Membership Questions
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| Q: |
What is Membership all about?
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| A: |
The Bonaire WebCams site is free to people to use in its most basic mode of operation, where viewers can see all the WebCam images, but without access to archives, download buttons and other special features. Because it's not free to us (the owners of the site) to run the site - in fact, it has cost quite a bit to develop the WebCam system, and monthly maintenance and system access is also quite costly. In order to keep the site running (and possibly even expand it), we need to somehow get financial support. We started our effort to get financial support by selling advertising on the Web site, but that has proven to not be enough. So, we've added a new feature to the site - Membership. Membership takes several forms ranging from the free Basic Membership, to the top level sponsorship of the Titanium Membership. Each membership level brings
with it certain special benefits, as shown on our Membership Information page, and membership will be required to shop at our forthcoming on-line store as well. A major benefit of Gold membership and higher is that when you're logged in to the site, you will not be subjected to advertising. All membership levels have some sort of access to our image archives as well. Again, however, membership is optional - you only need to become a member if you want access to special features, and even then, the lowest level of registration, Basic Membership, is free. Top |
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| Q: |
Do I have to be a Member to use the Bonaire WebCams site?
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No. You only need to become a member if you want access to the special benefits open to Members. See item above for more information, or our Membership Information page. Top |
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| Q: |
What is the difference between various levels of Membership?
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Please see our Membership Information page for details. Top |
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| Q: |
Can I sign up for Membership without using a credit card or at least without using my credit card on-line?
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Go to the Registration Page, fill out the forms, but do not submit your full registration - instead read the bottom of the form page where you are asked for your address and billing information for instructions on how to mail (or FAX) your registration information. Please note that we cannot accept payment by check if the check is not drawn on a United States bank, however. Top |
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| Q: |
Can I get a gift membership for someone?
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Yes. For the present, send us an e-mail at help@CaribbeanWebCams.com and we'll work it out with you. In the future we plan on having the ability for people to buy a "gift-certificate" on-line, which will generate a unique certificate number which the gift recipient will be able to use to perform the registration themselves. Top |
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| Q: |
Why do I need to perform the extra step of activating my membership?
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| A: |
Because we need to verify that your e-mail address is valid. This serves several purposes. First, it helps reduce fraudulent membership registrations, especially important when credit card transactions are involved. Second, it helps us maintain a list of people who are active users and viewers of the Bonaire WebCams. We will occasionally use this list to let our Members know about special events, new features, site changes, and certain Bonaire-related information. As indicated in our Simple Terms of Use, we will not provide your e-mail address to anyone else unless you received a discount or membership certificate number from a commercial entity, nor will we fill your mailbox with lots of mail. Top |
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| Q: |
What if I want to be a Member, but not get e-mail from you?
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Alas, that is not an option. You must provide a valid e-mail address as part of your Membership registration, and whenever you change that address it must be revalidated before you can continue using your membership. Top |
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| Q: |
Why isn't my Bonaire WebCams Membership information the same as (or taken from) my BonaireTalk registration?
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| A: |
Because there is no actual relationship between BonaireTalk and the Bonaire WebCams, other than the fact that the BonaireTalk Web site features a discussion area about the WebCams in which the principals of Caribbean WebCams participate. The two sites are independent from each other. Top |
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| Q: |
Does Membership here affect my use of BonaireTalk?
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No. See above item for the relationship (or lack thereof) between BonaireTalk and the Bonaire WebCams site. Top |
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| Q: |
What are the Terms one has to agree to become a Member?
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| A: |
Please see our Simple Terms of Use page. Top |
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General Questions
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| Q: |
Why am I only seeing a blank white rectangle instead of a WebCam image?
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The software we use to serve WebCam images does certain things to verify that a real live Web browser is being used to view WebCam images. Chances are that you are either using an outdated Web browser (we recommend using Netscape Navigator 4 or later, or Internet Explorer 5 or later, as we've tested with multiple versions of each of these), or are using a piece of software, like a firewall or ad blocker, which blocks normal browser information. If you are using one of the latter, you need to enable the ability to provide information about your browser to the Bonaire WebCams Web site. In particular, we need to be able to receive a valid "referrer" value from your browser. Top |
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| Q: |
Why are one or of more the WebCam images dark?
