EXTERNAL: [Geysers] New OFVEC webcam

[Freund, Udo]

Real-time temperature telemetry sounds great, but I believe we need visual confirmation for such data to be considered reliable.  By itself steam rising behind trees is not reliable either.  That's why having a cam or three on a high viewpoint* is necessary.  Having both systems complementing each other would be ideal.  Then migrate confirmed data into an online database for all to see.  I think GOSA should look into finding grant (Buffett, Gates, etc.) money to accomplish these things.  With NPS permissions, of course.  I suggest someone write a formal proposal.

* Has the cell tower been considered?  It has many positive elements: power, communications, a high viewpoint, stability and it's already ugly!  A couple of cameras on it could make it more palatable to those who object to its' presence.  Another plus - geyser spray is too far away to crud up a lens.  Signal interference and maintenance access might be issues, though.  Optical zoom lenses can provide decent images from a very long distance.  Yes, they're expensive (Buffett, Gates again) but that's a one-time investment.

Thanks, 
Udo Freund 
"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there."
--Will Rogers 

-----Original Message-----
From: geysers-bounces at lists.wallawalla.edu [mailto:geysers-bounces at lists.wallawalla.edu] On Behalf Of Ralph Taylor
Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2010 7:02 PM
To: 'Geyser Observation Reports'
Subject: RE: EXTERNAL: [Geysers] New OFVEC webcam

With any location other than the main developed area there are big issues
with power and communication.  Getting approval for antennas is difficult to
say the least, never mind solar arrays or power lines!

One thing we have been looking at is real-time or near real-time telemetry
for temperatures.  I'd expect that would be available sooner.  It would be
nice to have current information on Grotto's recent activity when Giant
resumes activity.  Not likely to be available any time soon, but maybe in a
year or three.

Ralph Taylor