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Every project is different. Whether you're documenting a construction site, producing a documentary, conducting scientific research, or monitoring the environment, we'll help determine the right equipment and deployment strategy for your goals.

We offer equipment sales, nationwide rentals, turnkey managed deployments, and custom engineering services. From a single camera to fully managed long-term installations, we can build a solution tailored to your project.

Based in Colorado. Supporting projects throughout the United States and internationally.

Chronos Edge FAQ

Questions & Answers

Answers about cameras, image quality, power, remote monitoring, data ownership, connectivity, deployments, purchasing, and the engineering behind Chronos Edge.

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Ownership & Workflow

Do I need a subscription to use Chronos Edge?

No. There are no required subscriptions or recurring software fees. Once you purchase a Chronos Edge system, it is yours to use. All core functionality is available without ongoing payments.

Does Chronos Edge require a proprietary cloud service?

No. Chronos Edge does not depend on a proprietary cloud platform. While Dropbox integration is available for quick setup, you can also upload directly to your own FTP server or manage images entirely within your own infrastructure.

Can I use Chronos Edge completely offline?

Absolutely. Chronos Edge was designed for remote deployments where internet access may be unavailable or impractical. The system can operate autonomously, storing images locally on the camera until they are retrieved manually or a network connection becomes available.

Who owns my images?

You do. Your images remain your property at all times. The Chronos Project does not store, access, or require your images to pass through our servers.

Where can Chronos Edge upload images?

Chronos Edge currently supports direct uploads to Dropbox and standard FTP servers. Additional cloud storage providers are planned, but the system is designed to give you the flexibility to choose the workflow that best fits your project.

Can I use my own NAS or file server?

Yes. If your NAS or file server supports FTP, Chronos Edge can upload directly to it. This allows organizations to keep project data entirely within their own network.

Can I store images only on the camera?

Yes. Remote uploads are optional. Chronos Edge can operate as a completely standalone system, storing images on the camera's memory card until you retrieve them manually.

Can I retrieve images manually instead of uploading?

Yes. Images are always stored on the camera's memory card. Remote uploading is optional, so you can simply retrieve the memory card whenever it is convenient.

Will Chronos Edge work without internet access?

Yes. Internet connectivity is not required for image capture. Chronos Edge continues operating normally even when no network is available, making it well suited for remote, off-grid, and difficult-to-access deployments. The on board display and navigation buttons give full control to the user without relying on phone apps or any level of network connection.

Professional Image Quality

Why use a DSLR instead of an action camera?

Image quality begins with the camera, not the enclosure. While action cameras and small-sensor time-lapse systems are convenient, they simply cannot match the image quality of modern DSLR and mirrorless cameras. Larger image sensors capture more light, producing sharper images, greater dynamic range, cleaner low-light performance, more accurate color, and significantly higher overall image quality. Combined with interchangeable lenses and RAW image capture, Chronos Edge delivers results suitable for documentary filmmaking, commercial production, scientific research, and professional construction documentation.

Why does sensor size matter for time-lapse?

This is one of the biggest misconceptions in long-term time-lapse photography. Many people compare cameras based on advertised resolution alone, but sensor size has a far greater impact on image quality than megapixels. Over the course of a long-term project, your camera will capture images in bright sunlight, deep shadows, overcast skies, rain, snow, dawn, dusk, and everything in between. A larger image sensor collects significantly more light, producing cleaner shadows, smoother tonal transitions, greater dynamic range, more accurate color, and better low-light performance throughout changing conditions. When those thousands of images are assembled into a finished time-lapse, every limitation of the original capture becomes magnified. Once highlights are clipped, shadows become noisy, or fine detail is lost, no amount of editing can restore information that was never captured. This is why so many long-term time-lapse videos end up looking muddy, over-processed, or heavily digitized, especially in scenes with challenging or constantly changing lighting. Professional DSLR and mirrorless cameras also support interchangeable lenses and RAW image capture, giving you far greater flexibility during post-production. While many compact cameras advertise impressive resolutions, image quality is ultimately determined by the combination of sensor size, optics, and camera technology, not pixel count alone. For projects that may capture tens or even hundreds of thousands of images over months or years, the quality of every individual frame matters. Chronos Edge was designed around professional DSLR and mirrorless cameras because the best time-lapse sequences always begin with the highest quality source images.

