Yesterday, we had moderate to heavy rain in Fayetteville, North Carolina. It was the day to see how wet SCEPTER would get in rain coming straight down. The system, as set, protects the cameras, the computer, wiring and adapters. I give the setup an A-.
Although there was no “rain” on the cameras, over time [tested for a hour] there was a collection of moisture from mist resulting from a slight wind. I’d prefer to have none–B+. I think a large canopy may stop this. I do not intend to use one. If the rain is too hard or blowing from the side, I’ll have to bring her in. Any umbrella smaller than one with a 64” diameter would not have worked.
The inside of the box [I call it “Tidy Box” ~ explanation later] at the rear-end of the buggy holding AC adapters, plugs, sockets, etc. was bone-dry–A+, as was the box containing the laptop–A+. Where I could open this box, I would not open the one with the wiring and so forth. Overall, this part of the setup performed as desired and as expected.
The bed of the buggy got wet—as expected. To keep it dry, I need a “skirt.” That is a valid consideration.
Conclusion: If an event continues in the rain, I am set today to capture video.
Other Pics…
Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and an accomplishment I can be proud of, as it was something I actually did, myself. But, it was a LOT of work, discomfort, and pain – sometimes straining my physical self to the point of crying out with the effort (Yarghh!) Before beginning, I knew conceptually that, yes, it would be hard, that there would be times when I would be physically miserable, that I could be maimed for life, or even killed. But to see the wonders of this country that I have always wondered about, to have the adventure of a lifetime, and to see for myself, what I might be able to accomplish – those were the rewards which enabled me to start and to keep going – that, plus the promise of the industrial grade bragging rights. I learned a few important concepts while on my journey – nothing really new that I didn’t already know conceptually, but were made much more real and useable to me:
