1) What does the camera pug into ? Is it a composite video signal ? We
  would like to display it on a computer, so I have to figure out what
  kind of inputs I need.
  Can I use the Hawk Eye on my computer? And, can I stream the video
  onto the Internet?
 
  The Hawk Eye can be plugged into any type of TV, monitor, VCR, DVR,
  computer, SmartBoard, having RCA (audio- and video-in) ports. Many
  computers now have such ports. However, make certain these are "in"
  ports. In and Out RCA ports look the same . . .little colored holes in
  the side (yellow is video, white and red are audio). You have to make
  sure yours are "In". If your computer has RCA In ports, it will also
  have the necessary capturing and editing software. Check your Programs
  file. Windows comes packaged with MS MovieMaker, a good, but basic
  editing package, but there are other programs that different
  manufacturers bundle with their particular machines.
  If your computer doesn't have RCA In ports, you'll have to buy an
  adapter into which you plug the Hawk Eye, and then plug the adapter
  into the computer's USB port. The one I like best is the Dazzle, made
  by Pinnacle http://www.pinnaclesys.com/Home+Video . The Dazzle comes
  bundled with a great capturing, editing, and DVD burning software
  program called Studio 14. One drawback to this program, however, is
  that in capture mode, when you are viewing the live video feed, the
  viewing window is only 4" square. Customer Fred Lynch reports he got
  around this issue: "I found free software, AMCap, that does the job,
  i.e. it shows full screen live, at
  http://www.afterdawn.com/software/audio_video/capture_video/amcap.cfm.
  Hauppauge company also makes sever types of adapters ranging from $50
  to $200, that also enable the connection of the HawkEye to a computer
  or other device lacking RCA ports.
  All of the above is for getting signals into the computer. From there
  you can either save it as a file, edit it, and then simply add an html
  link to your web site so people can click on the file and see that
  day's highlights. This is probably the easiest, and least expensive
  way to go, but, obviously, isn't real time. Visitors to your site will
  only see highlights of what happened the day before.
  Now, if you want to stream live, real-time video (none of this
  still-photos-that-refresh-every-30-seconds stuff) you'll have to pay
  for it. We did it a couple years ago with 'our' Screech owls, and
  literally had thousands of hits, from as far away as China, across the
  U.S. and on to Germany. It does cost, but it's well worth it. A great
  video/audio streaming company is www.audiovideoweb.com . There is a
  learning curve doing this, but it's fairly easy. Audio Video Web has
  great customer support, and it is a tremendous way to get visitors to
  your site and keep them coming back.
  Go to www.audiovideoweb.com and click on the "Content Delivery" tab at
  the top. From this select "Live Webcasting." There are three payment
  options. I learned the hard -- and expensive way -- that Option 3 is
  the best. Click on the "rates" button on Option 3. You'll see that
  this option offers unlimited bandwidth, but limits you on the number
  of people who can log in at one time. Because you want to stream real
  time, live action, you need to select the 300 kb option at the bottom
  of the page. There you'll see you have different options for allowing
  three, 10, and so on listeners to log on at one time. Three listeners
  at a time will probably suffice, but if you want to splurge, go for
  10. Just ask viewers to limit the time they are on.
  AudioVideo Web has great tech support and can walk you through the
  setup. You'll have to download their free encoding software into your
  computer. Do this, and hook up the camera and make sure everything is
  working -- you have a video and audio signal on the software's viewing
  screen -- BEFORE you sign up and pay them. They don't give refunds.
  One of our customers, Alison C. in Charlotte, NC, has discovered a
  FREE video streaming service at www.camstreams.com.
  She says: I’m using camstreams.com. It’s free and some of the
  broadcasters appear to have been with them for quite a while so there
  are a lot of satisfied customers.
  As for set up, the encoder (software needed as a bridge between your
  computer and Camstream) downloaded and installed without a problem.
  The difficulty I had was finding out that my IP address was assigned
  dynamically through the cable modem and essentially firewalled. I had
  to change my IP address to a static one then do a port forward so my
  broadcast stream could get out through my cable modem.
  When I started I didn’t know much about video streaming, but was able
  to follow the help instructions to set it all up. However, it may not
  be for everyone. A quick test of minimal comprehension would be to ask
  if you’ve ever checked your IPconfig setting through the command
  prompt window. If you haven't a clue, this may not be for you.
  This free version of Camstreams allows up to 15 viewers, but each
  viewer pulls a 64K bit stream and the total service only allows a
  total of 500K so if all 15 did get on at the same time they would pull
  500/15, which would degrade the image.
  Another nice feature is the chat – works great.
  One of our Mac users reports: I'm using a "Gigaware" vhs - dvd / rca -
  usb adapter from Radioshack ($50) to attach (the Hawk Eye) camera to
  our Mac G5 via usb. Then I'm using VideoGlide software ($29) to
  digitize / recognize the feed, and a second app called ManyCam (free)
  to display the feed and make it available to a streaming site - in my
  case ustream.tv.
 