What cameras are supported?

Chronos Edge is designed to work with professional Canon and Nikon DSLR and mirrorless cameras, with additional camera support continuing to expand through firmware updates. While many models are compatible, we recommend choosing cameras that have proven themselves in long-term unattended deployments. For APS-C cameras, our primary recommendation is the Canon EOS Rebel T7, which offers an excellent balance of image quality, reliability, affordability, and low power consumption. For full-frame applications, we recommend the Canon 5D Mark II, Mark III, Mark IV, and Mark V series, all of which have been widely used for professional time-lapse and documentary production. For users who prefer mirrorless cameras, the Canon EOS RP is an excellent option, offering outstanding image quality in a compact package. However, mirrorless cameras generally consume more power than comparable DSLRs, which should be considered when planning long-term battery or solar-powered deployments. If you're unsure whether your camera is compatible, contact us. We're happy to recommend the best camera for your project, budget, and deployment requirements.

Can I use my own camera?

In most cases, yes. If your camera is on our supported compatibility list, simply install it into the enclosure and configure your project settings. Because Chronos Edge uses professional interchangeable-lens cameras, you are free to choose the equipment that best matches your application.

Does Edge capture RAW images?

Yes. Chronos Edge captures whatever image format your camera is configured to record, including RAW, JPEG, or both simultaneously. This preserves your normal camera workflow without modifying your files.

Can Edge capture RAW and JPEG simultaneously?

Yes. If your camera supports simultaneous RAW and JPEG recording, Chronos Edge fully supports that workflow. Many users choose to upload JPEG files for remote monitoring while retaining full-resolution RAW files on the memory card for final editing.

What lenses work best for long-term time-lapse?

The ideal lens depends entirely on your application. Ultra-wide lenses are popular for construction and infrastructure projects, telephoto lenses are ideal for wildlife and distant subjects, while macro lenses excel at botanical and scientific imaging. One of the biggest advantages of Chronos Edge is that you're free to choose the optics that best fit your project rather than being limited to a single built-in lens. While many Canon and Nikon lenses work exceptionally well, we generally recommend manual-focus lenses for long-term unattended deployments. Lenses with mechanical focus rings are less susceptible to focus drift over time, helping ensure consistent image sharpness throughout months or even years of continuous operation. Electronically controlled "focus-by-wire" lenses can lose their focus position when power is removed or under certain operating conditions and are generally not recommended for long-term autonomous time-lapse projects. If you're unsure which lens is best for your application, we're happy to recommend a combination that balances image quality, reliability, and field of view for your specific deployment.

What image resolutions are supported?

Chronos Edge records images using the native resolution of the installed camera. Depending on the camera body, this may range from high-resolution Full HD through 4K, 6K, 8K, and beyond for still image capture. Because image quality is determined by the camera rather than the enclosure, you have complete control over the final resolution and workflow.

Power & Deployment

Can Chronos Edge run on solar power?

Yes. Chronos Edge was designed from the beginning for long-term solar-powered operation. Intelligent power management, configurable shooting schedules, and low-power standby modes allow the system to operate for extended periods using appropriately sized solar panels and batteries. Every deployment is different, and we're happy to recommend a power system based on your location and shooting requirements.

How long can Chronos Edge remain deployed?

There is no fixed deployment limit. With an appropriately designed solar power system, Chronos Edge is capable of operating continuously for years with only occasional maintenance such as cleaning the enclosure window or camera lens. Actual deployment duration depends on environmental conditions, shooting frequency, and system configuration.

