Mini MesoDome - an affordable camera dome.

[Brad Emel]

Mini MesoDome

We've added a new dome to our lineup of camera domes in 2012. The Mini MesoDome is a fully functional robotic camera dome designed for storm chasers on a budget. It is half the size of our Original MesoDome and uses the same powerful controller software. The Mini includes a 720p HD webcam installed on a robotic system that allows up to 330° of rotation. At less than 1/6th of the price of an Original MesoDome, this little dome is affordable and perfect for today's live streamers.

Improve Live Stream Quality

Break free from the visibility limits of a dash cam. With 330° of rotation the Mini MesoDome can stream video from all directions. Use the included MesoDome Controller to aim and track storms. Stream live video with streaming software of your choice! Includes a 720p HD webcam. Add the optional Mini Rain Free Dome 360° wiper system to keep your dome rain free.

Original MesoDome

The Original MesoDome has undergone significant improvements during the last year. The Original MesoDome continues to be the premiere camera dome, and has been popular with TV News Media.

• Rain Free Dome wiper system - because rain on the dome kills the shot.
• Vibration and shock isolation system - for much steadier shots.
• Two zoom control methods - use your zoom lens.
• GPS assisted map based pinpoint tracking.
• Certified video cameras optional.
• Internal dome temperature readout with automatic vent / defogging fan.
• Much more.

MesoDome Controller

The MesoDome Controller is a software application which interfaces with our MesoDomes. Utilizing advanced algorithms the controller is aware of the camera's position. GPS map based tracking allow the controller to automatically aim the camera, and adjust for vehicle heading changes. This ability allows the camera to quickly react to heading changes while turning. Aiming the camera is as simple as right clicking on a GPS oriented map. The software keeps the camera watching the chosen GPS location, while you move! Even better, the software can track a moving target. This feature allows you to estimate the speed and heading of the storm, eliminating the need to continually reposition the camera.

Use the promotion code STEARLYBIRDMINI12 for 10% off the purchase of a Mini MesoDome. Valid until January 23rd 2012.

Complete product information, videos, and pictures available on our website.
http://www.mesodome.com

Brad Emel
President
MesoDome, LLC

 

[Matt Tottle]

Hmm.. That's very cool, considering the original is priced WAY out of most of our reach. Depending on the money situation I might actually get one of these.. but I have a couple questions..

What is the computer connection? Single USB (I assume there would be a hub inside the dome then?) or separate USB lines for the cam and controller?
Who makes the included webcam?
Does it have optical zoom?
If not, is it possible to change for a small camera that does or order it without the camera?

 

[Brad Emel]

Matt,

We've built the Mini to be more affordable to your average storm chaser. It requires 2 usb connections to your computer. 3 total if you want to use a joystick as well (not included). Some choose to purchase a powered USB hub and place it inside the vehicle. The Mini MesoDome doesn't include a USB hub in the dome, only the Original MesoDome has that.

The Mini comes with a Microsoft LifeCam 720p webcam. This webcam is pretty popular with chasers, which is why we chose it for the dome. The LifeCam doesn't have the ability to zoom, but it does allow you to manually set the focus.

We don't have any plans to offer the Mini MesoDome without a camera. If you'd like to remove the default camera and replace it with another, feel free.

Thanks,

 

[Matt Tottle]

Ok, as long as the webcam isn't integrated to the system to the point where it isn't removable, and it can be changed, that's fine with me.. Few more questions tho..


How much clearance is there in the dome to upgrade the camera? Will it handle a small hard drive Handycam?
Will the controller software work with any USB joystick or are there specific ones?
Are there any issues with 64 bit systems?

Thanks!

 

[Brad Emel]

Matt,

The webcam can be removed fairly easily, so that's not an issue. The problem is weight. The little servos I use in the Mini are powerful enough to pan and tilt the webcam, but probably not powerful enough to turn anything much bigger. What model of camera would you like to put in the Mini? That information would make it easiest to determine if it will work or not.

The controller software works with any Windows compatible joystick. As long as it shows up in the Control Panel -> Game Controllers it should work. A joystick is strongly recommended, but not required. There are three total methods to control your dome in the program:

• Joystick (preferred)
• Map based tracking.
• Scrollbars to manually set pan and tilt.

The program is 32 bit, and has no problems running on a 64 bit machine.

Great questions thanks!

 

[Matt Tottle]

Hmmm.. So if you have it on map tracking, and something catches your eye, can you just grab the joystick and it'll override? Or do you have to change the control in the program? Does it support the joystick buttons as 'hotkeys' to do things like that?

The camera I'd use at first is a Handycam DCR-SR82. The specs on Sony's site say it weighs 14oz with the battery. If that's too heavy I'd look for a bullet or security type cam that can take a power zoom lens. They'd be closer to the webcam's weight. What kind of load can the servos handle?

 

[Brad Emel]

When map tracking is turned on, you can grab the joystick and override the map tracking. When you override, you actually move the watch point on the map to where the camera is looking. This makes it easy to adjust your shot and keep tracking the storm. There are several functions that can be controlled with user assigned joystick buttons. The joystick and buttons take care of most functions required to run the camera. The preview window can remain always on top, allowing you to overlay it on any other program.

The software is awesome, built by storm chasers for storm chasers.

Unfortunately, the Mini isn't going to work with your camera. The camera barely would fit, but more importantly the servos aren't strong enough to turn the bigger camera. The Lifecam weighs 1.2 ounces, and the little servos don't have much power to spare. The Mini MesoDome is only designed to work with the Lifecam, putting something else on it would be at your own risk and unsupported.

You're far from the only one that has inquired about putting a bigger camera in the Mini. I'll have something new at Chasercon that addresses this need. So, if you want a dome to fit a bigger camera, and still be affordable, stay tuned.

 

[Brad Emel]

Two more days to take advantage of 10% off the Mini MesoDome with code STEARLYBIRDMINI12. Valid until January 23rd 2012.