. Again, if anyone has any suggestions or experience with  
>> observation video cameras, it would be greatly appreciated.
>> Owen Freeman-Daniels
>> Ward 3 Neighborhood Association