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| A: |
If some of the WebCams are dark and others speckled or gray or featuring cool light effects (especially the North BeachCam and DowntownCam), then it's very likely that you're looking at Bonaire at night. Bonaire is on Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4) year round, and darkness runs from around 7-8pm until 5-6am. If it's daytime and the cameras are dark, then we might have a hardware problem and you should check the news column on the home page to see whether this is an on-going issue at the time. Top |
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| Q: |
How often do the WebCams update images?
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Presently, we capture images from all the Bonaire WebCams every minute, as that is all our Internet connection from Bonaire will permit. If you are logged in as a Bonaire WebCams member, you'll find your pages update every 2 minutes while non-members see updates every 4 minutes. If you find that your screen is not being refreshed automatically every 2 or 4 minutes, you may need to hold down the SHIFT key on your keyboard and click on the Reload or Refresh button in your Web browser. Top |
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| Q: |
Why don't you install a WebCam at another dive site/in Washington Park/at Pink Beach/etc.?
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Because the BonaireWebCams project has two requirements: 1) Easy access to the necessary video capture hardware and attached full-time Internet connection; and 2) Money. Setting up our WebCams was an expensive proposition, with the installation of the original ReefCam alone running into the low five figures. However, should someone want to pay us to install more cameras, we'd be happy to give it a go, as we have done with the DonkeyCam, WindsurfCam, DowntownCam, and Yellow Sub PierCam, among others. Money, in sufficient quantity, can overcome most technological hurdles. So, support the Bonaire WebCams by becoming a member of our site. Top |
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| Q: |
Is this site operated by Bonaire's tourism community?
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Not in the least bit. The Bonaire WebCams site is privately owned and operated by Caribbean WebCams, LLC, based out of Bolton, Massachusetts, USA. As such, the Web site is thankfully free from the politics associated with most tourism efforts, but it's therefore also mostly free of financial support of the tourism community, so if you like the WebCams and want to support them, please consider becoming a member of the Bonaire WebCams site. Top |
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| Q: |
Can I look at older pictures or previous weather?
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To view archived WebCam images you need to be a member of the Bonaire WebCams. Basic (free) members can look one hour into the past at archived images, while paid members have access to the entire image archive. We have archived all images since December 1, 2000, excluding dark images with no content and occasional images lost due to communications and technical glitches. Being a member also helps support the Bonaire WebCams on-going existence as well as future new features (and maybe even more new cameras!). Weather archives are available via Weather Underground. Top |
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| Q: |
Why is the South BeachCam really weird looking right now?
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Chances are that "right now" is about a hour or so before sunset on Bonaire (which usually happens at about 6-7pm AST (GMT-4)). At this time of day in the summer, the South BeachCam gets an almost direct shot of the sun, and the camera's electronics basically "freak out", resulting in a very psychedelic images, or even a blank/black image. If you wait a while this goes away. For a human analog, stare at the sun for a few seconds and then look away - providing you haven't just gone blind, you'll see psychedelic spots occluding your vision (WARNING: staring at the sun without proper eye protection may cause eye damage - the previous example was provided for demonstrative purposes only under the assumption that intelligent people would not to stare into the sun intentionally, and that not-so-intelligent people would hopefully heed this warning.) Top |
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| Q: |
Where can I ask questions about the WebCams?
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If you want to do so in a public forum, visit the Bonaire WebCams discussion area at http://www.BonaireTalk.com/webcams. This area is moderated by one of the principles of Caribbean WebCams, LLC, the company which owns the Bonaire WebCams. If you want to ask a question privately, you may send it to info@CaribbeanWebCams.com. Please note that the content of private questions may be used to expand this FAQ and other similar information sources, but the identity of senders of private e-mail won't be disclosed without the sender's permission. Top |
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| Q: |
Where can I talk to other people about the WebCams?
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Visit the Bonaire WebCams discussion area at http://www.BonaireTalk.com/webcams. Many WebCam site addicts use this discussion area to discuss various images they have captured, as well as talk about other related topics, like the names of the regulars occasionally seen on the BeachBarCam and ReefCam. Top |
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| Q: |
How do I advertise on this great Web site?
