NestCam Version 16 Mar 2008. Overhead and movable side view camera. Selection of different lighting options.

Demo Videos (.mp4):

• Demo of movable side camera. WARNING - only move the camera when there is no bird (adult or chick) inside, even at night (it will hear the noise).
• blue tit having a look around the nest 20 Feb 08; More videos here: CorkNest.com including the first set of chicks to be raised in the box, they fledged on 13 Jun 2008.
• Use VLC Media player if you have problems playing the videos
• Also on my youTube page.

See all the construction Photos with additional information and where to get most of the parts (see below on this page also).

Where to get some of the parts:

• The side camera is 'floating' on the end of nylon pushrods - you should be able to get them in a radio control model shop. The ones I use are 2mm and the manufacturer is a US company Sullivan, "Gold-N-Rod control rod set nylon type". They are normally used to connect the RC servos to tail/rudder etc.
• The LEDs you can get from LED1.de. Yes, the site is in English as well, don't panic. LED info: 12V White 5mm, 12v Warm White 10mm, Infra red 5mm.
• The side camera enclosure is from Maplin part number YN37.
• The side view camera is from eBay seller media328 and is a sharp 1/3 ccd sharp board camera. Also Henry's Radio do a similiar cameras but in an enclosure (haven't tried them though)
• The overhead camera is a Swann (obviously) Spycam from Maplin. Quality not great, next time I'll try a second board camera but space will be a problem. It has a built in microphone.
• The audio microphone module is uses as a backup to the overhead camera microphone and it's Maplin part number is KJ44.
• Cabling back to the recording equimplent: Bell wire for the light sources.Audio/Video Maplin Quad Cable part number XR23. 4 individually screen cables. I used a bit of the cable for the LEDS going into the box. All cables coming out of the box are 5 meters long and go into a waterproof box to connect to the long cable runs to the house.
• The overhead Swann camera uses the Swann AV cable accessory pack - 36meters: Video/Sound/Power. Maplin again. Or you could use XR23.
• The nestbox is off the shelf: Orchard/Gardman Multi Nest Box - the one with the slate roof. Got it in B&Q I think.

Updates

• Update 24 Feb 08 - decided to remove the glass panel as the bird seemed to interested in it's reflection and also info on bigg bird forum
• Update 16 Mar 08 - LEDs covered with milk carton plastic to remove bright spots. Wood to cover side camers. Photos here.
• Update 29 May 08 - The mains timer that controls the white lights inside the box got stuck on off probably due to a mains glitch - this light dependant switch is now used in conjunction with the timer to prevent the lights coming on when they shouldn't.

Links: KarlGrabe.com, CorkNest.com