1/12/17 South cam issues

[Sharon Evans]

Looks like the south cam has gone down for some reason. Checked it with Edge and Chrome, other 2 are working.

[Jason Rose]

Yup, it's down. I can't get to it from the internal network either.

I'll see if I can get someone to restart the power to the coal tipple. That might get it. If not, it'll have to wait for spring.

[Jason Rose]

We've done all we can do remotely. It's gonna be dead for a while... likely until Work Session A. Perhaps longer.

[Sharon Evans]

So possibly not available on opening day.

[Jason Rose]

I wouldn't count on it.

If I can get up there later this winter or for Work Session A AND the problem is easily remedied, then yes. But, more than likely I'll have to diagnose the problem and get the parts ordered for someone else (likely John Engs) to install at a later date.

If life consisted of just me and my wife (like in the olden days), I'd head up there next weekend. But my priority these days is my son and I no longer have that kind of flexibility with time or finances.

[Sharon Evans]

I understand that completely Jason. I will operate with depot and north cams until you get it fixed.

[John Cole]

Jason, I will be out A&B & our team has a couple of projects for Chama. Perhaps we can get Steve and/or John Engs to help.

With a little luck we can get the camera up for opening day.

[Jason Rose]

Thanks, John. I'll give you a call later to discuss.

John Engs will be in Chama next month and will, I believe, do some initial triage.

[John Cole]

I talked to John this morning and he said he thinks it is the power supply for the cameras, other than physical damage to the camera's wires, could it be anything else?

[Jason Rose]

Quick update: I spoke with John Engs last night. He's heading over to Chama in March. While there, he'll do some triage and assess the situation. Worst case, he'll pull the camera down and ship it to me for further analysis. If I can't fix it, I'll deliver it to the manufacturer, which happens to be here in Houston, for repair or replacement.

With any luck, we'll set things right in time for Opening Day.

[Tom Casper]

What is your thought on updating the camera while it is down. It is a few years old and there must be better models with better lens available now. Maybe we could start a fund to update it in March and keep the old one for a backup or a new place.

Tom C.

[Jason Rose]

Good idea, but unlikely to happen because:

1) We aren't using the full capacity of the current cameras due to bandwidth restrictions. They can do far more than you can see over the stream.
2) We would have to pay for increased capacity of the internet circuit.
3) We would have to pay for increased capacity of the camera stream that is re-broadcast by a third party. We pay for the stream on a per-Gigabit basis. Increasing the resolution will increase the usage and the cost.

Higher Resolution = More Bandwidth = Increased Cost (for both the circuit and the stream)

Everyone agrees that the cameras pay for themselves (figuratively) in terms of public good will and some increased ticket sales (though this hasn't been quantified that I know of). However, the cameras still need to be paid for in a literal sense and they don't generate any revenue. Every dollar the Friends raise really should go to the preservation efforts and there are a LOT of projects underway and planned for the future. It's astounding how much is accomplished! Diverting funds for the cameras is a hardship. Donations absolutely help offset the cost, but they're sporadic, unreliable, and rarely sufficient.

We have discussed the idea of a subscriber-based system in the past and it's likely time to revisit it. I'll call the leadership in the near future to discuss. In short, the subscribers would get a higher resolution and longer time-out period on the cameras (maybe an hour). A lot of discussion needs to happen and a lot of technology needs to be payed for and configured to get it done. But, if there is enough demand for it, I don't see any reason we couldn't make it happen. In this scenario, the cameras would begin to pay for themselves and that's a good thing.

*The current free service would not be impacted.

More later...

[Tom Casper]

OK i see. Thanks for the reminder to donate as I have been lax in sending funds.

Tom C.

[Melanie Neale]

Dear All

I have followed the thread. The cameras are important to all of us who do not live in the area and indeed those like me from the UK. Actually it was a link to the webcam that brought me to the site and eventually a 2014 a visit.

I fully understand the the $ has to go around for all the projects. Has anybody done a cost analysis to try and bring the cam's to a state that has been suggested in the thread. For my part I would be happy to subscribe (I do as a Friend). How about "crowdfunding" to raise money. Remember the cams are our eyes to your world.....just a thought......

Melanie

[Tom Casper]

Melanie and others. Go to the Friends web site home and click on the link to donate. There is a place for web cam donations. I went there yesterday to warm the pot!

Tom C.

[Robert Brigham]

Melanie and others. Go to the Friends web site home and click on the link to donate. There is a place for web cam donations. I went there yesterday to warm the pot!

Tom C.

Me too!

[Melanie Neale]

Hi have done so also....however does not quite address the points raised in my post though.....

[Tom Casper]

I thought Jason did in his reply to my post as why it doesnt matter to upgrade. I little while back, the cams were down, due to, to much bandwidth being used and the Voice over IP phone system was crippled.

Tom C.