W.W.& F. Ry. Web Cam

[Ken Fleming]

It would nice to have a video camera mounted up under the eve of water tank and pointed to cover the yard and mainline.  Then either stream it or put it on a 60 second update.  Then link it to our web site, so that everyone can see what's happening at the museum.  There is plenty of equipment out there for this purpose and the price is not budget breaking (better if donated).  The problem will be the connection cost, that part I don't have a handle on.  I am almost sure there is someone in the membership that does know.

As an alternative, I looked at some web ready surveillance camera packages and thought about using these for security also.  It might lower our insurance cost and give some warm fuzzies about what is going when we're not there.  A four camera wired or wireless system could be installed with one camera under the eve of the North end of the car shop.  One camera pointed North for the yard and mainline, another camera pointed West for parking lot/restrooms/house area. one camera pointed East to cover station area and one camera for interior of car shop or South end of car shop.  These systems have a VCR that will record up to 80 plus days and have an output for the Web.  They also can have up to 100 feet of cable (if wired system is used), thus monitor, VCR and control could be in book store area (near phone connection).  They can also be have night vision, using IR with a range up to 65 feet.  We could stream one or more cameras at a later date.

I realize that this is not "original WW&F'" but security does not have "age".  Besides we can always hide the cameras.  Think about it!

[Stephen Hussar]

A Web cam has been talked about for a couple of years now, however I don't believe a broadband connection is available on Cross Rd.

But there is hope.

Last year, Verizon purchased most of the frequencies being used by analog television, in the 700 mhz range. Once the supposedly immenent switch to digital transmission is complete (should be now, but they just extended the deadline), they plan to start broadcasting hi-speed internet through the air. This new wireless network will make broadband access possible in rural places, like Alna.

There are other companies already offering this type of "through the air" internet access (like AT&T), but the service is expensive and limited, with hi-speed access being located mainly in urban areas. Verizon is supposedly on the verge of announcing a 2010 roll out. Might be worth waiting for. 

Stephen