A problem needing a solution

[Karroo]

I'm not sure if this complies with the rules stated, but here's what I want to set up.

I want to be able to monitor stock watering systems (resevoirs, and pump outlets) from a central point up to about 4 miles distant. I need visual surveilance powered by solar panels (remote sites) relayed to a notebook by radio waves or a similar system. The terrain is conducive to a repeater (if needed) having a hill (about 150m high average) running perpendicular on the boundary of the property. I need to know what is possible in this scenario, and not.(technology-wise)

The limitations are;

no avilable e-power source at remote sites, exposed to elements, need to be secured from indiginous species of destructive wildlife, and weather, and cannot be networked with cabling; line of sight broken at the extremity of the proposed property, and lastly but most detrimentally, the property is in Africa.(sourcing materials)

The PRO's are;

The terrain between the central point and the hill is relatively flat, e-power availble at central point, and a good line of sight to the far range of hill/s.

I'd appreciate suggestions on what type of systems are available to accomplish this task, and if it is at all possible to get a picture of multiple sites onto a laptop for ease of monitoring the state of these watering points. (through an internet connection to a remote notebook from central point??)

The detailed co-ordinates of this project I can post, just as soon as I've plotted the dang things, but we can start with these.

Center:S33 05.434 E25 44.661
Resevoir 1:S33 07.900 E25 46.840
Resevoir 2:S33 07.893 E25 44.850
Resevoir 3:S33 07.630 E25 44.846
Resevoir 4:S33 07.375 E25 46.201
Pump:S33 06.707 E25 46.004

Much obliged, and here's hoping I don't get scrubbed off this "tech site"

[cyrnel]

Are stills acceptable for surveillance? Might flow meters be better than visual?

Is 24hr operation necessary?

Shoestring budget, or can you afford off-the-shelf pro equipment?

[Karroo]

No, the pump system only gets activated on demand, (activation the next problem) and I would require a live coverage to be able to gauge the condition of the pipe-line/pump performance and integrity. Also the quality of the water would not take long to NFG any sensory equipment like flow-meters. (Calcium depositting) 24 hours coverage is not necessary, though the system must be able to be activated on demand.

The budget problem is not an immediate concern. Putting in a system that can be afforded now will end up costing more to upgrade, The aim is to install a system i invisage when it can be done. So if state of the art art is needed, then thats what is going in; obviously I'll hold back on the gold plating and the brand name, as long as it does the job its meant to do reliably and without too many i's to dot.

The ergonomics of travelling up to the various points and water-lines each day, are appalling, and expensive in time and man-hours, so I don't think it would take too long to pay for itself. And the system MUST be able to be accessed by a remote internet connection.

I have been exposed to a broadband system that connects to your comp: via the net, but it is an anti-crime organization funded by public, and demand; due to lethargy and lack of urgency in my community, it didn't happen. What I'm looking for is for someone to point me in the right direction so I can find out, what is possible, how, with what, and where. There is serious technology out there that I am totally un-aware of, and would like to meet it.

Getting any info reaction from someone in my country is like trying to stuff a marshmellow into a piggy-bank with one finger, behind your back in the dark.I feel like I have an emergency, a phone, phone directory, and am sitting in a dark room. Then again; maybe it's my sunny disposition."SNARK":splat:

Thanks for your participation cyrnel:thumbsup:

[Daniel_]

So you're looking to monitor and water crops from a distance, with no back trace possible?

Not to be too cynical, but I'd wonder if this were to grow a crop of dubious legaility were I the law enforcement agency in your borough.

Sorry if I'm wrong. Good luck - it soundls like an interestig project from a technology position.

[Karroo]

No, not a crop irrigation system, but a stock watering system, like drinking troughs and conservancy tanks. The area is pretty arid in the hills, and not conducive to crops; your concern however, is noted.
Google the 'map' co-ordinates.

[cyrnel]

Do you need to control valves from a distance? I can't be sure if you control it centrally or if there's more going on. The solar and complexity aspects could get big if you you need to power and operate remote valves. Each site would suddenly cost a lot more.

The radio link will be long but 4mi isn't bad for mid-grade 802.11. You don't have the FCC to worry about. Aiming will take two people and cussing. You'll experience outages with bad weather or if something gets in the way (plants, animals...) The thing that keeps coming to mind are critters messing with the antennae. You would be smart to enlist the expertise of "local" game refuge technologists, zoos, etc. The worst I've had to think about were eagles and raccoons. Eagles are heavy but otherwise don't care, raccoons screw with everything but don't like slick masts. Enclosures are readily available but someone who knows the area and its wildlife would be the one to ask. I guess that's after deciding on what goes inside.

For the rest, as long as this is just remote monitoring it shouldn't be tough. I'm picturing a single mast at each site. On top is solar, a tough yaggi or dish antenna, and a box with battery driving PoE radio and camera. Quick guess of US$300 solar/charge/battery plus $250 radio/antenna plus $250 Ethernet camera plus $200 PoE & cabling misc. All off-the-shelf stuff. Add whatever for the box and mast and install. You could save by doing parts yourself.

The hub will just be a very focused community access project. One antenna pointing to each remote (4x$50), a couple dual-radio APs (2x$200), and a switch ($cheap) connecting them to your computer. From there it looks like one little net where you can browse to each camera and monitor each radio's signal quality.

There's always maintenance: Animal "stuff", dust, plant debris... lenses have to be cleaned, antennae aimed, but that should be better than daily trips.

Anyway, back to square one: if I were really doing this I'd get more environmental information and contact a few zoologists who've had to set up tech in the that region. That'd guide how mil-spec you really need. Then I'd set up one link on trial before buying and building out the rest.