I want to set up a webcam to watch birds nesting on the wall outside, and connect it to my PC's USB port. I understand there is a maximum length of cable that would work. Ken Youde
USB cables are typically only one or two metres long, but are supposed to work up a length of five metres, if you can find one. Beyond that length, you'll need to use a USB active extension cable, sometimes called an "active repeater". Maplins supplies a USB 2.0 Active Extension five-metre (product code L11BT) for £14.99. You could use up to three of these plus a standard cable, which would give you 20 metres for around £50. Because the webcam draws power via the USB cable, I'd recommend running it from a powered USB hub.
A wireless webcam would seem to be a better option, but then you'd have to find some way to power the camera. And if you have to do that, it would be worth considered a webcam that uses the HomePlug system to send the data signals over the mains cable. An early example is the VeseNET 14Mbps HomePlug Camera, released as the Solwise PLA-14WCAM. However, Trusted Reviews says it has limitations and the "image quality isn't brilliant".
All things considered, it might be easier to use a CCTV video camera and capture the images.
It's worth looking at the i-Catcher website, which includes links to various birdwatching webcams set up by users of its bundled systems. It has a CCTV shop that sells both analogue and digital equipment and software. There's also Kent-based Box Watch Ltd (http://www.boxwatch.co.uk/), which sells a complete system for £260, including the nesting box.
Comment: Have you set up a bird watching webcam? How did you do it?
Backchat: In a comment (below), Sid C recommends the Gardenature site (http://www.gardenature.co.uk/) and says: "I've seen these working brilliantly. Wireless is recommended (up to 30m); power the camera with a battery."
