Creative Idea #2 - Bee Cam

Because my bees are not in my backyard anymore I find myself thinking more about them and wondering if they are OK. So I was thinking about how I could see what my bees are up to without actually going to the field everyday. I came up with a great idea and with some research on the Internet I have come up with a way to have a live camera that points to my hives and could be viewed from the web.

There are a few things that need to be resolved before much happens, but here is the basic plan. I would need a wireless web cam, a battery, and a solar panel. The solar panel would charge the battery for the camera, but I don't think I will need a full video stream, just still shots every 30 minuets or so. That being said I don't think I would need a large solar panel, just large enough to get a shot off. The wireless web cam has a built in router and can access the Internet from any wireless connection and send the pictures to my web server and I can post them on this web page with an updated view of what is going on with my bees.

There are two main things that this project will hinge on, one is money to buy the stuff I would need (if any of you would like to donate money or items to help out that would be great), the second problem is that I don't know if there is a wireless network that I could tap into. There is a neighborhood close by, but I don't know it there is a network that will reach that far or if could use it.

Here is my inspiration: http://www.jakeludington.com/video_security/20071226_solar_powered_wireless_security_camera_-_diy_project.html