An independent owner-operator big-rig driver has mounted a camera on the dashboard of his rig's cab and is streaming the video live via a G3 connection, giving a driver's eye view of the highway ahead. Not high-def quality, mind you, and the site is ad-supported (occasional commercial breaks unless you subscribe to the site for $4/mo), but he often adds commentary as he goes along and other parts of the blog include real-time updates on his location (GPS keyed to a map). On Sunday, I was able to time the connection - only a 9 second lag - as he had the same thing on his radio, the NASCAR race, that I had on mine.
http://blog.18wheelsacrossamerica.net/?page_id=6346
This is WAY KEWL!
:nod:
:cool:
BTW, as of this typing, he is on SB I-95 near Daytona Beach, FL with a load for the Miami area. Late last week, he was in Chicagoland and continued eastward along I-80 with a load for Bethlehem, PA.
(Right after I posted this, he pulled off I-95 and into a truck stop in the Saint Augustine area for a lunch and fuel break.)
Mike
While it is a very cool idea, it is also kind of creepy to be following his every move. Kind of like stalking or big brother is watching you. But it is so worth the creepiness.
I've always dreamt of doing this on my solo road trips, but I lack the material and money to invest. And I often drive in areas with sparse or no 3G coverage.
Quote from: hobsini2 on August 15, 2012, 12:41:35 PM
While it is a very cool idea, it is also kind of creepy to be following his every move. Kind of like stalking or big brother is watching you. But it is so worth the creepiness.
The big difference, of course, is if he's putting himself out there instead of someone else doing it. Sounds like he can turn the camera off if he wants, so I don't see an issue.
Quote from: Darkchylde on August 15, 2012, 03:48:58 PM
Quote from: hobsini2 on August 15, 2012, 12:41:35 PM
While it is a very cool idea, it is also kind of creepy to be following his every move. Kind of like stalking or big brother is watching you. But it is so worth the creepiness.
The big difference, of course, is if he's putting himself out there instead of someone else doing it. Sounds like he can turn the camera off if he wants, so I don't see an issue.
Lot lizard cam costs extra.
This is cool. There are stormchasers who do the same thing. Some of them even broadcast when they're not chasing storms. I can sit and watch these for hours.
Quote from: huskeroadgeek on August 15, 2012, 09:22:07 PM
This is cool. There are stormchasers who do the same thing. Some of them even broadcast when they're not chasing storms. I can sit and watch these for hours.
I have done this as well. ChaserTV (http://www.chasertv.com/watch-video-streams-in-imap/) usually has a handful of stormchasers (30+ during major outbreaks) where you can view their livestreams. I like checking it out sometimes just to figure out what road they are traveling.
Quote from: Special K on August 15, 2012, 03:58:53 PM
Quote from: Darkchylde on August 15, 2012, 03:48:58 PM
Quote from: hobsini2 on August 15, 2012, 12:41:35 PM
While it is a very cool idea, it is also kind of creepy to be following his every move. Kind of like stalking or big brother is watching you. But it is so worth the creepiness.
The big difference, of course, is if he's putting himself out there instead of someone else doing it. Sounds like he can turn the camera off if he wants, so I don't see an issue.
Lot lizard cam costs extra.
Ha! I had never heard of that particular term until I watched either Maury or Jerry Springer several months ago, and a cheating truck driver described what they were. Now I keep hearing it everywhere :)
I had his feed running while I was getting ready this morning and shortly after he left the shippers lot in the Miami area with his latest load, bound for somewhere in northern South Carolina, that driver said "What kind of a goofball setup is this?" - as he was picking his way from eastbound FL 826 (Palmetto Expressway) to northbound I-95 in the Golden Glades interchange.
:spin:
Mike