[vox] suggestions for webcam

[Ken Bloom]

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I have a ViewQuest M318B for USB that I got for $5 from someone on=20
ucd.swap. It required an special kernel module (spca50x available from=20
spca50x.sf.net). I spent 4 hours learning the process of compiling a=20
custom module for my kernel, and found out that in general the process=20
should take no more than 15 minutes. The driver uses the Video for Linux=20
interface (also called v4l), and it lets you read data through the=20
/dev/video* devices.

I don't think the camera has such great image quality, I've noticed that=20
if I use the camera's driver on Windows then I get much better image=20
quality than I can on Linux, although I don't know how this works out=20
and what parts of the software are responsible for it (whether it's the=20
kernel module that would be responsible or whether it's the image=20
aquisition program - in windows it seems they are the same thing)

I've been using gqcam to read images from my camera (because I'm usually=20
looking for still shots), but I've tested that the camera works with=20
gnomemeeting too. (Gnomemeeting is said to be compatible with Microsoft=20
NetMeeting for your scattered relaties who use Windows).

I once tried video capture, and somehow ran across a bug in the kernel=20
module that instantly and completely rebooted the system. I have no clue=20
how to debug it or work around it.

On Wed, Sep 24, 2003 at 02:53:14PM -0700, Katie wrote:
> I'd like to set up a webcam so I can communicate with my family which has
> scattered across the US, but I don't know how compatible they are with
> linux.  I run Mandrake 9.0.  I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions
> for webcams that they know work with linux.
>=20
> Katie
>=20
> =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
> --
> Only two things are necessary to keep a redhead happy.
> One is to let her think she is having her own way,
> and the other is to let her have it. :-)
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