How much maintenance does a deployment require?

Very little. Most deployments require only periodic inspection to clean the viewing window, remove debris if necessary, and verify that the camera lens remains clean. The maintenance interval depends on the environment, but many installations operate unattended for extended periods between service visits.

Does Edge protect itself during low battery conditions?

Yes. Protecting the deployment is one of the primary goals of the power management system. Chronos Edge can automatically prevent unnecessary power consumption by disabling optional features such as remote uploads while continuing to prioritize image capture whenever possible. User-configurable battery thresholds allow the system to adapt to different deployment requirements.

Can Edge survive winter deployments?

Yes. Chronos Edge has been deployed through snow, freezing temperatures, and severe weather conditions. As with any outdoor electronic system, battery performance is affected by temperature, so battery capacity and solar charging should be sized appropriately for the environment. We can help recommend the right power configuration for your location.

Can Edge operate in hot climates?

Yes. Chronos Edge is designed for outdoor operation in a wide range of environmental conditions. High temperatures can affect both batteries and cameras, so proper enclosure placement, ventilation, and power system design are important considerations for reliable long-term performance.

Is Chronos Edge weatherproof?

Yes. Chronos Edge is housed in a rugged weather-proof enclosure designed for long-term outdoor deployments. It protects the camera and electronics from rain, snow, dust, and harsh environmental conditions while providing reliable operation in demanding field environments.

What battery types are supported?

Chronos Edge supports multiple battery configurations depending on the deployment requirements. Battery capacity, chemistry, and charging systems can be tailored for short-term portable deployments or long-term solar installations. If you're unsure which power system is right for your project, we're happy to recommend a configuration based on your shooting schedule and environment.

What happens if there are several days without sunlight?

Chronos Edge was engineered with one primary objective: stay in the field. Unlike many remote camera systems that simply run until the battery is exhausted, Chronos Edge continuously monitors available power and intelligently manages consumption. If battery levels become critically low, the system automatically enters an ultra-low-power Survival Mode, preserving enough energy to wait for charging conditions to improve rather than shutting down completely. Even with the standard internal 6-cell battery, Chronos Edge is capable of remarkable runtimes:

80–110 days with no remote offloading
Approximately 80 days with one offload per day
Approximately 40 days while uploading JPEG previews
Approximately 16 days while performing full RAW image offloads

Need even longer? With external LiFePO₄ batteries, deployments can extend from several months to well over a year, even without solar charging. When sunlight returns, Chronos Edge automatically resumes normal operation and continues capturing your project without user intervention.

Remote Monitoring

Can I monitor my system remotely?

Yes. Every offload session can generate a comprehensive HTML status report that acts as a Virtual Dashboard for your deployment. Reports can be automatically delivered after every offload to up to three email recipients, allowing your entire team to stay informed no matter where they are.

Status reports include battery history, power statistics, storage capacity, image counts, upload activity, firmware versions, camera information, environmental data, diagnostic logs, and any system warnings or errors detected during operation.

To help you verify your project visually, each report also includes a rolling 720p preview time-lapse, allowing you to review recent progress, along with the most recent full-resolution image captured by the camera.

Whether your system is installed across town or on the other side of the world, these reports provide the information needed to confirm that your deployment is healthy and operating as expected without requiring a proprietary cloud service or remote dashboard.

What is the Virtual Dashboard?

Absolutely. Chronos Edge can automatically send detailed HTML status reports after every offload or on your chosen schedule. Think of these emails as a virtual dashboard, allowing you to verify the health of your deployment without logging into a proprietary cloud service or subscription portal.

What information is included in the Virtual Dashboard?

Status reports include a comprehensive summary of your deployment, including:

Battery voltage and charge level
System uptime
Camera model and firmware
Edge firmware version
Available storage
Number of images uploaded
Card image range
Upload history
Battery history graphs
Environmental statistics
Preview images
Upload status and diagnostics

The exact information continues to expand with software updates.

