MegabyteCoffee.com Webcam Information

How it works:
I have a webcam connected to a computer. This computer runs the webcam software which takes a snapshot from the cam and saved the image on my webserver. When you view the webcam page on my site, it will display the current image on the website. After a 15 second delay, the webcam software will upload a newer image from the cam and replace the previously saved image. The webpage when viewed has a small javascript that will automatically reload the webcam image every 15 seconds, which keeps the image on the page current.

The rapid-refresh cam page is a bit different. The webcam program runs it's own server, that will transmit an image whenever it is requested. The webpage viewing the image has a javascript running that will immediately request a new image from the webcam server and load it to the webpage. As soon as the image is completely loaded, the javascript immediately requests another image and the cycle repeats. The end result is a webcam that is updated about every second or two.

The Cam I Use:
The webcam used for this website is the 3Com Robotics Homeconnect webcam. Unfortunately, this camera is no longer made by 3Com. -Still one of best quality cams for the price. And the driver installation goes so well, you'll probably run the setup again just to make sure it installed. You can still find this cam available from Ebay -Usually used, but as long as it works, it is a great buy! I have recently discovered the camera IS being sold again, this time by the Digi company as a Watchport V2 USB Camera. I am sure the price is still better if you find one on Ebay.

The Cam Software:
There are three webcam program that I like the most. Two of them are made by the same company, Surveyor, which makes the webcam32 and ISpy programs. The third program is the Coffeecup Webcam program by Coffeecup software. This little program has just the features you need and good examples to create your page with.

If you have any questions about running your own cam or mine, please EMAIL ME.