Tower mount overview EmpireTech IPC-Color4M-TL OK for sky viewing?

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kd4e

Pulling my weight
Jun 11, 2023
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118
Nevils, GA USA
I'm looking for an affordable POE cam to mount on a radio tower just a little above the roof.

The primary purpose is a general over-view of the front yard. (Existing lights provide lumination.)

A secondary purpose would be to look at the sky for a general weather view and maybe the night sky.

Would this ($99. on sale) camera be useful at all for viewing the night sky?

Thanks!

David

EmpireTech IPC-Color4M-TL 1/1.8" CMOS 4MP WizColor Fixed-focal Turret Network Camerahttps://empiretech01.com/products/e...mp-wizcolor-fixed-focal-turret-network-camera
EmpireTech IPC-Color4M-TL 1/1.8" CMOS 4MP WizColor Fixed-focal Turret
@EMPIRETECANDY
 

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Night sky will be ok if have moonlight or star in the night. This little camera is working bit good on that price.
 
Wider views the 2.8mm, but if want more details the 3.6mm is better. Just watch the sky, i think a 2.8mm will be better. But want to watch to the stars use 3.6mm maybe better.
 
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The focal length determines how wide a view you will see. The wider view you want, the smaller the X.Xmm size you want. With that particular camera model, the 2.8mm lens will provide a 134 degree field of view and the 3.6mm will provide a 113 degree field of view.

Typically we really want to get the narrowest field of view that meets our needs to ensure the video quality will be the highest level (ie more pixels covering the desired target area). However for something as generic as "sky viewing", this really doesn't matter much. You aren't going to be trying to capture the facial features of a passing cloud after all. The same thing really goes for the sensor size. Normally we would say get the biggest sensor you can afford because it will provide the best low light performance...... and by low light performance we are talking about capturing a sharp image of a moving subject (ie we want to be able to capture facial features of a moving subject normally). But again, this is really a moot point when it comes to a weather/sky watching camera.

Long story short, I think that camera will be an excellent choice. Again the 2.8mm lens will provide a 134 degree field of view and the 3.6mm will provide a 113 degree field of view, so pick the one that seems most appropriate to you.
 
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The Automation Guy said:
The focal length determines how wide a view you will see. The wider view you want, the smaller the X.Xmm size you want. With that particular camera model, the 2.8mm lens will provide a 134 degree field of view and the 3.6mm will provide a 113 degree field of view.

Typically we really want to get the narrowest field of view that meets our needs to ensure the video quality will be the highest level (ie more pixels covering the desired target area). However for something as generic as "sky viewing", this really doesn't matter much. You aren't going to be trying to capture the facial features of a passing cloud after all. The same thing really goes for the sensor size. Normally we would say get the biggest sensor you can afford because it will provide the best low light performance...... and by low light performance we are talking about capturing a sharp image of a moving subject (ie we want to be able to capture facial features of a moving subject normally). But again, this is really a moot point when it comes to a weather/sky watching camera.

Long story short, I think that camera will be an excellent choice. Again the 2.8mm lens will provide a 134 degree field of view and the 3.6mm will provide a 113 degree field of view, so pick the one that seems most appropriate to you.
Click to expand...
It's a dual-purpose camera. Most of the time it will be looking over the front yard, but sometimes it will be rotated up to look north-northeast. If it works well, I may add two more (one on each of the other two tower legs) for nearly 360 degree coverage (with the 3.6mm) lens. Thanks!
 
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OK. My new IPC-Color4M-TL camera arrived today and has been mounted on the tower.

It's working - looks good and tracks moving vehicles - but there are two anomalies ...

1. It shows up as two IP's - both duplicated - on the NVR. Each pair looks like Port 5 and Port 37777.

(I deleted the second IP pair but left the first one as-is.)

2. I cannot get the PTZ to respond.

NOTE: It's powered by the NVR (POE).
 
kd4e said:
OK. My new IPC-Color4M-TL camera arrived today and has been mounted on the tower.

It's working - looks good and tracks moving vehicles - but there are two anomalies ...

1. It shows up as two IP's - both duplicated - on the NVR. Each pair looks like Port 5 and Port 37777.

(I deleted the second IP pair but left the first one as-is.)

2. I cannot get the PTZ to respond.

NOTE: It's powered by the NVR (POE).
Click to expand...

This camera?
empiretech01.com

EmpireTech IPC-Color4M-TL 1/1.8" CMOS 4MP WizColor Fixed-focal Turret

4MP 1/1.8" CMOS Built-in warm light, the max. illumination distance is 30 m Intelligent monitoring Abnormality detection Supports max. 256 G Micro SD card Built-in Mic 12 VDC/PoE power supply IP67 protection SMD Plus
empiretech01.com empiretech01.com

1- shows up where? Pic?

2- Its not a PTZ so its not gonna respond
 
Just delete one.. must be IP conflict somehow, this camera is not a PTZ, it's a fixed lens camera.
37777 is correct, what they mean port 5
 
This model also have a good update for new function.

Old Fw
1741138132775.png
Latest new FW add smart illumination
1741138150248.png
 
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Oh, sigh, I missed that & no one picked up on it when I posted this "It's a dual-purpose camera. Most of the time it will be looking over the front yard, but sometimes it will be rotated up to look north-northeast."

Well, I guess I can repurpose it somewhere else.

What do you have that's similar (in features - and close in price) but that can be - remotely - moved up and down, please?
 
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Actually the way you first phrased it, I thought and probably others as well, was that it is a field of view where you could see your front yard and the sky cause you are on flat land.

1741139361996.png
 
EMPIRETECANDY said:
Only full color camera can do the job, have this cheapest PTZ. But full color capacity will be not as good as the IPC-Color4M-TL

Click to expand...
EMPIRETECANDY said:
Only full color camera can do the job, have this cheapest PTZ. But full color capacity will be not as good as the IPC-Color4M-TL

Click to expand...
Can you source a waterproof pan-tilt something this? Wireless Remote Control Autocruise Outdoor Security Motorized Pan Tilt Mount - Buy Motorized Pan Tilt Mount security Motorized Pan Tilt Mount outdoor Security Motorized Pan Tilt Mount Product on Alibaba.com That way I can use the better color IPC-Color4M-TL camera that I have. (I just need up and down. I also need it to be a wired control - not a wireless remote. It's on top of a metal roof - so the remote wouldn't work.)
 
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EMPIRETECANDY said:
add that kind of motor you can buy a PTZ. Not worth to do it.
Click to expand...
I'm confused. The one you posted (PTZ3E405-AI) is $249. This remote ptz motor is $75. so, with my camera ($99) = $175. (total) - and you said the $99. IPC-Color4M-TL I bought has better color.
Note: The plan is for 3 cameras on the tower, so a $50. difference adds up, and downgrading color to add PTZ (using a different camera), would seem unfortunate.
 
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