As my layout nears operational completion I am moving on to getting ready for live coverage of sessions

The idea is to avoid taking the layout to exhibitions
Instead a variety of videos will be shown on the website
That's easy enough
On certain days a full live session will be available for viewing
Equally, anyone viewing can submit questions, requests, etc (such as facebook, email, etc)

I am probably looking at four fixed cameras and one portable camera
Any and all advice welcome

Caz has this facility in her railway room, such that anyone viewing can also alter camera angles.
I'm sure she'd be able to pass on any advice.
@Caz

Just remember not to pick your nose.

Quote from: Steve Brassett on August 26, 2015, 08:57:54 PMJust remember not to pick your nose

Never mind that, I remember watching one recently, next thing underpants were showing!

Quote from: mjkerr on August 26, 2015, 09:22:08 PM

Quote from: Steve Brassett on August 26, 2015, 08:57:54 PMJust remember not to pick your nose

Never mind that, I remember watching one recently, next thing underpants were showing!

Yup - that's Caz for you. Always the exhibitionist

I am still looking for advice on this
The time is getting near to locate all the baseboards and have trains running....

Unless you have a lightning fast upload broadband speed I would guess you´d struggle to have the output from 4 cameras streamed live.  I have a 10MB down and 1MB up and one camera was pushing the upload bandwith with anything like a decent video quality especially as in my system it allowed viewers to pan and tilt the camera, really must get it up and running again but my camera died and I haven´t replaced yet.

Unless you have a static IP address you will also need some sort of dynamic DNS facility to keep track of the DNS that the cameras are using.  You can get free DDNS but the often restrict the throughput.  To get into it seriously the only way is probably to have your own static IP address and use one of the ISP´s who offer a streaming video service, not cheap when I last looked so that´s why I stuck with just the one camera.

It´s great fun when it works but remember that cameras can see everything!

Quote from: Caz on September 22, 2015, 07:51:38 PMUnless you have a lightning fast upload broadband speed I would guess you´d struggle to have the output from 4 cameras streamed live
I have a 10MB down and 1MB up and one camera was pushing the upload bandwith with anything like a decent video quality

That is what I thought the main restriction would be
Virgin Media broadband only package
Currently on the basic package, but I can easily upgrade this if required
Current (test  22 Sep 2015) -
Download 12.0Mb/s
Upload 1.1Mb/s

Quote from: Caz on September 22, 2015, 07:51:38 PMUnless you have a static IP address you will also need some sort of dynamic DNS facility to keep track of the DNS that the cameras are using

I have been on the same IP address from Virgin Media for about 3 years now, but it does change from time to time, I am on my third now
I therefore suspect it is due to change

So what next?
I would suggest testing with one camera
Looks like my local Currys does a basic one for about £10, good enough for testing
What about software?

As for the camera views, they will be fixed and only viewing the layout

I bought my camera off of Ebay and it came with the software and a free streaming server facility, you can also get apps for mobile phones to view the output and control the camera settings.

I think a 10 pound camera wouldn´t be very good, I paid about 35 pounds for my first one.

Quote from: Caz on September 22, 2015, 08:17:07 PMI bought my camera off of Ebay and it came with the software and a free streaming server facility

Further details for this item would be appreciated, brand and product ID, I can then look to see how their current range compares

I bought mine over 4 years ago but here´s some similar models currently available on Ebay, just search for "ip camera"  http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_odkw=remote+camera&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR11.TRC1.A0.H0.Xip+camera.TRS0&_nkw=ip+camera&_sacat=0

Thank you for your time and advice

Sadly the descriptions are rather poor and not very comprehensive
No mention of streaming, etc

I have found what appears to be a 720p setup for £30, and as you say why spend £10 to test when I can spend that and it would meet the requirements

I have now found an alternative and does not require me to purchase any additional equipment
Equally, others may find this of use

Facebook Live App
I have been using this for a few days now
Sadly, the Facebook Help page does not provide minimum requirement specifications
You need :
Facebook account
Smartphone with both front and rear cameras
Strong WiFi or 4G signal

The live session is limited to 30 minutes
You can of course start a new session once it has expired

Once you have viewed your first Live session on Facebook the Live Map appears in the App section on your page

This is what I use for mine

http://pimylifeup.com/raspberry-pi-security-camera/

Raspberry pi, and as many usb cameras as you wish

Quote from: cjdodd on April 10, 2016, 07:12:28 AM
This is what I use for mine
Raspberry pi, and as many usb cameras as you wish

That would mean purchasing more equipment
I already have all that I need to use Facebook Live

This means I can spend those funds on other items
This will probably mean weathering of all the coaches, just waiting (for ever) for the Farish DBSO