February 20, 1998
Journal of Forestry Buyer's Guide 
Category:  Videography / Cameras

Christensen Designs specializes in wildlife research equipment for monitoring, population counts,
predation studies

TreeTop Peeper II is the company's bestselling forestry product.  It features a micro-miniature camera
mounted on a 50 foot elevating pole with ground-operated monitor and is used to survey cavity and
open nests as well as bat habitat.  $3,950 includes near-infrared camera, monitor, Hastings rod and
waist mounted battery belt. Color camera  optional.

Christensen Designs markets three burrow video probes of varying diameters and lengths.  The first
probe, Miniature Optical Lair Explorer (MOLE) was highlighted in National Geographic Magazine
and featured on CNN.  This probe has evolved into Theseus ($6,750), a 15-meter tethered remote
control device.  The two gooseneck probes cost $3,950 each with sensors of three meters in length, but
different diameters:  Peeper Video Systems_2.5 inch (6.2 cm) and Peep-A-Roo_1.0 inch (2.5 cm). 

Each system includes camera sensor, battery belt and head mounted video display (HMD).  The HMD 
is the most popular feature of these probes, eliminating sunglare and freeing the hands for ergonomic
probe manipulation.  The probes can be purchased in a  bundle, allowing biologists to access virtually
any size burrow or den.

The Sentinel Surveillance System ($3,999) includes a near-infrared video camera, Panasonic VCR,
monitor, waterproof case, Mogami camera cables, two batteries and mounts. 

New products include Sol-R-Station ($725), which powers remote systems needing 80 to 100
watt-hrs. of energy per day.  Introduction of  infra-red triggered surveillance cameras for use in
monitoring trails is scheduled for Fall 1998.

Christensen Designs collaborates with biologists to help create the most appropriate system for their
research needs.