Introducing Project Skywatch: Roseburg's Eyes in the Sky
The Roseburg Receiver is thrilled to announce Project Skywatch, a groundbreaking initiative that will significantly enhance community safety and information sharing for Roseburg and the surrounding areas. Our mission is to install a state-of-the-art, high-definition camera atop Mount Nebo, providing a live, 24/7 video feed accessible to our entire community and the world.
This strategic vantage point will offer unparalleled views, making it possible for us to identify smoke, fires, and other emergencies rapidly. Beyond just visuals, Project Skywatch will house advanced radio receiving equipment, like we do today, dramatically improving audio clarity and coverage for receiving emergency communications. This is invaluable not only for The Roseburg Receiver but also for organizations such as Watch Duty, enhancing our collective ability to respond quickly and effectively to wildfire threats.
Key Benefits of Project Skywatch:
- Real-Time Visual Monitoring: Immediate detection and monitoring of smoke, wildfires, and other hazards.
- Advanced Smoke Detection: Integration of cutting-edge technology to automatically detect smoke and zoom into specific locations for closer inspection.
- Enhanced Emergency Communications: Improved reception of critical emergency broadcast frequencies.
- Public Transparency and Safety: Open access to the live feed, ensuring residents and emergency responders alike can stay informed.
To make this visionary project a reality, we need the support of our community. The initial setup - covering the high-definition camera equipment, internet service, tower rental, and installation costs - is substantial. We're reaching out to local businesses, community leaders, and residents for sponsorship and financial support.
Sponsorship Opportunities: Businesses and individuals who help fund Project Skywatch will receive prominent recognition. Premium sponsors can have their logos displayed directly on the live feed or featured prominently on our dedicated sponsors' webpage.
Join us in enhancing community safety, transparency, and preparedness. Every contribution makes a difference and brings us closer to having a reliable eye in the sky that benefits everyone.
Where Your Support Goes: Transparent, Community-Focused Costs
At The Roseburg Receiver, transparency is at the heart of everything we do. We want our supporters to know exactly where their contributions go - not just because it builds trust, but because this project truly belongs to the community.
While it would be nice to earn income from a project like this someday, Project Skywatch is not about making money. It's about creating a reliable, public-facing tool that improves safety and awareness for all of Douglas County. Your support helps cover the real-world costs of maintaining something that benefits everyone.
📦 One-Time Equipment & Installation Costs
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| High-definition 360° PTZ camera | $1,500–$2,000 |
| Battery Backup Systems | $400 |
| Tower Climber / Equipment Mounting | $500 |
| Tower Landscape / Debris Removal | $500 |
| Mounting hardware & brackets | $300–$500 |
| Weatherproof camera enclosure | $250–$400 |
| Internet setup (point-to-point) | $900-$2,000 |
| Tower access & installation fees | $250–$500 |
| Electrical & power hardware | $300–$600 |
| Cables, adapters, and connectors | $100–$250 |
Total estimate: $5,000–$7,650
🔁 Ongoing Monthly Costs
| Item | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Tower rental | $200 |
| Internet service | $100–$130 |
| Equipment power/maintenance | $100 |
| Stream hosting & software | $30–$50 |
Total monthly estimate: $250–$350
Every donation, every business sponsor, and every bit of support goes directly toward these costs. You're helping build something that keeps our region informed, alert, and safe - and you’ll always know exactly how your support is being used.
To support Project Skywatch, click the button below!
Want to be a business sponsor? Send us an email at info@roseburgscanner.com and view our membership tiers at the button below:
Together, let's ensure Roseburg remains informed, prepared, and safe.
Project Skywatch Funding Progress
Project Skywatch Q&A
Q: What is Project Skywatch?
A: It’s a community-driven initiative to install a high-definition, 24/7 live camera and (eventually) a radio receiver atop Mount Nebo, providing real-time views and improved emergency radio reception for all of Douglas County.
Q: How will this help with wildfire detection?
A: The camera will give everyone instant access to current sky and landscape conditions. In the future, we hope to use AI-powered smoke detection to catch fires sooner and alert the community faster.
Q: Is the live video available to everyone?
A: Yes! Once installed, the live feed will be open to the public, emergency responders, and organizations like Watch Duty.
Q: What’s needed to make this happen?
A: Funding. We need help from local residents, businesses, and supporters to cover equipment, internet, installation, and ongoing operational costs.
Q: How will my donation be used?
A: Every dollar goes directly toward purchasing, setting up, and operating the camera and radio gear. We post full cost breakdowns and updates for total transparency.
Q: Will the system have automatic smoke or fire detection?
A: Not at launch, but we plan to use part of the funding to train an AI model for smoke detection in the near future, making the system even more effective at early warning.
Q: How can I support Project Skywatch?
A: Visit our donation page for sending a donation. Your name will will be on our contributors page.
Q: This is on Mt Nebo. Is this legal?
A: Yes. We have full permission from the landowner and will pay a monthly lease. This is included in our transparent cost breakdown.
Q: What is the exact location of the tower on Mt Nebo?
A: For security reasons, the exact location will remain private except for trusted volunteers. We may share general photos, but not the specific site.
Q: I want to volunteer. What would I actually be doing?
A: We’d love your help! Volunteer tasks might include things like site landscaping, helping with equipment installation, or just pitching in with whatever needs to get done. If you’re interested, email volunteer@roseburgscanner.com.
Q: When will the live camera be up and running?
A: Our goal is to have the camera installed and streaming live as soon as we secure enough funding. We'll share updates on progress and estimated timelines on our website and social media.
Q: Will the camera show private property?
A: The camera will be aimed to cover large, public areas and landscape views, not people’s homes or private spaces. Privacy is important to us.
Q: What happens if there’s a technical problem with the camera or feed?
A: If there are any outages or technical issues, we’ll work to resolve them as quickly as possible and keep everyone updated on our status page.
Q: Can I access past video footage?
A: At launch, the live feed will be public. We may add short-term archives or time-lapses in the future, but there are no plans for long-term recording due to privacy and cost.
Q: Who is responsible for maintaining Project Skywatch?
A: The Roseburg Receiver manages and maintains the project, with help from community volunteers and local partners.
Q: Can local agencies use the footage for emergency response?
A: Yes! Emergency responders, fire services, and organizations like Watch Duty are encouraged to use the live feed for situational awareness and faster response.
Q: How is Project Skywatch funded?
A: 100% community support-through donations, business sponsors, and volunteers. We’re not charging for access or selling personal data.
Q: Can my business become a sponsor?
A: Absolutely! Business sponsors can receive recognition on the live feed and our sponsor webpage. Contact us at info@roseburgscanner.com to learn more. Your transparent logo will be shown in our stream, getting exposed to hundreds, thousands, to hundreds of thousands of viewers globally.
Q: What platform will be used for the live stream?
A: This will be mainly on YouTube unless the community believes another platform would be better.