AWS MotionCam User guide

MotionCam
System Installation Manual
May 2004
AWS-WXN-60001.001 Release 3, Version 2.0
AWS Part #8565

MotionCam Installation Manual
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Copyright
Copyright 2003, by AWS Convergence Technologies, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Manual Copyright, 2003, by AWS Convergence Technologies, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and
does not represent a commitment on the part of AWS Convergence
Technologies, Inc. The software described in this document is furnished
under a license agreement or non-disclosure agreement. The software
may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of this
agreement. It is against the law to copy WeatherBug MotionCam
software on magnetic tape, disk or any other medium for any purpose
other than the purchaser's personal use.

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FCC COMPLIANCE
Note:This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from
that to which the receiver is connected
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly
approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this
equipment.
The shielded interface cable (Video Coax Cable) supplied with this
equipment must be used in order to comply with the limits for a digital
device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.

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Disclaimer
The procedures, methods, and hardware described in this manual are
intended to provide general guidelines and instructions for installing the
WeatherBug MotionCam system. Each installation site is unique and
each may require special considerations that are beyond the scope of
this manual. Any questions not covered within this manual should be
directed to WeatherBug Tracking Station Technical Support at (800)
624-4205 or email [email protected].
All procedures, methods, and hardware used to install a WeatherBug
MotionCam system must conform to all applicable building codes
(national, state, and local). Installation subcontractors are responsible
for complying with all applicable codes. Buyer and/or installer provided
hardware must be equivalent or better (according to industry standards)
than that specified in the WeatherBug Installation Manual.
The buyer/installer is responsible for any damage caused by installation
of the WeatherBug MotionCam.
THINK SAFETY FIRST!
A Special Note to Buyer / Installer:
Do NOT install additional software on the MotionCam
Computer. This will void the warranty!

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Table of Contents
COPYRIGHT .................................................................................... 2
FCC COMPLIANCE .......................................................................... 3
DISCLAIMER.................................................................................... 4
TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................... 5
THANK YOU! .................................................................................. 7
FEATURES OF THE WEATHERBUG MOTIONCAM ......................... 8
PLAN AHEAD .................................................................................. 9
SAFETY! ......................................................................................... 10
ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS (OUTDOOR) ............................................ 11
General..................................................................................... 12
SITE EVALUATION ............................................................................ 13
What to Look For....................................................................... 14
Choose a Good View ................................................................. 14
INVENTORY .................................................................................. 15
CAMERA SYSTEM PARTS.................................................................... 15
Figure 1 - Camera Housing System ..................................... 16
OUTDOOR COMPONENTS ................................................................. 17
INDOOR COMPONENTS ..................................................................... 17
TOOLS NEEDED ............................................................................... 18
Figure 2 - The MotionCam System ...................................... 19
INSTALLATION ............................................................................. 20
ROUTING THE CABLE........................................................................ 21
Figure 3 – Gooseneck Install ............................................... 24
Figure 4 - Main Power Cable Connections ........................... 25
Figure 5 – Hang Camera to allow Access to Cables ............. 26
Figure 6 - Cable Connections at Camera ............................. 27
Figure 7 – Threaded Mounting Cap Detail........................... 28
Figure 8 - The Three Indoor Cables..................................... 29

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CAMERA PACKING MATERIAL ............................................................. 30
Figure 9 - Removing the Camera Packing Material .............. 31
Figure 10 - Lanyard Spring.................................................. 32
INDOOR CONNECTIONS .................................................................... 33
Figure 11 – Main Power Cable Connections......................... 34
Figure 12 – Power Supplies ................................................. 34
Figure 13 – Complete Main Power Cable System ................. 36
Figure 14 – Video Surge Suppressor .................................... 37
Figure 15 – Ethernet Surge Suppressor ................................ 38
Figure 16 – Computer Connections ..................................... 39
TROUBLESHOOTING.................................................................... 40
MAINTENANCE............................................................................. 41
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION....................................................... 42
PRECAUTIONS ................................................................................. 42
SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................... 43
MOTIONCAM .................................................................................. 43
LENS ............................................................................................. 44
MECHANISM ................................................................................... 44
OTHER MOTIONCAM INFORMATION ................................................... 44
HOUSING INFORMATION ................................................................... 45
APPENDIX A – MOUNTING TEMPLATE ....................................... 46