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Excellent question! Visit our page on this very topic to find out how you can promote your wares to Bonaire addicts. Ideal products to market include travel to warm places, diving and other water sports equipment, lodging in warm climates, and underwater camera equipment. Top |
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| Q: |
How do I get on the beach to pose for the BeachCams?
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Piece of cake. Simply go to Eden Beach Resort on Bonaire. The North BeachCam is mounted on the corner column nearest the ocean on the second floor of the Brisa del Mar restaurant. The South BeachCam is located on the top of the second floor of the Eden Beach building at the south end of the property, while the BeachBarCam is mounted on a palm tree at the entrance to the lower level of the Brisa del Mar restaurant & bar. Top |
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| Q: |
What are boats I see on the various BeachCams?
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They are privately owned yachts moored in the waters off of Eden Beach Resort. Top |
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| Q: |
Can I capture an image from your site to show friends/family/anyone?
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Absolutely. However, since all these images are copyrighted by us, by virtue of their creation and the rules of the Bern Convention on Copyrights, we require that you give us credit for the captured images. For images being shared privately, please let the recipient know that you got the image at http://www.BonaireWebCams.com. If you are posting the image on your Web site, or using it in a brochure or other collateral material, you must include the following text under or next to the captured image:
"Photo Copyright © 2007 by Caribbean WebCams, LLC (http://www.CaribbeanWebCams.com)". If used on a Web page, the photo must be clickable to be linked back to this Web site (http://www.BonaireWebCams.com). If you have any questions about these requirements, please contact us at info@CaribbeanWebCams.com. Bonaire WebCam images posted on BonaireTalk do not need the copyright notice, but postings of WebCam images by any individual on BonaireTalk should be kept within reason, as we do offer access to our archives for a nominal fee.
Note: Paid Bonaire WebCams Members have an easy way to show friends and family their favorite images, using the special ePostCard feature of the site, which allows them to e-mail a post card, with comments of their selected images. Top |
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| Q: |
Why is the North BeachCam called the North BeachCam if it isn't pointing North?
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Because the North BeachCam is North of the South BeachCam. Likewise, the South BeachCam is South of the North BeachCam. Top |
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| Q: |
How do I capture an image from your site?
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First, read the above question and answer to understand how the image may be used. Next, in your Web browser, right-click (we're all Windows users here - directions for Mac and other computer users may differ) on the image with your mouse. If you're using Netscape Navigator, use the "Save Image As..." selection to save the image to your system. If you're using Internet Explorer, use the "Save Picture As..." selection to save the image to your system. Please note that all WebCam pictures on this site are stored in the JPEG image format, and as such, you should save the image, using the above described methods, with a ".jpg" extension to make sure it is viewable later, e.g. when you are given an option to save the image, you will likely be offered a suggested file name of "showpic" or "showpic.cgi" - change this suggested file name to something like "webcam.jpg" before saving.
Note: Paid Members of the Bonaire WebCams site are offered a "Download" clickable option under every live or archived image, which they can use to bypass the above right-click procedure. Top |
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| Q: |
When is the best time to see the sun set on the BeachCams?
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Shortly before dark. (Sorry, we couldn't resist.) Seriously, the sun sets on Bonaire just past 6pm AST (GMT-4) in early winter, and as late as about 7pm in Summer. We may, at some point, include a sun set "calendar" on the site, however until that happens, you just need to keep watching the site.
NOTE: Paid Bonaire WebCams Members can get a good idea of when the sun sets by looking in the archives for the prior year! Top |
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| Q: |
Where does the weather information come from?
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We have a remote, wired, weather station with temperature and humidity sensors connected to our server on Bonaire. Top |
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| Q: |
Is the water really that cold (or warm)?
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Probably (this is in reference to the underwater temperature readings we provide on the ReefCam pages). The underwater temperature probe we use is reasonably accurate, but we've found that water temperatures in the shallows can vary by several degrees Fahrenheit. Use the number as a relative measure and you'll be fine. Water temperatures at diving depths on Bonaire range from about 77 to 87 degrees Fahrenheit. (NOTE: The underwater temperature probe has been out of commission since summer 2005 as we search for more reliable technology to use. The 82.5 degrees Fahrenheit you presently see is Bonaire's annual average water temperature.) Top |
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| Q: |
Can I see a bigger version of the WebCam image?