  2) Any ideas about lightning protection ? Our building has been hit in
  June this year and last year. No damage this year, but last year it
  fried part of our computer system. The Bluebirds prefer nest boxes in
  the open, the camera cable could conduct lightning in.
 
  There have been two or three instances were a suspected lightening
  strike knocked out the 12-volt adapter that plugs into the wall, but
  no damage to the camera or birdhouse. Plugging it into a power-surge
  protection power strip should prevent any surge through the line,
  although when you are playing with lightening there are no guarantees.
 

The Hawk Eye is a color camera, but I'm not seeing any in my birdhouse?

One of our customers, Alison C. in Charlotte, NC, has discovered a FREE video streaming service at www.camstreams.com. She says: I’m using camstreams.com. It’s free and some of the broadcasters appear to have been with them for quite a while so there are a lot of satisfied customers.

As for set up, the encoder (software needed as a bridge between your computer and Camstream) downloaded and installed without a problem. The difficulty I had was finding out that my IP address was assigned dynamically through the cable modem and essentially firewalled. I had to change my IP address to a static one then do a port forward so my broadcast stream could get out through my cable modem.

When I started I didn’t know much about video streaming, but was able to follow the help instructions to set it all up. However, it may not be for everyone. A quick test of minimal comprehension would be to ask if you’ve ever checked your IPconfig setting through the command prompt window. If you haven't a clue, this may not be for you.

This free version of Camstreams allows up to 15 viewers, but each viewer pulls a 64K bit stream and the total service only allows a total of 500K so if all 15 did get on at the same time they would pull 500/15, which would degrade the image.

Another nice feature is the chat – works great.

How far way does the Hawk Eye focus?

With a few twists of the Hawk Eye's lens (be sure to loosen the little set screw beneath the lens . . . no need to retighten) you can literally see your finger prints from 1/8" away. A couple of twists the other way and you are out to infinity.

More importantly, is the depth of field. From only a few inches away, the entire object (birds in our case) will be in focus. In a typical birdhouse the camera may be anywhere from 3-12 inches above a bird's head, but yet all of the bird and the eggs it is sitting on are in focus.

One other point . . . because the Hawk Eye has a wide angle lens, the apparent size of the object gets very small with distance from the camera. It is therefore best to get the camera as close as possible to the bird feeder, bath, or whatever you are watching.

Will the Hawk Eye work in the cold?

Many of our customers live in northern Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Maine and regularly use the camera throughout the year. On of our Canadian customers used it to video flying squirrels when it was -16 below zero.

The manufacturer recommends leaving the camera on all the time, as the minute amount of heat it generates helps prevent any cold damage. As of February 2008 we've had two cameras running 24/7 for four years.

Bear in mind that your Hawk Eye is a piece of electronics, so the more shelter you can give it, the better. A small board, or piece of plastic over the top will go a long way in extending its life.

Can I extend the Hawk Eye beyond its 100 feet of cable?

Yes, the Hawk Eye can be extended out at least 1000 feet, by daisy-chaining a series of our 100' extension cables, which we offer for sale.

How difficult is it to hook up the Hawk Eye cams?

It really couldn't be easier. Simply hang the birdhouse, or attach the Hawk Eye to a post overlooking a feeder; run the cable into the house, plug the audio and video plugs into the appropriate RCA jacks (video-in and audio-in) in the back of the TV. Plug in the power and sit back and enjoy.
Here are the complete Hawk Eye mounting instructions in .pdf

How do I get the cord into the house?
I'm a great one for drilling holes. Just drill through the nearest wall, and run the cord through. Of course you must be sure to avoid any electrical wires or water pipes, and be sure to calk the hole shut.

Your spouse isn't too keen on that idea? OK, then run the cord under a door. Most have a 1/4 "+ gap between the floor and door, which is sealed with a flexible plastic or rubber weather strip. Most doors will easily close with the cord running beneath them.

That won't work? How about through a loose fitting window jam?

That won't work? Do you have a sliding door? There's quite a gap between the sliding part of the door and the permanent, non-sliding side. This is sealed by a rubber gasket or flap through which the camera cord can easily be pushed. Make sure the cord is then attached to the floor or baseboard so that it does not fall into the track the door slides in.