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					Camera FAQ   The Pancake Cam uses the Canon VB-C50ir. You can read more technical information here or at the Canon site. How does the camera hook up to the Internet? The VB-C50ir has a built-in web server. The web server is actually a very small computer with memory and permanent storage. The camera is connected to the Ethernet network via a wired router housed here at the Plantation. The router allows the camera to communicate freely with the outside world. Where can you buy cameras like the VB-C50ir? We purchased our unit from NuSpectra out in California. They have a demo camera here that you can test. What kind of enclosure is the camera in? The protective enclosure is made by a company called VideoAlarm, Besides protecting the unit from the elements, the enclosure has a thermostatically controlled heater/fan combo that kicks on when the temperature dips below 50 degrees. Was it hard to set up? Not really. You have to run 24 volt cables that power both the camera and heater. A Cat 5e and video cable round out the connections run to the unit. After mounting and installing the cables the software install was a snap. Once loaded the software was able to easily see the camera on the network. A browser based interface is all that is needed to configure and set up the device.   What can I see when I look at the PancakeCam? First and foremost are the weather conditions, the flags and thermometer give you a quick look at the situation. Looking out over Mason Goodyear you can sometimes see a pretty sunset. The intersection directly in front of the camera is quite busy. Check out shoppers going into the  Giants or DIscount Beachwear stores. We've also included the 'Hi Mom!' presets. The idea is to call someone out of town and direct them to www.pancakecam.com. Once there they can take control of the camera and you may wave and say hello. They  can also save the moment with the snapshot feature. Canon has sold a bunch of these units all over the world. Here at the Canon site is a list of other sites in the US. Presently our unit seems to be the only one in the Myrtle Beach Area. Click here to see some photos of  the PancakeCam. Want to know more? Go to the Technical Information page.