1. All Sky Camera workshop
Ed Mann

2. Introduction Assembly Software – iSpy and camera configuration
Unpacking and check list
Remove and store dome
Remove camera module
Fit cable gland to cable
Fit housing ancillaries and cable
Software – iSpy and camera configuration
Introduction
Installation
Tutorial

3. Kit check list Base plate Dome + camera IMX291 module with 2.1mm lens
Fisheye lens (1.7mm)
Two blanking plates + tool
1 bag screws
1 bag nuts, bolts and washers
Small Cable ties
1 Ethernet Lead
Ethernet crossover
1 pair POE injector and splitter
1 cable gland + clear tubing
1 special Allen key + screws

4. Removing dome Carefully lift off dome
Undo the screw holding dome earth cable
Lift away and store dome carefully.
(N B It now becomes a magnet for anything spilled, dropped or falling)
Undo dome earth cable screw

5. Removing camera module
Undo and remove 2 camera module mount screws
Keep them in old camera module if you want
Lift out and store camera module
(It’s a 512 x 582 1/3” basic Super HAD CCD camera).
Camera mount screws

6. Camera gland and cable Insert clear tube into gland
Gently slide leads through clear plastic tube

7. Fit housing anciliaries and cable
Fit cable gland to housing
Fit base blanking plate and tighten with enclosed tool
Connect wires to the camera board (see photo)

8. Fit IMX291 camera module
Fit the IMX 291 module into the U-mount using the TOP hole using cable ties
Tip – Bend the end of the cable tie before you try and insert it (see photo)
Tighten cable gland to hold cable firmly (tools needed)

9. Lenses Two lens options 2.1mm 110 degree wide angle
1.7mm 180 degree fisheye – my preference

10. Dew Heater installation
Carefully undo the two camera screen screws and discard the camera screen
(DON’T scratch the dome)
Slide the heater under the two flanges
Tighten up enough to hold the heater but don’t overtighten
After checking focus, connect heater connector to the spare power connector on camera lead. Hold the heater cable by the white plastic plug NOT by the wire

11. Next …..
Don’t fit the dome yet as you’ll need to adjust the focus (possibly)
Network connection and software

12. Setting up network interface
Either
Click on Network symbol at bottom right corner of screen, then click Open Network and Sharing Centre Or
Click Start – Control Panel – Network and Sharing Centre

13. Windows 7 Network and sharing centre

14. Network setup (Windows 7)
Click on ‘Use the following IP address
Add IP address
Add Subnet Mask
Click OK

15. Software - iSpy Gives ability to:- Take timelapse movies
Capture ‘meteor’ events through motion detection
Connect multiple cameras and multiple tasks
Remote access
10000 other things !!!

16. iSpy Main Screen Add new camera File Storage location
*** Do this first ***

17. iSpy Main Settings Form
Default is Website
- Change it to iSpy

18. Add camera Add new camera – USB e.g. webcam or video grabber
Add new camera – IP based

19. Add IMX291 camera – IP based
Change this to

20. RTSP connection Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP)
This needs to be changed to actual IP address. Default is 18

21. Main Camera Settings screen
Motion detection settings
Basic camera
settings
Advanced camera
Settings (not IP)
Recording
Settings
Keep this low to
reduce CPU load

22. Motion detection setup
Adjust Sensitivity
to motion
Detect colour change
Highlight detected movement
Only look for movement in certain areas

23. Recording and Timelapse
Set recording mode
Set up recording
buffers

24. Recording buffers Mainly needed for Timelapse - Files much bigger
Total recording time
Calibrate
Buffer
Event
Inactivity
Time
No event
Event finishes. Wait N seconds
In this example:-
Calibration delay is ‘settling time’
Camera always has 5 seconds video in buffer
Inactivity Record – Keep recording for N seconds after motion stops
Once event happens, video is created of:-
5 second buffer + Event + N seconds of inactivity

25. Timelapse Enable/ Disable timelapse recording
Save a frame every few seconds
Not used for movies
Set max file time
Keep this low, maybe even 1frame/s

26. VLC Player
Go to
Run the setup program and extract the files to c:\Program Files\iSpy\VLC64
Make sure that Playback setting is ‘iSpy’ in Main settings screen

27. Camera configuration Use any browser e.g. IE, Firefox, Safari
Note . IE needs an ActiveX plugin that I’ve never managed to get working properly)
Type in URL
(or actual IP address)
Username is admin
Password is admin

28. Main configuration screen
Camera setup

29. Camera settings Most useful screen Adjust ‘white’ This screen
Wideband Dynamic Range

30. Exposure settings 3 exposure modes 2 IR modes
Scene – Auto exposure - Slow Shutter + AGC + Scene (Indoor/ Outdoor)
Shutter – Auto exposure - AGC + shutter only
Manual – full manual control of everything
2 IR modes
Day - Colour with IR filter (can be disabled by removing IR filter wire. Possible external control)
Night – B/W without IR filter