Even when mounted indoors, a weather web-camera requires a sturdy mount to keep it in registration. This way, consecutive images will not jump around when viewed in sequence. Even if the web-camera is a trackable type, the mount should still be solid and reliable. Some web-cameras have tripod bushes in both the base and the top of the case, enabling the device to be hung from above. Others have an invert image setting if the camera needs to be mounted upside down. Incidentally, web-cameras mounted inside encounter human factors. Inquisitive persons or total idiots will be tempted to tamper with or, sabotage the device. Meanwhile, paranoid neighbours or company employees may consider a weather web-camera pointing at the sky is really pointing at them! In the home, family members may not share a passion for meteorology and be hostile towards having their home wired for internet viewing. Beloved dogs, cats and babies may regard the beloved web-camera as no more than a new chew toy.

A cheap but effective window sill mount can be fabricated using a short piece of board. On the top side of the board, mount the supplied monopod. Drill holes to take cable ties to hold down any cables that might otherwise snag on curtains and persons. Any other adapters or interfaces can be mounted on the board too. On the underside, rubberised pads hold the mount in place; so no need to drill holes in the painted woodwork. In some places though, it may be essential to screw the camera down. This type of flatpack approach can be extended so the web-camera is boxed into a hardened shell. Importantly, drapes should not impede ventilation.


A window sill mount made from an off-cut length of Conti-type board. Here, an IP web-camera is connected to a Power-over-Ethernet receiver box. Underneath, rubberised feet are sufficient to keep the assembly in registration without the need to screw down the board. The board can then be lifted away for easy servicing.

Some web-cameras have the ability to mirror and rotate their image. This makes it possible to mount a camera upside-down, side ways, or even with the image reflected off a mirror. If a mirror is used, this should be a surface silvered type, such as those used as the secondary mirror in astronomical telescopes. A conventional back silvered vanity mirror will cause a blurred image.

Most web-cameras are supplied with a simple monopod which, when mounted internally on a wall or above a door, is sufficient for the camera's primary surveillance role. However, when installing outside, a professional metal CCTV camera enclosure with a built-in heater, will be a pragmatic investment. Rain, sleet, freezing rain, snow, corrosive aerosols and, wide temperature fluctuations, will conspire to degrade the mountings and the camera. There are also biohazards to consider, such as moulds, insects and rodents. Although a weather web-camera is intent on observing the weather, the weather et.al. should be kept on the outside of the camera.

Usually made from aluminium or plastic, CCTV housings are designed to survive whatever the weather and people can throw at them. A metal case will act as a heatsink throughout the warm months and, the heater will keep the internals free of condensation and frost throughout the rest. Thermostatically controlled heaters are often made from resistance wire and typically draw around twelve to twenty watts; which adds to the power supply requirement. In a corrosive atmosphere, it is a sound idea to apply an extra layer of white or silver auto paint to the metal case before deployment.

External enclosures have an IP Rating. In this case, IP does not mean Internet Protocol but Ingress Protection. This is a system of numbers that rates an enclosure's ability to withstand the ingress of substances like heavy rain. An IP65 rated enclosure is suitable for most inland and coastal weather conditions whilst, an IP67 rating is virtually waterproof. This said, silica gel bags are always a good adjunct to soak up humiditity inside weather proof cases. Beware, some enclosures are for dummy surveillance cameras which offer dummy ingress protection.

When mounting any electrical equipment out-of-doors, all connections should be fully insulated and protected. This means using sealants and self-amalgamating tape. Do not allow interesting weather to knock down the weather web-camera!

To gain a clear horizon, it may be necessary to raise a web-camera on a pole or mast. The camera is mounted inside a water-proof housing and is hoisted aloft using fittings suitable for television aerials. A cranked amateur radio aerial tower makes an ideal platform for raising a camera enclosure above the urban clutter. The anemometer mast of a home weather station is an ideal place for a web-camera provided, the added wind loading doesn't tear down the mast in anything more than a gentle breeze. When mounting a camera out-of-reach, the camera should still be easily accessible for cleaning and servicing, with no excessive risk to the person doing the servicing. Furthermore, a mast should avoid becoming a natural lightning conductor!

Pictured, pre-built weather-proof video cameras are available for most home CCTV systems. These robust, discrete and lightweight devices are ideal for external weather monitoring especially on tall and lightweight structures. Once connected to a video server, they become a stand alone internet weather web-camera.

• Anticipate human factors.
• Utilise existing structures.
• Use strong and robust mountings; better to over than under engineer.
• Use a web-camera's flip and mirror feature.
• Ensure that the web-camera is accessible at all times.
• Cover the front of the web-camera to avoid back reflections.
• Keep the weather out of the weather web-camera!