PROJECTS: Networked Meteor Camera
M. Mazur
and absolute brightness corrections for each
image set so that the meteor detections can be
properly calibrated. And then, once the results
have been finalized, they’re uploaded to the GMN
server at Western University in Ontario where
they’re correlated with other nearby stations so
that meteor orbits can be computed.
The RMS software is open, portable, and
extensible. It should work with any IP camera
that works with GStreamer, giving you a lot of
opportunity to experiment (Figure
D
). And if
you ever need help, an active GMN forum is full
of experienced RMS operators who likely have
answers to your questions.
BUILD YOUR RASPBERRY PI
METEOR STATION
Assembling your camera is straightforward
and should only take an hour or two. Here’s an
overview; for more details see our complete build
instructions at makezine.com/go/RMS-build.
1. REMOVE THE IR FILTER
If your lens mount has an IR filter, you can push
the filter out with a blunt object. Take care to
protect your eyes as it will likely shatter.
2. MOUNT THE CAMERA
Attach the lens mount and lens to the camera
module and then mount the camera assembly
inside the weatherproof enclosure (Figure
E
).
3. CONNECT THE CABLE
Run the CAT5 cable through the cable gland,
wire up the connectors, and plug them into the
camera module.
TIP: A pointy pin comes in handy after you inevitably
assemble the cable connectors incorrectly and need
to take them apart.
4. CONFIGURE THE CAMERA
The camera is ready for focusing and setup with a
PC. Using CMS security cam software (hasecurity.
com) or Internet Explorer (there’s a blast from the
past!), you’ll turn off anything that automatically
adjusts gain, exposure, and dynamic range.
Before you do this, though, you should focus
the camera on a distant object. Then manually set
86 makercampus.com
F
If one camera isn’t enough, you can always experiment
with multiple RMS cameras to achieve near all-sky
coverage.
A “tracked” stack of meteors from the 2020 Perseid
meteor shower is quite dramatic. Notice how most of
the meteor tracks point back to a single point; this is
the shower radiant.
E
D
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