How to Access Penny's Webcam - UPDATED

[Kari]

I had a couple of people send me PMs about how to log on to the webcam. So I thought I would post a sticky topic that will stay on the top for a couple of weeks with the insturctions. :thumb:

Currently our internet service provide is blocking the port we need, so to access the website you will need to go to http://www.watchpenny.com:8008. You might want to bookmark it so you don't have to remember to put the 8008 in the web address. If you are using Internet Explorer (or have a bar at the top of the screen - usually yellow) it will ask you to install the ActiveX control (only have to do it once). You will need to do this to view the camera - it doesn't take up room or cause any problems. Also - make sure you put the http in front of it or it won't work in Internet Explorer.

Once you go to the site you will be asked for a user name and password (got to keep our network secure Wink) so everyone can use:

username: wienerwritings
password: watchpenny

Once you are logged in click the tab at the top that says "single". If it is too washed out then you can adjust the brightness. The default is for the best picture clarity. You are also able to tilt and pan the camera by clicking the buttons on the left. To make the picture go back to normal you can click the middle round button on the left under the word "scan".

[Kari]

Hi All! We had to change the port that we use to access the Pennycam (DUMB Cox Cable ) so I updated the link in the above email. To access the camera you need to go to http://www.watchpenny.com:8008. Same username and password as before. If you have this bookmarked in your favorites you will need to delete the old bookmark and set this as the new bookmark. Enjoy!

[fabeebabee]

How do I set up a webcam like that in my home??

[drew]

The camera we use is not a standard web cam that plugs into a laptop. It is a stand alone camera with an embedded web server and camera control application. The thing that is missing that I would really like is a zoom feature. After doing more research I found one that has a nicer camera and zoom feature set than what we have, but the control application that is required to view and control the camera requires Java which is a big drawback in my mind. Keep in mind, these cameras are advanced pieces of electronics with a camera and webserver built into the same box so they don't come cheap.  :meme:

The unit we have:
Panasonic BB-HCM371A
http://tinyurl.com/ypsdtq


The other option:
Toshiba IK-WB15A
http://tinyurl.com/228egg

If you look around the Panasonic and Toshiba sites you will see there are other cameras with fewer features (no two way audio, no pan/tilt, etc) that are available for much less.

[fabeebabee]

Thanks for the info!

[Madderoos Mom]

Ooooh!  I saw Penny for the FIRST time today!  Woohooo! 

We just got a new computer a few weeks ago.  Before that on our antique, it couldn't manage the program.  Now I see her GREAT.  And, indeed, the li'l lady just put on a show.  She's soooo cute!  I'll visit often because Penny girl makes me smile.   :thumb:

[Kari]

LOL! awesome! She is outside the most on the weekends and later afternoon Pacific Standard Time. She is super lazy in the mornings and doesn't come out of the house!

[m2low]

I saw her come out - I saw her lay down - yay!!  penny our a star!!

[m2low]

I saw her again!!  what a cutie.... 

[Kari]

LOL! I'm so glad you finally saw her! 

[sollysmom]

Finally got to see Miss Penny today around 4:47 EST.  Yeahhhhhh!   She is snoozing on her pillow while getting some sun.  Such a cutie!!

Darcel

[Kari]

LOL Darcel! I hope you didn't see me wandering around in my sweats ! I was laid off from my job so I'm a stay at home Penny mom at the moment while I'm looking for another job. I tend to be in my sweats more often than not  !

[sollysmom]

No, I missed seeing you in your sweats.  All I saw was the Princess lounging on her pillow. 

Darcel

[drvnguy]

Hey ,,,after 2 days i finally got to see Penny , she is tooo cute although she didn't stay out longtime , she loved to see her reflection in the sliding door window lol.
I am wondering what model # camera do you have ?. i may perhaps get one of these for my 2 daschunds wally and Norman.

[Kari]

Hey ,,,after 2 days i finally got to see Penny , she is tooo cute although she didn't stay out longtime , she loved to see her reflection in the sliding door window lol.
I am wondering what model # camera do you have ?. i may perhaps get one of these for my 2 daschunds wally and Norman.

I wondered who was on the camera the last couple of days  She is usually outside a lot more but i has been hot here and she is staying inside a lot more!

The camera we use is not a standard web cam that plugs into a laptop. It is a stand alone camera with an embedded web server and camera control application. The thing that is missing that I would really like is a zoom feature. After doing more research I found one that has a nicer camera and zoom feature set than what we have, but the control application that is required to view and control the camera requires Java which is a big drawback in my mind. Keep in mind, these cameras are advanced pieces of electronics with a camera and webserver built into the same box so they don't come cheap.  :meme:

The unit we have:
Panasonic BB-HCM371A
http://tinyurl.com/ypsdtq


The other option:
Toshiba IK-WB15A
http://tinyurl.com/228egg

If you look around the Panasonic and Toshiba sites you will see there are other cameras with fewer features (no two way audio, no pan/tilt, etc) that are available for much less.

[drvnguy]

Thanks for the info  are correct about those cammeras , they dont come cheap .. the best i could find was 632$ .anyways .. stay cool , I am in ontario Canada and the weather is great here , wally and norman love it . Have a good day