Anyone use a remote IP camera/thermometer to monitor your boat?

[radiojon]

As we head into the winter, I won't be heading to the marina as often (it's 31 miles away), so I've been wondering how I could keep tabs on the boat. I've found several wireless products that can be accessed via the web (or apps) that can show video/nighttime infrared and even remote thermometers. I'm guessing I could potentially use the marina's wifi to keep a constant link to conditions at the slip and provide peace of mind without the long drive. (And it's amazing how affordable these products have become!)

Are any of you using a remote setup to monitor your boat? If so, what's your setup?

- Mark

 

[radiojon]

Here's the remote thermometer I'm considering -- http://www.ambientweather.com/latx60uset.html.

And here's a cool remote camera to keep an eye on the boat/marina/slip conditions -- http://www.adorama.com/ZMCMI11123.html?gclid=CMqnw8axibMCFRGqnQodsGAA2w.

This will be my first winter ever leaving a boat in the water at the marina ... maybe I'm just too paranoid??

 

[Red Stripe]

Keep in mind that you will need access to your marina's router to initially configure the camera and the ability to configure port forwarding. Unfortunately, IP cameras are not simply plug-n-play without first directly connecting to the router.

 

[beachcombersc]

Keep in mind that you will need access to your marina's router to initially configure the camera and the ability to configure port forwarding. Unfortunately, IP cameras are not simply plug-n-play without first directly connecting to the router.

This is entirely false...

There are many options...

http://www.molecamera.com/

Works awesome! Web apps as well. I receive an email picture of motion detection 4 seconds after it sees it... All I will have to do is email or text the picture of whoever is walking on my boat to authorities... Whoever messes with my boat, is going to be caught immediately!!

 

[Red Stripe]

This is entirely false...

There are many options...

http://www.molecamera.com/

Works awesome! Web apps as well. I receive an email picture of motion detection 4 seconds after it sees it... All I will have to do is email or text the picture of whoever is walking on my boat to authorities... Whoever messes with my boat, is going to be caught immediately!!

The camera the OP listed does require initial tethering to a router, something I encountered with when researching and installing IP cameras. The Mole Camera does too according to the product's website but if you've had success without first making any connections I stand corrected and withdraw my comment.

 

[radiojon]

Gotcha Red Stripe -- I have a simple wireless bridge that I can use to transfer the marina's wifi to a LAN input on the camera for setup, so that's not a big problem. But that seems to be a quick, one-time process.

 

[Red Stripe]

Gotcha Red Stripe -- I have a simple wireless bridge that I can use to transfer the marina's wifi to a LAN input on the camera for setup, so that's not a big problem. But that seems to be a quick, one-time process.

Excellent. Let us know how it works out.

 

[beachcombersc]

The camera the OP listed does require initial tethering to a router, something I encountered with when researching and installing IP cameras. The Mole Camera does too according to the product's website but if you've had success without first making any connections I stand corrected and withdraw my comment.

Apologies for coming off rude, or crass. I had multiple things going on and wanted my experiences documented.

The mole has infrared and full Motion Remote capabilities, as well as motion detection with email capabilities, and mobile apps...

I don't remember the true setup involved, but the company that took my initial money for extra features helped do it remotely. I do remember not having to mess with the router...

 

[radiojon]

So I ordered that remote internet-connected thermometer set from Ambient Weather, Inc. and installed today. Pretty simple setup and now I can monitor the temps while at home on the computer:



It'll automatically text me when the temps go below a certain temperature, and better yet, it'll also text me if the remote system loses power and doesn't "check-in" with the weather station -- which tells me that the marina has lost power.

Pretty cool so far, I must say! I haven't gone the route of the IP camera monitor just yet ... I'm hoping this gives me enough peace of mind during the winter months. Looks like we're about to get into some really chilly weather here soon, so I'll be turning on the bilge heater in a few days.

Two thumbs up for this product!

 

[firecadet613]

So, with one of these camera's, can you set up at home with your own router, move it to the boat, and connect to the marina's WiFi?

 

[RobnBern]

I'd love to have something like that but I can't connect to my marina's router.... fail

 

[radiojon]

You should be able to first set up a dedicated wireless bridge (about $50, example here - http://bit.ly/TfoWOJ) on the marina's wifi network using a laptop, then use the wireless bridge to connect the camera to the marina's wifi. Once the bridge is set up with the marina's specs, you should be able to use it for either the temperature sensors' gateway or the IP camera.

 

[kevinmc]

Another option is to get one of the Mydlink cameras. They work off of Dlink's servers so you don't need to do any port forwarding with the marina's router.

Also, for the others, you usually can setup an email setting where it sends you a photo every so often, 1 second or greater. You can also setup a ftp transfer without the live video stream. I do this with my boat as the mobile hotspot I use doesn't allow port forwarding.