Cajon Pass Webcam-What Will It Take?

[bnsfjeff]

I just returned form a great railfan trip to the Cajon Pass. As usual, the traffic density was superb.

I would like to know what it will take to get a Cajon Pass webcam installed and broadcasting. Logical spots for it would be at the San Bernardino station (taking in the main as well as the TOFC yard) or at the McDonalds at 138 and I-15. Glen Helen Parkway would also be a possibility, with all the construnction that is happening there. Both the latter two have a view of the UP and the BNSF lines.

I am willing to donate to a fund to get it started and pay a membership fee for an HD webcam with full-page zoom capabilities. Since I ;ive inFlorida, I cannot be there to make it happen.

Can anybody help? How about Trains as a sponsor? How about BNSF or UP? What about the Cajon Pass web group? Common folks, let's do something.

[Norm48327]

Lots of these.

[BaltACD]

Norm48327

Lots of these.

That is all it takes for most projects.

 

(at least it doesn't have John Snow's signature)

[MikeF90]

bnsfjeff

I am willing to donate to a fund to get it started and pay a membership fee for an HD webcam with full-page zoom capabilities.

Based on my observations of The Other large railfan forum with webcams, you are part of a very small demographic.

bnsfjeff

Logical spots for it would be at the

.... SB Depot - not likely, occupied by a bureaucratic gov't agency..... McDonalds - not likely, a large corporation bureaucracy to deal with ..... Glen Helen Parkway - no adjacent businesses yet.  IMO at the right time someone could approach the manager / owner of the Best Western Phelan at SR-138 about the possibilities. They will have an existing Internet connection for starters.

bnsfjeff

How about Trains as a sponsor?

Not a bad idea if someone pitched a 'reasonable cost' implementation. The Trains staff should know the details of the specialized hardware and software of the Rochelle web cam and if it is practical to 'clone' it elsewhere.  I'm too far away from Phelan to be an on call volunteer ....

[overall]

At the risk of asking a stupid question, how much money does it take?

[cacole]

What would be required?

Purchase and installation of the equipment.  Want HD?  More expensive equipment.
A secure location to mount the camera.
A reliable power source.
A high-speed Internet link that is available 24/7.
A maintenance contractor who can respond to the site to correct technical problems.

At a minimum, an initial outlay of $2,000 or more, and monthly upkeep fees of over $300.

[MICHAEL CYR]

Sorry I'm late to the party, we have 2 live full HD cams going in around summit.  We should be live withing 10-14 days.  It takes a TON of money to pull this off, BUT we think it will be worth it.  You can watch for free for a couple weeks when they launch, iOS, Android feeds supplied to membes.

http://virtualrailfan.com

We're currently offering live views from Folkston, GA as well as Tower 55 in Ft. Worth Texas.  

Enjoy!