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Tower Cam

I'd like to find a webcam that outputs video at least comparable to the Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 for use as a tower cam. It doesn't need be steerable. There are a lot of good cams out there if you can stay within 16' of the computer's USB port but I want this quality 200' above ground. I've tried devices that convert USB to CAT5...they are prone to frequent need to reboot b eyond about 75'--that's not the answer. This camera is in a beautiful area & the grainy CCTV camera images aren't what I want. Has anyone done this successfully without getting into multiple hundreds of dollars? I'm told there are good 'direct to IP' cams now but the person who suggested this didn't have a URL to aim me in the right direction.
 
The problem is what to put it in. Even when we put one at 400 feet we had an enclosure and had to service it all the time. We are using a standard camera fed to a "dazzle". The video out can travel a few hundred feet on rca unbalanced cable and still look good. I haven't found another enclosure at Goodwill yet though. Problem with the cameras is that the on button is a small button on the screen or camera that turns off when the power goes out sometimes. With the Sony we have now it is staying on through the outages.
 
Panasonic makes some good IP cams including some models which are designed to be mounted outdoors without a weatherproof enclosure.
They have the ability to pan, tilt and zoom via the IP connection.
 
Instead of running cables, what about a WiFi camera? All you have to do is give it power and point a small 2.4gHz yagi at the top of the tower from the TX building and you're good to go. There's a ton of WiFi cameras out there.
 
Most standard def cameras are going to look grainy. The real resolution is 700x525. That may be reduced to 600x400 when you convert to digital, or pushed to 800x600 when you convert to digital.

Hi-def wireless would probably be a good solution, as long as you can get the antenna outside the weatherproof enclosure, and the receiving antenna outside the building. Hi-def video via coax would give you the best signal, with the A/D conversion taking place at the computer with something like this:

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?rlz=1T4GGIH_enUS256US256&q=pc+tv+tuner&qscrl=1&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=16256910085558619502&sa=X&ei=aFoDTqzWK8jEgQfslaSXDg&ved=0CF0Q8wIwAg#
 
speakerman said:
Here is what I use for outdoor cameras. Not much good for my application unless I'm able to read a license plate at a distance without having to use a motorized pan/tilt/zoom.

http://www.arecontvision.com/
These are a little salty but not out of the question...thanks much for the lead.
 
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