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Yes. Just click on any normal sized image (320x240) and you'll get to see the larger (640x480) image. If you are a Bonaire WebCams registered member (free or paid), you will also be offered a small menu under each live WebCam image which will let you see the other sizes of the image you are viewing. Top |
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| Q: |
Why is it so cloudy on Bonaire?
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It's actually not that cloudy here - we just have lots of nice, white, puffy clouds on most days, but sometimes our camera capture image technology can make them seem more pronounced than they really are. Top |
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| Q: |
Why is there advertising on this site?
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Because it costs a lot of money to install and maintain the land WebCams and the ReefCam, and since this site is a private commercial venture, we have found that advertising is the most effective way for us to raise the necessary funds to keep this site and the WebCams operating. And, as advertising revenues these days are not what it once was (before we started the Bonaire WebCam site), we also offer Membership as a way to allow people to support the Bonaire WebCams and contribute to their on-going existence, and one benefit of Gold Membership (annual) or higher is that all advertising is turned off for such members when they are logged in. Top |
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| Q: |
Has anyone ever exposed themselves on the WebCams?
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We have had the ReefCam mooned several times, and had topless adult females wander by the BeachCams at their old location from adjacent properties (likely not aware of the BeachCams). With the new location for the BeachCams and the fact that Bonaire is a European destination, we may well have topless sunbathers (male and female) visible on the BeachCams at some point, so if for some reason the thought of imagining a bare breast (because with the resolution of the BeachCams, imagination will be what it takes to actually see one with any details) terrifies you (maybe a bad feeding experience as a child?), avoid watching the BeachCams. Bottom-lessness is not encouraged incidentally, as that violates laws even on Bonaire. Top |
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ReefCam Questions
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| Q: |
Where exactly is the ReefCam located?
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The Bonaire Pier ReefCam is located under the pier at Eden Beach, almost centered, in the small overhang under the pier. Divers are welcome to dive from Eden Beach at any time. If you don't want to lug around your tanks (or equipment for that matter), the folks at WannaDive Bonaire, the on-site dive shop, would be happy to rent you all you need, or even provide a guided dive to the Pier ReefCam.
Top |
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| Q: |
How do you get a signal from the ReefCam?
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The ReefCam is connected to our video capture camera server via cable - a very long cable. Top |
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| Q: |
I want my own ReefCam. Can you help me?
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You bet. ReefCam installations, including an expandable video capture camera server start at between $3,000 and $8,000, with final price dependent on camera location, server location, and other parameters. If this is within your budget, contact us at info@CaribbeanWebCams.com. Please note that our ReefCam technology allows for cameras to be mounted as deep as 165 ft. (50 meters), with remote lighting as an option (depth is a limit of the divers' ability to install and maintain, actually, and not the hardware, which is rated for much greater depths for the more expensive cameras). Such cameras can be mounted as much as 5000 feet (1538 meters) from shore, while still using cable connections. Top |
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| Q: |
Why is the Pier ReefCam image so red?
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We have a magenta color correction filter on the Pier ReefCam to correct for the loss of red light in water, but the filter might be a bit too strong for the shallow depth we ultimately mounted the Pier ReefCam at. Top |
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| Q: |
Surely someone else has installed a ReefCam somewhere before you did, haven't they?
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Actually, based on the extensive research we've done, no one else has installed a permanent coral-gazing ReefCam in the open ocean before. The closest we've found is LobsterCam,
which is located off a pier in Maine, in the USA, and it does not run continually. No coral reefs there, either - just lobsters (sometimes). All other "reef cameras" we've been able to find are dry cameras mounted on the outside of aquaria. Top |
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| Q: |
Why don't you arrange for scheduled feedings of the fish in front of the ReefCam so we can see more fish?
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Because:
1) Fish feeding disrupts the natural foraging tendencies of sea life;
2) The Bonaire National Marine Park advises against fish feeding;
3) Feeding fish "human food" (like bread) may not be healthy
for the fish; and
4) We don't have the time to do anything like this on a regular basis. Top |
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| Q: |
Why is there glare on the ReefCam/BeachCam/etc.?
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Because Bonaire is a very sunny place, and as our cameras are stationary, we can't move them to avoid glare caused by lots of sunshine. And, extra filters would diminish the image quality. Top |
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| Q: |
When can I see divers in front of the ReefCam?