Can I update firmware remotely?

Yes. Both Chronos Edge and EdgeLink support remote firmware updates, allowing new features, performance improvements, and bug fixes to be installed without physically visiting the deployment.

Can I change settings remotely?

Not yet. Remote firmware updates are fully supported today, and remote configuration management is currently under active development. Our goal is to allow many common deployment settings to be updated remotely while maintaining the reliability and security required for unattended field systems.

Connectivity

Does Chronos Edge require an internet connection?

No. Internet access is only required if you want to remotely upload images, receive Virtual Dashboard reports, or perform remote firmware updates. Image capture continues normally even without a network connection.

Does Chronos Edge support cellular networks?

Yes. Cellular connectivity is one of the most popular options for remote deployments where traditional internet service is unavailable. EdgeLink works with compatible cellular routers, allowing remote uploads, Virtual Dashboard reports, and firmware updates from virtually anywhere with network coverage.

Which cellular modem do you recommend?

For most deployments, we recommend the TCL Linkport IK511 5G modem. It is compact, reliable, and easy to deploy with Chronos Edge. Simply install an active SIM card, connect it to EdgeLink, and you're ready for remote operation.

Which cellular carrier do you recommend?

For most customers in the United States, we currently recommend T-Mobile because of its excellent nationwide coverage and affordable data plans. Many deployments can be operated for under $20 per month, depending on image upload frequency and your chosen workflow.

Can I use Wi-Fi instead of cellular?

Absolutely. If reliable Wi-Fi is available at your deployment site, EdgeLink can connect directly without requiring a cellular modem or monthly data plan.

How much data does Chronos Edge use?

Data usage depends on your upload settings, image resolution, and shooting schedule. Uploading JPEG previews requires significantly less bandwidth than uploading full-resolution RAW images. We can help estimate data usage based on your project requirements.

What happens if the internet connection is lost?

Chronos Edge continues capturing images normally even if the network becomes unavailable. Images remain safely stored on the camera until connectivity is restored, at which point uploads resume automatically according to your configured workflow.

Does Chronos Edge support 4G or 5G cellular connectivity?

Yes. EdgeLink supports internet connectivity through compatible cellular modems, allowing remote image uploads, Virtual Dashboard reports, and remote firmware updates from virtually anywhere with cellular coverage. Both 4G LTE and 5G solutions can be used depending on your hardware and network provider.

Data Management

What happens after images are uploaded?

Images are uploaded to your selected destination while remaining safely stored on the camera's memory card. This gives you an immediate off-site backup while preserving the original files for later retrieval or archival.

Does Chronos Edge only upload new images?

Yes. Chronos Edge maintains an upload index and only transfers images that have not previously been uploaded. This minimizes bandwidth usage, reduces upload times, and makes remote operation practical even over cellular connections.

Can uploaded images be automatically deleted from the camera?

Yes. Image retention is fully configurable. You can choose to keep every image on the camera, automatically remove uploaded images, or retain a user-defined number of the most recent images for additional redundancy.

What happens if an upload is interrupted?

If an upload is interrupted by a loss of power or network connectivity, the deployment continues capturing images normally. During the next successful offload session, Chronos Edge automatically resumes transferring any images that were not previously uploaded.

How are uploaded images organized?

Chronos Edge preserves your existing camera file names and organizes uploads exactly as captured, making it easy to integrate into existing editing, archiving, and production workflows without proprietary file structures or databases.

Can Edge build preview videos automatically?

Yes. During each offload session, EdgeLink can automatically generate a continuously updated 720p preview time-lapse from the uploaded images. The latest preview is included with the Virtual Dashboard, allowing you to quickly review project progress without downloading thousands of full-resolution images.

Do I have to upload RAW files?

No. Many users choose to upload only JPEG images for remote monitoring while preserving full-resolution RAW files on the camera. This dramatically reduces bandwidth requirements while maintaining maximum image quality for final post-production.