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Thank You!
Thank you and congratulations on acquiring the AWS
Convergence Technologies, Inc. (AWS) WeatherBug
MotionCam system. The WeatherBug MotionCam is the
most advanced camera ever used for capturing photographs
of local weather conditions. The MotionCam is designed to
operate continuously to provide real time as well as
historical, time-lapse photographs taken at predefined
intervals.
The MotionCam can be operated from a local computer web browser to pan,
tilt, and zoom in and out to view subjects. These features allow users to view
changing weather patterns and events in a variety of site directions and
locations.
By installing and operating the entire WeatherBug system, you become a part
of the WeatherBug program, an integrated network of weather stations
comprising the largest weather monitoring system in the world.
We are confident that you will appreciate the benefits of adding MotionCam to
your weather system.
Please DO NOT remove the packing material from inside the
MotionCam Dome until the unit is fully mounted to the building! The
packing material helps protect the sensitive camera components
during the installation process.

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Features of the WeatherBug MotionCam
High-quality monitoring via the network
You can monitor a high-quality, live image from the camera using most web
browsers connected to a LAN network. The maximum frame rate is 30 Frames
Per Second (FPS). You can also control the monitored image through the Web
browser to select what you want to view and how closely you want to zoom.
Remote-controlled, high-speed pan/tilt mechanism and high
magnification, auto-focus zoom lens
The camera is provided with:
•Pan Mechanism: high-speed (340° rotation within 2 seconds), wide-angle
(-170° to +170°)
•Tilt Mechanism: high-speed (115° rotation within 1.5 seconds), wide-
angle (-90° to +25°)
•Zoom Lens: high-magnification with an optical zoom of 25
magnifications and a digital zoom of 12 magnifications, giving 300
magnifications in total.
Preset positions and Tour programs
You can save up to 16 preset positions (pan, tilt, and zoom positions) for the
camera and up to 5 "Tour" programs composed from the preset positions. The
camera will repeatedly step through the "tour" and display the preset positions
that you program. The camera will pan, tilt, and zoom as needed through the
"tour."

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Plan Ahead
It is very important that this manual be read entirely before installing the
MotionCam. A full grasp of all steps to be completed before starting makes
installation easy and limits potential problems.
Please pay particular attention to the section on "Site Evaluation." A complete
site evaluation determines proper placement of the camera and will prevent the
need to have to re-mount the camera and re-route cables.
The most important aspect of preparation is safety. Installation of the
MotionCam requires working with electrical cable, drilling through walls or
other dense support structures, standing on ladders, and, possibly, walking on
roofs.
All additional parts needed (such as ladders, drills, bits, etc.) should be
assembled and inspected before beginning installation. WeatherBug cannot
accept responsibility for damage caused by these tools so all safety precautions
should be adhered to. This would include such things as the use of leather
gloves and goggles when appropriate.
The most important safety measures are:
•Roof and ladder safety is crucial!
•Read this document thoroughly
•Become familiar with each part and where it goes
•Determine ahead of time exactly what must be done to complete
installation
•Follow all local building codes
•Take all reasonable safety precautions - double checking a power cable
connection could save a life
•If there are any questions, doubts, or discrepancies, call WeatherBug
Tracking Station Technical Support at [phone] or email
[email protected].

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Safety!
(Please see Troubleshooting, Maintenance, and Precautions in this document)
While installation of the MotionCam is not particularly difficult, it does usually
require installation near the rooftop, which presents some amount of risk.
•Installation must conform to national, state, and local building code
requirements with the most stringent guidelines being adhered to.
•The MotionCam should only be installed by someone comfortable
with being on a high ladder or rooftop and who is authorized by the
site to perform the installation.
•To limit risk to self and property, this manual should be thoroughly
read and understood before beginning installation.
•Only qualified personnel should install the MotionCam.
•Stay as far away from other electrical wiring as possible. Never allow
the camera housing, the cabling, a drill bit, or any other item to
contact electrical wires or conduit. Injury or death could result.
•If needed, WeatherBug may be able to recommend professional
installers and an estimate of the cost. If this is desired, please call
WeatherBug Tracking Station Technical Support at [phone]
or email [email protected].

