About
We always wanted a snow cam at the Bogong Rover Chalet to remotely check the conditions and snow depth. We couldn't rely on the cameras at Falls Creek Resort as they have grooming and snow making to improve conditions. We started looking at off the shelf solutions, but soon ran into problems as there isn't a WiFi or an Ethernet network at the Chalet. Also there is limited power while the Chalet is empty, and only 500Mb a month of free 3G data. A quick and dirty solution to the problem was to use an old mobile phone - it already had a 3G modem and camera built in. On a Week 9 Winter Party in 2015, the phone and an external 3G antenna were skied in and installed. That temporary solution is still running today.
FAQ
- Q: When does it take a photo?
- A: Currently it is configured to take a photo every hour between 8am and 5pm. The time is based on when the camera was last switched on. If it was switched on at 10:32, then each photo will be taken at 32 minutes past the hour (or about half past).
- Q: What are the markings on the snow depth gauge?
- A: The yellow and black markings on the snow depth gauge in front of the camera are 10cm each. The top of the first red mark is 1m. The top of the second red mark is 2m.
- Q: Why are some photos missing?
- A: When the camera battery becomes too cold or the external power system loses charge, the camera doesn't automatically switch on again. Instead it requires someone to attend to press the button on the side to power it up.
- Q: Why are some photos black?
- A: Sometimes the camera becomes mis-configured when it is "interfered" with, resulting in it taking photos at night.
- Q: Can you make a demister for the camera?
- A: Sometimes snow falls in Australia, and it builds up on the window blocking the camera's view. Due to the limited available power, a car windscreen wiper or rear window demister will not work. Instead we have treated the window with Rain-X water repellent.
- Q: Why can't it take video?
- A: We have 500Mb per month of free 3G data. Also there is insufficient power for a constant live video stream over 3G.