Reliability & Recovery

Is Chronos Edge designed for unattended deployments?

Absolutely. Long-term autonomous operation was the primary design objective behind Chronos Edge. Every aspect of the system, from power management and communications to data handling and recovery, was engineered to minimize the need for site visits while maximizing deployment reliability. Whether your project lasts a few weeks or several years, Chronos Edge is designed to keep working with minimal intervention.

Can Chronos Edge continue operating if Dropbox or my FTP server becomes unavailable?

Yes. Image capture is completely independent of remote uploads. If your Dropbox account, FTP server, VPN, or internet connection becomes unavailable, Chronos Edge continues capturing images normally while storing them safely on the camera's memory card. Once connectivity is restored, the system automatically resumes uploading any images that have not yet been transferred.

Can I trust Chronos Edge for critical long-term deployments?

Yes. Chronos Edge was engineered specifically for unattended long-term operation where reliability is more important than convenience. The system continuously monitors power availability, battery health, communications, and system status while automatically recovering from temporary network interruptions and resuming uploads when connectivity returns. Rather than assuming ideal operating conditions, Edge was designed to continue functioning through changing weather, intermittent internet connections, and extended periods of limited solar charging. Whether your deployment is documenting a construction project, monitoring environmental change, or supporting a documentary production, every design decision has been made with one objective in mind: Keep the project running.

Applications

Is Chronos Edge only for construction time-lapse?

Not at all. While Chronos Edge is an excellent solution for construction progress documentation, it was designed as a professional autonomous imaging platform. The same system is equally suited for documentary filmmaking, scientific research, environmental monitoring, wildlife observation, industrial projects, museums, and commercial productions.

What industries use Chronos Edge?

Chronos Edge has been deployed across a wide range of industries including construction, documentary filmmaking, environmental science, botanical research, museums, industrial manufacturing, conservation, mining, agriculture, renewable energy, and commercial filmmaking. Because the system is built around professional DSLR and mirrorless cameras, it can be adapted to applications ranging from macro photography to long-range telephoto imaging.

Can Edge be used for documentary filmmaking?

Absolutely. Chronos Edge was developed by filmmakers for filmmakers. The system has been used to capture footage for documentary productions, television series, and feature films where professional image quality, reliability, and long-term autonomous operation are essential.

Can Edge be used for scientific research?

Yes. Chronos Edge is well suited for scientific imaging projects that require long-term autonomous operation, high-resolution image capture, and flexible camera and lens selection. Applications include botanical research, ecological monitoring, environmental studies, and long-duration observational imaging.

Can Edge be used for environmental monitoring?

Yes. Chronos Edge is commonly used to document environmental change, ecosystem restoration, habitat monitoring, seasonal variation, erosion, glacier movement, and other long-term natural processes. Solar operation and autonomous power management make it particularly well suited for remote field deployments.

Can Edge be used for wildlife photography?

Yes. By supporting interchangeable lenses, Chronos Edge can be configured for everything from wide habitat views to long-range telephoto wildlife monitoring. The ability to select professional optics allows the system to be tailored to each deployment rather than being limited by a fixed built-in lens.

Can Edge be used for macro and plant growth photography?

Absolutely. Long before Chronos Edge was developed, The Chronos Project specialized in botanical time-lapse and macro cinematography. The system is ideal for documenting plant growth, fungi, insects, laboratory experiments, and other close-up subjects that require precise long-term imaging.

Can Edge be customized for unique applications?

Yes. Unlike many off-the-shelf systems, Chronos Edge was developed by an engineering company with extensive experience in custom robotics, embedded electronics, motion control, and autonomous imaging systems. If your project requires specialized hardware, firmware, optics, or mounting solutions, we're happy to discuss a custom solution.

Purchasing & Support

Are there any subscription or annual software fees?