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The lightning flash with an arrowhead symbol alerts
the user to the presence of non-insulated "dangerous
voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric
shock. Any components bearing this symbol should be
avoided and not dismantled.
Electrical Specifications (Outdoor)
(Please see the section on Specifications for additional information)
Housing: Power 24 VAC (Volts Alternating Current), Class 2 only
•26 watts at 24 VAC (accessories)
oHeater: 25 watts (W)
oBlower: 0.84 W
Camera: Power 12 VDC (Volts Direct Current), Class 2 only
•Current Consumption: 1.8 Amps max. (at 12 V DC)
•Power Consumption: 21.6 W max.
Safet
y
!(continued)

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General
1. Read Instructions - All the safety and operating instructions
should be read before the unit is installed and operated.
2. Retain Instructions - The safety and operating instructions
should be retained for future reference and available to any
staff member who may operate the weather station, now or in
the future.
3. Heed Warnings - All warnings on the unit and in the operating
instructions should be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions - All operating and user instructions should
be followed. If there are any questions, call WeatherBug
Tracking Station Technical Support at [phone] or
[email protected].
5. Electrical Connections - Only qualified Electricians should
make electrical connections.
6. Mounting - This unit must be securely mounted to a supporting
structure capable of sustaining the weight of the unit (about 13
pounds) by using appropriate tools and hardware. Accordingly:
a. The installation should be made by a qualified installer.
b. The installation must comply with local codes.
c. Care should be exercised to select suitable hardware to
install the unit, taking into account both the composition
of the mounting surface and the weight of the unit. Be
sure to periodically examine the unit and the supporting
structure to ensure that the integrity of the installation is
intact. Failure to comply with this could result in the unit
separating from the support structure and falling. This
would not only damage the camera but could injure
anyone standing nearby.
Safet
y
!(continued)

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Site Evaluation
All sites will have certain building restrictions. If possible, the camera housing
should be mounted on an outer-most building wall so that the camera can
make a full side-to-side sweep of the horizon with as little nearby obstruction
as possible. Do not mount the unit on an upper floor that is inset from the
main outer wall of the building (such as a penthouse) because the roof on the
lower floor will occupy a significant percentage of the camera viewing area.
Although the camera is capable of a 340° rotation, a 270° rotation provides the
best viewing range when mounted on the side of a building..
The unit should be mounted so that it is easily accessible. This will aid in any
maintenance or adjustments that may have to be made.
Keep in mind that the unit comes with 200 feet of cable that must reach from
the camera to the computer operating the MotionCam server software.
Extensions for all cabling except the power cable may be obtained from
WeatherBug by calling, toll-free, [phone] or by emailing
[email protected]. The power cable cannot be extended past the 200-foot
maximum length provided because power to the camera diminishes past that
point. Therefore, the Main Power Supply must be within 200 feet of the
camera location even though the MotionCam computer can be up to 700 feet
away (if separate cable extensions are purchased to extend past the standard
200 feet).

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What to Look For
In general, look for open views from the building where the camera will be
installed. If possible, locate it where the view will be unobstructed by parts of
the building it is mounted on or by adjacent buildings or trees. Keep in mind
that the camera will pan approximately a 270° angle and will tilt from 25°
upward to 90° downward.
Select and verify a route to run the cables from the server computer to the
exterior of the building at the mounting site. Any cable routed on the building
structure exterior must be secured and routed in conduit although it is advised
that all cable runs be made indoors then through the wall only to the camera
mount. The unit is shipped with 200 feet of cable.
The camera should be mounted high enough so that there is a clear view of the
horizon in most directions. It is best to center the camera facing toward the
prevailing winds - generally Westerly in the United States.
Remember that the camera will be operating throughout the year. A good view
in the late fall or winter may be obstructed by tree growth in the spring and
summer.
Choose a Good View
It is very important to choose an unobstructed view. Keep in mind that the
camera is designed to monitor weather based on time-lapse photography. The
sky, sun, and clouds are important elements in the captured images. A "perfect"
picture, in this case, includes about 50% sky and about 50% earth.
Be careful not to include nearby roof surfaces or trees in the field of view.
Some amount of trees, houses, and other buildings can actually enhance screen
captures as long as they do not dominate the field of view.
Site Evaluation (Continued)

