1 All Sky Camera workshopEd Mann
2 Introduction Assembly Software – iSpy and camera configurationUnpacking and check list Remove and store dome Remove camera module Fit cable gland to cable Fit housing ancillaries and cable Software – iSpy and camera configuration Introduction Installation Tutorial
3 Kit check list Base plate Dome + camera IMX291 module with 2.1mm lensFisheye lens (1.7mm) Two blanking plates + tool 1 bag screws 1 bag nuts, bolts and washers Small Cable ties 1 Ethernet Lead Ethernet crossover 1 pair POE injector and splitter 1 cable gland + clear tubing 1 special Allen key + screws
4 Removing dome Carefully lift off domeUndo the screw holding dome earth cable Lift away and store dome carefully. (N B It now becomes a magnet for anything spilled, dropped or falling) Undo dome earth cable screw
5 Removing camera moduleUndo and remove 2 camera module mount screws Keep them in old camera module if you want Lift out and store camera module (It’s a 512 x 582 1/3” basic Super HAD CCD camera). Camera mount screws
6 Camera gland and cable Insert clear tube into glandGently slide leads through clear plastic tube
7 Fit housing anciliaries and cableFit cable gland to housing Fit base blanking plate and tighten with enclosed tool Connect wires to the camera board (see photo)
8 Fit IMX291 camera module Fit the IMX 291 module into the U-mount using the TOP hole using cable ties Tip – Bend the end of the cable tie before you try and insert it (see photo) Tighten cable gland to hold cable firmly (tools needed)
9 Lenses Two lens options 2.1mm 110 degree wide angle1.7mm 180 degree fisheye – my preference
10 Dew Heater installationCarefully undo the two camera screen screws and discard the camera screen (DON’T scratch the dome) Slide the heater under the two flanges Tighten up enough to hold the heater but don’t overtighten After checking focus, connect heater connector to the spare power connector on camera lead. Hold the heater cable by the white plastic plug NOT by the wire
11 Next ….. Don’t fit the dome yet as you’ll need to adjust the focus (possibly) Network connection and software
12 Setting up network interfaceEither Click on Network symbol at bottom right corner of screen, then click Open Network and Sharing Centre Or Click Start – Control Panel – Network and Sharing Centre
13 Windows 7 Network and sharing centre
14 Network setup (Windows 7)Click on ‘Use the following IP address Add IP address Add Subnet Mask Click OK
15 Software - iSpy Gives ability to:- Take timelapse moviesCapture ‘meteor’ events through motion detection Connect multiple cameras and multiple tasks Remote access 10000 other things !!!
16 iSpy Main Screen Add new camera File Storage location*** Do this first ***
17 iSpy Main Settings FormDefault is Website - Change it to iSpy
18 Add camera Add new camera – USB e.g. webcam or video grabberAdd new camera – IP based
19 Add IMX291 camera – IP basedChange this to
20 RTSP connection Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) This needs to be changed to actual IP address. Default is 18
21 Main Camera Settings screenMotion detection settings Basic camera settings Advanced camera Settings (not IP) Recording Settings Keep this low to reduce CPU load
22 Motion detection setupAdjust Sensitivity to motion Detect colour change Highlight detected movement Only look for movement in certain areas
23 Recording and TimelapseSet recording mode Set up recording buffers
24 Recording buffers Mainly needed for Timelapse - Files much biggerTotal recording time Calibrate Buffer Event Inactivity Time No event Event finishes. Wait N seconds In this example:- Calibration delay is ‘settling time’ Camera always has 5 seconds video in buffer Inactivity Record – Keep recording for N seconds after motion stops Once event happens, video is created of:- 5 second buffer + Event + N seconds of inactivity
25 Timelapse Enable/ Disable timelapse recordingSave a frame every few seconds Not used for movies Set max file time Keep this low, maybe even 1frame/s
26 VLC Player Go to Run the setup program and extract the files to c:\Program Files\iSpy\VLC64 Make sure that Playback setting is ‘iSpy’ in Main settings screen
27 Camera configuration method ARight click on camera area Select ‘Open Web Interface’ Username is admin Leave password blank
28 Camera configuration method BUse any browser e.g. IE, Firefox, Safari Note . IE needs an ActiveX plugin that I’ve never managed to get working properly) Type in URL (or actual IP address) Username is admin Leave password blank
29 Main configuration screenCamera setup
30 Camera settings Most useful screen Adjust ‘white’ This screenWideband Dynamic Range
31 Exposure settings 3 exposure modes 2 IR modesScene – Auto exposure - Slow Shutter + AGC + Scene (Indoor/ Outdoor) Shutter – Auto exposure - AGC + shutter only Manual – full manual control of everything 2 IR modes Day - Colour with IR filter (can be disabled by removing IR filter wire. Possible external control) Night – B/W without IR filter