March 2010
The project has a record 128 schools with cameras in nest boxes awaiting activity. Take a look at recordings of visitors checking out new accommodation. Nest building usually starts in late March but varies according to the weather.
HELP FILE
Registered users click here to download instructions (pdf) v7 updated 01/03/2010
A login button for registered users can be found at the foot of the birdbox homepage.
The SEGfL Bird box project 2010 is providing schools with an opportunity to share video and data streams collected from nesting boxes fitted with video cameras and other data gathering equipment. Schools throughout the region will be able to view nest box activity and share in interactive events. Details are to be found on the website which will be added to daily during the nesting season.
Why not build your own nestbox ready for Spring visitors.
Click here to view pdf downloads including instructions and cutting list...
The following advice is for schools wishing to broadcast. There is no preferred equipment but sources are listed below. To be able to broadcast or recorded video, small cameras are fitted either in the top of a nesting box or to the side. Boxes come ready fitted and tested. Camera kits (Ecowatch) can be fitted to existing boxes. Analogue sometimes know as composite TV with sound signals can usually be displayed by plugging phono plugs direct into sockets on a suitable TV or video-recorder. These are typically 7mm round single holed sockets coloured yellow, red or black. A small piece of equipment called an analogue to digital converter needs to be added to allow pictures to be displayed on a PC or broadcast over broadband. (This equipment changes TV pictures from the camera into digital signals that can be displayed on a PC and/or networked within school or streamed onto the internet.) We have tested several A/D converters and the recommended option compatible with the online software is the EasyCap capture device from Mccam normally retailing for £39.95 But Mccam have agreed to supply SEGfL birdbox project schools for £23.95 plus vat, £28.14 in total. Shipping charge of £2.00 is added for one off orders. However, if a school is ordering a NestCam from them it can be included in the same box and no additional shipping charge would apply.
Package contents:
EasyCap capture device
Instructions
Driver Disk
Ulead video studio version 10.0 on CD rom
System requirements:
P4 1.7GHz CPU or above
256MB RAM
VGA card with 32MB memory
One available USB 2.0 port
Compatible Windows-sound card
Microsoft windows XP/Vista
* CD ROM Drive to load drivers and Ulead Software*
Points to note:
At the moment the EasyCap is not compatiable with Windows 7 OS.
Pictures and sound can be shared between a PC and a TV by using a phono stacking lead (splitter), available from electronics outlets such as Maplins (£5.99). www.maplin.co.uk
Once live pictures are broadcast to the SEGfL, they can be viewed by other PCs on the internet. One minute long web cam reports or nestbox sequences can also be recorded and added to the website. This gives opportunities for pupils to prepare their own daily newscasts. Schools wishing to join the project should first test their equipment using the ‘Test Setup’ guidance below then register for their own web page by contacting Chris Davison 01252 81 11 81 or bird.box@segfl.org.uk No registration is necessary if you simply wish to watch or join in the Ask an Expert days.
These companies sell camera kits that are suitable for use inside a nest box or complete units:
- www.handykam.com Penzance T: 01736 756277
- http://www.mccam.co.uk/ McCam Dover T: 01304 201110 (currently supporting SEGfL schools.)
- www.gardensafari.co.uk Newent, Gloucs
- www.nestcameras.co.uk Stockport T: 0161 660 4411
- www.henrys.co.uk Edgeware Road, London T: 020 7258 1831
- www.gardenature.co.uk Sutton, Ipswich T: 08443 510987
- www.eco-watch.com Currently not supporting schools
- Commotion Group Tonbridge, Kent. T: 01732 773399
Video cameras suitable for birdboxes: There are two versions available, Colour or Black and White. The Colour version also often has infrared for night time display. The video will be a composite output (phono type) and will need to plug into an analogue to digital converter in order to display the picture on a PC.
Some of the more recent CCD cameras are offering very good colour and infra-red (night time) picture quality.
Test Setup
To allow testing of the birdbox broadcasts you will need a bird box cam or a standard webcam connected to your pc. We have created a test site:
Access details for the test site are available from the project manager bird.box@segfl.org.uk You require a video source connected to a USB port on your computer. The computer must be connected to the internet and must be left running whilst broadcasting. It is possible to use it for other tasks. You must also check that you have downloaded and installed the Adobe Flash player. www.adobe.com This takes less than a minute to download. An Adobe test page is available to check whether your school equipment is allowed to broadcast live streams at : http://kb.adobe.com/selfservice/viewContent.do?externalId=tn_16466 At least one of the tests must report positive if your equipment is going to broadcast successfully.
Link to SEGfL NatureCam...
Link to LGfL WeatherWatch...
Link to the SEGfL PuffinCam on Alderney...
If you are a school and would like to register for a BirdBox account, please fill in the online registration form using the link on the birdbox homepage.
Contact name: Christopher Davison
Email: bird.box@segfl.org.uk
Contact Telephone: +44 1252 81 11 81 (UK)
Contact Mobile: +44 7515 92 39 56
Address:
South East Grid for Learning Project Office
Easthampstead Park
Wokingham
UK
RG40 3DF