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Frequently. Look for divers entering the water or pier on the BeachCams and you will likely see divers at some point thereafter in the ReefCam image. The Pier ReefCam is also likely to feature snorkelers and swimmers on occasion because it is mounted so shallowly. Top |
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BeachBarCam Questions
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| Q: |
Why do the tables appear empty most of the time?
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Because the Brisa del Mar restaurant is new, and word has not yet gone out about their offerings, or at least that's what we think. Top |
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| Q: |
How do I get to hang out in front of the BeachBarCam?
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The BeachBarCam is mounted on a palm tree at the entrance of the Brisa del Mar Restaurant. Ask the staff there for details. For best positioning, stand about 10-15 feet (3-5 meters) away from the camera. If you want to use a sign to send a message, make sure the letters are drawn thickly (at least 1 cm / .5" thick), in dark lettering on a light colored, but non-glossy background (to minimize glare).
Top |
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Archive Questions
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| Q: |
How do I get access to archived Bonaire WebCams Images?
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To view archived WebCam images you need to be a member of the Bonaire WebCams. Basic (free) members can look one hour into the past at archived images, while paid members have access to the entire image archive. We have archived all images since December 1, 2000, excluding dark images with no content and occasional images lost due to communications and technical glitches. Being a member also helps support the Bonaire WebCams on-going existence as well as future new features (and maybe even new cameras!). Weather archives are under development, and when completed will also be available only to members. Top |
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| Q: |
Why can I only get access to the last hour's worth of archived images?
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That would be because you are logged in as a Basic Member, either because you signed up as a Basic Member or because your membership expired and reverted from its paid state to the free Basic Member status. To get access to the full archives, you need to have a paid membership in good standing. You can upgrade from a Basic membership to a paid membership by visiting our Membership Renewal & Upgrade page. Top |
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| Q: |
Why can't I find the image of me in front of the ReefCam or BeachBarCam, etc.?
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| A: |
Either the image you are looking for doesn't exist or you're not looking properly. There could be two reasons for nonexistent images: First, when you were posing for the images on one of the Cams, you didn't stay visible long enough or consistently enough to be captured (currently, images are captured every two minutes) - that is the most likely cause. The second possible reason would be that there was a technical problem during that time - this could be ascertained by looking at the time stamps of the series of images to see whether or not there is a gap. In terms of not looking properly, broaden the range of your search unless you are positive that you know exactly when you were on the cams - if you've checked all possibilities, then likely the image doesn't exist. Top |
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| Q: |
How can I print a page of thumbnail images from the archive so that they will fit on my printer?
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The thumbnail image layout on your screen is dependent on your browser window size. The larger your Web browser window, the more images that fit. If you find printouts of the archive page are being cropped when you print them, try two things. First, set up your printer driver to print in a "Landscape" format (prints across the wide part of a page instead of the narrower part). Second, you can change your browser window size to be smaller (and then redo your archive query so that the size change "takes") and then print your page. Top |
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| Q: |
How can I set it up so that I can see more than 12 images at a time and don't have to keep changing the page size?
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If you are a paid member (Bronze or better), you can use the Edit Profile function which shows up in your member menus (when you are logged in) to change the default value for the number of archive thumbnail images which appear on each archive retrieval page. Top |
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| Q: |
Why are there time gaps in (or images missing from) the range of images I've selected to view on the Archive page?
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Two possible reasons. One is that we have automated software which deletes all black or very dark images from the archives after a month (this is done to save on storage space, as the archives take up quite a bit of space on our servers). The other is that even with our best efforts, sometimes (very rarely) technology fails us and results in either missing, damaged, or blank images (which in turn are deleted by the automated software). Of the non-black/overly dark images we have been archiving since December 1, 2000, we have over 99.9% accessible and available in the archives. Top |
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| Q: |
Why don't I see a "Download" button or text under the images on the Archive page?
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That would be because you are logged in as a Basic Member, either because you signed up as a Basic Member or because your membership expired and reverted from its paid state to the free Basic Member status. Only paid (Bronze level and higher) members in good standing get a "Download" link. You can upgrade from a Basic membership to a paid membership by visiting our Membership Renewal & Upgrade page. Top |