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Inventory
Camera System Parts
ITEM PART NUMBER
MotionCam 8510
MotionCam Housing 8515
200 feet Power Cable ("Main Power Cable") 8520
200 feet Network Cable 8525
200 feet Video Cable 8530
24 Volt AC Power Supply 8540
Video (Coax) Surge Suppressor 8542
Video Surge Suppressor Adapter 8045
Network Surge Suppressor 8550
Power Strip (2) 210
Cable Ties (None)
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) 401
PCMCIA Memory Card 8555
MotionCam Computer 8560
Computer Power Cable 5410
Monitor 8055
Monitor Power Cable 5410
Mouse 5430
Keyboard 5420
Video Capture Card 8052
Cat 5 Network Cable (Ethernet) 5452
MotionCam Installation Manual 8565
Silicone Caulk 1166
Please carefully unpack, set out, and identify each part. Inspect each part
for damage. If any damage is noticed, please call WeatherBug Tracking
Station Technical Support immediately at [phone] or email
[email protected].

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Figure 1 - Camera Housing System
The WeatherBug MotionCam mounting system is very simple in
design. The support structure is drilled and cable pull is performed.
The Gooseneck Wall Mount is mounted, cables are connected, and
the Camera Housing is added to the Wall Mount.
Camera S
y
stem Parts (Continued)

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Outdoor Components
•Camera Housing (with camera, cables, and wall mount)
•Cable ties
•Silicone caulk or duct putty (to seal cable entry points into building).
Some areas require flame retardant sealer/putty to fill penetration points.
Check the local building codes. It is best to use this material unless local
building codes state otherwise.
Indoor Components
•Cabling harnesses (3)
Ethernet Network Cable Power Cable Video Cable
•MotionCam Personal Computer (PC) with keyboard and mouse
•Computer Monitor
•Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS)
•2 Network Surge Suppressors
•2 Power Strips
Inventor
y
(Continued)

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Tools Needed
(Not supplied by WeatherBug)
•Wire Cutters and pliers
•#2 Phillips screwdriver and a small flat head for the power connector
•Heavy-duty drill with bits sized up to 1-1/4" - bits must be appropriate
for material being drilled into (masonry, wood, metal, etc.) and must be
long enough to penetrate the support walling from exterior to interior
(possibly as much as 10" or more).
•Socket Drivers, designed to be used with a drill, of the size(s) needed to
fit the screws intended for use in mounting MotionCam.
•Fish Tape to pull cable through wall
•Pencil for marking drilling locations with the Mounting Template
•Electrical Tape to tape the ends of cables for protection and to hold
connectors and cables together.
•Bolt/Screws needed to attach the mounting plate to the wall will vary
according to several factors. Both the composition of the mounting
surface and the weight of the unit (about 13 lbs) must be taken into
account. You will need four bolts up to 3/8" diameter. 5/16" is
suggested. Although it depends on the mounting surface, in most cases a
length of 1.5" or more should be used.
•An adjustable ladder
NOTE:ALL parts used, to include those shipped by WeatherBug,
MUST be in accordance with local building codes!
Please DO NOT remove the packing material from inside the
MotionCam Dome until the unit is fully mounted to the building! The
packing material helps protect the sensitive camera components
during the installation process.

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Figure 2 - The MotionCam System
Inventor
y
(Continued)
This diagram shows the connections that must be made to install the MotionCam system indoors. Wire ties are provided to bundle the
cables
Figure 16 shows detail
view of PC connections.

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Installation
Before beginning installation, set out all parts. Inspect them and form a clear
idea of each task to be done. Installation will be in the following order:
1. Cable Routing (inside and outside)
2. Outdoor Installation
3. Indoor Connections
If there are any discrepancies or damage, contact WeatherBug Tracking
Station Technical Support immediately at [phone] or email
[email protected].
Please DO NOT remove the packing material from inside the
MotionCam Dome until the unit is fully mounted to the building! The
packing material helps protect the sensitive camera components
during the installation process.