Wireless devices

[BoatBuoy]

I'm wondering if there's a source for 802.11x devices beside those made for computers. There are 2 uses which come to mind that might be useful. The first is a portable mini-video camera. It could be used in the front of the house, at times moved to the back of the house, trained on the boat or car, or placed in the playroom to watch the grandkids. You could then check on your "prizes" from your computer anytime you wanted, or keep it up on the screen.

The second is a remote thermometer that could be used to monitor meat temps on the slow smoker in the driveway. These pork butt smoke sessions last from 10 to 16 hours and it would be nice to monitor the temps from the convenience of my computer rather than walk all the way out there in the middle of the night to visually check them.

I'm sure there are other uses, but I have no idea of sources. Any help?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Wireless devices

There are many 802.11 cams out there. Linksys as well as others make them. You still need to supply power to them though.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Wireless devices

Yeah, just search for "wifi camera" and you'll find a bunch. Don't know about a thermometer, but I sure would like one...

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Wireless devices

All you need is a wifi camera and a normal thermometer...move the camera to look at the thermometer!!!! Bingo!!! Remote readable thermometer.

 

[Xcusme]

Re: Wireless devices

Something like this......

http://www2.oregonscientific.com/shop/product.asp?cid=29&scid=116&pid=763

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Wireless devices

Something like this......

http://www2.oregonscientific.com/shop/product.asp?cid=29&scid=116&pid=763

Thanks for the reply. I've seen those. Taylor and Polson also make those. However, my BBQ buddies that have tried them say they are undependable unless transmitting unobstructed. That's why I was interested in one based on 802.11x.

bruceb58's idea may be the best.

 

[QuadManiac]

Re: Wireless devices

The wifi cameras work quite well, but are more expensive, typically than the units that just broadcast at 2.4GHz... the 900 MHz units work better through obstructions, but the wifi still win.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Wireless devices

Based on what I read here, I ordered a wifi D-Link 802.11g camera. It's an elcheapo, but may work. If not, it only cost $49.00 which included a $30 instant rebate.

 

[aspeck]

Re: Wireless devices

BB, let us know how it works ... I would be interested in a couple of them if they do in fact work well for you ...

 

[treedancer]

Re: Wireless devices

Shouldn?t be too hard to bounce it through a repeater.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Wireless devices

Well, I received the camera and today I finally got it installed. I had been waiting on a new router to arrive. My existing router was 802.11b and the camera is only 802.11g, i.e. not backward compatible. Good enough excuse to upgrade.

The camera works as well as you might expect from a $50 camera. It's main drawbacks are 1) small picture (youtube size or a little larger); 2) it has no zoom. Both of these drawbacks I was aware of when I ordered it.

It is not fixed-focus, it is focused by turning the ring around the lens and will focus quite close which will be good for watching thermometers.

Another aspect of which I was aware is that it's not very good in low light. With the porch light on, I can see that which is fairly well lit close by, but sensitivity doesn't extend into the yard. But I didn't pay for night vision.

Setup was VERY easy. It took me 2 hours, with 30 min. of that time trying to talk to some lady with Linksys in India, to get the wireless printserver to recognize the new router. She finally gave up and said the printserver must be defective. I finally got it working. Then the camera took about 10 min.

There are aspects (no pun) that one might wish it had, but features cost. Overall, I'm satisfied...and now I'm on "g" instead of "b".