No. Chronos Edge does not require subscription fees, annual software licenses, or mandatory cloud services. Once you purchase the system, it is yours to use. You choose where your data is stored and how your workflow is managed.

Do you offer equipment rentals?

Yes. Chronos Edge systems are available for short-term and long-term rentals. Rentals are ideal for construction projects, documentary productions, scientific research, environmental monitoring, and temporary deployments where purchasing a system may not be the best fit.

Do you offer managed deployments?

Yes. We offer fully managed deployment services for customers who prefer a turnkey solution. Services can include project planning, equipment configuration, nationwide installation, cellular connectivity, remote monitoring, routine status reporting, maintenance, retrieval, and final data delivery. Whether you need a single system installed or a nationwide deployment managed from start to finish, we can tailor a solution to your project.

Can The Chronos Project install systems for me?

Yes. We offer professional installation services throughout the United States. Whether your project requires a straightforward installation or a complex custom deployment, we can help ensure the system is configured and operating correctly from day one.

Can you build custom hardware or firmware?

Absolutely. Custom engineering is one of the core strengths of The Chronos Project. We regularly design custom electronics, firmware, motion-control systems, robotics, camera mounts, and specialized imaging solutions for unique customer requirements. If your project requires capabilities beyond the standard Chronos Edge platform, we'd be happy to discuss a custom solution.

Is training available?

Yes. We can provide one-on-one remote training, deployment guidance, and workflow recommendations to help you get the most from your system. Our goal is to ensure every customer is confident operating Chronos Edge in the field.

Can you help me choose the right system?

Absolutely. Every project is different. Construction, documentary filmmaking, scientific research, wildlife monitoring, and industrial applications all have unique imaging, power, and connectivity requirements. We're happy to recommend the right camera, lens, power system, and deployment strategy based on your project rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution.

Engineering Philosophy

Why was Chronos Edge developed?

Chronos Edge wasn't created by a software company or a cloud service provider. It was developed by filmmakers and engineers after years of building custom long-term time-lapse systems for documentary productions, scientific research, environmental monitoring, and commercial projects. Every feature in Chronos Edge exists because it solved a real problem encountered in the field. The goal was never to build another camera. The goal was to build a professional imaging platform that could survive long-term deployments while giving users complete control over their equipment, data, and workflow.

What makes Chronos Edge different from other time-lapse systems?

Chronos Edge was designed around a different philosophy. Instead of locking users into proprietary cameras, cloud services, subscriptions, or workflows, Edge gives you complete control. You choose the camera, lens, storage, upload destination, power system, and workflow that best fit your project. The result is a flexible professional platform that adapts to your requirements instead of forcing you to adapt to ours.

Why doesn't Edge require a cloud service?

Because your workflow shouldn't depend on ours. Many organizations already have established storage infrastructure, security requirements, and backup procedures. Chronos Edge was designed to integrate with those existing workflows rather than replacing them. Cloud storage is available if you want it, but it is never required.

Can Chronos Edge integrate into existing workflows?

Absolutely. Chronos Edge was designed to complement existing production and IT infrastructure rather than replace it. Whether your workflow relies on Dropbox, FTP, NAS storage, VPN connections, local archiving, or completely offline operation, Edge is intended to fit naturally into the way your organization already works.

Why is Chronos Edge built around professional cameras?

Because the camera is the single most important factor in image quality. Rather than designing a proprietary camera with fixed optics, we chose to build around professional DSLR and mirrorless systems. This allows users to select the sensor size, lens, resolution, and imaging characteristics that best match their application while retaining the flexibility to upgrade cameras over time.

Is Chronos Edge designed for professional users?

Yes. While the system is approachable for first-time users, Chronos Edge was engineered for professionals who depend on reliability, image quality, and long-term autonomous operation. Whether you're documenting a multi-year construction project, filming a documentary, monitoring environmental change, or conducting scientific research, Chronos Edge provides the flexibility and control expected from a professional imaging platform.

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