[ale] Critters in the Attic

[Geoffrey]

David Corbin wrote:
> We have critters in the attic.  Unfortunately, they don't seem to want to be 
> caught by our rat traps (cages sized for Noregian Roof Rats, which we've had 
> before).  So, I assume it's something larger.  What I really need is to know 
> where they're entering the attic, so I can seal it.
> 
> But wait you say, this is a Linux list.  I have an old P133 system that I just 
> shut down.  I had this thought - what inexpensive peripherals could I add 
> to this box to help me solve it?
> 
> I was thinking I could put the box in the attic (winter fortunately), and put 
> a cheap camera on it.  I'd need some type of flash/strobe, or it would have 
> to be an IR-capabel camera (they only seem active at night, so even low-light 
> won't help).  If it's a still-camera, I'd need a motion sensor, though that 
> might be good either way.

You can purchase a lowend IR enabled camera for around $80.  Go with a 
video capture card (without tv tuner, around $20) and a standalone 
camera with rca or s-video input.  rca cameras are easier to find, both 
CompUSA and Frys carry them.

Get your hands on 'motion.'  It's a software package that does motion 
detection on v4l compliant hardware.  I've got one set up on my 
driveway.  I know when the garbage is picked up, when my wife get's home 
and most importantly, whether or not I need to answer the door when 
someone pulls up in the driveway.

I set another up at our Church.  We had problems with vandals.  I placed 
a camera in the main hall of the building they were breaking into. 
Connected to a headless P200, sitting in the top of the pantry.

Bear in mind the low end ir cameras have a limited distance, but you 
could simply strap a light up there.

-- 
Until later, Geoffrey