###What we want to do
We are setting up 24/7 observation stations to monitor refinerys.  This is a pilot program for a DIY observation station that is cheap, easy to construct, reasonably reliable, and produces usable data.  

###Scenarios
* The first location is on a covered porch so it is protected from the weather and does not have to look thru a window.  Power is readily available.  Internet is not available since there is no phone line to the structure.  Cell coverage is good.

* The second location will be inside looking thru a window at one flare. 

###Equipment List
We would like you to help with an equipment list, sources, and prices.  The first scenario should take more equipment while the second should be a subset of the first.  

* **WIFI cell hot spot**  It should have WiFi and an e-net port.  AT&T is about $50/month with 1 yr contract.  
* **RaspberryPI**  Processor for the data capture and transmission.  Are there real security concerns connecting this to the Internet?
* **PIcam**
* **Low resolution thermal imaging sensor and interface**  I am thinking of the [16 pixel MEMS](http://www.onlinecomponents.com/omron-electronics-d6t44l06.html?p=44683242) device.  This could be used to determine when to take a picture/spectrum along with general temperature measurements.
* **Two [spectrometers](/wiki/spectrometer)**  There are 2 flares visible from the location.
* **Particle sensor**  A port of the [DustDuino](http://publiclab.org/notes/Schroyer/11-23-2013/measure-coarse-and-fine-air-particulates-with-a-dustduino) to RPi?
* **USB powered hub**   RPi has low power on the USB port.

The following can probably be lumped together.

* misc. cables
* power supplies
* misc. mounting hardware: a [desk vise](http://www.amazon.com/PanaVise-Model-201-Junior-Miniature/dp/B000B61D22/) ($27)
* web Storage
* software

###Questions and next steps

What do we need to do next?

###Related Information

[Flare Spectrometer proposal in Shreveport and Meraux Louisiana](http://publiclab.org/notes/AndyZ/11-22-2013/flare-spectrometer-proposal-in-shreveport-and-meraux-louisiana)

[Spectrometry group e-mail "Refinery watching in Louisiana"](https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/plots-spectrometry/VgBpsU3d52I)

[Air Quality group e-mail "Refinery watching in Louisiana"](https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/plots-airquality/VgBpsU3d52I)

[Gulfcoast group e-mail "Refinery watching in Louisiana"](https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/plots-gulfcoast/VgBpsU3d52I)