I AM HYDROCam
Custom-Developed Underwater Camera System for Monitoring Fish in Freshwater and Marine Environments
Designed for use in fish passages, aquaculture facilities, and reef ecosystems, this robust system enables reliable fish monitoring in both freshwater and saltwater settings. Its modular design allows for flexible deployment, making it suitable for ecological research, long-term monitoring, and habitat assessment.
I AM HYDRO CAMera system
The I AM HYDROCam was specifically developed for fish monitoring and is designed for continuous operation in aquatic environments.
The system is built using robust, high-quality components and offers users a wide range of features without the need for additional software. Thanks to its durability and compact design, the system can be flexibly deployed in a variety of settings.
Download our current product flyer as a PDF.
I AM HYDROCam
Fully Integrated Underwater Camera System
The cameras are primarily used for monitoring fish in fish passage facilities, fish migration aids, fish ladders, nature-like bypass channels, rough ramps, fish guidance and bypass systems, as well as in custom fish passage solutions and at critical locations in open waters. The camera system can also be used to support fish counting devices, counting basins, and traps. Long-term monitoring is easily achievable through remote access and large storage capacity. The cameras are deployed from the Arctic Circle to Southern Europe, from fjord systems to high alpine waters, addressing a wide range of research questions. They have proven their robustness and reliability in numerous function checks, effectiveness controls, research projects, behavioral studies, and ethohydraulic investigations.
I AM HYDROCam
Camera Sensors
The I AM HYDROCam is based on the S16 DualFlex IP camera system from the German manufacturer Mobotix.
The system features a dedicated day sensor (color) and a separate night sensor (black & white). This combination allows the system to automatically adapt to lighting conditions and consistently deliver optimal video and image quality, with resolutions of up to 6 megapixels (3072 x 2048).
The sensors are of high quality, and the night sensor is among the most light-sensitive infrared sensors available on the market. The use of separate sensors ensures optimal image quality depending on the lighting conditions. Mobotix cameras are known for their unique video format, which provides crisp still images at full resolution—even during fast motion.
Additionally, the two types of integrated motion detection in the camera system enable optimized movement detection in aquatic environments and help reduce false counts.
I AM HYDROCam
Lighting
The multispectral lighting system of the camera includes white light, infrared (IR), and ultraviolet (UV) LEDs. Each spectrum can be individually controlled, and the intensity can be adjusted to meet specific requirements. The infrared lighting enables discreet illumination, particularly at night. The UV light reduces biofilm buildup on the lighting unit and can be used for indirect backlighting with fluorescent surfaces.
The camera technology is housed in a fully waterproof enclosure and is connected to the logger box via cable.
Camera Features
I AM HYDROCam
Casing
The casing is made of a high-strength plastic known as Polyoxymethylene, or POM, and is CNC-milled from a solid block. This material is valued for its hardness, strength, and resistance to abrasion, making it an ideal material for sustained use in water environments.
A multi-layered laminate safety glass provides adequate protection against external stresses, such as those caused by sediment transport or debris. Even if individual glass layers were to break, the plastic lamination acts as an additional elastic barrier against water ingress.
I AM HYDROCam
Logger Box
The so-called ‘Logger Box’ serves as the counterpart to the camera system. It includes control and power supply components and is installed above the water surface. It offers connections for the operation of up to two external camera housings, a network connection, an SMA connection for an external LTE and Wi-Fi antenna, as well as a power supply connection. The modem is also integrated here.
All external connections meet the IP68 protection class, allowing them to be installed outdoors.
I AM HYDROCam
Installation
The camera and logger box offer different mounting options on their housing. The camera system has lateral holes with internal threads (M8) for attachment, as well as holes in the corners for frontal mounting.
This camera system can be easily and securely installed on surfaces, on a rail system, or suspended in standing bodies of water.
We can also provide a specialized stainless steel bracket that has proven itself in numerous monitoring applications.
I AM HYDROCam
Evaluation
Using free data management and analysis software MxManagementCenter (Mobotix), data can be managed, analyzed, and exported to a computer or an external hard drive.
Data analysis can be done locally after data backup. With a sufficient mobile connection quality (at least 3G), data analysis can also be efficiently conducted via remote access without the need for time-consuming downloads. Data analysis through remote access also consumes significantly less data volume compared to regular data downloads.
I AM HYDROCam
Applications
I AM HYDROCam
Accessories
A specially designed wiper, tailored to the camera system, keeps the glass in front of the camera sensor and the lighting unit free from contaminants and the growth of biofilm, enabling the smooth operation of the I AM HYDROCam even at locations where regular manual cleaning is not possible. The photovoltaic system enables the self-sufficient power supply of the I AM HYDROCam at remote sites. Solar panels, in combination with an ample battery storage, ensure the camera’s power supply. All components are fully weather-resistant.
Referenzen
Unsere Projekte
Die I AM HYDRO GmbH ist ein international tätiges Unternehmen.
Seit Firmengründung sind wir für eine Vielzahl an Projekten im In- und Ausland tätig.
Installation in Deutschland
Der Riverwatcher Fischzähler wird in Deutschland bereits seit 2006 erfolgreich eingesetzt.
Installation in Österreich
Der Riverwatcher Fischzähler wird in Österreich bereits seit 2013 erfolgreich eingesetzt.
Installation in der Schweiz
Der Riverwatcher Fischzähler wird in Österreich bereits seit 2007 erfolgreich eingesetzt.
Contact
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Then schedule a consultation, and we will address all your questions.