Forum Discussion

ragdogs's avatar
ragdogs
Explorer
Feb 28, 2017

Web Cam - is this possible

I am thinking it is but what is the best/smartest way to ddo it.

I am asking for a friend that travels up and down to South Carolina and Florida from Ontario. They travel with dogs and one has health issues and they can't leave alone. They were thinking of getting a web cam in their RV and using their phone to view what's going on if they were in a restaurant etc. there is one major issue that I can see would be roaming charges would cost them a small fortune. They are looking at their data plans to see what their options are.

Some questions:

What would be the best set up?
Would it be more cost effective to get a US data plan? Is that possible to buy one for 30 days at a time?

Thanks for any help
  • Johno02's avatar
    Johno02
    Explorer
    Feb 28, 2017
    They will have to have a relible internet connection to have access to the web for a camera. A mobile hotspot with unlimited data would probably work, but may be quite expensive.
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Feb 28, 2017
    D-Link Cloud Cam and a hotspot. The new deal from all four major carriers is an unlimited 10gb of data for tethering or hotspots (not sure how 10gb is unlimited). Pricing isn't bad... again, as long as you stay under the unlimited 10gb.
  • bgum's avatar
    bgum
    Explorer
    Feb 28, 2017
    We use a Straight talk hotspot and a Nest camera. We can both view and hear our dog on our IPhone. We put a thermometer in clear view of the camera during warmer months.
  • rk911's avatar
    rk911
    Explorer
    Feb 28, 2017
    bgum wrote:
    We use a Straight talk hotspot and a Nest camera. We can both view and hear our dog on our IPhone. We put a thermometer in clear view of the camera during warmer months.


    how much data does that method consume in say 4-8 hrs?
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Feb 28, 2017
    a cheap back up camera with one of those license plate cameras could be modified to do that.

    bumpy
  • BurbMan's avatar
    BurbMan
    Explorer II
    Feb 28, 2017
    They need to stop at restaurants that have free wifi, that will fix the data issue.
  • hedge's avatar
    hedge
    Explorer
    Feb 28, 2017
    I would be careful with anything that is 'cloud based' it will likely use the bandwith constantly.

    If you used more of a traditional method and use the built in web server of the camera with port forwarding it would only be using data while you are connected to it. just not sure if port forwarding is possible with those hotspots like on a traditional soho router.
  • DwnSth's avatar
    DwnSth
    Explorer
    Feb 28, 2017
    If you can swing a spare phone, no need for a hotspot and plenty of apps to use. I currently use 'Dog Monitor' Which allows video and sound. Also use Valarm to track temp with a remote sensor but it's a bit more involved to set-up. What I do like about Valarm is the ability to text/email when temp is out of range or sound (barking) is recorded. Between the two apps, I'm pretty comfortable with the dogs in camper and know I can peek at them anytime.

    Would work with any data plan and I've never experienced much data use. Video is only using data when active.
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Feb 28, 2017
    hedge wrote:
    I would be careful with anything that is 'cloud based' it will likely use the bandwith constantly.

    If you used more of a traditional method and use the built in web server of the camera with port forwarding it would only be using data while you are connected to it. just not sure if port forwarding is possible with those hotspots like on a traditional soho router.


    None of the big 4 give you a public IP, at least, not on a consumer grade plan.
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Feb 28, 2017
    DwnSth wrote:
    If you can swing a spare phone, no need for a hotspot and plenty of apps to use. I currently use 'Dog Monitor' Which allows video and sound. Also use Valarm to track temp with a remote sensor but it's a bit more involved to set-up. What I do like about Valarm is the ability to text/email when temp is out of range or sound (barking) is recorded. Between the two apps, I'm pretty comfortable with the dogs in camper and know I can peek at them anytime.

    Would work with any data plan and I've never experienced much data use. Video is only using data when active.


    This option is a good one. With the new contract-free multi-line plans from the big 4, it shouldn't cost too much either.

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